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Two children walk through a rocky, arid landscape with rugged hills and a cloudy sky in the background. Badlands National Park
Exploring Badlands with Kids: A Quick but adventurous Visit
As part of our road trip across South Dakota, we ventured from Custer State Park to explore Badlands National Park with kids. The 1.5-hour drive east, with a pit stop at the famous...
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Green Camp Snap camera with Camp Snap discount code "5BAGSPACKED" offering $5 off at CampSnapPhoto.com.
OUR CAMP SNAP PHOTO CAMERA REVIEW - VINTAGE SCREENLESS CAMERA - Camp Snap DISCOUNT CODE!
Perfect for Young Photographers We absolutely love our Camp Snap Photo camera, especially with our kids! Jamie and I are constantly documenting our travels, so it’s only natural...
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Two children interact with a large jackalope statue outside Wall Drug. One sits on the statue while the other stands beside it. Wall Drug with kids
What in the World is Wall Drug? A Must-See in South Dakota With Kids
Our family road trip through South Dakota with kids had been packed with unforgettable destinations. After exploring the rugged beauty of Custer State Park, we decided to make a stop...
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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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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.

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Continuing our South Dakota July road trip, we waved goodbye to Custer State Park and made a quick stop at the legendary Wall Drug before heading to the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park! Starting at the Pinnacles Entrance, we worked our way east through the park, soaking in every wild view. Some of our favorite stops? The vibrant Yellow Mounds Overlook, a quick but fascinating stroll on the Fossil Exhibit Trail, and the informative Ben Reifel Visitor Center. But our absolute favorite? The adventurous Door Trail! A unique path marked by yellow poles, it led us out into the otherworldly landscape that the kids loved exploring. We highly recommend adding Badlands to your list! 🌞 #BadlandsNationalPark #SouthDakota #FamilyRoadTrip #hifromsd #forever605 #badlandsnationalpark 00:00 Introduction 00:11 Yellow Mounds Overlook 00:29 Fossil Exhibit Trail 00:56 Door Trail We are Brand Ambassadors for CAMP SNAP PHOTO! Camp Snap Discount Code: 5BAGSPACKED to save $5! Buy here https://campsnapphoto.com/5bagspacked
A Day Exploring the Amazing Badlands National Park in South Dakota with the Kids
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 We are Brand Ambassadors for CAMP SNAP PHOTO! Camp Snap Discount Code: 5BAGSPACKED to save $5! Buy here https://campsnapphoto.com/5bagspacked
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 We are Brand Ambassadors for CAMP SNAP PHOTO! Camp Snap Discount Code: 5BAGSPACKED to save $5! Buy here https://campsnapphoto.com/5bagspacked
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 We are Brand Ambassadors for CAMP SNAP PHOTO! Camp Snap Discount Code: 5BAGSPACKED to save $5! Buy here https://campsnapphoto.com/5bagspacked
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. DISCOUNT CODE CHAGED SINCE THE VIDEO WAS MADE... Camp Snap Discount Code: 5BAGSPACKED to save $5! Buy here https://campsnapphoto.com/5bagspacked #campsnap #campsnapcamera #campsnappromo
( CODE CHAGED) We love our Camp Snap camera! NEW $5 off: 5bagspacked #campsnappromo #campsnap
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