Are your kids begging
for a Disney vacation? But all you can
think about are long lines, overcrowded parks, and high expenses?
While amusement and
theme parks are an easy solution for family vacations, there are other magical
travel options that can offer exposure to new activities, interaction with
nature, and discovery of culture and history outside of most families’ normal
comfort zones.
As the original
all-inclusive destination for families, a dude or guest ranch guarantees plenty
of family bonding time creating memories that will last a lifetime. Dude
ranches give families the opportunity to challenge their bodies, minds and
spirits in some of the most breathtaking areas in the U.S., with a myriad of
outdoor adventures such as rock climbing, cattle roping, horseback riding, zip
lines, ATV riding and whitewater rafting.
 |
| Night time excitement at A Bar A Guest Ranch in Wyoming |
Check out these five dude ranches and see why they are great alternatives to Disney:
Explore and play.
Located along the
banks of the North Platte River in the heart of southern Wyoming’s Medicine Bow
Mountains, A Bar A Guest Ranch is one of the oldest
and largest dude ranches in the country, with nearly 100,000 acres for guests
to explore. The ranch is a paradise for children, with activities including
horseback riding, fishing, soccer, arts and crafts, music and drama, swimming, tennis,
and educational games, such as cork boat and sack races. Teenagers enjoy tubing
down the river and golf before enjoying a family dinner cooked outside over an
open fire.
Reconnect with nature
on horseback
Rustic yet replete
with modern amenities, Rainbow Trout Ranch caters
to children of all ages. Located near several historic Spanish land grants in
Antonito, Colorado, Rainbow Trout is surrounded by the spectacular San Juan
Mountains. Ride horses, catch trout, hike to an overlook, and relax. Kids ages
six and older – known on the ranch as “Cowpokes” – are given their own horse
for the week, and “Buckaroos” – children ages three to five – are led on short
rides by ranch counselors. |
| Having fun together is important at Drowsy Water Ranch in Colorado |
Learn to work as a
team
Drowsy
Water Ranch, situated 90 miles west of Denver, Colo., has programs
for children from infants to teenagers, along with plenty of activities for
parents and grandparents. Ditch technology for outside activities like obstacle
courses, zip lining, swimming, hiking, archery and rafting. Then head to the
main lodge for games, browsing the library or visiting with new friends.
Relax, rejuvenate and
reconnect in style
 |
| Spectacular scenery, outdoor adventures, and upscale accommodations await families in Mountain Sky Guest Ranch. |
Mountain
Sky Guest Ranch sits on over 10,000 operational acres of
unspoiled wilderness in the heart of Yellowstone Country in Emigrant, Montana.
The ranch combines outdoor adventures for the entire family and the comforts of
an upscale resort in the region’s most spectacular location. Families enjoy
breathtaking views and fine dining in a luxury environment. From a crisp
morning hike to rafting down the Yellowstone River to horseback rides through
acres of meadows, there’s something for everyone. End the day with a mealtime
horseback ride, where you’ll be treated to tasty barbecue, learn to dance with
the wranglers, and sing western songs around the campfire.
One-of-a-kind fishing adventures
4UR
Ranch provides an all-inclusive family vacation adventure in
Mineral County, Colorado. Try your hand at fly fishing with access to some of
the finest waters around, including a private tailwater trout stream, trophy ponds,
and both sides of the legendary Rio Grande River. The ranch’s staff sees to the
kids’ needs and adventures while the parents are hiking, horseback riding, or
fishing. From nature explorations, to soaking in the hot springs, to a round of
golf at nearby Rio Grande Club – there’s plenty of adventure to suit everyone.
Information and photos courtesy of
Sara
Beth Doherty, Dude Ranchers’
Association
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