Getting away for a family-centric vacation with meals and activities to keep busy from sunup to sundown doesn’t always mean a plane ticket. That’s why the Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland, NY, is the place where everyone—from toddlers to tweens to tired parents — can have a blast in any season. Families can spread out over 500+ gorgeous acres, saddle up (yes, even first-timers), and hit the trails together. When you’re not riding, you’re racing down the mountain tubing hill, splashing at Boulder Bay in the summer, skating in the winter, or sneaking in a relaxing soak in the warm hot springs while the kids plan their next adventure. The best part? Meals and activities are included, so you can stop worrying about the schedule and just jump into the fun. It’s the kind of place where everyone goes home happily exhausted — and already asking when you’re coming back. Read on for what to know about planning a vacation at Rocking Horse Ranch. (featured photo credit: Rocking Horse Ranch)

Rocking Horse Ranch: A Family Vacation For All Ages

What to do in any season

What makes Rocking Horse Ranch one of those easy, no-brainer vacations is that there are activities for any season included in your stay. Kids and parents can find something to do all day and night. In the winter, skate on their real ice skating rink, ski (rentals and instruction are included), snow tube, or take a trail ride through the woods on horseback. Or anytime of the year, step inside the 85-degree Big Splash Indoor Water Park with slides and water play areas. Another year-round spot is Eldorado Hot Springs, which has an indoor/outdoor aquatic area with built-in seating, and it’s always 98 degrees year-round. When it warms up outdoors, Boulder Bay Outdoor Aquatic Adventure has two heated pools and five waterslides. Or if you are feeling adventurous, you can plunge down the hill during the day (or night) with mountain tubing (no snow needed here). You can also play a round of mini golf, climb 25 feet in the air with Super Bungee Jumpers and Rock Climbing, or participate in organized activities like Hula Hoop Contests and Tug of War. The Wildlife Exhibit, featuring exotic animals like zebras, miniature donkeys, and Scottish cows, is also a fun stop for the little ones. The warmer months offer water activities such as banana boat rides, kayaking, paddleboats, canoes, waterslides, and interactive spray fountains. And don’t miss the Lucky Horseshoe Arcade, laser tag, a shooting gallery, and an archery range for a variety of ages. 

Saddle up

What started as a family-friendly dude ranch in 1958, inspired by a love of horses, has transformed into a resort with over 500 trails and more than 110 horses. Today, Rocking Horse Ranch still centers on horseback riding, with lessons for beginners through expert riders, including walking, riding, and intermediate rides. Kids can also have the opportunity to become Junior Wranglers and ride a pony (with parents helping lead). If you aren’t sure about jumping right in, there are horseback riding demonstrations available where you can learn how to hold the reins and more, all while asking any questions that you might have. Guests can also watch daily horse parades, take a tractor-drawn wagon ride, or watch a horseshoeing demonstration at the Blacksmith shop. 

Fill up on food and stay over 

The ranch-style rooms include a rustic western theme with ample space to spread out. Kids will love sleeping in bunk beds, and every room has  WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, plush mattresses, and rustic-themed furniture to make you feel like you are staying right at a real ranch. And the best part? Daily all-you-can-eat meals are included at Rocking Horse Ranch, which is a lifesaver when you have big eaters (and picky ones) in your crew. Start the day with a breakfast buffet featuring Silver Dollar Pancakes and Eggs Ranchero. Lunch offers a plentiful salad bar and Chef Paul’s station, with everything from fajitas to sliders. Dinner features a rotating à la carte menu with soups, salads, appetizers, and entrees like their Award Winning BBQ Spare Ribs. If you are looking for more, there is a Dessert, Coffee & Pastry Station and a Chef’s Tasting area with hot and cold hors d’oeuvres. Finish off at the Silverado Saloon with Shirley Temples, popcorn, and shows that feature either magicians, comedy & juggling, or live wildlife.

Summer activities on the water will keep your crew busy all day long. Photo Credit: Rocking Horse Ranch

FAQs

What do I need to know when I make a reservation?

There is typically a two-night minimum for most reservations and a three-night minimum for most holidays at Rocking Horse Ranch. Group rates are offered on select dates for bookings of 10 or more rooms. Sometimes they run exclusive deals with promo codes, so be sure to check before you book.

What type of rooms are available?

Room sizes range from 2 queen beds that sleep up to 4 people to Oklahoma Suites that feature a queen-size bed, a set of bunk beds (with a partial separation wall for more privacy), and 2 full-size bathrooms. When you book a room, you can add on an arrival lunch, celebrate a special occasion with a balloon package, or set up chocolate-covered strawberries or a fruit plate with homemade cookies to be there for you when you check in.

Are there any special events at Rocking Horse Ranch?

Throughout the year, there are a variety of special events that can enhance your stay, like Spring Break, Easter Weekend with a huge Easter Egg Hunt, Memorial Day Weekend with a Fireworks Spectacular, an Independence Day Celebration with fireworks, and Labor Day Weekend with even more fireworks. 

To learn more about Rocking Horse Ranch, visit their website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Rocking Horse Ranch
600 State Route 44/55
Highland, NY 12528

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