6 Must-Do Adventures in South Dakota with Kids

South Dakota wasn’t high on our travel list—honestly, it wasn’t even on our list—but when an irresistible American Airlines rewards deal popped up, I grabbed it. Every other year, we rotate birthday celebrations with a family trip to keep the focus on experiences, exploration, and connection. So this year, instead of throwing a big birthday party, we swapped candles for carry-ons. And somehow, South Dakota ended up being one of our favorite family adventures ever. The four of us—my husband, our two girls, and me—spent six days exploring national parks, roadside legends, wildlife drives, and even a historic train ride straight into the Wild West. In this post, I’m sharing everything we did, what we loved, and even a few mom-fails you can learn from as you plan your own South Dakota trip.

When we travel with the kids, I always plan one main activity per day and leave plenty of space for spontaneity. And trust me—South Dakota delivers plenty of in-the-moment magic.

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park instantly feels otherworldly. Those jagged cliffs and striped formations look ancient, but they’re actually changing fast—eroding nearly an inch each year. Millions of years ago, this entire region sat beneath a shallow sea, which is why it’s now one of the richest fossil beds in the world. The name “Badlands” comes from both the Lakota and early French trappers who struggled to navigate the harsh terrain, but today that rugged beauty is exactly what makes the park unforgettable. It’s also a wildlife wonderland: bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and even the rare black-footed ferret roam the mixed-grass prairie. Stay for sunset if you can—the night skies here are breathtaking.

Our girls loved completing the Junior Ranger Program (start at the Visitor Center and check out the fossil room), hiking kid-friendly trails like the Doorway Hike, and watching the scenery change with every mile. And of course—you can’t visit Badlands without stopping at Wall Drug for lunch, their famous 25-cent water, homemade donuts, and old-timey soda fountain treats. We walked out with stuffed animals and ice cream… as one does.

Mount Rushmore: My Unexpected Favorite

Seeing Mount Rushmore in person genuinely gave me chills. The sheer size, the artistry, and the Presidential Trail—none of it translated through photos. Walking the trail gave us multiple angles of the monument, and the museum was surprisingly fascinating. The kids completed the Junior Ranger Program here too, and the swearing-in ceremony was a highlight. If you visit in summer, try to catch the evening lighting ceremony (we didn’t make it back, but it’s on my list for next time). Go early to avoid parking backups and treat yourself to the ice cream inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe.

Explore Rapid City

Rapid City completely surprised us. Known as the “City of Presidents,” downtown is lined with life-sized bronze statues of every U.S. president, and we turned it into a scavenger hunt with the girls. You’ll also find the Museum of Geology (home to one of the world’s largest dinosaur fossil collections), the whimsical Storybook Island, and just minutes away—Bear Country USA. Bear Country was a family favorite, offering a drive-through wildlife experience where black bears, bison, elk, and wolves roam right alongside your car. The girls especially loved the baby bears afterward, and yes… we left with way too many souvenirs. The whole city has a charming blend of local breweries, art, and walkable streets that feel laid-back but full of character.

Custer State Park + Needles Highway (Hold Onto Your Stomach)

Custer State Park was such a hit that we visited twice. Between the wildlife, the scenic drives, and lakes that look straight out of a movie, there’s something for everyone. Needles Highway is jaw-dropping—with narrow granite spires, one-way tunnels, and tight cliffside curves that may test your stomach but are absolutely worth it. We spotted bison, pronghorn, and even wild burros both days. Watching the girls experience wildlife in its natural habitat was one of those core-memory moments.

1880 Train & Wild West Family Fun

For our three-year-old’s birthday, I booked the historic 1880 Train – Black Hills Central Railroad, and it was the sweetest step back in time. The open-air views were beautiful, but the highlight for the girls was the Wild West shootout performed on select trains. It was goofy, over-the-top, and completely kid-approved—exactly the kind of family memory we hoped for.

South Dakota completely surprised us—in the best way. What started as a  birthday trip turned into six days of adventure, wildlife encounters, national parks, and memories our girls still talk about. If you’re looking for a destination that blends nature, history, kid-friendly activities, and wide-open spaces (without the crowds), South Dakota deserves a spot on your family travel list. Whether you’re planning your first visit or looking to build a full itinerary around the Black Hills, I hope our experience helps you map out your own unforgettable adventure.

If you found this guide helpful, be sure to save this post, follow along on Instagram or TikTok and subscribe for more family travel itineraries, tips, and destination guides. And if you’re ready to plan your own South Dakota trip, drop your questions in the comments—I’m always happy to help you make travel easy, memorable, and fun for the whole family!