Dixie Dude Ranch, Bandera

Dixie Dude Ranch is a working ranch offering a very relaxed vibe with authentic western accommodations. If you travel with kids, they'll likely find friendships with other guests if you travel during school holidays. Horse rides are taken at a walking pace on very docile horses and last about an hour each ride so they might not be exhilarating enough for an experienced rider but were great for kids who get their own steed if they are older than 6yrs. Although there is a captive market the ranch only charges 75c for a soda and 50c for bottled water on an honesty basis from a cooler, but tea, coffee and water are available all day in the main house free of charge. If you take your own booze, there is an ice bucket in each room and ice on tap in the main house to keep it cool. The food is awesome and all cooked on site - even the granola is made of freshly toasted oats each morning! And don't get me started about the brisket and ribs from the smoker....

Top tip: Arrive between 2pm and 3pm and you should be able to do an afternoon ride on the day of arrival. On the day of departure, you have to check out of your room by 11am (after a morning ride) but you can stay for lunch which is served at 12.30.