As more and more families come together across generations – from grandparents to toddlers – the landscape has literally changed for family vacations. Dude ranches provide an often all-inclusive vacation that allows an entire family of three to thirty to gather in one location and have the time of their lives. Planning a multigenerational vacation? We have multiple reasons you should consider a dude ranch:
Little Cowpokes
For the youngest cowboys and cowgirls, dude ranches with special programming to keep little ones entertained while the older kids and family members ride and experience more active adventure can be found across the country. From wagon rides, play areas, playgrounds, petting barns, pony rides and even babysitting services are available.
Read: The Best Dude Ranches for Little Kids for a sample of some great tot-friendly ranches.
Hi-Tech Teens
Can’t get your teen to look up from his phone to experience a vacation together? A dude ranch is a perfect place for families to reconnect. Teens can enjoy adrelaine-filled adventures such as whitewater rafting, ATV rides, zip ling and even old-fashioned cattle driving.
Read: Dude Ranches Where Teens Can Get Offline for a sample of some great teen-friendly ranches.
Pampered Parents
Dude ranches do not require anyone to ride horses or participate in their daily scheduled events. At any time someone would rather sit back and relax at the lodge or in their cabins, they are more than welcome, which is perfect for grandparents who just want to chill with a light hike or bike ride while young ones play. And, more and more dude ranches are catering to those in need of serious R&R with spa treatments, wine tastings, and a la carte fine dining.
Learn more about which dude ranch is right for your family by visiting the Dude Ranch Association. Here, you can search more than 100 dude ranches by state/province, by activities, by National Parks, and more. From luxurious ranches to bare-bones ranches, you’ll find a ranch across North America that will suit the needs of the entire family.