Golden Heart Ranch Days is an inclusive, alternative-style day program designed for individuals with disabilities who are ready to grow, connect, and thrive. Centered around real-life experiences and hands-on learning, this unique program empowers participants to build independence, confidence, and lasting friendships in a supportive and uplifting environment.

Mondays are spent at Golden Heart Ranch, where Ranchers enjoy a variety of engaging activities designed to build independence, social connections, healthy living, and vocational skills in a fun and supportive environment. Activities may include gardening, animal care, fitness, cooking, arts and crafts, sensory experiences, team-building games, and classes led by community specialists.

New for Fall 2026: A small group of Ranchers will participate in a weekly grocery shopping trip each Monday morning, purchasing ingredients for lunches and cooking activities throughout the week. Additional small-group community outings may include visits to local grocery stores, garden centers, feed stores, and other vocational and life skills destinations.

Ranchers who are not yet community-ready, or who prefer to remain on-site, will continue to enjoy a full day of enriching activities at the Ranch. There is no requirement to participate in community outings, and meaningful programming will be available on-site throughout the day.

Monday afternoons feature communication-focused programming led by our Communication Specialist, Pearl. Ranchers will participate in both group communication activities and individualized 1:1 breakout sessions focused on spelling, communication, and building confidence with expressive and receptive language skills.

Single Day Registration. AM & PM Bus.

Tuesdays combine the best of community experiences and Ranch-based programming. Each week, a rotating group of Ranchers will attend a community-based music class at Music Matterz, while the remaining Ranchers stay on-site to participate in a variety of Ranch activities including animal care, gardening, cooking, fitness, and other life skills programming.

In the afternoon, the entire group returns to the Ranch for yoga with our certified yoga instructor, Kym, promoting mindfulness, flexibility, strength, and overall wellness. Following yoga, Communication Specialist Pearl leads both group communication activities and individualized 1:1 breakout sessions focused on spelling, communication, and language development.

Ranchers will rotate through the Music Matterz program throughout the session and may not attend the community music class every week, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate while also benefiting from meaningful programming at the Ranch.

Full Month Commitment. AM & PM Bus

August & September Lunch Menus:

8.25.26: BBQ Chicken

9.1.26: Cobb Salad

9.8.26 CLOSED

9.15.26: Sliders

9.22.26: Grilled Chicken & Kale Salad

9.29.26: Chicken Kebabs

Outing to a high-quality destination/activity in greater Los Angeles. Ranchers weigh in on group visits to Museums, Amusement Parks, Movies, Theater Matinees, Beaches, Nature Preserves, Cultural Festivals, Music Venues, sports Games, Unique Experiences, Historical Sites, and other destinations that most interest them.

Single Day Registration.  Picnic Lunch unless otherwise noted

September 2026

9.2.26: IMAX 3D: Mummies. Experience the fascinating world of ancient Egypt through an immersive IMAX 3D film exploring the mysteries, history, and science behind mummies.

9.9.26: CLOSED

9.16.26: Painted Pony Farm – apple picking. Spend the day at Painted Pony Farm enjoying the fall harvest and picking fresh apples straight from the trees. Ranchers can explore the farm, enjoy the outdoors, and experience where their food comes from.

9.23.26: Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Enjoy lunch at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, known for its delicious food and over-the-top chocolate creations, followed by time to explore the shops, sights, and entertainment at Universal CityWalk.

9.30.26: Wildlife Learning Center. Get up close with a variety of fascinating animals while learning about wildlife, conservation, and responsible animal care. Ranchers will have the opportunity to see and learn about animals from around the world.

Thursdays offer two unique community-based experiences, with Ranchers rotating weekly between each opportunity.

One group begins the morning at Zooz Fitness, participating in an inclusive community fitness class before returning to the Ranch for lunch and an afternoon of Ranch activities such as gardening, animal care, cooking, and vocational skill development.

The second group spends the morning participating in Ranch activities before heading into the community in the afternoon for an art class at Art Trek. These creative classes encourage self-expression while building fine motor skills, confidence, and social connections in an inclusive community setting.

By rotating between Zooz Fitness and Art Trek, every Rancher has the opportunity to experience both community partnerships while continuing to enjoy the diverse programming offered at Golden Heart Ranch.

Full Month Commitment. AM Bus Only

Monthly in-depth focus that may happen at the Ranch or offsite. Theme Days facilitate month-long exposure to paticipatnchosen interestes like Nature, California History, Sports, Art, Volunteerisn, Amilas, Culture, Space, and many others. Theme Days all us to explore participant interests in a deep way with facilitated community visits and important content by Specialists at the Ranch. Single Day Registration.

September 2026:

Under the Sea! Dive into an ocean of discovery! Each Friday, Ranchers will visit a different aquarium to explore marine life, learn about ocean ecosystems, and experience the incredible animals that call our oceans home.

9.4.26: Aquarium of the Pacific. Explore the wonders of the Pacific Ocean while discovering colorful fish, sea lions, sharks, penguins, and other marine life. Ranchers will learn about ocean ecosystems and conservation through hands-on exhibits and animal encounters. 9:30AM – 3:30PM

9.11.26: CLOSED

9.18.26: Santa Barbara Sea Center. Discover the marine life of the Santa Barbara Channel through interactive exhibits and close-up encounters with local ocean animals. Ranchers will learn about the unique coastal ecosystem and the importance of protecting our oceans.

9.25.26: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Explore Southern California’s incredible marine life through hands-on exhibits and fascinating ocean discoveries. Ranchers will learn about tide pools, local sea creatures, and the coastal environment. 9:30AM – 3:30PM