As a family of six, we love a good staycation or quick road trip. Something that gets you out of the mundane, but doesn’t require a daunting plane ride with four kids.
We have done our fair share of exploring the East Valley, Phoenix, and some of the colder weather destinations in the northern part of our state, but outside of a quick overnight, we have not spent much time in Tucson.
I had previously taken many day trips there for work, so I guess I just associated it more with business than pleasure. So, when we were given the opportunity to enjoy the White Stallion Ranch, I didn’t know what to expect, but we were excited to check it out!
Nestled among the mountains in unspoiled desert, this resort is not only a dude ranch, but a unique oasis offering amenities that will appeal to all members of your family. Under two hours from the East Valley, it is the perfect escape – from the moment you arrive on the property, you truly feel like you are in a different time, but with access to all the important modern day conveniences (like air conditioning, wine and WIFI).
It is also all-inclusive: the room, activities, and meals were all included with the full American Plan. And if you are like me and have major decision fatigue after all the planning and packing that goes into a family trip, that alone made our stay so much easier for mom to just relax and enjoy!
The Lodging
There are several room options at the ranch and each one is like its own little casita with an adorable patio and views of dessert landscape (and in our case, horses!)
We stayed in a Family Suite – two rooms, one with three twin beds and another with a King bed and spacious bathroom. There was plenty of room for a pack and play and our girls loved that they had their own space.
Perhaps my favorite part was the fact that there are no TVs in the room! This meant that during down time, the girls colored, read, or enjoyed sitting outside.
*Parent Hack: There is a mini fridge in the room so you can bring snacks, water etc. We also purchased a few bottles of wine from the honor bar to enjoy on the patio after the kids went to bed.
*Kid Win: Our girls all said how comfortable the beds were. Everyone slept well this trip!
The Food
The resort offers a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily along with an honor system bar, happy hour appetizers and snacks available all day (their house made trail mix was a personal favorite of mine). We loved the outdoor dining option and enjoyed the music entertainment provided in the evening. And the food is so yum…I was so happy to see fresh fruits and veggies along with a variety of sides and main courses. You definitely won’t go hungry at White Stallion.
*Parent Hack: The line can get a little long after the meal bell rings so either get to the dining area a little before the scheduled mealtime or give it 10-15 minutes to let the crowd filter through if you have kiddos who are impatient when hungry, like me.
*Kid Win: The ranch makes their own cookies including a potato chip white chocolate chip variety that was very popular with both the kids and adults in our family.
The Fun
The property is jam packed with fun things to do. We decided to sign up for archery (twice), slow ride horseback riding and cattle sorting. They also offer e-bikes and fast ride horse back riding, as well as rock climbing (for an extra charge).
We are Chicago natives and truth be told, I was terrified to ride a horse, as this was obviously not central to my upbringing. But, it was so great! My kids were naturals at archery and my husband believes he has found a new calling as a rancher after an hour of learning to pen cattle.
In addition to the planned activities, there is plenty to keep you busy and/or provide downtime in your agenda. Because we have a wide range of ages with our kids (10 years down to seven months), the variety was much appreciated.
I could walk around the property and look at animals and play at the park with the baby while my husband took the older kids for a swim in the pool and to play air hockey and ping pong in the game room.
Because everything is so accessible, you could feel comfortable to hit the hot tub in the evening sans children if you felt so inclined (which we did).
*Parent Hack: Activities can fill up somewhat quickly (because they are so fun!) so you want to try to sign up for the things you really want to do as soon as the slots are available. Oh and there is a SPA! Mamas…book yourself a massage or facial. I promise you won’t regret it.
*Kid Win: Don’t skip out on the extra things like the shopping at the trading post and playing basketball at the outdoor court! Our kids enjoyed those activities just as much as the guided options offered each day.
Thank you so much to White Stallion Ranch for hosting us for this travel experience. Two enthusiastic thumbs up for this charming piece of lovely right in our very own state from our crew, as all thoughts/opinions of the experience are our own!
