How to spend 1 day in the Badlands National Park with kids
How to spend 1 day in Badlands National Park with kids
No trip to South Dakota would be complete without spending at least 1 day in the Badlands National Park.
Start your morning by hiking the popular Notch Trail (1.5 mile). This fun and unique trail takes you up a rope ladder, through the buttes and formations, and ends at an incredible lookout. It is a popular trail, so get an early start to have a little more solitude before the crowds pick up.
Walk the boardwalk on the Window (0.25 miles) and Door (0.75 miles) trails for some more amazing views. These are both short and sweet trails that are perfect for families with little ones. They are even stroller accessible. While you are in the area, make a stop at the Big Badlands Overlook for some incredible views.
Next, head to the Ben Reifel Visitor’s Center, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the outdoor tables. There is also food available for purchase at the Cedar Pass Lodge just down the road.
When you are done with lunch, head into the Ben Reifel Visitor’s Center. Spend some time here exploring and learning about the history of the park. We loved the working fossil prep lab, where you can watch real paleontologists excavate fossils that have been found in the park. Make sure to grab a Junior Ranger booklet and help your kids earn their badge.
In the afternoon, take a scenic drive on the Badlands Loop Road Highway 240 (don’t miss the Yellow Mounds Overlook!) and keep your eyes open for wildlife. We saw several longhorn sheep and tons of bison.
Make a stop at the Fossil Exhibit trail (0.25 miles of boardwalk), where you can explore the formations and look for real fossils! There is so much area here to explore, and you can read signs about some of the incredible fossils that have been discovered in this area. We let our kids spend some time wandering around looking for fossils, but unfortunately didn’t find anything. If you do, make sure to notify a park ranger!
After the Fossil Exhibit trail, don’t miss a venture down Rim Road. This is where the bison and prairie dog town are. We saw so many in this area, and there are some really great lookouts to stop along the way.
Things to know:
- There is zero shade here, so come prepared for the sun with sunscreen, hats and lots of water.
- There are 2 official campgrounds, and the option to backcountry camp as well.
- The Badlands has an open hike policy, meaning you can hike anywhere in the park, even off trail.
- You must have a vehicle pass to enter the park, or an America the Beautiful pass.
- The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Looking for other things to do in the area? Check out my 6 day family friendly South Dakota itinerary here.
