Rocking Horse Ranch, located near Poughkeepsie, New York, has been a family destination for over 60 years. Picture a blend of Dirty Dancing and a dude ranch, with a dash of Great Wolf Lodge thrown in. Whether you’re in the New York metro area or seeking an all-inclusive getaway with kids in the Northeast, this is a place packed with fun. We’ve visited twice—both times starting in New York City and driving 90 minutes north. On our first trip in March 2019, our children were 2 and 5, and by our second visit in December 2022, they were 5 and 8.  Yes, I’m going back in the vault a bit for this post, but I’m not sure it matters because this place doesn’t change much, which is part of the charm and why families return generation after generation.

The Practical Takeaways

• This is a very easy destination with kids ranging from two to tween. There are activities scheduled all day long and it’s all inclusive, so there is really no planning involved! 
• Two nights are all you need. If you’re not from the New York area, you can make it a longer trip by exploring the Hudson Valley – there is plenty more to see and extend it into a longer trip.

Accommodations

The rooms are clean and convenient to all the activities. They are pretty standard as far as hotel rooms go. We have stayed both in the main building and the Wyoming building. My preference was the main building because if it’s cold or rainy you can go to the indoor pool in swimsuits without going outside. With so much to do throughout the Ranch, you rarely spend time in your room.

Things to Do

• Horseback riding: As long as you’re over 48” and at least 7 years old, there are horseback riding opportunities for you. With options for beginners to pros, they will have you and your kids on a horse and trotting through the woods. This is the only activity that requires you to sign up in advance, which you can do upon check-in.
• Skiing: If you’re there in the winter, ski rentals and instruction are included at no extra cost. There is only one small slope but it’s great for kids, particularly if they are beginners. There is also ice skating and year-round tubing.

• Lake activities: There are tons of lake activities, from boating, fishing, and banana boat rides – it’s like you’re at a family sleepaway camp.
• Water park: We have only visited in colder weather so we have not had a chance to use the big outdoor water park and slides. However, even in the winter you can swim both indoors and out! Rocking Horse Ranch heats the outdoor El Dorado hot springs pool to 98 degrees. It’s quite fun to swim in while it was snowing! The indoor pool has one enclosed water slide and lots of play activities. 

• Nightly shows: Each night there is an entertainer in the theater or in the woods at a big firepit. We’ve seen magicians, comedians, live animal shows, and campfire singalongs. The variety is fun and there is lots of audience participation from both kids and adults (my husband was called up to assist a knife juggler!).

• Other activities: If you still need something else to do, there is an arcade with bowling, archery, laser tag, trampoline, and a schedule of activities, such as trivia, in the lobby. 

Food

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included and served in the main dining hall. Breakfast and lunch are buffets and generally pretty good. Dinner rotates between hearty meals of steak, chicken, and pasta. Every meal ends with apple pie and endless self-serve ice cream. It’s not the most memorable food, but enjoyable.

There is also a “family happy hour” with drinks and snacks by the arcade each afternoon.

A Few Extra Tips

• If considering a stay here, remember when looking at the prices that it’s all inclusive. It is pricey, but the cost includes all your meals and activities. We feel the price is worth it, particularly in winter, given that ski lessons and rentals are included. Once you’re at the Ranch it’s nice to know you don’t have to take out your wallet again (except at the irresistible gift shop).  

• Nearby is the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, which spans 1.28 miles over the Hudson River. 
• Also nearby is the cute town of New Paltz, Storm King Art Center, Hyde Park, and Legoland.
• Rocking Horse Ranch is only 90 minutes from NYC, making it easy to add on to a trip to the City. Here are a few of my favorite places to visit there.