Cougar Ridge may be known for the luxurious decor of our villas and the adult-friendly amenities in the Grand Lodge, like the wine cellar and mesquite bar. But don’t let this fool you; our resort is still one of the most family-friendly Torrey accommodation options!
No matter your kids’ ages, Cougar Ridge and nearby Capitol Reef have something for everyone to enjoy. There are kid-friendly hiking trails throughout the park. A scenic drive is a great way for the whole family to experience the park together. There’s also seasonal fruit picking in Fruita, located in Capitol Reef National Park, which is certain to be a favorite activity for kids and adults alike.
Thinking about planning a family vacation at the best Torrey accommodation? Keep reading to learn a few tips for planning a trip that the whole family can enjoy together!
Create a Loose Itinerary Ahead of Time
If you’re a parent, you know that traveling with kids is much different than planning an adult-only getaway. Even if your kids are great travelers or flexible, they’re likely used to operating on some sort of routine. This means eating around the same time, going to bed around the same time, and perhaps taking a nap or two throughout the day.
When you’re traveling with adults, you might be able to simply plan each day when you wake up in the morning. But with kids, doing a little research and planning ahead of time can help your trip go more smoothly.
Having a loose itinerary can help ensure that you get to the things that everyone wants to do, without disrupting your regular schedule too much. This is also a great chance to plan out activities that your kids will enjoy or hiking trails that they will be comfortable taking on.
When researching hiking trails, don’t just look at the trail’s length and elevation either; look for reviews from real hikers. Find out whether there are hazards like cliffs that you won’t be comfortable taking your children near. Decide whether the terrain might be too rough and difficult for short legs and little feet. Figure out if wet weather might make a trail unsafe.
Keep Your Schedule Flexible and Include Downtime
Having a schedule can help you avoid some meltdowns during your visit to Capitol Reef National Park hotels. But it might not help you avoid all of them.
Kids—and adults—may find themselves unusually tired, cranky, or annoyed after a long day of hiking and spending time outside. If tempers flare, don’t be afraid to change your plans and take a break.
If you still want to create a schedule, simply allot more time for each activity and stop than you expect to use. You can always simply get ahead of schedule, or use the extra time to explore other trails, overlooks, or activities in the vicinity.
It’s also a great idea to have some activities planned that you can enjoy back at your Torrey accommodation. A family BBQ on the grill on your private patio at your villa, an afternoon stroll around the property to visit with our resident ranch animals, or an evening of stargazing with a Bonfire and Star Party are all great ways to take a break from hiking and exploring during your trip.
Make a Packing List for Each Family Member
Packing for several kids, a spouse, and yourself for a stay in our Torrey accommodation can be stressful. Forgetting an essential like someone’s hiking boots or someone else’s underwear will mean an emergency shopping trip. Depending on your itinerary, this may mean skipping out on something fun.
A few weeks before your trip, compile a packing list for each family member. Include everything you know you’ll need, and then check off the items that you already have. As you shop for the rest of the supplies for your trip, add a check mark. When it comes time to pack, add another check mark as you place each item in your luggage. That way you won’t have any “oh no!” moments during your trip as you realize that an essential was left behind.
Planning a Family-Friendly Stay at our Torrey Accommodation
Southern Utah is a great destination for a family vacation. With our spacious private villas, resident ranch animals, and a variety of on-site activities, Cougar Ridge is definitely the best family-friendly Torrey accommodation option.
No matter the size of your family or your kids’ ages, planning a visit to Capitol Reef and Cougar Ridge is certain to be one of your favorite vacations together!
While Cougar Ridge’s villas are certainly a great alternative to other Capitol Reef National Park hotels, our Grand Lodge also offers some incredible perks for families. From the bunk room to the bowling alley to the large dining areas great for families to enjoy a meal together, it’s the perfect destination for a family reunion or for extended families to plan a vacation together. Check out The Grand Lodge at Cougar Ridge today to learn more!