The Ranch Experience Program is for children who are physically, mentally, emotionally or financially disadvantaged as well as other qualified organizations and groups. Our visitors are treated to the opportunity of learning to ride horses, participate in real ranch activities and some gold old “cowboy” fun. Sometimes the most important part of the Ranch Experience is the opportunity for a kid to just be a kid for a day!

Enjoy a Typical Day at the Ranch

The Ranch volunteers and staff include experienced cowboys and cowgirls with an understanding for children with special needs. Our staff and volunteers oversee our programs to ensure that the kids have a great time, stay safe and are exposed to both adventure and opportunity. The best thing for the inside of a kid can be the outside of a horse. We feel that every child can benefit in some way from the opportunity to just be a kid – no matter what their special circumstances.

A typical day at the ranch begins upon the arrival of our visitors. Both visiting children and their caregivers attend a brief orientation on expected behavior while at the ranch and proper rules for riding and/or interacting with horses. Everyone then has the opportunity to rummage through the costume room in order to be properly attired in cowboy gear for their visit. Then it’s off to the activities. Whether petting miniature horses, riding in small donkey carts, getting the opportunity to ride full size horses, visiting with our gentle giant draft horses, going on wagon rides to mystery ponds and woodlands or playing in one of the 10 buildings in the kids village there are boundless opportunities to express “kidness”. What 8 year old doesn’t want to be the sheriff, or the barber, or the banker, or the bar keep – all those businesses operated not only in the child’s imagination by in the town of “kidville” on the ranch.

“Grub” is served at approximately noon and then there are further explorations possible. A typical visit is 4 to 5 hours but there is no set schedule – each group that visits the ranch is unique and is treated to their own individual Ranch Experience.

There is NO COST for the Ranch Experience Program – but transportation to and from the ranch is the responsibility of the participants. Our office staff can assist in making the trip to Whidbey Island easy and fun with their knowledge of the ferries and traffic. To reserve your visit please visit the Contact Us section of this website.

Group Waiver Form
Participant Waiver Form
Group Attenendance Form