Parents and kids can enjoy great getaways while learning that not all food comes from a supermarket, and that not all entertainment requires electricity! Listed alphabetically by state, these BedandBreakfast.com members welcome families seeking a fun family farm or ranch vacation. Unless otherwise noted, rates quoted are for double occupancy, including breakfast, excluding tax and gratuity. Horseback riding is generally not offered for very young children; children of all ages need to be carefully supervised by their parents.

 

Craig Ranch B&B, Limon, CO: At this 15,000-acre working cattle ranch, 80 miles east of Denver, enjoy a first-hand view of gathering or branding cattle; if you've brought your own horse, ride with ranch hands to participate in the round-up. Kids will also enjoy the swings, basketball, tetherball, ping-pong, and billiards. Try your hand at spinning wool, or learn about a 1900s train robbery on the ranch. The Cowboy Package includes accommodations plus dinner for two, breakfast for two, and a pickup ranch tour or a ride on the range for $115-$125; children under four, $20. Info: www.craigranchbandb.com, 719-775-2658.

 

First Farm Inn, Idlewild, KY: Eight friendly horses of assorted colors and breeds offer noses to pet and eagerly take carrots and apples from outstretched hands at First Farm Inn, just outside of Cincinnati, OH. The farm's two-hour horse experiences include grooming, tacking up, and riding. Family packages include accommodations in a room with queen-size bed, day bed, trundle, and TV/VCR; access to the video library, large breakfasts with kid-friendly entrees, use of the outdoor hot tub, rowing around the pond, and horseback rides. Well-behaved, closely supervised children welcome. Two-night packages for four, including one horseback ride, start at $450; three-night packages start at $594. Info: www.firstfarminn.com, 800-277-9527.

 

Earthshine Mountain Lodge, Lake Toxaway, NC: Escape to western North Carolina for a Pioneer Heritage Festival, and apprentice in the blacksmith shop, feed the barnyard animals, spin wool, mine for gems, press apple cider, and make candles. Next, travel back in time to a secret Cherokee village to learn traditional customs. Afternoons, hike to thundering King's Falls, slide down Crystal Creek, or play water games in the mountaintop meadows. Kids ten and up thrill to the High Ropes Course and the "Flight through the Treetops" zip line. The 30-foot climbing wall is a huge hit for children six and up, and there's even a kids' camp for those five and under. All-inclusive daily rates are $170/night/person for adults; $110/night/person ages 10-15; $90/night/person ages 6-9; and $50/night/person under 6. Info: www.earthshinemtnlodge.com, 828-862-4207.

Pipe Creek Farm B&B, West Falls, NY: Kids and pets are welcome at this upstate B&B, just 15 miles south of Buffalo. Riding lessons offer the chance to learn everything about horses from the ground up, including brushing, tacking and riding. A large in-ground pool, a variety of board games, and TVs in all guest rooms will keep children busy when they're not riding. Horse stalls are available ($10 nightly) if you BYOH. The horseback-riding package for a family of four includes one night's lodging in the family suite, breakfasts, and a three-hour riding lesson for the whole family for $250. Info: http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/ppf/inn/216518/Listing.aspx, 716-652-4868.

 

Cedar Creek at Spruce Hill B&B, Spruce Creek, PA: This working farm with cattle, chickens, honey bees, rabbits and cats, invites families to spend fun weekends gathering eggs, playing with the bunnies, or even suiting up to visit the hives. Depending upon the season, you might help with berry picking, canning, making jams or jellies (some of which you can take home) or, in the fall, stirring apple butter. Nearby caves, Revolutionary War forts, fishing and swimming offer additional central Pennsylvania diversions. A two-room family suite with kitchenette is $160 nightly, including breakfast for four. Inn rooms are $100-125; rollaway cots are $20 per child. Info: www.cedarhill-sprucecreek.com, 888-764-9790.

 

Sunrise Farm B&B, Salem, SC: Children of all ages are welcome at this farm, set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and enjoy visiting the llamas, miniature horses, and Muffin, the pot-bellied pig. Other activities include boating, swimming and fishing in nearby lakes, mountain biking, hiking, berry picking, and the self-guided tour of 30 area waterfalls. Cottages with kitchens, living rooms (with video library), porches, and grills accommodate families nicely. Children under 12 stay free in the cottages; $12 per child in inn rooms. Rates of $95-130 include breakfast in the inn, but not in the cottages. Info: http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/ppf/inn/206710/Listing.aspx, 888-991-0121.

 

The Inn at Quail Run, Wilmington, VT: Not only do the innkeepers here have a herd of children to serve as ready playmates or babysitters, guests also enjoy mingling with the llamas, sheep and chickens here too. This totally kid-friendly B&B also has a heated outdoor swimming pool, children's movie room, and a ping pong table. The cottage accommodates up to 13 people, perfect for a small family reunion. Nightly rates, $90-200; $25 for ages 2-12; $35 for 13 and up. Info: www.theinnatquailrun.com, 1-800-3-4ESCAPE (800-343-7227).