For more cowboy experiences across the country, check out these Dude Ranch Vacations for Families.

Kids will LOVE staying inside the adorable covered wagons at Westgate River Ranch. Photo by author

Cowboy Glamping Experiences in Florida

1. Westgate River Ranch – River Ranch

This 1,700-acre Florida dude ranch blends luxury glamping (think teepees and covered wagons) with Florida ranch vibes. Enjoy horseback riding, airboat tours, a brand new water park, skeet shooting, and an authentic Saturday-night rodeo featuring bull riding, trick riders, and barrel racing. The Cowboy Adventure Park boasts a frontier-themed play area with a rock climbing wall, mechanical bull, gem mining, and more!

Check out our reel on Instagram to get an inside glimpse into Westgate River Ranch!

2. Fort Wilderness Resort – Lake Buena Vista

Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground gives families a fun way to experience a touch of the frontier at Walt Disney World. With horseback riding, pony rides, archery, campfire sing-alongs, and rustic trails, the resort ties into Florida’s cowboy spirit while offering the magic and convenience of a Disney vacation.

3. Black Prong – Bronson

Black Prong Nature Resort blends cowboy culture with Florida’s natural beauty. Families can choose from country cottages, modern cabins, or RV glamping before heading out on horseback to explore the Goethe State Forest trails and hidden springs.

4. Rooterville Animal Sanctuary – Melrose

At Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, families can glamp in a cozy 1800s-style covered wagon complete with modern comforts, while enjoying hands-on, ranch fun. Unique experiences include "Farmer for a Day," where kids can help feed and care for animals, as well as cow cuddling(!) sessions.

Florida Rodeos for the Whole Family

5. Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo – Arcadia

Nicknamed the "Granddaddy of 'Em All," this rodeo began in 1928 and is one of the oldest rodeos in Florida. Families can enjoy four days of classic rodeo action in a small-town setting. The venue also hosts a fall rodeo in October.

6. Davie Pro Rodeo – Davie

Located at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in South Florida, the Davie Pro Rodeo hosts several events throughout the year showcasing top cowboys and cowgirls. It’s known for exciting competitions with an authentic western community spirit.

7. Homestead Championship Rodeo – Homestead

The southernmost rodeo in the continental United States, this event has been running since 1949. Homestead offers thrilling competitions along with community activities that celebrate Florida’s cowboy culture.

8. Silver Spurs Rodeo – Kissimmee

As the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi, the Silver Spurs Rodeo is a true Florida tradition. Held on the third weekend of February each year, this rodeo features bull riding, barrel racing, roping, and mutton bustin'. In addition to the annual rodeo, the venue also hosts Boots, Bulls, and Barrels in October and Monster Bulls in February.

9. Southeastern Pro Rodeo – Ocala

Held each March, the Southeastern Pro Rodeo brings top talent to Ocala for bull riding, bronco riding, and barrel racing. It’s a high-energy event perfect for introducing kids to professional rodeo excitement.

10. Tampa Bay Rodeo Family Festival – Tampa

This newer rodeo pairs bull riding and barrel racing with a festival-style atmosphere full of food trucks, live music, and family activities.

11. Westgate Rodeo – River Ranch

Every Saturday night, Westgate River Ranch hosts its own rodeo, open to both resort guests and the public. Families enjoy bull riding, barrel racing, trick riding, and cowboy antics. Experience authentic rodeo fun on a weekly basis!

Cowboy-Themed Events Around Florida

12. Cracker Christmas – Christmas

Cracker Christmas is a two-day festival each December at Fort Christmas Historical Park, celebrating Florida’s pioneer heritage with crafts, food, and live demonstrations. Started in 1977, it has grown into the park's largest annual event and highlights the history of the "Florida Cracker" cattle herders.

13. Florida Folk Festival – White Springs

The Florida Folk Festival, held each Memorial Day weekend, highlights the state’s diverse cultural traditions, including Old Florida history. Along with enjoying folk art, crafts, and food, families can visit an authentic "cracker" cow camp and participate in workshops such as wooden mallet making, spinning wool from sheep, Frontier Trapper-Trader Camp, and more.

