During "Regular Rate Periods" we offer a wonderful supervised children's program...which was featured in the 1998 April issue of SUNSET MAGAZINE; in 1993 in ADVENTURE WEST...KIDSTUFF...says "A full-operation cattle ranch, Rankin offers a fun-filled, down-home kind of vacation, complete with tradition, history and diversions for both young and old. Children are never bored at Rankin Ranch." We are proud also to have been included in the 1998 BETTER HOMES & GARDENS VACATION GUIDE.

Parents and grandparents especially appreciate the seasonal children's program, and enjoy watching their children explore nature while visiting the ranch. Our counselors are on duty from 9:30 am to 3:30pm, and have planned activities for ages 4 through 11. Older children may join in the fun if they wish. There are arts and crafts, nature hikes, scavenger hunts, treasure hunts, talent shows, and much, much more. Children love building creative toy boats to be raced at the creek.

Indian Day is another favorite time...making Indian crafts and learning about the Piute Indians of this area. These fun activities are usually followed by a hike down Walker's Basin Creek. Some groups will venture down to "Gossip Rock" where the Piutes would grind their acorns and wild rye...the Piutes lived in Walker's Basin over 100 years ago. The climax to this outing is often "free play" in the creek...don't forget to bring those old shoes and clothes for this fun country experience. Another day, the children make "straw and tissue paper" kites which are taken to the meadow to be flown. Chidlren and parents alike are amazed to see these colorful creations fly.

All ages enjoy SARAH'S FARM. Children love to help bottle feed the baby calves, and see the chickens. Amanda Rankin usually has a 4H lamb or steer. When she is available, Amanda is happy to explain how she cares for her animals and prepares them to be shown at the county fair.

After a fun filled day of these activities, and horseback riding (riding for ages 6 and older), children return to be with counselors at 5:30pm (during the Regular Season) for quiet activities in the recreation room so parents can attend the adult "Patio Party" in Lightner Square before dinner. Children normally are seated with the counselors for dinner, but if you prefer, we can arrange family seating. After dinner...children and adults enjoy the planned evening activities...square dancing and western line dancing, bingo, fooseball tournaments with prizes, talent shows, and exciting indoor "Horse Races" complete with stick horses and Rankin Ranch "Fun Money" for the adult's choice of winners. Everybody loves the weekly evening hay wagon ride and barbecue. CHILDREN ARE NEVER BORED AT RANKIN RANCH! Many guests who came to the ranch as children in the 1960's and '70's are now returning with their families. They want their children to experience RANKIN RANCH'S special atmosphere and have the same wonderful childhood memories.

Eight year old Daniel White's comment expresses most children's feelings about Rankin Ranch. After being at the ranch for only four hours, Daniel asked his mother, "Do you think we could live here forever?"

Stephanie, a teenager who has been coming to the ranch with her parents and grandparents for years telephoned one day to check on available dates for a possible trip with her mother and a friend. We were touched when she said..."Rankin Ranch is very special to me. It's one of the highlights of my childhood."