The Great Western Family Vacation

The Great Western Family Vacation

At the Bar W, we believe experiences are meant to be shared and consider children to be the heart of the ranch. We’ve designed an impressive cowpoke program for cowpokes ages 2-6 years along with our Junior Wranglers 7 years to 12 years old. Throughout the week children can immerse themselves in the rich history of cowboy culture that they’ve read about in books or watched on TV. The kid’s program is designed to allow parents the freedom to experience all we have to offer while being confident that their child is receiving the best care and making lifelong memories with our children’s counselors.

After one of our Horsin’ Around sessions, your cowpokes can explore the ranch or play games in our game room, complete with a pool table and darts. In the West, ranch life starts at a young age; whatever your age, the Bar W has a great vacation waiting for you.

Learn the Ropes  – Children will have educational components throughout the week incorporated into the fun and will learn how to groom, saddle, and care for a horse. Cowpokes will meet the stars of our ‘cowpoke corner,’ which include traditional ranch animals such as goats, chickens, ponies, and our favorite ranch cat — Albert. Children are invited to help with ‘cowpoke corner chores,’ including gathering eggs, grooming, and feeding.

Saddle Up – CowPokes, between 4 – 6 years, are welcome to enjoy led pony rides around the ranch! For the Small Fries, 2 – 3 years old, we offer special programing with appropriate ranch activities, and outdoor play time. Babysitting services are available at $55/hour for children under 2 years.

Junior Wranglers, ages 7 – 12 years, will enjoy rides with adults as well as special Cowpokes Rides for any child that does not want to do longer rides with their parents. Junior Wranglers will enjoy miles of trail rides and games in the arena.

Play – Horsin’ around is our favorite pastime. Kids can participate in Line Dancing, attend the local Brash Rodeo, enjoy Wagon Rides, Roping Lessons, or pretend to be a country singer (who knows lots of interactive kids favorites). Classic western favorites such as sack races, balloon tosses, and a round of horseshoes develop friendships and incite plenty of laughs.

Create  – Children of all ages enjoy stretching their creativity. The kiddos will be creating fun arts & crafts at the ranch, sometimes we paint horse shoes or even paint a horse! During Friday’s dinner, CowPokes roast marshmallows and indulge in the traditional Western dessert – s’ mores.

Roam – Children are invited to explore the entire property. This dynamic is a personal favorite of the owners, Bill and Barb. The idea is that kids, (age appropriate of course) learn to run free and parents learn to let them and let go – a little bit at least. Ride bikes, catch frogs by the pond, visit the goats, and be a little free range.

Parents will have the opportunity to participate with their kids in some of these activities. Additionally, the CowPoke program incorporates time throughout the day where families gather over meals to share the highlights of everyone’s day!