Half-term ranch break holiday ideas

With half-term fast approaching parents can be forgiven for getting a little nervous over what to do with the children!

No child likes being cooped up in-doors during the holidays – and there’s just no telling what sort of weather this October half-term will bring.

Indeed, the forecasts this year are distinctly pessimistic.

But for a sure fire way to entertain even the most stubborn children, Ranch Rider has two hot ranch stays on offer this year, perfect for the autumn break - ensuring kids can enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors without a hint of inclement weather.

White Stallion Guest Ranch

Kid’s clubs are all the rage these days, but not at the White Stallion Guest Ranch in Arizona.

While this may sound like 'holiday hell' to parents who’ve become addicted to crèches and children’s programmes, the ranch can assure families of quality time in Tucson – with a fun filled week, including wagon rides, visits to the petting zoo and of course trail riding.

There are also several get out clauses for parents, as children from five and upwards can head off on horseback minus mum and dad, and those eight and over can qualify for fast rides, mountain rides and even all-day rides.

As for the climate, the whole family can breathe a sigh of relief, with warm, dry weather and temperatures of 27°C expected in October this year.

Seven nights with Ranch Rider are available from £737 per person, based on two adults sharing, and from £484 per child, aged between two and 11 years old.

The price includes all accommodation (full-board), transfers, use of all ranch facilities (pool, hot tub and tennis court), all ranch based riding and activities. However, it excludes gratuities.





Bar H Dude Ranch

Secondly, the family can be entertained for less in Texas.

A family holiday in Clarendon, at the Bar H Dude Ranch won’t burn a whole in the family budget – as stays start from only £285 per child (for children between six and 11-years-of-age).

On the ranch little wranglers can learn to lasso like a real working cowboy, participate in scavenger hunts and get hooked on conservation in the Texas Panhandle.

Birding and nature hikes, hayrides, and horseback riding are included in the package, so mum and dad can kick back by the pool without having to worry about any additional expenditure.

At the end of October guests of the working ranch can still expect warm sunny days with highs of 25°C – a definite plus factor for families looking to escape the unpredictable English weather.

Seven nights with Ranch Rider are on offer from only £391 per person, based on two adults sharing. However, the offer excludes transfers and gratuities.

All prices exclude return international flight. However, Ranch Rider can organise flights from the following departure airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Additional departure airports, including Aberdeen, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds/Bradford, Humberside, Teeside, Newcastle and Norwich, are available at a £50 per person supplement.

Chris O'Toole