Dude Ranch vacations... what to do at night? Any recommendations on where to go?

[Papa Deuce]

All the ones I have looked at mentioned the whole campfire thing, but even that didn't seem to be more than once or twice a week... Other than that, what is there to do at night?

BTW, if anybody has any recommendations for a really good one, I would love to hear about it / them.

It would be for 2 adults, ( 2 ) 8 year olds, a 17 year old and a 15 year old.... all the kids are girls, and all say that they would love to go to a dude ranch.

 

[Spinning]

are you thinking about the one near Philly? Malibu dude ranch?
We took our girl scouts there 2 years ago. It was very fun but....it was very and I mean very primative and old! We had a blast but I would have been very upset if this was a family vacation.......
By the time we finished everything we were actually ready to sleep.

 

[Papa Deuce]

are you thinking about the one near Philly? Malibu dude ranch?
We took our girl scouts there 2 years ago. It was very fun but....it was very and I mean very primative and old! We had a blast but I would have been very upset if this was a family vacation.......
By the time we finished everything we were actually ready to sleep.

I didn't even know there was one near Philly... But no, not that one. We want to actually fly to a place. We promised the two girls next door that we would take them on vacation with us this year, and that we would fly somewhere... they have never been in a plane before.

So anywhere in the USA that we can fly to is a possibility.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Our 8th grade class trip was to a dude ranch in...PA! We had a blast!!! But I don't recall staying overnight.

 

[Dodie]

Tanque Verde Ranch - Tucson Arizona

AMAZING place. Our best non-Disney vacation ever! You are so tired from the day's activities that you don't really need to "do anything" at night, but they do have entertainment every evening as I remember. The food is great too. There are supervised kid's activities and adult activities. There are family activities. There is downtime for relaxation.

This place actually used to be part of the concierge collection that Disney Vacation Club members could trade into with their points (although we weren't DVC members at the time and didn't know that until we stayed there). That gives you an idea of the quality. Disney doesn't have a property like that on their concierge collection anymore because they want you to do the RIDICULOUSLY expensive Adventures By Disney western US vacation instead.

http://www.tanqueverderanch.com/activities.asp

 

[Papa Deuce]

Tanque Verde Ranch - Tucson Arizona

AMAZING place. Our best non-Disney vacation ever! You are so tired from the day's activities that you don't really need to "do anything" at night, but they do have entertainment every evening as I remember. The food is great too. There are supervised kid's activities and adult activities. There are family activities. There is downtime for relaxation.

This place actually used to be part of the concierge collection that Disney Vacation Club members could trade into with their points (although we weren't DVC members at the time and didn't know that until we stayed there). That gives you an idea of the quality. Disney doesn't have a property like that on their concierge collection anymore becaause they want you to do the RIDICULOUSLY expensive Adventures By Disney western US vacation instead.

http://www.tanqueverderanch.com/activities.asp

I know. I looked at them and it would be close to $15,000 for all 6 of us!

 

[Kteacher]

We took our Girl Scout troop to Pine Grove Dude Ranch in Pa. -I think it was in or near the Poconos. The girls had a blast. The decor was kind of like " The Brady Bunch goes to a Dude Ranch " .
I remember there were a lot of troops from the New York and New Jersey area the weekend we were there, and the troop leaders accused our girls of " cheating" because we kept winning all the competitions. I'm not sure how you can cheat at an egg toss It was a lot of fun for the girls-they were all about 8 or 9. I know I was exhausted by the end of the weekend!

 

[Magic Mom]

The Bitterroot Ranch in Wyoming is supposed to be amazing, especially the riding. They were listed in the book 1000 places to See Before You Die. A woman I know went there with her daughters. It isn't a luxury resort, but the horses, riding and activities are top notch.
http://www.bitterrootranch.com/

 

[Papa Deuce]

Dodie, Wow! That looks awesome... and I already called them. They seem wonderful to deal with and they actually told me to wait before booking as the they have some specials coming up for the time period we want. And, as a bonus, it is only 4 hours from Sedona... so we could do a 2 part vacation.

Now I just have to let the wife know about this place.

 

[blanq]

A few summers ago, our family went to Paradise Guest Ranch in the Bighorn Mountains near Buffalo Wyoming. This is an incredible ranch, with lots for adults and kids. Days at a dude ranch are jam packed, and by evenings know that you will be very tired and ready for bed pretty early. There is something about the fresh air and altitude that will do you in! There were evening activites planned (talent show, square dancing, chuck wagon dinners away from the ranch, etc) but most were done by 10:00 or so. There is a bar at Paradise, and that's a nice place to spend the evenings, meeting other adults while the youngins are out with the camp counselors having a wonderful time. Also, there is an outdoor pool, and we enjoyed an evening swim several times. www.paradiseranch.com

If you are seriously considering a ranch vacation, check out www.ranchweb.com This web site is the best for planning your vacation, comparing ranches, as well as prices. The price of a ranch vacation can burn a hole in your pocket for sure.

