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Kids and Teens Programs

At C Lazy U Ranch, we understand that family vacations are about creating cherished memories for every member of the family, both together and with peers. Our seasonal children’s programs are thoughtfully designed to provide a perfect blend of adventure, education, and fun, ensuring that children of all ages have the best time of their lives during their stay at our ranch, while simultaneously providing parents with opportunities for adult time.

Summer Children’s Program: A Gateway to Adventure

Embark on a journey like no other with the C Lazy U Ranch Children’s Program, a visionary initiative founded by Marion “Mare” Palmer in the early 1950’s. Mare’s passion for fostering a connection between children and the wonders of the natural world led to the creation of this immersive program. Tailored to ignite the spirit of adventure in young hearts, our Summer Children’s Program is a testament to Mare’s commitment to providing a well-rounded experience for kids as well as time for parents to enjoy their vacations in the company of other adults – guilt free!

Under the expert guidance of our experienced, caring staff, your children will discover the magic of the great outdoors. From exploring the vast wilderness that surrounds the ranch to engaging in interactive and educational activities, this program is designed to cater to the unique interests and curiosity of each child. The C Lazy U Ranch Children’s Program ensures that your little ones not only are having a blast but also creating lasting memories and sometimes lifelong friends.

Get All the Summer Program Details!
children program counselors
A group of children out on a trail ride during their summer vacation at C Lazy U Ranch

Availability

Memorial Day Weekend
Mid-June through Mid-August
Labor Day Weekend

Ages

Cowpokes: ages 3 to 5
Mustangs: ages 6 – 12
Teens: ages 13 – 17

Participants

No signup required.
The ranch plans for all kids ages 3-17 to participate in the program.

Hours

8:45 a.m. to 12 noon
1:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Meals

Kids and Teens (ages 3-17) eat dinner separately from Mom and Dad

Pricing

Included

Horseback Riding

All horseback riding is enjoyed separately from mom and dad with counselors in age specific groups.

Adventures
(All Children)

Fishing Pool Time Counselor Hunt Kid’s Carnival Lawn Games Cookouts Talent Show Line Dancing Capture the Flag Hayrides

…plus many more for each age group!

Christmas (and New Year’s) Kids Program

The Christmas & New Year’s Children’s Program at C Lazy U Ranch offers an unforgettable holiday experience for the whole family. While rooted in the traditions of our summer program, this winter edition adds a festive twist, combining a flexible activity schedule with the magic of the season. Families enjoy horseback riding together, while kids and teens engage in age-appropriate adventures tailored to the snowy conditions. Whether exploring the great outdoors or cozying up by the fire, this program ensures a memorable holiday for every member of your family.

Download Holiday Kids Program Brochure
a little boy on a pony is laughing and sticking out his tongue and so is the pony
A counselor gets two kids ready to slide down the snow-tubing hill
snowtubing
Tiny youngster on ice skates holding a hockey stick
kids in snow

Availability

Christmas Week
New Year’s Week

Ages

3 to 17 years old

Participants

No signup required.
The ranch plans for all kids ages 3-17 to participate in the program.

Hours

8:45 a.m. to 12 noon
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Meals

Kids and Teens (ages 3-17) eat dinner separately from Mom and Dad

Pricing

Included

Horseback Riding

All horseback rides are enjoyed together as a family.

Adventures

Pony Rides Arts + Crafts Nature Walks Game Room Snow Sports Ice Skating Story Time Little Sledding Hill Snow Tubing

…plus teen specific activities and family activities!

Little Ranch Hands

The Little Ranch Hands program at C Lazy U Ranch is designed especially for children ages 3-5 that are too young to ride horses on their own. This seasonal program offers a world of adventure, learning, and fun from October through April. With small group sizes your little ones will enjoy personalized attention as they explore activities like pony rides, nature walks, arts & crafts, scavenger hunts, and more.

Whether they’re grooming our friendly donkeys, fishing by the pond, playing in the snow, or decorating cookies, our Little Ranch Hands program creates unforgettable memories and introduces kids to the magic of ranch life—all while you relax knowing they’re in capable, caring hands.

A little boy helps pick up horse poop
100%
Tiny youngster on ice skates holding a hockey stick

Availability

October through April

Age Limit

3 to 5 years old

Participants

8 Maximum
(Advance Signup Required)

Hours

9:00 a.m. to 12 noon
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Meals

All meals are enjoyed together as a family.

Pricing

Included

Adventures

Pony Rides Arts + Crafts Nature Walks Ranger Rides Donkey Cart Rides Horse & Donkey Grooming Roping Scavenger Hunts Game Room Outdoor Education Field Games Pond Fishing Story Time Little Sledding Hill Ice Skating Cookie Decorating

baby joy

Babysitting

C Lazy U Ranch does not provide babysitting services but can recommend a local service. No kids under the age of 3 will be allowed in Children’s Program and require a babysitter/nanny. Cowpokes – ages 3 to 5 – must be potty trained. Discounted rates are available for families who bring a nanny who is caring for children under 3 (or un-potty trained 3-year-olds).


Meet Our Dedicated Counselors: Nurturing Adventures, Fostering Friendships

C Lazy U’s Children’s Programs are brought to life by our team of dedicated and enthusiastic counselors. Handpicked for their passion for working with children and their expertise in creating engaging, safe, and memorable experiences, our counselors are the heart of our programs. Each counselor is committed to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where your children can thrive during their stay at C Lazy U Ranch.


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Pony Express Newsletter

Our Pony Express Newsletter is sent out quarterly and is chock full of fun facts, ranch updates, games and fun facts about the animals on the ranch. Sign up your children today!

Please fill out the form once per email address. For example, if your younger children will receive email at your email address, put their first names in the First Name field, and your email address in the Email field and submit. Then for your teen son who has his own email address, submit the form again with his information.

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Ranch Blog

We are thrilled to announce C Lazy U Ranch’s inclusion in Abigail Bliss' latest story for Travel Boulder. The story not only highlights the amenities for bike lovers, but also points to the ranch’s many winter activities and designates the property a “must” for Colorado winter travel bucket lists. Read the article

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"Excellent vegetarian options – kudos to the chef and his team.

~ Glenn F., 10-04-2021

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