I didn't think people were serious about these, when I heard about them as a child. Of course they are called Guest Ranches now. Looking at the pix I didn't see an barrels tied to ropes with guys sitting on split rail fences.
Have you ever thought about going to a Guest ranch for a vacation? Since kids don't get to see farm animals or cowboys up close and personal these days, I think it would be the ideal vacation for parents trying to teach their children an appreciation for nature.
There are several scattered around Colorado, but the
Flying Horse Ranch is located in, now get this, South Park, Colorado.
I don't think this is too far from Denver so getting back to civilization isn't a huge challenge, and there are local activities to keep families pretty busy!