Dude Ranch 101
Kids’ Programs for All Ages
Planning a family vacation can pose a challenge. Coordinating meals to satisfy everyone, providing a variety of activities to keep all entertained, and securing accommodations that suit everyone’s preferences can be quite daunting. The array of options can make family vacation planning seem overwhelming. In today’s digital age, finding a vacation where kids are more thrilled by daily activities than by screens is increasingly difficult. Disconnecting from the virtual world has become a significant challenge, but a dude ranch vacation might offer a solution for the whole family to truly unplug. Fortunately, planning a family vacation that caters to everyone’s desires has become more manageable.
One of the unique features of dude ranches is that all the ranches in the Dude Ranchers’ Association offer all-inclusive packages. This means that lodging, meals, and a majority of activities are bundled together at a single price. Discover six dude ranches with fantastic kids’ programs that will keep the whole family engaged. The experiences at dude ranches are sure to become treasured memories for years to come!
Lazy L&B Ranch – Wyoming
At Lazy L&B Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming, the children’s program aims to integrate kids into the family experience rather than just providing daycare services. Children aged 6 and above can participate in their own trail rides with groups of similar age and riding abilities. Recognizing the apprehension parents may feel, parents can join their kids on the daily kids’ ride if they wish. Additionally, every Thursday, there’s a family ride, and for children under 6 who can’t join the trail ride, the ranch offers alternative activities. With amenities like a petting zoo, tree house, pool, and hot tub, children can explore the ranch and embark on their own exciting adventures, fostering an environment children typically enjoy.
Elkhorn Ranch – Montana
Elkhorn Ranch is a family-friendly guest ranch that prioritizes family traditions and quality time together. Guests can engage in a range of activities with their families, such as children’s programs, horseback riding, river rafting, dancing, fishing, hiking, and more. The ranch provides daily activities tailored for every family member. As a parent, witnessing your children’s growth is a joy, and what better place for them to flourish than at a dude ranch where they can build confidence and independence, and spread their wings.
Rancho de los Caballeros – Arizona
For a family-friendly getaway, Rancho de los Caballeros in sunny Arizona is the perfect choice. The ranch features a kids’ club where your children can create lasting memories and friendships. The kids’ club is fully supervised and offers a variety of activities including arts & crafts, hiking, scavenger hunts, horseshoes, horseback riding, archery, and more. If your little ones are too young to join the activities, babysitting services are also available; simply make a reservation in advance or inform the front desk upon your arrival.
Drowsy Water Ranch – Colorado
Drowsy Water Ranch, located in a secluded mountain valley, offers families an unforgettable authentic Western holiday experience. The ranch features activities tailored for all age groups, including children under five. For the younger ones, there’s a Buckaroo program with age-appropriate activities led by counselors. Families dine together, and parents are welcome to join their children in any programs or horseback riding sessions.
Red Horse Mountain Ranch – Harrison, ID
Red Horse Mountain Ranch provides an excellent children’s program where kids aged 3 and older can engage in horseback riding led by a wrangler. At the beginning of the week, your child will learn riding basics and bond with their assigned horse. Older children, aged 11 and above, can join the Kids Trail Ride with their parents. Additionally, youngsters can have fun at Red Horse Mountain’s pottery barn, where they can create art with paint and ceramics to take home as a souvenir from their ranch experience.
Tanque Verde Ranch – Arizona
Do you have a little buckaroo (aged 4-6), a wrangler (aged 7-9), or outlaws (aged 10-12)? If so, Tanque Verde Ranch is the perfect destination for your family to spend a week. Your children can partake in a range of horse activities and learn the fundamentals of riding through the ranch’s daily kids’ program. They’ll have the chance to bond with their trusty steeds, explore the beautiful Arizona landscape on horseback, and even try their hand at cowboy skills like roping and barrel racing. At Tanque Verde Ranch, your little ones will not only have a blast, but they’ll also create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. So, saddle up and get ready for a week of adventure, fun, and discovery at this premier family-friendly ranch destination!
Dude Ranchers’ Association
Dude ranches are the perfect destination to find activities for everyone! The Dude Ranchers’ Association represents over 90 ranches that are all different and each ranch has something unique to offer. There are activities for everyone on a dude ranch and the ranch vacation experts at the DRA can help you find the right ranch for your needs and wants!
