Dude ranches are a popular type of family holiday among visitors coming from Europe to North America: due to the appeal of the wide open spaces, beautiful natural settings, and perhaps some lingering mythology about the Wild Wild West.
Most dude ranches and guest ranches cater to families, and some have children's programs even for very young kids. Price includes meals and (possibly not all) activities: if you want horse-riding, make sure to check whether it's included or not!
Those who hanker after "wide open spaces" terrain might try Montana, or in Canada, BC's Cariboo region; Colorado is also a good state for dude ranches, though the scenery will be mountain wilderness-style.
Arizona is classic dude ranch country: Rancho de los Caballeros, for instance, has sixty years of history near Wickenburg, the "dude ranch capital of the world". (Not that most Arizona dude ranches close in high summer when the weather's hot.)
By the way, you don't necessarily have to go "out west" to find a dude ranch: have a look at Rocking Horse Ranch, in New York state.
- See tips about visiting dude ranches, and for finding dude ranch family holidays
photo © Teresa Plowright
