Big Sky Montana family vacation at Covered Wagon Ranch

Get ready for the BEST Big Sky Montana Family Vacation

What about the kids? Kids are welcome at the Covered Wagon! We have two boys of our own that are 7 and 10. We consider ourselves a family ranch and many of our return guests have children that have been “raised” on the ranch coming year after year. We do not have a kids’ program, but children over six can go on trail rides, or get a lesson on Mondays in the arena. 4- and 5-year-old children can ride in the arena on Mondays but not out on the trails. Kids three and under stay at the ranch free (babysitting may be available for an additional charge Monday-Friday-advanced notice required). The kids can have as much or little to do with the horses as they want. We have two play yards with endless toys, swing sets, teeter totter, yard games, a large trampoline and a Rec Hall with a pool table and foosball, board games and a play/reading room in the main lodge. A Big Sky Montana family vacation means they GET to eat with you, ride with you, or ditch you if they want. They get to be kids in the mountains, on a ranch. They form friendships with people and their four-legged friends. They will love it; the only question is who will love it more you or them? Come experience a simpler world with your family, one with amazing views and a step back in time where your kids can run and play, while you relax and unwind.

There’s so much to do on your Big Sky Montana family vacation at CWR!

Horseback Ride

Kids ages 6 and up are welcome to ride at Covered Wagon Ranch. We cater to all abilities and have horses that are perfect with the little ones.

Enjoy the Water

Take a ‘refreshing’ dip in the Taylor Fork Creek right here on the ranch, inner tube down the Gallatin River, or head over to the playground where our stock tank kiddie pool is waiting for you.

Fish

Family fishing trips are what memories are made of. There’s great fishing right from the ranch, or we would be happy to set your family up with a guide.

Enjoy the Rec Hall

The Rec Hall is a favorite hangout for kids of all ages. The Rec Hall has a pool table and foosball, a piano to play, and board games and a play/reading room in the main lodge.

Play Outside

There’s two playgrounds, a trampoline, every lawn game imaginable, and a stock tank kiddie pool to play in! Collect bugs, play corn hole or lawn games, and enjoy being in the outdoors.

Hike & Explore

Hike directly from the ranch into the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, Lee Metcalf Wilderness or spend the day in Yellowstone! We would love to get out and show you the beautiful country we get to call home!

Eat Yummy Food

Kids get to eat with you and enjoy our great food, in addition, mac and cheese is always on hand. Plus, the cookie jar is always full, hot cocoa is always available, and if you head over to the campfire each night, you’ll likely find smores!

Visit with Animals

You will no doubt see dogs, Sour Patch and Hersheys, the ranch goats, Nellie, the family pig, as well as mares and their babies free roaming the property. You can also walk down and visit the other horses.

Make New friends!

There are usually other guests with kids and it doesn’t take long for a small possy to form and explore around the ranch. The staff are a load of fun too, they’ll even let the kids help out with fun ranch chores and your kids can learn to rope at the Friday night cookout!

What our Guests are Saying:

“Good for your soul …Our family of four, two boys ages 9 and 12, rode a different trail every day and each ride was more beautiful than the last. We really enjoyed the ability to get out and explore the land versus riding around a pasture. We saw a lot of wildlife and stunning views. We spent one afternoon eating lunch atop a grassy peak, taking in the views and lounging with our horses. A special shout out to our wrangler Dan who really connected with our two boys and taught them a lot through the week…There was plenty to keep the kids entertained all week when we weren’t riding. There was all yard games imaginable, two playgrounds, and a rec hall with piano, pool table, foosball and board games. Our kids spent a lot of time on the trampoline. We also took advantage of the closeness of Yellowstone National Park and spent an afternoon there. Our family also went fly fishing, took in the local rodeo and went rock hunting at the local fishing hole…”

Kid’s Activities