Natural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg gives kids several ways to spend time around horses, from a short pony ride to riding lessons and horse camp. It’s one of our picks for things to do in Brownsburg with kids. The family-owned, 78-acre ranch along White Lick Creek also runs guided horseback rides and has an animal interaction area with goats, miniature horses and other farm animals.
Trail rides require reservations, and the animal area keeps separate visiting hours. If you want to do both, plan your ride around the animal visiting schedule below.
Visit with Animals
The ranch’s animal interaction area includes miniature goats, chickens, ducks, geese, miniature horses and ponies. Cats and dogs also live on the property. Watch for the goats climbing on the objects in their pasture.
The suggested donation is $2 per person. Posted visiting hours are:
- Saturday: Noon to 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 2 to 4 p.m.
- Monday through Friday: Call for availability.
The ranch welcomes treats for its goats. Check with staff about what to bring and which animals you may feed.
Go on a Horseback Ride at Natural Valley Ranch
Guided trail rides follow paths through the ranch’s woods and along White Lick Creek. Choose from two ride lengths:
- 30-minute trail ride: $30 per person
- 60-minute trail ride: $45 per person
Each ride is limited to six participants. Reserve through the ranch’s trail ride booking page before visiting. Rides run on select days throughout the year, depending on weather, daylight and guide availability, with closures on most major holidays.
Riders must be at least 4 years old, and each person rides a separate horse. Shoes must cover both the toes and heels; boots or sneakers are recommended, and Crocs, sandals and slides are not permitted. Long pants are recommended.
Helmets are required for riders younger than 16 and available for other riders. A parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver for anyone younger than 18. The rider weight limit is 275 pounds.
Pony Rides at Natural Valley Ranch
Pony rides in the arena cost $5 per person, per ride. Call ahead to reserve a time and confirm availability for your child.
Horseback Riding Lessons
For kids who want more time with the horses, riding lessons cover horse safety, behavior, grooming, saddling and riding in the arena and on the trails. Children can generally begin around age 5 or 6, depending on maturity, and adults can take lessons, too.
Instruction is tailored to the rider’s experience and goals. New students begin with 10 private lessons before being paired with a student of similar ability. Contact the ranch for current pricing and scheduling.
Horse Camps for Kids
The ranch’s camp programs include spring break, summer and fall break sessions. Camp activities can include grooming, saddling, horse safety, stall cleaning and riding. No previous riding experience is required for the summer programs.
The summer camp program includes traditional sessions for ages 8 and older and mini camps for ages 6 and 7. Check each camp’s registration details for its age requirements and schedule.
*Fall break camp dates and registration details for 2026 have not been posted on the ranch’s fall camp page. We will update this section when they are available.
Spend the Night at Natural Valley Ranch
Families can book the ranch’s four-bedroom cottage, which has a wraparound porch overlooking the animals. A six-bedroom log cabin overlooks the property’s three-acre lake.
Overnight guests can hike the trails, visit the farm animals and fish in the stocked lake. Fishing is catch-and-release, and horseback rides cost extra. The ranch also takes reservations for birthday parties and has event space for reunions and group gatherings.
More Information
Natural Valley Ranch is located at 6310 E. County Road 350 N., Brownsburg, IN 46112. Check the booking calendar for trail ride availability and call ahead for pony rides or weekday animal visits.
Before you drive: The ranch’s website posts a bridge-detour notice for County Road 350 North. Check its latest directions and allow extra travel time.
Visit Natural Valley Ranch’s website for reservations and program information, or call 317-509-3577.
[…] purposes.Address: 6310 County Rd 350, Brownsburg Distance from Indianapolis: 30 minutesNatural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg is a gem. The 78-acre ranch that runs along White Lick Creek is the biggest ranch in Hendricks […]