 

[PatsGirl]

It's interesting that some many girl scout troops go to Dude Ranches. I just booked Rocking Horse Ranch Resort in NY for my troop for MLK weekend. There are around-the-clock activities including scavenger hunts, magic shows, indoor pool, air hockey tournaments, bombfires, etc. every night. They also have adult -only entertainment after 9 pm. We picked here because we couldn't find a "warm-weather" date that everyone could go and this place has snow-making for a bunny hill and for tubing and snowshoeing... hope its worth the $$, my troop has been saving for three years for this four-day weekend.

 

[clarabelle]

As someone going on one of those "Ridiculously Expensive" ABD vacations next year -the dude ranch you stay at with them is called the Brooks Lake Lodge.
It is supposed to be wonderful.

 

[raysnkaysmom]

wow....I must be soooo out of it and clueless.... lol
I always thought a 'dude ranch'..was... a... uh... whats it called....uh ?
Anyways...not a place to take kids...lol... I knew growing up there wasn't one far from us called Mustang Ranch near Reno...but it wasn't a kid-friendly 'dude' ranch...

 

[LakeAriel]

It's interesting that some many girl scout troops go to Dude Ranches. I just booked Rocking Horse Ranch Resort in NY for my troop for MLK weekend. There are around-the-clock activities including scavenger hunts, magic shows, indoor pool, air hockey tournaments, bombfires, etc. every night. They also have adult -only entertainment after 9 pm. We picked here because we couldn't find a "warm-weather" date that everyone could go and this place has snow-making for a bunny hill and for tubing and snowshoeing... hope its worth the $$, my troop has been saving for three years for this four-day weekend.

I have been here numerous times and love it!!!!!

 

[PatsGirl]

That's so good to hear. I researched so many trips for the girls and it's really hard to please everyone but this is as close as it gets: horseback riding, beginner skiing, tubing, swimming.. it seems they have everything. Unfortunately, I have 3 out of 10 parents unwilling to let their girls go for 3 nights/4 days I'm researching a shorter trip (one-nighter) for that group if anyone has any ideas. I'd like to keep it less than 2 hours drive time so I'm thinking Newport Mansions, CocoKey Water Park and Build a Bear, or Providence Place Mall with Dave & Busters and maybe a show?

 

[shortbun]

One of the best and more than just a 'dude ranch' : http://www.tanqueverderanch.com/

Been there several times in it's early days and it's really grown and improved. Not cheap but you get what you pay for. Check out the site. I used to send my more discriminating clients there. My whole family has vacationed there a few times. You really should love riding to enjoy the whole experience.

Oh, sorry, I see it's already been recommended and you know about it. Yes, it's expensive. It's worth it.

 

[Papa Deuce]

One of the best and more than just a 'dude ranch' : http://www.tanqueverderanch.com/

Been there several times in it's early days and it's really grown and improved. Not cheap but you get what you pay for. Check out the site. I used to send my more discriminating clients there. My whole family has vacationed there a few times. You really should love riding to enjoy the whole experience.

Oh, sorry, I see it's already been recommended and you know about it. Yes, it's expensive. It's worth it.

And my wife wants to go, so that means it pretty much is a lock. I don't ride, because I feel like I weigh too much ( but should be able to by the time we go.... ) But everybody else loves to ride, so they can do that and I can enjoy the pool or mountain biking, or quiet time.

What I really liked was that the lady I just talked to told me NOT to book yet, that there were going to be specials coming for a pretty good discount. So I joined their mailing list.

 

[AnnaS]

It's interesting that some many girl scout troops go to Dude Ranches. I just booked Rocking Horse Ranch Resort in NY for my troop for MLK weekend. There are around-the-clock activities including scavenger hunts, magic shows, indoor pool, air hockey tournaments, bombfires, etc. every night. They also have adult -only entertainment after 9 pm. We picked here because we couldn't find a "warm-weather" date that everyone could go and this place has snow-making for a bunny hill and for tubing and snowshoeing... hope its worth the $$, my troop has been saving for three years for this four-day weekend.

We went here also a couple of years ago with my neighbors/friends. We had a blast. Plenty of things to do during the day - and night time. Comedy shows, talent skit, small movie theatre, bar of course and I am not sure if there was live entertainment after the comedy show or a separate room for this.

 

[Papa Deuce]

One of the best and more than just a 'dude ranch' : http://www.tanqueverderanch.com/

Been there several times in it's early days and it's really grown and improved. Not cheap but you get what you pay for. Check out the site. I used to send my more discriminating clients there. My whole family has vacationed there a few times. You really should love riding to enjoy the whole experience.

Oh, sorry, I see it's already been recommended and you know about it. Yes, it's expensive. It's worth it.

I re-read the post and laughed, because you recommended this to "me".

 

[Dodie]

Dodie, Wow! That looks awesome... and I already called them. They seem wonderful to deal with and they actually told me to wait before booking as the they have some specials coming up for the time period we want. And, as a bonus, it is only 4 hours from Sedona... so we could do a 2 part vacation.

Now I just have to let the wife know about this place.

They are wonderful. It's family owned. It's a very nice place. Even though it's expensive, you have to keep in mind that it's pretty much all-inclusive. That makes a difference.