Westgate River Ranch: How to have the best family getaway!
Pulling up to Westgate River Ranch is arriving for quality time. THIS is where memories are made.
(This time reversing dude ranch is less than two hours from the Palm Beach International airport and they have an airstrip on property for small aircraft.)
Before this trip, my last visit was with family as a 6 year old and it was larger than life in my memory, My mom wanted to take me because she loved it as a kid. Not to spoil anything, but this actually exceeded my expectations. We went with another family and had a blast. We were laughing so hard my stomach still hurts.
These are the days you will remember.
ACCOMMODATIONS
There are several room types for you from the main lodge, to cabins, to TeePees, glamping, camping and more!
The main lodge is the most hotel like and has several room types.
The glamping is a very nice air-conditioned tent that is set up just for you. Bathrooms in the glamping area are communal, air-conditioned and close by. If you want the camping experience sans having to buy or pitch a tent, this is for you. If you want to pitch your own tent, there are spaces available for that as well.
The lux teepee is a super fun option. YES they do have ac and it works great because they are insulated. This is the only all inclusive option – so your golf card, horseback rides, airboat rides, mechanical bull rides… all included so giddy up.
The cottages and cabins are a great option for a family as they provide a kitchen and washer/dryer in the home. We really liked being able to prepare some meals at home and since we really went for it and were all sweaty and dirty by days end, that laundry was amazing. (The kitchen is stocked – even dish and laundry detergent)
Check in early to reserve your golf cart because on busy weekend they can be sold out. They are first come first serve – no reservations. $75 for a club car and $100 per day for a limo cart with 3 rows. You will be fine without one but they are really fun to have and certainly quicker for exploring and activities further away.
Cribs are available upon request. If you need it the wifi is quick and reliable. Their pet friendly cabins are perfect for your pooch so just check on the restrictions before you go if you plan on bringing your four-legged baby.
ACTIVITIES
You will NOT be bored, but you might not have time to do it all. Check out the many activities offered to see what might be a good fit for your group. If there is something you don’t want to miss go ahead and book online to gauranteee that you get the time you want.
The adventure park is a great place to let the kids run. it is located in the main area by line dancing lessons, the saloon, and indoor game room(bring small bills to buy tokens). The adventure park offers mini golf, rock wall climbing, zip line, bungee bouncing, bounce houses, even a campfire at night for smores.
An airboat ride is a great way to add to the fun. Its really loud but they supply earmuffs. If you have your own bring those. Wear a snug fitting hat and sunblock as there is no shade. Take the first ride of the day for the best odds of major gator spotting! We saw a ton of baby gators.
The petting zoo is free and a favorite your crew will likely want to visit daily. Bring quarters for buying handfuls of feed if you want to feed the animals. Pony and horse rides can be arranged at the stables.
Archery and skeet shooting are not to be missed! First thing is to teach the kids not to aim anywhere but at the targets! Second, you don’t retrieve your arrows until all archers have put their bows down.
To beat the heat the Kids Corral has craft times or hop in the pool!
The Rodeo is every Saturday of the year at 7:30pm. Mr. Duncan, the resort general manager, who is also the pastor at the church, is an ex bull rider and rodeo announcer. He does a heck of a job making everyone feel welcome and giving thanks to the members of the armed services and their families. It is quite a spectacle! The show is about an hour and a half. At the end you can meet the horses then it’s a party with line dancing, a DJ, mechanic bull and adventure park fun.
The hay ride and BBQ dinner are a fun way to enjoy the evening. The live music makes it extra special. Wear a hat a sunscreen the seating area is uncovered and it starts at 415 so the sun is still shining.
And that’s not all! There is still cane pole fishing, swamp buggy rides, basketball, tennis, boat rentals, a 9 hole golf course, driving range, fitness center, Church, and shopping at the western store. Plus you can rent horseshoes, basketballs, tennis gear, volleyballs and more from the front desk.
DINING
You have several options:
The hay ride we mentioned above includes a fun dinner.
The Smokehouse Grill varies its offering with the season, but they have an easy breakfast buffet and kid friendly options for lunch and dinner.
If you have a kitchen in your room, you can bring your own provisions and fill in any gaps at The General Store.
The General Store is also a great place to grab a pizza, an ice cream cone, sandwich and general groceries and goods.
The Saloon is your stop for adult beverages and dancing. NOTE: 21 and over only.
PACKING
Close toe shoes (a must for anyone wanting to do the adventure park)
Socks
Sunblock (we like Bare Republic)
Sunglasses
Hat
Reusable cups – the kids thermos and my big yeti fit nicely in the golf cart cupholders 
Frisbee, remote control cars, bubbles, scooters, other outdoor fun stuff
Bikes (if you don’t want to bring you can rent them on site and they do have some with baby seats)
Bathing suits
Sandals
Swim coverup
Pajamas
Casual day time clothes
Jeans or long pants if you plan to ride the mechanical bull, do the zip line, rock wall, or bungee bounce.
Sun protective clothing
Day bag (I thought a backpack was easiest)
Cosmetics
Bug repellent (although we didn’t use what we brought, the bugs just weren’t bad)
Smores stuff (or buy the kit at the general store)
Phone charger (because you will want to take photos)
Bluetooth speaker for your room (it just seemed right to have country music playing at all times)
Food provisions if you have an in room kitchen. We brought avocado and toast for breakfast, fruit and PB&J for lunch, rice and easy things to grill for dinners. We pre-made pancake batter, zucchini chocholate chip muffins and blueberry pie to take too.
You will see why so many families come year after year. This is the kind of place where you disconnect from technology and get reconnected with those around you. Making memories is the first order of business here, so go on now… get started. Maybe we will see you there next time – we are already planning a fall trip back!
