Horse‑Drawn Hayride and Sunset Cookout at MacDonald's Ranch, Scottsdale

SCOTTSDALE HORSE FIELD GUIDE

Horse‑Drawn Hayride and Sunset Cookout at MacDonald's Ranch, Scottsdale

Spend three hours that begin with a 30‑minute horse‑drawn hayride and end at a sunset dinner, bonfire and s'mores—an evening program tailored to families and groups.

Horse‑Drawn Hayride and Sunset Cookout at MacDonald's Ranch, Scottsdale.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Scottsdale
Operator
MacDonald's Ranch
Category
Horse
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Outside Scottsdale’s city edge, MacDonald's Ranch stages an evening ritual: a 30‑minute horse‑drawn hayride that leads back to a sunset cookout, live entertainment, and a bonfire for s'mores. The packaged outing runs about three hours from arrival and mixes a short, social ride with a sit‑down dinner (steak, chicken or a vegetarian stuffed pepper) and communal dessert.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE RIDE

A 30‑minute horse‑drawn hayride

The centerpiece is a half‑hour, horse‑drawn hayride that’s offered as part of the evening program and is available for guests of all ages.

THE DINNER

Sunset cookout with plated entree choices

Dinner at sunset includes a choice of steak, chicken or a vegetarian stuffed bell pepper, served with sides including cowboy beans, garlic mashed potatoes, garden salad, mac ’n’ cheese and dinner rolls.

THE NIGHTCAP

Bonfire, s'mores and family entertainment

After dinner the group gathers around a bonfire for s'mores and evening entertainment, rounding out the outdoor dining experience.

What the day feels like

What the evening feels like

The program unfolds like a short, staged evening: check‑in and a 30‑minute horse‑drawn hayride, then a sunset meal with seated entrees and group sides, finishing around a bonfire with s'mores and entertainment over roughly three hours.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this outing suits—and who should look elsewhere.

1
Families with childrenDesigned for families: the hayride is available to all ages and there are child pricing tiers and kids’ meal options for ages 2–5.
2
Groups and casual dinersGroups seeking a social outdoor dinner will find pre‑set entrees and shared sides appropriate for a casual, sunset cookout format.
3
Pregnant travelersNot a fit for pregnant guests who cannot participate in the horseback ride for their safety and their child’s safety.
4
Guests with dietary needsVegetarian and adjustable vegan options are available—if vegan, request no cheese when booking; note that special meal handling should be requested at reservation.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The full program is about three hours long; guests should arrive at their booked start time.

Meeting point

Meet at MacDonald's Ranch, 26540 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

What to bring

If you have dietary restrictions—such as vegan needs—request modifications at the time of reservation (for example, ask for no cheese on the vegetarian/vegan option).

Pricing & gratuity

Rates vary by age category and package; a 20% gratuity is added to all bookings.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long does the experience last?

The full evening program is three hours long; the hayride portion lasts 30 minutes.

Where do I meet for the hayride and cookout?

Meeting location is MacDonald's Ranch at 26540 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

Are children allowed on the hayride and are there child prices?

The hayride is available for all ages; child pricing is offered for ages 2–5 and children’s meal choices are provided for those under 5.

What meal options are offered?

Dinner entrees include steak, chicken or a vegetarian bell pepper stuffed with wild rice, zucchini and cheese; sides include cowboy beans, garlic mashed potatoes, garden salad, mac n’ cheese and dinner rolls.

Can I request a vegan meal?

Yes—if you are vegan, request no cheese under dietary restrictions when making your reservation.

Are there restrictions for pregnant guests?

Pregnant guests or those who think they may be pregnant cannot participate in the horseback ride for safety reasons.