Family dude ranch vacations don't come much better than at The Resort at Paws Up in Montana, USA. In an age where iPads, X-Boxes and 3D televisions seem to be the centre of our children's worlds, it can be hard to encourage them to enjoy the simpler things in life, and even the most sporty, active and 'outdoors' kids have that favorite TV show they simply can't miss. But on a dude ranch vacation - especially at family dude ranches like Paws Up - sitting in front of the box will be the last thing on their minds.
Paws Up for kids
The Montana dude ranch offers an unbeatable range of activities for all ages that will drag any kid out of bed in the morning, whether taken as part of the Paws Up Children's Program or tackled with Mom and Dad. Let 'em take their pick from all of this...
Outdoor activities Horseback riding - lessons, cattle sorting and moreClimbing Mountain bikingSporting clays Campouts Wagon rides ATV Rentals (guided) Fly-fishingZorbing (pictured below)RappellingHot-air ballooningGeocachingArchery
Water-based activitiesLake water sports River floating White-water rafting adventures
Winter adventures Cross-country skiing Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
Children's program
The family dude ranch's Children's Program is perfect for children aged four and over, providing supervised, age-appropriate games and activities including:
- Horseback riding (pony rides, arena riding and trail riding)
- Mountain biking
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Nature education
- Wrangler activities
- Wildlife appreciation
- Scavenger/treasure hunts
- Horseshoes
- Badminton
- Pool
- Animal care
- Horse care
The Paws Up "Kids Corps of Discovery" is held seven days a week, will full- and half-day programs available for children aged five to 12. Think trips to a local ghost town, fun in the sun at the Paws Up lake house, authentic ranch experiences and more!
Paws Up for parents
With the kids fully entertained, it's time for Mom and Dad to kick back and enjoy the peaceful tranquility of Paws Up. Whether it's enjoying candlelit dinners, romantic lakeside walks or horseback rides, decadent spa treatments or a dip in the hot tub, adults are guaranteed a wonderful family ranch vacation with as much or as little time with the kids as they please.
As for the sleeping arrangements, parents won't want to leave the luxury 'glamping' tented accommodations with personalized butler service, while the kids will love the luxury camping experience just as much. And if they're too tired to move after a day crammed with adventure? Well, there's always the flat-screen TVs...
For more information on family dude ranch vacations at The Resort at Paws Up, visit Top50Ranches.com