MacDonald’s Ranch

You can’t come all the way to cowboy country and not experience a bit of the Old West. Although Scottsdale is a sprawling modern community, this historic 1,300-acre ranch in the north end of town recreates a dusty Main Street complete with a general store and cowpokes dressed in snap-front shirts and chaps. The free attractions include a petting zoo and pony rides make for a fun-filled family-friendly day. Practice your roping, board an authentic red stagecoach, take a hayride through the desert, and enjoy a chuck-wagon cowboy dinner under the stars. Kids of all ages love the experience. For the more adventurous, there are horseback riding lessons and trail rides across the saguaro-studded landscape.