A FUN FAMILY VACATION FOR THREE GENERATIONS

It is not always easy to find an active family vacation that is fun for the grandparents and their grandchildren as young as 4 years old. However, savvy grandparents have discovered that the ultimate family vacation is a week at a dude ranch with activities for everyone.

Although there are a variety of experiences available, it is nice to note that you can go to a AAA 4 Diamond ranch with multi-sports programs that specializes in families or another upscale family oriented ranch which specializes in spa and dining experiences, in addition to mountain biking, tennis, swimming, basketball, fishing, and supervised children’s programs.

Dude ranches all offer horseback riding programs, but it is important to note that, on average, one third of the guests have never been on a horse before they arrive and one third have had very little experience, outside of riding a pony at a birthday party or a park. Riding programs are offered at all levels of experience, and after several lessons even the timid may be enticed into trying their first trail ride.

Even if you decide not to mount a horse, there are a lot of other activities to fill your day. Or, you could choose to just sit on the porch in a beautiful Rocky Mountain natural setting with a fantastic view and read a good book.

Fishing, hiking, tubing, tennis, rodeos, square dancing, basketball, sand volleyball, horseshoes and hayrides are some of the other ways for adults and older children to enjoy their stay.

With the care and supervision from a special team of counselors, children are taught to ride, groom their horses, and are fitted for their own saddle. They can learn to fish, play games, do crafts, go on hayrides, and play on the playground or in the barns.

Cabin suites nestled among the pines are available with one, two or three bedrooms and some with multiple bathrooms, along with a separate living room. This is definitely not roughing it!

The Head Chef and his staff prepare the best possible traditional ranch recipes, and breakfasts are made to order. Some meals may be eaten outdoors to correspond with other activities.

A dude ranch vacation is a wonderful opportunity for three generations to enjoy activities together and learn new skills. No passports are required, and you can find excellent ranches not far from major airports in some of the western states. A truly different experience for most families, but one you might find yourselves repeating after the first successful adventure.