The day we arrived was cold and rainy, but we were warmly greeted by friendly staff, and an inviting lobby area. After checking in, I was given a list of activities happening over the course of our two-day stay. Coming from this mom, whose primary job is to keep my kiddos active and whose secondary job is to keep Macaroni Kid families busy and exhausted at the end of the day, I was impressed. From 9 in the morning to 9 at night, there was something to do for adults and kids alike.
My kids were immediately drawn to the indoor water park - a perfect indoor activity given the weather. The upper level had a zero-entry pool for the younger children complete with mini slides, fountains, and geysers. It also has a 250-foot Gold Rush Slide which my 5 year old could not get enough of. (Note: The giant slide is for kids whose height is at least 36 inches and kids at heart like me.)
The lower level was equally fun with a Dynamite Alley water walk obstacle course (for people at least 42 inches tall), and giant water spouts and dumping buckets that my kids enjoyed.
Prying our kids out of the pool was a challenge, but we managed to draw them away for some dinner. The menu offered tried and true classics like spaghetti and meatballs, burgers and chicken quesadillas, as well as a delicious ranchero style salad. The biggest hit of the night was the all-you-can eat dessert bar complete with a Big Tex chocolate fountain, soft serve ice cream, fresh fruit, cookies and brownies. My kids must have thought we had died and gone to heaven, and they took full advantage of it!
Afterwards, we had the option to go on a wagon ride, bonfire or see the illusionist show. But the fireplace in the den area was so inviting, we decided to just sit back and enjoy the fire while sipping some complimentary hot chocolate and tea.
Furnished in a tasteful and cozy rustic style, our room had two queen sized beds and a bunk bed - a big hit with the children. I was told by the resort's Marketing Director that there are also suites that have two bathrooms, which is a great option for larger families or groups.
We were up bright and early so we decided to explore the beautiful grounds. My animal-loving daughter loved visiting the camel, zebra, dwarf goats and of course, the beautiful horses in the barn, which I learned is the world's largest saddle horse operation.
We enjoyed a paddle boat ride around the resort's lake to take in the crisp fresh air and the scenery. I can only imagine how spectacular the woods looked in October when the leaves changed colors.
The kids loved the pony rides, which were done by full-sized horses - not ponies. Unlike those we've done in the past, these pony rides take the kids around a nice loop and even do some turns around trees. The kids - especially my two-year-old daughter - loved it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne_SIOFq6vg
My husband and I dropped off the kids in the children's nursery for a few hours to enjoy some horseback riding ourselves. The tours were divided into beginner, intermediate and advance riders. My horse Zorro was a beautiful black horse and the perfect riding partner. The hour-long ride through the woods was just enough to enjoy the scenery and learn the basics of handling the horse.
Overall, I would highly recommend Rocking Horse Ranch either as a quick family getaway or for an extended retreat. My kids were sad to leave, and they are already asking us when we will be back!
Macaroni Tips:
Children must be at least 7 years old to go on the horseback ride tours. Pony rides are available for everyone.
Your meals and all your activities (with the exception of the spa services) are included in your stay, so you don't have to worry about where you are going to eat and what activities you are going to do. You can do as much or as little as you want!
Rates for the a two-day stay vary depending on the season and dates of stay. Be sure to check the website or call 800-647-2624 for rate information and special offers like kids stay free.
For families with young children, there is complimentary child care in the nursery and day camp for children ages 2 to 12 years old. The $10/hour babysitting fee for children under 2 is reasonable so be sure to take advantage of it!
The indoor water park, video game room, and the Fun Barn featuring foam guns, a mini vollyball net, rockclimbing wall and bouncy house guarantee something for kids to do even in bad weather.
Rocking Horse Ranch is a four-season resort, but plan ahead especially during the summer when it gets booked quickly. For fall fun, there is a nearby pick-your-own farm as well as beautiful folliage. In the winter, the resort offers snow tubing, ice skating, skiing, ski lessons, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Disclosure: Macaroni Kid - Northern & Pascack Valley was provided with complimentary accommodations for the purpose of this review. All opinions are solely that of the author.
