Put the kids in touch with nature this summer

Ranch Rider has a range of ranch stays for parents who are looking for more than a kid’s club in 2009. Agri-tourism, wildlife rides, cultural excursions and even overnight camp outs for Brave Buckaroos (aged five and upwards) are on offer for those with kids in tow.

Younger culture vultures can saddle up with the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation tribe at the Elkin Creek Ranch in British Columbia. One child goes free for every two paying adults in August – save £649 on a 7-night stay with Ranch Rider. Return flight from £499pp. Car hire from £330. (Full ranch stay price for two adults and one child under 13 years £2,739 less discount of £649pp).

A ranch that puts families first, the Colorado Trails wranglers never fail to make kids passionate about the great outdoors. Older children who don’t want to have their style cramped by their younger siblings can ride the range with their peers, as there are three separate kid’s programmes, including “Buckaroos” for 5-8’s, “Rough Riders” for 9-12’s and “Teens” for 13 to 17 year olds. Horseback rides, nature hikes and power tubing down the Vallecito Lake are just some of the activities included in the price, and there’s even an overnight camp out for “Brave Buckaroos” and upwards. 7-nights with Ranch Rider from £1,319pp (based on two adults sharing) and £1,055pp (5-12 years). Car hire from £187. Return flight from £495pp.

City slickers can put the whole family back in touch with nature at the Bitterroot Ranch, a homestead which raises its own cattle. The ranch is situated in a remote valley in Wyoming's Absaroka Mountains and features a small farm complete with sheep, llamas, ducks, geese, chicken and peacocks. 6-nights from now until 30 August only £1,452pp based on two sharing (save £160pp) with Ranch Rider including gratuities. Children only £809pp (save £400pp) (4-16 years) including gratuities. Car hire from £187. Return flight from £499pp. (Full ranch stay price £1,612pp (adults) less discount of £160pp/£1,209pp (4-16 years) less discount of £400pp).

(Save £275 with Ranch Rider) Free transfers + £70 Trading Post gift voucher: All the activities are included in the price at the Elk Mountain Guest Ranch in Colorado. From horse riding to white water rafting and trap shooting there will be something for all the family. 7-nights £1,083pp (based on two sharing), £824pp (children 8-12 years), £758pp (children 3-7 years). Departures from now until 13 September. Includes full board accommodation, (free) transfers, gratuities, all ranch based riding and activities. Return flight from £405pp. (Full transfer price £195pp + £70 “Trading Post” gift voucher £275 saving per family group).

Ranch Rider offers 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-£60pp supplement.

For more information and bookings, visit ranchrider.com.