Families can unplug on ranch holidays

Ranch getaways give families the chance to blend rustic pleasures, outdoor pursuits and unplugged relaxation. Round up your clan and consider these five places.

1. RANCH AT ROCK CREEK, Philipsburg, Montana

Spend the night in a Trapper Tent - a half-cabin, half-luxury canvas tent, nestled within 2428 hectares of rugged Montana wilderness. If you prefer four solid walls, choose the Granite Lodge or log homes on the property.

Families may opt for fly-fishing on private trout ponds and Rock Creek, horseriding, clay shooting, paintball, hiking and mountain biking.

Later, sit a spell in the ranch's Silver Dollar Saloon where karaoke, billiards, big-screen movies and bowling will entertain your crowd.

Tuckered out? Choose a riverside or mountain getaway spot where you'll find a hammock, blankets, pillows, snacks and a little peace and quiet. Enjoy your nap, cowboy style.

Contact: www.theranchatrockcreek.com

2. HACIENDA SANTA INES, Cartago, Costa Rica

Children can feed the lambs and piglets before a family breakfast of fresh farm eggs and other delights plucked from the organic garden and greenhouse.

Here, in the Tres Rios Mountains, your family will enjoy farm life amid flower-laden lawns, lagoons and stables. Ride Friesian horses, swim in the pool and ride ATVs throughout the 120-hectare working ranch and farm. Play paintball, help milk the cows or enjoy the spa.

With only 11 guest rooms, you'll enjoy a peaceful holiday or perhaps a family reunion.

Contact: www.haciendasantaines.com

3. HIDEAWAY RANCH AND RETREAT, Bluff Dale, Texas

Kids can help crack the case of the Buffalo Gulch Bank Robbery by finding clue boxes around this 63-hectare ranch. The reigning supersleuth will earn an honorary sheriff's badge.

More fun can be had in this Erath County location by swimming in the big stock tank, fishing, enjoying family picnics and wagon pulls, horseriding and learning archery.

Choose from rustic or more modern cabins in the woods throughout the ranch.

Contact: www.thehideawayranch.com

4. CREEK RANCH, Lake Hatchineha, Florida

This family-owned ranch is one of the few of its size that remain in the bustling state of Florida. Just an hour from Orlando yet a world away, you'll find wetlands-style bird watching and the chance to ride horses across the ranchland as well as an airboat across Lake Hatchineha.

Families can ride bikes, hop aboard jeep tours, play boccie ball, learn clay shooting or you may choose to explore the chain of lakes that begins just beyond your cabin door.

Contact: www.creekranch.net

5. C LAZY U RANCH, Granby, Colo

After the ropin' and ridin', join two Grammy-winning singer-songwriters for a live performance and the opportunity to discover how you might pen or perform an award-winning tune.

Pros Monty Powell and Anna Wilson will be on hand for this one-time event from July 24-31.

That week and throughout the season, families can relish time spent horseriding in stunning Colorado country, gourmet dining, fly-fishing on private water, trap shooting and learning archery. There are also yoga and spa activities.

The ranch is well known for its kids' adventure program.