Boots On.
Helmets Ready.
Summer 2026 Starts Here!
Heritage Ranch’s Summer Day Camp offers children ages 6 - 14 a safe, structured, and hands-on ranch experience. Campers learn horseback riding, care for horses and mini farm animals, and grow confidence through guided outdoor activities led by experienced instructors.
A Screen-Free Summer Camp Where Kids Build Confidence Through Horses & Farm Life
In addition to horseback riding, campers spend time caring for and interacting with our mini farm animals. This hands-on experience helps build confidence, responsibility, and comfort around animals—especially for first-time riders.
More Than Camp—A Confidence-Building Ranch Experience
This isn’t a drop-off activity camp. At Heritage Ranch, children gain confidence, responsibility, and comfort around animals through hands-on experiences that meet them where they are. From caring for gentle mini farm animals to learning the basics of horseback riding, campers progress at a pace that feels safe and encouraging.
Our program is especially supportive for beginners and first-time campers, creating a calm, welcoming environment where kids feel comfortable trying something new.
Gentle Introductions through Mini Farm Animals
Daily interaction with our mini farm animals helps campers feel comfortable and confident before working with larger horses. These hands-on moments teach empathy, responsibility, and animal care—while giving nervous or first-time campers a gentle, confidence-building start to their ranch experience.
Campers will learn
This is the space to introduce the Features section. Use this space to highlight your unique aspects and to present specific credentials, benefits or special features you offer.
🐴 Riding & Horsemanship
-
Safe mounting and dismounting
-
Basic steering, stopping, and posture
-
Western riding fundamentals
-
Grooming, tacking, and daily horse care
🐐🐔Animal Education
-
Learn about miniature donkeys, pygmy goats, rabits & chickens
-
Feeding routines and animal behavior
-
Respect for animals, equipment, and barn rules
🌻 Ranch Life & Enrichment
-
Groom, feed & help care for our animals
-
Get your hands dirty with real ranch life
-
Learn fun facts from animal experts
Special guest experiences may include visits from a veterinarian and a farrier to introduce campers to real-world equine careers!
8:00 - 8:30
Arrival & Check in
8:30 - 9:00
Barn Safety & Daily Overview
9:00 - 10:30
Riding instruction or Special guest
Horse veterinarian, Farrier
10:30 - 11:00
Snack & water break
11:00 - 12:00
Horsemanship or mini-animal education
Grooming, tacking, feeding, animal behavior
12:00 - 12:45
Lunch
Brought from home
12:45 - 1:45
Ranch activities
Ground work, lead-line skills, barn chores, games
1:45 - 2:30
Creative & educational crafts
Crafts, anatomy lessons, horse & mini-animal learning
2:30 - 3:00
Wrap up & Pick up
Frequently Asked Questions
A. The camp includes daily horseback riding lessons, horsemanship education, mini-farm animal care, and hands-on farm activities. Campers work with horses, mini donkeys, pygmy goats, rabbits, fancy chickens, and other animals while learning responsibility, confidence, and ranch life skills.
A. Heritage Ranch Summer Day Camp in Howell, NJ is designed for children ages 6 and up. The program supports both beginners and early-intermediate riders, as well as kids who love animals and outdoor activities.
A. Summer Day Camp typically runs Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with multiple sessions offered throughout July and August. Exact dates and availability may vary by season.
A. Heritage Ranch Summer Day Camp is located in Howell Township, New Jersey, making it a convenient summer camp option for families in Monmouth County and Central NJ.
A. No horseback riding experience is required. Heritage Ranch Summer Day Camp is beginner-friendly, and instructors provide age-appropriate instruction for first-time riders while helping more experienced campers build skills and confidence.
A. No! Heritage Ranch provides ASTM/SEI-certified riding helmets for all campers at no additional cost. Safety is our top priority, and all helmets are properly fitted and sanitized between uses.
If your child already owns a properly fitted, certified riding helmet and prefers to use it, they are welcome to bring it—but it is not required.
A. Yes. Safety is a top priority. Campers are supervised by experienced staff, ride in small groups, and use provided safety equipment, including helmets. Activities are structured to ensure a safe, supportive, and positive environment.
A. That’s completely normal—and very common. Many children start out feeling unsure around horses, and we’re experienced in helping them build comfort and confidence at their own pace. At Heritage Ranch, there’s never pressure to ride right away. Children are encouraged to begin by observing, interacting with our gentle mini farm animals, and learning basic horse care in a calm, supportive environment.
Our instructors take a patient, individualized approach, allowing each child to progress when they feel ready. For many kids, these early positive interactions help turn nervousness into curiosity—and eventually confidence both in and out of the saddle.
A. Camp is run rain or shine! In the event of rain or inclement weather, activities are adjusted to ensure campers stay safe, comfortable, and engaged. This may include indoor or covered activities, barn time, educational sessions, crafts, or modified horse activities when conditions allow.
If weather conditions become unsafe (e.g., severe storms), staff will follow established safety protocols and communicate any necessary updates directly to parents.
A. Families can register here through our website or contact the ranch directly (732) 228-1596 to check session availability, pricing, and enrollment details for the upcoming summer.
Contact us
Request more information about booking our programs!
Or call:
Serving Central NJ Families
Hours By Appointment
Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm