What age can kids start kayaking on Cibolo Creek?

Kids as young as 4–5 can ride along in a tandem kayak with a parent. Independent paddling is comfortable for most kids around age 8 once they can wear a youth life jacket and follow basic instructions. The creek is calm and waist-deep across most of the swimmable section, which makes it forgiving for beginners.

Are kayak wristbands available?

Yes. All-day kayak & paddleboard wristbands are $19.99 per person and can be added to any overnight cabin stay or day visit — no rental counter, no shuttle.

Do we need to bring our own life jackets?

No — life jackets are provided and required for kids. Adults are strongly encouraged to wear them, especially when paddling with children.

Is the creek private or do we share it with the public?

The two-mile section through Son's Rio Cibolo is private — only overnight and day-pass guests use it. There is no public boat ramp, no party tubing crowd, and no shuttle traffic.

Compared to Mission Kayak or Texas River Company, what's different?

Mission Kayak and Texas River Company are excellent guided outfitters on the San Antonio River. They charge per rental, run on shared waterways, and don't include lodging. Son's Rio Cibolo pairs the cabin stay with an optional $19.99 kayak & paddleboard wristband on a private, calm, spring-fed creek — better for unhurried family paddling at your own pace.

What if we've never paddled before?

Most first-time families do great on Cibolo Creek. The current is slow, the water is clear, and you put in and take out on the same private stretch — no shuttle and no commitment to a long downstream run. Start with 20–30 minutes and extend from there.

Can we paddle in the evening?

Yes — sunset paddles are popular in summer. Quiet hours begin at 10 PM, and we ask guests to be off the water before dark for safety.

Home / Activities / Family Kayaking Guide

Family Kayaking & Paddling Guide — Cibolo Creek near San Antonio

Calm, spring-fed water. Private two-mile stretch. Unlimited kayak & paddleboard wristbands $19.99/person (or $99 for a group of six); overnight cabin guests get 25% off. Here's everything beginner families need to plan a relaxed, safe day on the water at Son's Rio Cibolo.

Kayak & SUP wristband

$19.99

Per person, unlimited all day. $99 for a group of six. No shuttle, no rental counter.

Water

~70°F

Spring-fed, slow current, no rapids.

Access

Private

2 miles for guests only — no public boat ramp.

Why families choose Cibolo Creek over the Guadalupe or Comal

The Guadalupe and Comal are great rivers — but they're public, busy, and built around shuttle-based tubing. Cibolo Creek at Son's Rio Cibolo is the opposite: a private, calm, spring-fed creek you can paddle at your own pace, with your own kids, on your own schedule.

• No shuttle vans or downstream commitment
• No alcohol on the water — family-friendly atmosphere
• Cool 70°F water even in August
• Life jackets provided; staff guidance during high water
• Same put-in and take-out, so kids can go as long or short as they like
• Pet-free, smoke-free property — clean and allergy-friendly

Family Kayaking FAQs

Bring the family. We'll have the kayaks ready.

Stay Overnight Day Rentals Creek Conditions