What to do in Badlands National Park with Kids
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Stopped for a rest on a hike in Badlands National Park
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We stopped at many overlooks and took a few short hikes in Badlands — the VIews were other worldly
If you’re looking for what to do in Badlands National Park with kids, you’re in the right place. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you’ll fall in love with this Mars-like National Park. Badlands National Park is visited by approximately 1 million people annually and is about is 242,756 acres. It is the 28th largest National Park of the 62 in the United States.
Whether you’re spending one day at Badlands or several, every visitor should make a stop at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to get a park map, get an up-to-date weather update and info about the park’s road conditions and possible closures. Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more of the beaten path spots. The Visitor Center is open every single day from 7 AM-7 PM in summer and either 8 AM-4 PM or 8 AM-5 PM during the Winter and Spring. The Ben Reifel Visitor Center was remodeled and reopened in 2006 with new exhibits, a 95-seat, air-conditioned theater, a new film, Land of Stone and Light, and improved classroom and restroom facilities.
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When to Visit Badlands National Park
The best time of year to visit Badlands National Park is in the weeks right after Labor day when kids are back in school and the weather is starting to cool off. Summer is the busiest season for Badlands National Park, so visiting in these few weeks will have fewer tourists but also some reprieve from the desert-like summer heat.
Badlands National Park in winter can be very cold. With temperature highs in the mid-thirties and lows in the single digits, it can make for uncomfortable camping or hiking. The badlands in the winter can be brutal, so do some research and be sure you’re prepared. The Spring brings warmer weather with the averages reaching into the mid-sixties and lows in the mid-thirties. Spring a very good time to visit Badlands National Park. The weather is milk and the crowds aren’t terrible yet.
Summer, as said before, is the busiest time of year for Badlands and it is also the hottest. The average temperatures reach into the 80s & 90s. While some find that manageable, it’s the lack of trees that make this heat so oppressive. There is nowhere to find reprieve from the beating sun.
Fall brings cooler temperatures and thinner crowds. Fall is the best time to visit Badlands National Park. With warmer temperatures hanging around from summer and smaller crowds due to school being back in session, you may find yourself getting hiking trails to yourself during this time.
is nearly 30 degrees cooler at 60 degrees. Although the average high and low temperatures decrease only slightly in August with temperatures of 87 and 57, respectively, September sees a much larger downward slide. The average high temperature in September is 77, degrees and the average low temperature is 46 degrees.
The average annual weather for reference courtesty of Google.com
How to get to Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is amazing and it’s convenient to get to if you’re already traveling along I-90 in South Dakota. To give you an idea of how long it will take to get to the park, here are a few examples.
Obligatory Badlands national park sign photo!
How far is Badlands National Park from Rapid City? 58 Minutes
Bismark to Badlands National park is 4 hours 40 minutes
Sioux Falls to Badlands National park is 4 hours
Casper to Badlands National park is 4 hours 15 minutes
Denver to Badlands National Park is 6 hours and 15 minutes
Omaha to Badlands National Park is 6 hours and 20 minutes
Badlands National Park is easiest accessed from Rapid City, South Dakota. It is a very easy drive and doable as a day trip.
READ NEXT: A Guide to Mount Rushmore with Kids
Where to Stay in Badlands National Park
Cedar Pass Lodge:
Cedar Pass Lodge is located inside of Badlands National Park. Cedar Pass offers both updated cabins and RV/Campsites as well as a restaurant. This is a unique place to stay in the Badlands because you’ll wake up to incredible views of the famous Badland’s pinnacles and spires as well as the largest, protected mixed-grass prairie in the United States. Badlands National Park is approximately 70 miles from Rapid City, so staying inside the park the best option for early morning hikes and photography. Cedar Pass Lodge is the only lodging Badlands National Park.
Badlands National Park Camping:
Sage Creek Campground: This is a primitive campsite located near the Badlands Wilderness Area. The campsite has pit toilets and covered picnic tables, but not water. Potable water is available near the Pinnacles Entrance Station. Sites at the Sage Creek. A portion of the Sage Creek Campground is designated for horse use.
