Q – Susan of Washington, DC writes: We want to have a multi-generation vacation with our two daughters (ages 5 and 8) and our own parents. We are hoping to find a dude ranch with a good program for children where they can be exposed to horses and riding, and can also spend time in a pool. None of us know how to ride so we care that it's run by professionals with a concern for safety. We want nice accomodations and pretty country.
A – First, click on the following link for our story on “Favorite Family Dude Ranches“ which contains a link to the Dude Ranchers Association. This resource offers an on-line listing and publishes a catalogue of hundreds of ranches in 12 states and 2 Canadian provinces. Most ranch’s riding programs begin at age 6, but they also have activities for younger kids, including nature study, wildlife hikes, arts’n’crafts, petting zoos and adult-led pony and horseback rides.
Here are some other titles for you to read:
1. Our review of “Rocking Horse Ranch,” an FTF Top 10 award winner in New York State.
2. A mom’s report on her family’s vacation at Lone Mountain Ranch in Montana entitled “Going Home to Lone Mountain.“
3. An account of an AAA 5-diamond ranch with all the luxury of a fancy hotel in “Saddle Up At the C Lazy U” in Granby, Colorado.
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There are so many great ranches that it is a fun challange to find the right one for you…but I have to say that the Dude Ranchers' Association website and directory are a very big help…you will find quality ranch vacations that will match what you are looking for. I recommend contacting the Association for more information.
We vacationed at a dude ranch in Colorado called the Drowsy Water Ranch. We have two kids (9,4) who along with us had the best vacation we have ever had. The ranch offered lots of activities and excellent kids programs and riding instruction.
Our favorite parts of the trip was the evening activities, great staff and ranch owners, learning to ride like cowboys and cowgirls, rafting and most of all watching our kids enjoy their vacation.
We would highly recommend Drowsy Water Ranch to anyone looking for a dude ranch vacation. We are planning on returning to the ranch again this coming summer!