Family Vacations at our Colorado Dude Ranch

Children’s Program, Counselors and Activities for Kids and Teens

Family vacations at our Colorado dude ranch are definitely the main focus of our summer season. Keeping kids and teens happy and entertained for the week is one of our greatest pleasures. The setting and layout of our beautiful Colorado dude ranch makes it the ultimate family retreat, and the ranch itself provides the perfect playground. We make it easy for your whole family to get out and play, as easy as stepping out the front door…

Family Vacations of Nature, Health, and Happiness

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Summer fun, healthy activities, and big adventures are literally at your doorstep. With one million acres of National Forest and Wilderness in our backyard, there is more than enough space for everyone to roam. Our kids and teens program offers as many adventures as your children can dream up. A week at the ranch in the summer is an excellent opportunity to make great memories and new friendships that will last a lifetime. Our dedicated kids and teens counselors are available from 8:30 in the morning until 9:00 at night. Our recreation room is well stocked with arts and crafts materials, foosball, ping pong, and tons of games for indoor and outdoor entertainment. The shallow creek that meanders past the lodge offers hours of entertainment for racing handmade boats of every description.

  • horseback riding
  • junior wranglers program
  • hanging out with the animals
  • pond fishing
  • fly fishing
  • rock climbing
  • nature hikes
  • pool parties
  • scavenger hunts
  • volleyball
  • kickball
  • capture the flag
  • whitewater rafting
  • football games
  • Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo calf scramble
  • barn dance
  • campfires, cook-outs, and s'mores
  • arts and crafts
  • whatever else we can dream up

"The children’s counselors are by far the best we have ever encountered. The children did not want to leave their side. My children would get up in the morning and run to the Rec Room and stay with them for the entire day. We would have to peel my kids off of them to come and hang out with us. Some nights would be family nights while other nights the adults would have a five course wine pairing dinner while the kids are having a party with the counselors. My children NEVER asked for their DS, iPhone, TV and best of all NEVER said they were bored."

A mom’s quote from Trip Advisor

Dedicated Kids Counselors Create Fun from Morning til Night

The Home Ranch counselors are a fun bunch who do more than supervise the children; they are active participants in all the activities, and they are full of boundless energy and enthusiasm for your kids. Whether your kids want to spend the whole day with you, or their new friends, our goal is to provide a wide variety of fun and exciting outdoor adventures for kids and teens to enjoy. The creativity of our counselors provides space and time for busy moms and dads to relax, reconnect, and have their own adventures.

Children's Dinner

There is also an early children's dinner supervised by counselors, offered four days a week while the adults enjoy their own dinner, with the opportunity to relax and unwind while the kids seek out the next adventure. An early children's dinner allows the kids to eat and run before the sun sets. Evening activities range from a hot dog and marshmallow roasting party to activities like Frisbee and Capture the Flag...it all depends on what the kids want to do. The Friday night rodeo in Steamboat Springs is popular for kids of all ages!

Teens

We know that teens' interests don't always coincide with those of younger kids, so we've developed a teens program tailored to them. In addition to the regular riding, hiking, and fishing options available to everyone, teens can head to the hills for an overnight campout, or head out on the trails en masse. And there's always the rec room or pool for downtime. We tailor our program to the ages and interests of each week's group. Our enthusiastic counselors are flexible enough to adapt to what the kids want to do, assuming it's safe and fun! Parents are also encouraged to join us for activities such as rock climbing, rafting, and even lessons on barrel racing.

*Being members of Relais and Chateaux, and amongst the world leaders in cuisine, your children and teens will also enjoy wonderful food selections!

  • US Forest Service
  • Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association
  • The Dude Ranchers Association