14. Great Florida Cattle Drive – Okeechobee

The Great Florida Cattle Drive happens every five years, with the next adventure set for January 26-31, 2026. Participants will drive cattle about 80 miles from the IFAS DeLuca Preserve to Okeechobee, camping under the stars and enjoying nightly cowboy-themed entertainment. Families step back in time and experience the life of 19th-century cow hunters while celebrating Florida’s deep ranching heritage.

15. Six Gun Territory Wild West Weekend – Williston

Six Gun Territory Wild West Weekend is held each November at Kirby Family Farm, featuring reenactments, stunt shows, and interactive experiences. Visitors can enjoy a taste of the Old West with live performances, train rides, themed attractions, and a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the original Six Gun Territory attraction in Ocala.

Enjoy dinner and a show at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. Photo by author

Florida Restaurants with a Cowboy Twist

16. Cowboy Chicken – Kissimmee

Cowboy Chicken specializes in woodfired rotisserie chicken and Wild West sides like "Twice Baked Potaters," Cowboy Slaw, and Ranchero Beans. Bonus: Kids eat free after 4pm on Mondays!

17. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review – Lake Buena Vista

The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a 90-minute old-fashioned dinner show at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, featuring a blend of country music, comedy, and audience participation. Guests are treated to an all-you-can-eat feast of fried chicken, BBQ ribs, cornbread, and strawberry shortcake.

18. Whispering Canyon Café – Lake Buena Vista

Located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Whispering Canyon Café offers a dining experience with a rustic atmosphere. Guests enjoy bottomless platters filled with BBQ pork ribs, rotisserie chicken, and cornbread, while servers engage in playful antics and encourage fun interactions.

Unique Horseback Riding Tours Around Florida

19. Beach Tours on Horseback – Fort Pierce

Families with kids ages 10 and up can enjoy a horseback tour along the sandy beaches of Fort Pierce. These one-hour, guided rides offer ocean views and cool sea breezes. Tours of St. Lucie County Preserve are also available.

20. Canyons Horseback Riding Tours – Ocala

The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park in Ocala offers scenic horseback riding tours through unique terrain and stunning vistas. These 1.5- to 2-hour guided tours provide families with an opportunity to explore Florida's natural beauty from horseback. The minimum age for these tours is 7. Gem mining, kayaking, and zip lining are also available.

21. Florida Beach Horses – Bradenton

Florida Beach Horses offers a horseback riding adventure along the shores and in the calm waters of Palma Sola Bay. Families with kids as young as 3 years old can enjoy the "Sand & Surf Ride," while ages 10 and up can partake in the “Cruise Ride.”

More Activities for Florida Cowboys and Cowgirls

22. Circle F Dude Ranch Camp – Lake Wales

Just 45 minutes from Orlando, this Florida dude ranch offers a traditional summer camp and spring break camp experience with a Western twist. Campers engage in activities like horseback riding, roping, leather crafting, and chuck wagon cooking, providing an authentic cowboy experience.

23. Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch – Immokalee

Originally home to the longest-running ranch in South Florida, this 13-acre historic site and museum provides an authentic look into the life of Florida's early cow hunters and ranchers. The museum showcases preserved buildings and artifacts, offering hands-on activities and educational programs that bring Florida's pioneer history to life.

24. Lake Kissimmee State Park – Lake Wales

This state park offers a glimpse into Florida's cowboy past via living history demonstrations of an 1876-era cow camp. Visitors can engage with costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional cow hunter skills, such as cattle herding and cooking over an open fire. The park also provides hiking trails, equestrian trails, and glamping in luxury pioneer tents.

25. Paynes Prairie – Micanopy

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, located near Gainesville, is home to wild bison and horses, offering a peek into Florida's natural and ranching history. The park features hiking and horseback riding trails, an observation tower, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.