Taking the kids to Badlands National Park is such a fun way to dive into nature and uncover the marvels of the great outdoors! Situated in South Dakota, Badlands National Park provides a wide range of activities that are just right for families seeking adventure. Whether you’re up for hiking, camping, or checking out the local wildlife, Badlands has got something for everyone.
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Things to Do in Badlands National Park with Kids
Badlands National Park provides various activities ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center
It is always a good idea to start any national park trip at the visitor center. This visitor center, located in the north unit, has park rangers to answer questions and give you park materials.
The exhibits at the center share tons of info about the park’s history, from the geology and dinosaurs of the past to the Native people who once called this place home. There is also a 25-minute park film as well as a Fossil Preparation Lab.
The Fossil Preparation Lab lets you see the park paleontologists and interns work to identify, clean, and prepare the fossils found in the park. It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., starting the second week in June and ending the third week of September.
Become a Junior Ranger
Junior Rangers are given the opportunity to learn about Badlands National Park’s history, geology, wildlife, and more all while engaging in exciting activities.
Badlands National Park offers a Junior Ranger program for all ages and abilities to provide an interactive experience at the park. The two Junior Ranger booklets available are for kids under 5 years old and another book for ages 5-12.
In addition to the park-specific Junior Ranger program, Badlands National Park also participates in the Junior Paleontologist program. You can pick up a booklet at the visitor center to earn another badge during your visit.
Regardless of your age, you are welcome to complete a booklet and earn yourself an official badge!
Take a Drive on the Badlands Loop Road
Badlands Loop Road is the best way to explore the Badlands National Park’s north unit. This scenic drive takes you through a stunning landscape of Badlands formations and buttes.
There are 12 overlooks along the way where you can pull over and take in the panoramic views. There are also some hiking trail options if you want to explore the park even more. The Badlands Loop Road is open year-round.
Best Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park
Check out these amazing hiking trail options within the park! Some are perfect for even the littlest adventurers, while others are more suited for older kids.
Door and Window Trails
The Door and Window Trails are both short trails that are great for any ability level. They are located very close together.
The Door Trail has a 1/4 mile long boardwalk. It is an excellent sunrise spot. The Window Trail is an easy 1/4 mile trail.
Notch Trail
Notch Trail, also in the same area as the Door and Window Trails, is a longer 1.5-mile hike that is rated moderate to strenuous. This trail takes you up a log ladder for dramatic views of the valley below.
If everyone in your group is capable, this is a great trail to add to your itinerary. However, this trail isn’t suitable for small children. There are drop-offs and some scrambling required.
Castle Trail
Castle Trail is THE trail to do in Badlands National Park if you are physically up for it. It is a long 10-mile (roundtrip) trail.
If you split your group up, you could hike the trail one-way (5 miles) and meet the rest of the group with the car at the Fossil Exhibit Trail parking.
The Badlands can be very hot, and this trail does not have shade. Make sure that you are prepared with plenty of water before heading out on this trail. My family and I have only visited in the summer, so we skipped this trail during our visit.
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
This trail is a 0.5-mile loop that takes you through a juniper forest. It has more nature and vegetation than some of the other trails in the park.
Saddle Pass Trail
Saddle Pass is a short 0.25-mile trail that climbs up the Badlands Wall. Older kids will have a blast climbing this steep trail.
Medicine Root Loop
The Medicine Root Loop is a good alternative if Castle Trail is too long for your family. The loop is a total of 4 miles. You can continue past Saddle Pass to get onto the Medicine Root Trail. When you reach the intersection of Castle Trail and Old Northeast Road, take the Castle Trail back to Saddle Pass.
Fossil Exhibit Trail
You should absolutely walk the Fossil Exhibit Trail while at the Badlands with kids. This easy 0.25-mile boardwalk trail gives a ton of information on the fossils and history of the area.
Tips for Hiking in the Badlands with Kids
- Carry plenty of water, especially in the summer. There is no shade on most of the trails.
- Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- It is also recommended to wear boots to protect your feet from cactus and potential snake bites.
Drive the Sage Creek Rim Road
If you want to explore even more of Badlands National Park, keep driving through the park on Sage Creek Rim Road. It is a dirt road that takes you through the wilderness portion of the park. Expect to see wildlife along the way.
There are 3 overlooks and Roberts Prairie Dog Town along the way.
Enjoy the Sunrise
There is something special about watching the sunrise at Badlands National Park. The colors are vibrant and the landscape is gorgeous. The best locations to view a sunrise in the park are Big Badlands Overlook, the Door Trail, the Norbeck Pass area, the Dillon Pass area, and Panorama Point.
Enjoy a Sunset
Watching the sunset at Badlands National Park is truly amazing! The sky transforms into a beautiful mix of pinks, oranges, and reds. The best places to catch the sunset are Pinnacles Overlook, Conata Basin Overlook, Bigfoot Pass Picnic Area, and the Norbeck Pass area.
Drive Along the South Unit
The south unit of the park is very different than the north unit. The south unit does not have any roads going through it. You just drive on the outskirts. You will probably only venture here if you are staying in the Badlands for multiple days or choose to drive in this direction to get west.
White River Visitor Center
The White River Visitor Center, located in the south unit of the park, also has rangers to answer your questions and museum exhibits to check out. It is smaller and only open during the summer months.
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Food Options in Badlands National Park
There are not many options to purchase food within the park. To visit Badlands National Park with kids, make sure to bring plenty of snacks into the park with you.
The Cedar Pass Lodge does have a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the warmer months. There is also a small gift shop with some groceries along with souvenirs.
How to Get to Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park requires a car to visit. It is about an hour east of Rapid City, South Dakota located conveniently off of Interstate 90.
