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 Wall Drug, brought us to this dramatic landscape of colorful rock formations, sweeping prairies, and fascinating wildlife. Although we only spent about four hours in the park, it was just the right amount of time to experience its highlights without overwhelming our young adventurers.
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What Are the Badlands?
Visiting Badlands with kids offers a unique opportunity to explore one of nature’s most rugged landscapes. The park is known for its sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires, which were carved over millions of years by wind and water. Beneath the surface lies an incredible fossil record, preserving ancient animals like saber-toothed cats and rhino-like brontotheres.
The park also has a rich cultural history, having served as hunting grounds for the Lakota people and later drawing homesteaders and paleontologists. Exploring Badlands National Park with kids makes this history come alive as they see the layers of rock and fossils up close.
For more on history, visit the Badlands National Park website.
Our Experience in the Park
We started at the Pinnacles Entrance and worked our way east. Exploring Badlands with kids meant tailoring our visit to short stops and family-friendly trails, which still gave us a great feel for the park. Here were some of our favorite stops:
Pinnacles Overlook:
This breathtaking viewpoint offered sweeping vistas of the rugged Badlands formations and sprawling prairies beyond. It was the perfect place to start, giving us a sense of the park’s vastness and setting the tone for the day.
Yellow Mounds Overlook:
The vibrant colors were a big hit, and the kids loved pointing out the layers of yellow, pink, and green in the rocks.
Fossil Exhibit Trail:
This short, easy boardwalk was perfect for our little ones and included fascinating signs about the park’s prehistoric animals.
Ben Reifel Visitor Center:
We never skip a visitor center, and this one was a highlight. The kids picked up their Junior Ranger activity books here, and we all learned more about the park’s geology and wildlife.
Window Trail:
This easy, flat trail led us to a natural “window” framing an incredible view of the Badlands. It was a quick stop but well worth it for the photo opportunities and dramatic scenery.
Door Trail:
Our most adventurous stop, the Door Trail, was a family favorite. This unique hike is marked by yellow poles that guide you through rugged terrain, making it feel like a scavenger hunt for the kids. The landscape here felt otherworldly, and we all loved the sense of exploration.
The Junior Ranger Program
One of our favorite parts of visiting Badlands with kids was participating in the Junior Ranger Program. The activity booklets, available at the visitor center, kept our kids engaged as they completed fun and educational tasks tailored to their ages.
They proudly turned in their completed booklets and earned their Junior Ranger badges. It’s such a wonderful way to connect kids to the natural world, and they loved adding another badge to their growing collection!
Tips for Visiting Badlands with Kids
Timing is Key:
We visited in July and arrived in the middle of the day. It was hot. If you’re exploring Badlands with kids, we highly recommend going early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat.
Pack Wisely:
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. Amenities are limited, so being prepared is a must.
Plan Short Stops:
With younger kids (ages 4, 6, and 8), we found that 4 hours in the park was just right. We could see the highlights without feeling rushed or overexerted.
Exploring Badlands National Park with kids is an adventure your family won’t forget. Whether you have a few hours or an entire day, the unique landscapes and family-friendly trails make it a fantastic stop on any South Dakota road trip.
