A lot of pressure is put on parents when it comes to planning the ultimate family vacation. I know this from first-hand experience with my own children. A dude ranch vacation appeals to all family members, especially if it involves horses, water for swimming and mom and dad don’t have to cook or plan meals.
Dude Ranches for families
What to look for in a dude ranch for kids might be different from a dude ranch for families. Kids want campfires with s’mores and the fun of watching a marshmallow burn itself beyond recognition.
Moms and dads want CPR certified lifeguards at the swimming pool, proper ear protection worn at the gun range and wranglers that require children to wear riding helmets out on the trail. Of course, these are all important components of a top dude ranch vacation for families and children.
Here are my recommendations for kid-friendly horseback riding vacations:
Best Dude Ranches for kids
Alisal Guest Ranch – read my review
Solvang, California
Don’t miss the breakfast ride to the Old Adobe for pancakes and singing cowboys. Grandparents and non-riders can hop on the hay wagon.
Avrill’s Flathead Lake Ranch
Big Fork, Montana
This family-owned ranch, situated on Flathead Lake, has been hosting cowgirls, cowboys and city slickers since 1949. Thirty five miles from Glacier National Park, the ranch offers seven day packages from Sunday to Sunday.
Lone Mountain Ranch – read my review
Big Sky, Montana
If I were a kid, I’d want to go to the children’s program at Lone Mountain Ranch. There’s a naturalist on staff to teach children about the nature surrounding the area and the wranglers love hanging out with the kids. The rodeo at the end of the session while make any parent burst with pride.
Rancho de los Caballeros – read my review
Wickenburg, Arizona
If either of my teenagers become parents one day, I will bring my grandchildren (and my non-riding husband) to Rancho de los Caballeros. On my visit, I was surrounded by multi-generations who had been returning to this Sonora Desert dude ranch year after year. They have a swimming pool, golf, a spa, great food and horseback riding. What more could one ask for in life?
Red Horse Mountain Ranch – read my review
Harrison, Idaho
This all-inclusive ranch, located outside of Spokane, Washington, is geared toward families. The ranch recommends a week stay to experience all they have to offer. During my visit I got to know a family of four from Florida and a mother daughter team from Los Angeles. The Florida family was back for a second season.
White Stallion Ranch – read the review
Tucson, Arizona
From horseback riding to cowboy art and line dancing, White Stallion Ranch has activities for a wide range of guests. The ranch is owned by the True Family, with multiple generations taking the reins at this Arizona Ranch.
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Article and photos by Equine Writer Nancy D. Brown
Such a great place. I love the “Pretty in pink cowgirls” shot.
@Laura
Dude ranches are great vacations for kids and the entire family, especially if you love horses.
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Just happened to see your article and found it quite nice. As a long-time kids counselor both at sports camps and then for a few wonderful years at a dude ranch, I have to say dude ranches are the best place for the whole family. Especially today, it’s rare for kids to get that wonderful outdoor time. The best thing is it really doesn’t take much sophistication, something as simple as a game of throwing pine cones can become surprisingly fun. Nice Read.
@Paula
Thanks for stopping by and the shout out. I think I would have enjoyed working at a dude ranch in my youth. I fondly remember running around the dirt trails at Girl Scout Camp pretending I was a horse. LOL!