The Ultimate 1 day Itinerary for Exploring Badlands National Park with Kids
With its jagged buttes, colorful formations, and wide-open prairies, Badlands National Park in South Dakota is one of the most unique landscapes in the country.
One minute you’re driving through open prairie, then all of a sudden, the landscape completely changes. Jagged rock formations, layered cliffs, and colors that almost don’t feel real.
But despite how wild it looks—it’s actually one of the easiest national parks to explore with kids.
If you only have one day here, this guide will walk you through exactly how to tackle Badlands National Park with kids.
Is Badlands National Park Good for Kids?
Yes—and honestly, it’s one of the easiest national parks to visit with kids.
Here’s why it works:
- Short, accessible trails
- Tons of overlooks (minimal hiking required)
- Wide open spaces where kids can explore safely
- Wildlife sightings, like bison, prairie dogs and bighorn sheep
This isn’t a park where you need to commit to long hikes to see something amazing.
1-Day Badlands National Park Itinerary
Plan to enter through the northeast entrance near Wall, South Dakota, and drive the main scenic road through the park.
Morning: Hike the Notch Trail
Start your adventure with one of the park’s most iconic hikes — the Notch Trail (1.5 miles). This family-favorite trail features a climb up a rope ladder, a walk through the dramatic formations, and an incredible overlook at the end. Kids will love the sense of adventure, and the views are worth every step.
Mid-Morning: Window + Door Trail
Afterward, head to the nearby Window Trail (0.25 miles) and Door Trail (0.75 miles). Both are short boardwalk trails that offer easy access to some of the park’s most stunning views. The Door Trail even allows you step off the boardwalk and wander into the formations for a closer look – perfect for kids who want to explore up close.
Stop at Big Badlands Overlook
Before lunch, take a quick detour to the Big Badlands Overlook, one of the park’s most breathtaking viewpoints. The sweeping vistas here give you a true sense of the park’s scale, with layered rock formations stretching out in every direction.
Lunch + Visitor’s Center
By now, I’m sure you’ve worked up an appetite. Stop at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for a picnic lunch at the outdoor tables, or grab a bite from Cedar Pass Lodge just down the road. We always bring this electric cooler on road trips, which makes packing a picnic so much easier!
After lunch, head inside the Visitor Center. Your kids will love the free Junior Ranger Program, where they can earn a badge by completing fun activities. You’ll also find exhibits about the park’s history, a working fossil prep lab, and a bookstore and giftshop.
Afternoon: Scenic Drive on Loop Road
After lunch, take a leisurely drive along the Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240). This 39-mile route winds through the heart of the park, with plenty of overlooks where you can stop and take photos.
Don’t miss the Yellow Mounds Overlook, where the colorful layers of rock look like they’ve been painted by hand. Keep your eyes open for wildlife; bighorn sheep, bison, and prairie dogs are often spotted here.
Explore the Fossil Exhibit Trail
Along the drive, stop at the Fossil Exhibit Trail (0.25 miles, boardwalk). This kid-friendly trail introduces you to the types of fossils that have been found in the Badlands. You’re even encouraged to keep your eyes peeled for fossils in the formations, and if you find one, let a ranger know!
Late Afternoon: Rim Road + Wildlife Viewing
Wrap up your day with a drive down Rim Road, where you’ll likely encounter herds of bison and bustling prairie dog towns. Watching the prairie dogs pop in and out of their burrows is endlessly entertaining, and it’s a perfect way to end the day before heading back out of the park.
Things to Know Before You Go
✨ The Badlands has an open hike policy, meaning you can explore off trail!
✨ There’s little to no shade at this National Park, so bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water.
✨ The park has two official campgrounds (plus options for backcountry camping).
✨ A vehicle pass (or America the Beautiful National Park Pass) is required to enter.
✨ The park is open 24/7, year-round, which means you can catch both sunrise and sunset if you plan your timing.
Why You’ll Love Exploring Badlands National Park with Kids
Whether you’re climbing ladders on the Notch Trail, spotting bison on the scenic drive, or standing in awe at the overlooks, a day in the Badlands is full of adventure. It’s rugged, wild, and unlike anywhere else in the Midwest, making it a road trip stop your family will never forget.
