If you think all the ranches are located in the west, it’s time to adjust your GPS.
For families in the Northeast looking for a ranch experience with horseback riding and other kid-friendly fun, Rocking Horse Ranch has been welcoming little cowpokes and their parents to the rural hinterland of New York’s Hudson Valley for more. 50 years. The place has remained a family business since its founding in 1958. The location is just two hours north of New York City in the small town of Highland, southwest of the Catskills and east of the Hudson River.
Things to do
Along with typical ranch activities like horseback riding and hayrides, there are a variety of fun things to do on cruise ships. The ranch is spread over 500 acres, but most of the activities are within a few acres of the lodge. Extensive facilities include stables, a climbing wall, miniature golf course, rifle range, softball field, playground, shuffleboard, boules, game room and a gym. There is a wonderful outdoor playground with at least six climbing structures, slides, swings, and a whirlybird, along with a large indoor ‘fun barn’ containing a bouncy house and two-story pit.
There is an outdoor pool and an indoor pool, which could pass as a small water park, as it is heated to 85 degrees and features slides, water fountains, a floating water ride, and a 250-foot waterslide known as the Gold Rush Flume.
Parents with children ages 1 to 4 can take advantage of the nursery, and there is a free day camp for children ages 5 to 12, which is available to drop off. In our opinion, the Kids Camp is a disappointment and more of a supervised babysitting service than a camp in the truest sense of the word, with fun and age-appropriate activities. Older kids will be foolishly bored here, but younger kids may be happy enough to spend time in the clubhouse with its variety of toys and games.
In the evenings, Rocking Horse Ranch offers nightly entertainment options for the family, including bonfire singing, line dancing, magic shows and more. Other idle activities include game nights or movies in the lounge.
Rates
Rates fluctuate significantly between high and low season. Keep in mind that this is an all-inclusive vacation with accommodation, most meals, horseback riding, evening entertainment, and just about any other expense included in your room cost. In the low season, the offers are more abundant. There are some exceptions to the all-inclusive rate, such as alcoholic beverages and spa treatments. Tips for restaurant and bar staff are also not included.
Better rooms
The 100 rooms in the main lodge are divided into two large wings. Each room has easy access to the lobby, public areas, and key outdoor activity areas. The 20 rooms in the Oklahoma building, less than 30 yards from the hotel, are a bit smaller and also a bit less expensive. The rooms are quite basic and definitely not luxurious, but they are a good size, well maintained and comfortably equipped. Many have a sofa bed or bunk beds for children.
Best season
The complex is open throughout the year, with a changing line of seasonal activities. In the summer, families can use the outdoor pool, take out paddle boats on the small lake, take a ride on a banana boat, or go water skiing. In the winter, guests can snow tubing and even learn to ski at the small ski area on the resort grounds. Horseback riding on the nearby trails that meander through forests and meadows is offered throughout the year.
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