The closest airport to the Badlands is the Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP). There are direct flights from 8 cities across the United States.
Where to Stay in Badlands National Park
Turn your trip to the Badlands with kids into a Badlands family vacation by staying the night at either its cozy lodge or campground. The Cedar Pass Lodge and Campground are open from April into October. Check the schedule for the exact dates.
Cedar Pass Lodge
If you want modern amenities and also stay inside the park, the Cedar Pass Lodge is a must. For families, it offers cabins with 2 queen beds and a queen futon sofa. Amenities include a TV, mini refrigerator and freezer, microwave, coffee maker, hair dryer, air conditioning, and heating.
If you have your heart set on staying here, book early!
Cedar Pass Campground
There are tent sites as well as RV sites at the Cedar Pass Campground. Sites include a shaded picnic table. There are pay showers, flush toilets, and water nearby.
RV sites have electricity but no water or sewer services at the site. Sewer services are available nearby for a small fee.
Where to Stay Near Badlands National Park
There are a few nearby towns that can make a good base to explore Badlands National Park and the surrounding area.
Wall
The small town of Wall is a short drive north of the park. Accommodation options include the Badlands Frontier Cabins, Best Western Plains Motel, and America’s Best Value Inn Wall.
Rapid City
Rapid City is a larger town about an hour from the park. It has more accommodation options as well as lots of kid-friendly attractions. Check out Booking.com for a long list of options in Rapid City.
What to Do Near Badlands National Park with Kids
Near Badlands National Park, there are plenty of exciting activities that the whole family can enjoy.
Wall Drug
Wall Drug is a popular attraction when visiting Badlands National Park with kids. Located in the nearby town of Wall, South Dakota, the iconic store has been around since 1931 and offers an array of unique experiences for families.
With its giant dinosaur, variety of shops, and fun activities, Wall Drug is sure to be a hit with your family. It is definitely a tourist attraction, but kids will get a kick out of it.
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
There are 3 parts to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site: the Minuteman Missile Visitor Center, Launch Control Facility Delta-01, and the Delta-09 missile silo.
The Minuteman Missile Visitor Center is a great place to start. It explains the history of the Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile System and the Cold War through exhibits and a park film.
Become a Junior Ranger by completing the “missions” in the book. Missions are categorized by age group below 6, ages 7-11, and ages 12+.
If you would like to see a control facility up close, go on a guided tour of the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility. This 45-minute guided tour takes you in an elevator 31 feet underground.
The tour costs $12 for adults and $8 for ages 6-16. Children must be at least 6 years old and 40″ tall. It is not recommended for people who are claustrophobic or afraid of heights.
The third part of the site, the Delta-09, offers a self-guided cell phone tour to learn about this Cold War missile silo site.
Rapid City
Rapid City, located about 1.5 hours from the park, is a treasure trove of kid-friendly places to visit.
For animal lovers, the Reptile Gardens, Bear Country USA, and Old MacDonald’s Farm are worth the visit. Dinosaur enthusiasts will love the Dinosaur Museum and Dinosaur Park. You could spend a few days just seeing the sights in Rapid City.
Black Hills
The Black Hills refers to the Black Hills National Forest that encompasses a large area of western South Dakota and a part of Eastern Wyoming. The Black Hills is an excellent place for a family vacation. It has so much history, numerous iconic sights, and plenty of activities.
Ride an 1880s train in Hill City, see Mount Rushmore in Keystone, take a hike in Custer State Park, go underground at Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park, see mammoths in Hot Springs, and more.
Badlands National Park FAQs
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about Badlands National Park.
How much does Badlands National Park cost?
A parking pass to enter the park is $30 which is good for 7 days. For those looking to explore more, invest in an America the Beautiful Annual Pass for just $80 – granting access to a whopping 2,000 Federal recreation sites.
Is one day enough for the Badlands?
Visiting Badlands National Park is an unforgettable experience that can be enjoyed in one day. In one day, you can check out the visitor center, drive the Badlands Loop Road, and do a few hikes. Make sure to also see the park at sunrise or sunset.
How much time do you need in the Badlands?
While it ultimately depends on how you wish to experience the Badlands, you can see the highlights of the park easily in 1 day. If you are visiting the Badlands with kids, I suggest that you plan to stay the night in the park or nearby to be able to further explore the park and catch it in the beautiful light of sunrise and sunset.
What is the best month to visit the Badlands?
The best months to visit Badlands National Park are typically May and September when the weather is comfortable. Summer can get very hot. But during the summer, visitors can take advantage of longer days with more sunlight to explore the Badlands’ diverse landscapes.
The winter months bring cold and unpredictable weather. There also are not as many things open during this time including the lodge and restaurant.
Can you do Mt Rushmore and Badlands in one day?
Yes. Badlands National Park is approximately an hour and a half drive away from Mt Rushmore National Memorial. If you get an early start, you can spend the day in Badlands National Park. Then, you can end your day at Mount Rushmore to see the evening lighting ceremony.
How long does it take to drive the loop in the Badlands?
The Badlands Loop Road along Highway 240 is a 31-mile scenic drive that takes visitors through Badlands National Park, offering sights of the amazing scenery along the way. The loop drive typically takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete, but this can depend on the season and how many stops you make.
Final Thoughts on a Badlands Family Vacation
Badlands National Park is an excellent family destination, offering a variety of activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained. From the park’s unique landscape to its amazing wildlife, Badlands National Park offers something special for kids and adults alike. A visit to Badlands National Park with kids should be on every family’s list of must-visit places!
- For information on other U.S. National Parks, check out these posts.
