Bandera, TX Dude Ranch in Feb with small kids
 

I will be in the Bandera area mid-February traveling for vacation with my husband, 5 & 2 yr old boys. We want to stay at a Dude ranch and am looking for any personal recommendations of ones that would appeal to our sons. They are too young for trail rides and most of the sites advertise great family activiites but only in summer months. Has anyone stayed at one during the "off-months"?

Who would take care of the kids while you are doing the "dude" activities?

Have you looked at the Mayan Dude Ranch? Very family friendly.

Thinking back to my stays at the Mayan (1 in the summer, 1 in the fall) - your 5 year old should be fine, but not much for the 2 year old to do. There are some nice, easy walks/hikes including a place where you can see dinosaur tracks, but the water (pool and river) will be too chilly for swimming.

I think they will allow the 5 year old on a horse (mine were 6 and 7 when we went and they were fine), but not sure if the 2 year old can ride with an adult or not. BUT - they do offer wagon/hayrides rides that both kids will enjoy. I loved doing the morning hayride out to their riverside eating area where they fixed a great country breakfast.

i think the boys are too young to enjoy/appreciate a dude ranch-type setting.