Giddy Up to Westgate River Ranch

Travel

This past weekend we saddled up and went to explore Westgate River Ranch in central Florida with the kiddos. Upon entry we were all blown away with the size of the property and the numerous different ways you could “ranch live it up.” You can bring your own RV, go camping, glamping in a Teepee, rent cabins, or stay in their lodge.

Here is a few highlights and a few things we will do differently on our next trip (because yes we definitely will be heading back soon–you can’t beat the RODEO!).

Accommodations: This time we stayed in the lodge in a large studio room with a kitchenette and a very nice back porch. The room was spacious, clean and loved being able to have a place to keep snacks / drinks. We got our room right next to our friends who joined us and it was great as we could put the kids down and then sneak into one of the porches for late night drinks and laughs. NEXT TIME, we are going to snag one of the awesome Teepees or cabins though as we thought those areas looked a bit more unique and fun. Plus, we would like to be able to cook some of our own meals (in a larger space) since their is only 1 true restaurant on property and after eating 2 meals there we were ready for something different.

Activities: The list of activities goes on for days as they have so many options at the resort–clay shooting, petting zoo, rodeo, swamp buggy rides, fishing, horseback riding (kids need to be 8+ for this), golf etc. Below are some of the ones we did and loved:

  • Petting Zoo–HUGE HIT with the kiddos! This isn’t your typical petting zoo with a couple of animals–they have peacocks, pigs, horses, quail, geese, sheep, chickens, deer, ostrich and even a llama (watch out for this crazy guy though as he loves to welcome you with a big ole’ spit to the face!!!)! They offer pony rides to the kids which of course my little cowgirls enjoyed thoroughly and decided they would only be called “Cowgirl Logan” & “Cowgirl Lawson” after it!
  • Rent a Pontoon Boat (or bring your own)–Go alligator watching on a pontoon boat, I suggest doing this for a hour or 2 ride with cocktails and apple juice in hand. It is so relaxing and a great way for everyone to unwind after exploring all day.
  • Rodeo–MUST DO! Wow, this was so much fun! The kiddos loved every single aspect of it–the music, the entertainers, the bull riding and the spirit of the rodeo. It is incredible to watch a professional bull rider compete, especially when this rodeo has the top riders in the industry. (Plus there is a DJ in front of the saloon after the rodeo where you can boogie on down, kiddos and all!)
  • Swamp Buggy Ride–the kids found this crazy fun (way more than I thought they would)! Highlights were seeing some hawks and a deer. This hour ride really gives you a feel of old Florida.

Other Amenities: Since the ranch is pretty much in the middle of no where and is it’s own town, they do have some other great amenities to offer you.

  • Golf Carts: This makes getting around to all the activities easier plus it is super fun for the kids. Plus I love that we didn’t have to keep putting the kids in their carseats to go explore the next thing. My hubby and I both agree this is a huge must when you stay on property. (you can bring your own golf cart too!)
  • Bicycles: If you want to go explore the property and/or get some exercise outdoors, you can rent a bicycle. A few things to note–they do NOT have child seats, their sizes for kids are a bit off in my opinion so if you have a smaller child you may just want to bring their own bike from home.
  • Fitness Center on property
  • Kids Zone: I cannot speak from experience on this fun craft center for kids as it was closed due to COVID but hopefully will be reopened soon.
  • General Store: this is where you run to in the morning to snag a delicious hot Starbucks coffee! They also have some prepared food, groceries and of course souvenirs for the family.
  • Restaurant: they have 1 restaurant on property which is a BBQ place. The food in my opinion was good for a meal or 2 but definitely not if you go for a long weekend. Next time if we stay more than 1 night we will be cooking / preparing meals in our cabin.

Overall we had a great weekend on the ranch. We will be heading back for sure in the future and will be checking out staying in the Teepees next.