Did this a few years ago with wife and three children - 16g, 12b, 10b. Flew to LAS, stayed a night at Excalibur (cheap snd nice for the kids) and then flew in an Otter to a dude ranch above the canyon. After a night sleeping in a covered wagon (ok, just the boys and me), we were helicoptered into the canyon and joined the raft. From there, it was three days thru the rapids into the Lake. Absolutely wonderful trip; was not sure the kids could take the whole transit. Bought the package from a company called Adventures West at 800-828-9378. Not sure they're still around but I'm sure there are similar packages around. Have a great time!