All-Inclusive Family Fun Only Three Hours From Philadelphia, No Plane Ride Needed!
We checked into the Rocking Horse Ranch on Christmas Day, and it was quite a quick ride from suburban Philadelphia: just under three hours. The ranch is all-inclusive, and offers three meals, sports, activities and entertainment. The only extras are alcohol and a nominal charge for some arts and crafts activities. The Ranch celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2008. We met families who have been coming to the resort for 10, 20, and even 25 years. We had heard about the resort friends in Long Island. The resort is located in the Catskill Mountains Region of New York State. The actual town is Highland, NY. Although we visited the Ranch during the cold season, many families we chatted with told us the summer season is exceptional as well.
We arrived about 12:30 p.m. and check-in was a breeze. The front desk staff was very pleasant and suggested we help ourselves to the buffet lunch because our room wasn’t quite ready. All meals are served in the Long Horn Dining Room. The choices for lunch everyday were plentiful: burgers, salads, hot dogs, pasta and plenty of dessert selections. We checked into our room, which was located on the second floor of the main lodge. It featured two queen beds, and bunk beds. The décor was in a Western theme, with rustic accents. It was really charming. We decided take advantage of the indoor pool, which was staffed with a lifeguard and had ample lounge chairs where parents can read or relax while children frolic in the pool. Our first night was a dinner buffet that included two or three carving stations, a hearty salad bar, and several hot entrée choices. No one went hungry in my family that night. Friday morning the kids were up bright and early. After the breakfast buffet we were out on the slopes which opened at 10 am. The resort offers free skis, boots, and free instruction. The hill is for beginners, and most people there were new to skiing. The staff is nice and patient. My children were only on skis once or twice before arriving at the Ranch, but the end of our second day, they felt comfortable to use the lift, ski down from the top, and stop effectively. They were very confident and also closed the slope. As a parent, it is very gratifying to see children feeling so confident and proud. The second and third night dinners were sit down, with soup, two appetizer selections, salad and guests could select one of five entrees. There was a separate kids menu, that was wonderful.
On our third day, we enjoyed a family horse ride through the Ranch’s gorgeous trails. No need to worry if horseback riding is new to you or your family. The ratio of wranglers to riders is 6:1; even novice riders will enjoy and be fearless. For those who wish a different experience, horse drawn sleigh rides around the scenic property are a winter favorite there.
Other outdoor activities included snow tubing, which was available both daytime and nighttime. My children enjoyed the after dark snow tubing better, when there was a bonfire and marshmallow roasting that made the fun even better.
When we wanted to come inside and warm up, options included a four-station Wii room, an arcade, three lounges, the indoor pool, and a social room that offered games and more.
Needless to say we were all tired after dinner. We did see an entertaining magic show, enjoyed a County Western line dancing lesson and musical performance, and really liked the adults’ only comedy show. Our kids were supervised watching a movie that started with a make your own Sundae Bar. What fun!
For a close to home vacation that includes safe and supervised fun, without the need to reach for your credit card every time your kids get hungry or want to participate in a sport, Rocking Horse Ranch is an ideal family destination. Our family really had an enjoyable time. The pace is really left to your choosing, you can do as much as you want, when you want to do it. Isn’t that what family vacations are all about? I highly recommend this destination to families with children of all ages.
For more information call (800)-647-2624, or visit www.rockinghorseranch.com
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Winter Fun is waiting at the Rocking Horse Ranch through mid-March.
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