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A serene lake with large rock formations and trees on the shore, under a cloudy sky with a pink glow from the setting sun. Custer State Park with kids. Custer State Park with kids.
Custer State Park With Kids: 2 Day Family Adventure
Continuing Our South Dakota Road Trip: From Mount Rushmore to Custer State Park Our visit to Custer State Park with kids was a continuation of our summer South Dakota road trip, where...
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A person stands on a metal staircase against a heavily graffiti-covered brick wall, with dumpsters and cardboard boxes visible on the ground below. Free things to do in Rapid City with kids.
4 Free Things To Do in Rapid City With Kids
Welcome to Rapid City, South Dakota! If you’re searching for free things to do in Rapid City with kids, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up four fantastic...
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A brown bear cub is perched on the branches of a tree in an enclosed outdoor area, with a fence and greenery in the background. South Dakota with Kids, Bear Country USA.
Drive-Thru Family Adventure: Bear Country USA
Things to do in South Dakota with kids? You are in the right place. After our memorable visit to Mount Rushmore the night before, we were eager to explore more attractions near...
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Mount Rushmore with carved faces of four U.S. presidents at sunset, surrounded by trees.
Taking on Mount Rushmore with Kids: An Evening Family Visit
Discover the fun of visiting Mount Rushmore with kids. Our summer roadtrip through South Dakota began with an iconic stop at Mount Rushmore. Just over a 5-hour drive from Denver,...
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Three children stand at a fence, watching a giraffe inside an enclosure at a zoo. Free zoo in Madison
Visiting the Free Zoo in Madison: Family Excursions to Henry Vilas Zoo
For many years now, our family has cherished frequent visits to the free zoo in Madison, Wisconsin: Henry Vilas Zoo. Close to my wife Jamie’s family, this remarkably free zoo...
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Two children pose in front of a large pink building labeled "Casa Bonita" with a fountain in the foreground and a clear blue sky above. Casa Bonita with the family.
New and Improved Casa Bonita With The Family
It had been over five years since I last visited Casa Bonita, and I was excited to take our kids, ages 4, 6, and 8, back to this amazing place. With all the recent renovations, we couldn’t...
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We are Five Bags Packed

Welcome to Five Bags Packed, your passport to our family travel blog. Come along with us, the Lied family, as we set off on new adventures with our trio of little explorers.

We definitely don’t have it all figured out but whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting to pack those bags, our blog is here to inspire and guide you along the way.

So buckle up and step foot into the world of Five Bags Packed!

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Five Bags Packed

Five Bags Packed
Have you heard of Wall Drug? Located in the small town of Wall, South Dakota, it’s a must-see roadside attraction that’s become an iconic stop for travelers. From quirky shops and unique photo ops to a giant T-Rex, free ice water, and fresh donuts, there’s something for everyone—especially the kids! We ended up spending over 2 hours here, exploring the Western art gallery, hunting for souvenirs, and even picking up some cowboy boots for Brynn. It’s the perfect stop to stretch your legs before heading to the nearby Badlands National Park! #visitsd #walldrug #southdakota
What in the world is Wall Drug? #visitsd #southdakota
Highlights from our time at Custer State Park! We stayed in a cabin at Sylvan Lake Lodge, spent time swimming and paddleboarding on the lake, and took in the incredible views. The drive through the tunnels on Needles Highway and hiking around made the adventure even better. Such a beautiful spot to explore! #CusterStatePark #SylvanLake #NeedlesHighway #SouthDakota #FamilyTrip #SummerRoadTrip #visitsd 00:00 Introduction 00:20 Sylvan Lake Hike 01:16 Needles Highway 01:34 Cahedral Spires Trail 01:54 Legion Lake Lodge 02:10 Standup Paddleboarding at Sylvan Lake 02:27 Campfire at Sylvan Lake Lodge Cabins
Custer State Park Family Highlights | Exploring with Kids
Welcome to Rapid City, South Dakota! Whether you're traveling with your family or just exploring, here are four fantastic and free things to do that are perfect for kids and adults alike. 1. Art Alley: First up, we explore the vibrant Art Alley. This unique outdoor gallery is filled with colorful murals, graffiti, and street art that change regularly. It's an ever-evolving space where local and visiting artists express themselves, creating a lively atmosphere. Kids will love the bright colors and the chance to walk through what feels like a giant, open-air art museum. Plus, it’s a great spot for some Instagram-worthy photos! 2. Dinosaur Park: Next, we head to Dinosaur Park, where life-sized dinosaur sculptures overlook the city. This historic park has been a family favorite since 1936, and it’s easy to see why! Kids can climb on the dinosaurs, and the panoramic views of Rapid City are simply stunning. It’s a fun way to let your imagination run wild while learning a bit about these prehistoric giants. 3. Chapel in the Hills: Our third stop is the serene Chapel in the Hills. This stunning replica of a Norwegian stave church offers a peaceful retreat amidst nature. While it’s a more relaxed stop, the intricate woodwork and surrounding gardens provide a beautiful setting for a family visit. Kids can explore the quiet trails, listen to the birds, and enjoy the calming environment. 4. Storybook Island: Last but certainly not least is Storybook Island. This magical park brings classic children's stories to life with whimsical displays and play areas. It’s an absolute wonderland for young kids who will delight in exploring the themed playgrounds, meeting storybook characters, and using their imaginations to step into the world of their favorite tales. Whether you're here for a quick visit or planning a longer stay, these free attractions in Rapid City offer something for everyone. Hit the like button, subscribe for more travel tips, and let us know in the comments which spot your kids enjoyed the most! 00:00 Introduction 00:10 Art Alley 00:21 Dinosaur Park 00:31 Chapel in the Hills 00:43 Storybook Island
4 FREE Things to do in RAPID CITY with kids!
Bear Country USA in South Dakota! It’s a drive-through wildlife park where you can see bears, wolves, and other animals up close from your car. Founded in 1972, it offers a unique way to experience North American wildlife in a natural setting. After the drive, we explored the walk-through area with a petting zoo and more exhibits. A fun and educational stop on our roadtrip! #BearCountryUSA #SouthDakota #FamilyAdventure 00:00 Introduction 00:10 Driving Through The Habitats 00:21 Sleeping Bears 00:32 Interactive Exhibts 00:43 Baby Animals
Driving through the Bears at Bear Country USA!
We got some incredible photos from our kids by simply giving them a @campsnapcamera on our South Dakota roadtrip. Get $5 OFF with our promo code: FIVEBAGSPACKED campsnapphoto.com/fivebagspacked #campsnap #campsnapcamera #campsnappromo
We love our Camp Snap camera! Use our code for $5 off: fivebagspacked #campsnappromo #campsnap
We kicked off our summer roadtrip through South Dakota with a visit to the iconic Mount Rushmore. On this nice summer evening, we enjoyed walking down the Avenue of the Flags and taking a hike on the Presidential Trail. We also visited the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center to learn more about the history and significance of the monument. Mount Rushmore, featuring the 60-foot faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, was carved into the Black Hills between 1927 and 1941. It’s a testament to American history and craftsmanship, and we were fascinated by the stories behind its creation. The day ended with the Sculpture Illumination and Evening Lighting Program, a 45-minute experience that we found really inspiring. It was a great start to our trip, and we’re excited to share more of our adventures with you! #MountRushmore #FamilyTravel #SummerRoadtrip #SouthDakota #AvenueOfTheFlags #PresidentialTrail #LincolnBorglumVisitorCenter #SculptureIllumination #EveningLightingProgram #TravelVlog #AmericanHistory
An Evening at Mount Rushmore
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