McDonald Ranch

Santa Rosa, California

Description

McDonald Ranch - Santa Rosa's Family Camp & Riding ExperienceMcDonald Ranch, nestled at 3295 Guerneville Rd in Santa Rosa, CA, offers a diverse camp experience that combines horseback riding lessons with hands-on animal interactions and creative activities. The facility runs year-round programming including summer day camps, after-school programs, and riding instruction, featuring activities like pottery, archery, cooking, goat milking, and swimming excursions. Most families praise the variety of activities and the caring approach of the owners, though some concerns have been raised about supervision ratios and safety protocols. Kids especially enjoy the animal encounters with horses, kittens, chickens, and goats, making it a popular choice for young animal lovers. The ranch provides a rustic, outdoor setting where children can engage with farm life while developing new skills.

McDonald Ranch
What Stands Out
Extensive activity variety
From horseback riding and archery to pottery, ceramics, cooking, and goat milking, there's no shortage of things to try
Hands
On animal experiences
Kids get direct interaction with horses, goats, kittens, chickens, and other farm animals throughout their time at the ranch
Round programming
Offers both summer camp sessions and after
School programs during the school year for consistent engagement
Swimming component
Camps include trips to a public pool, providing relief during hot summer days
Mixed supervision feedback
While many praise the caring owners and staff, some reviewers have expressed concerns about counselor training and supervision ratios
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