Camping is Free
Campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Generators and ground fires are not permitted
Get more information HERE.
Cedar Pass Campground: Open April 1st, 2021 to October 25th, 2021
The Cedar Pass Campground has 96 level sites with scenic views of the badlands formations. The camp has cold running water, flush toilets, and covered picnic tables. Forever Resorts manages the campground. For additional information, including questions about reservations, contact the Cedar Pass Lodge.
2021 Rates:
Camping fees for up to two people are $23 per night per campsite
$38 per night for campsites with electrical hook-ups
Each additional person is $4 per night
A dump station is available for a $1.00 per use fee.
READ NEXT: How to ENJOY Tent Camping with Toddlers
Charletta scooting down the loose gravel trail on her butt because it was safer than trying to walk
Where to Stay Near Badlands National Park
We stayed at ellsworth air force base’s fam camp
Wall, South Dakota
Frontier Cabins: Thirty-Three (33) authentic custom built log cabins with modern amenities. Each is immaculate, fully equipped, with a private bath and is serviced daily by housekeeping crew. The log cabin resort is located in scenic Wall, South Dakota just six miles from the entrance to Badlands National Park, six blocks from the famous Wall Drug, two blocks to restaurants, two miles to a fishing lake and one mile to the Wall Golf Club.
Anne’s Motel: A budget friendly hotel with amazing reviews of clean rooms and hot showers. Located within walking distance of Wall Drug and only 6 miles from Badlands National Park
Rapid City, South Dakota
KOA Rapid City: With easy access from I-90, this KOA is in Rapid City, the gateway community to the Black Hills. Relax in a Camping Cabin, Deluxe Cabin or big-rig Pull-Thru RV Site. Enjoy amenities and activities such as s'mores parties and watermelon feeds (in season). Fill up on all-you-can-eat pancakes before heading to the hills to bike, hike or sightsee. At KOA, sign up for a guided tour or rent a car. You're close to five national parks! Have fun in the large heated pool and hot tub. Two playgrounds and a giant checkers/chess set provide plenty of family fun. Fido will love the Kamp K9 dog park.
Hotels in Rapid City: Use the map below to find a hotel in Rapid City based on your family’s budget and need!
What to do in Badlands National Park with Kids
1) Hike:
One of the most popular things to do at Badlands National Park is hiking. From extreme hiking to easy; Badlands National Park hikes have it all. When you’re in the Badlands with kids, hiking is one of the best ways to explore!
Best Hikes for Toddlers in Badlands National Park
We stopped and did parts of different hikes - the trails are clearly labeled and there are many overlooks in badlands national park
Fossil Exhibit Trail: This easy .25 mile trail has a fully accessible boardwalk. It features fossil replicas and exhibits about animals and creatures who once roamed here.
Door Trail: This easy .75 (round trip) mile hike has a .25 mile boardwalk that goes through the Badlands Wall known as “the door” and leads to a view of the Badlands.
Window Trail: (DO NOT MISS) This is an easy and short .25 mile trail that leads to a natural window in the Badlands wall. Hikers are rewarded with a view of the canyon! This is one of the best hikes in Badlands National Park for families!
Best Hikes for Kids in Badlands National Park:
The hikes in Badlands national park are mostly short and perfect for young kids
Cliff Shelf: This moderate .5 mile (round trip) hike follows a board walk and includes stairs. The hike features a small pond which attracts wild life such as the bighorn sheep
Saddle Pass: This strenuous .25 mie trail climbs up the Badlands Wall for a rewarding view over the White River Valley. Be very careful, the rocks can be slippery.
Medicine Root Loop: This moderate 4 mile (round trip) hike rewards trail goers with views of the badlands while enjoying the mixed grass prairie. This trail does have cacti, so use caution.
Best Hikes for Teenagers in Badlands National Park:
Notch Trail: This strenuous 1.5 mile (round trip) hike rewards trail goers with a dramatic view of the White River Valley. Hikers will have to climb a log ladder and follow a ledge which is why this not recommended for young children.
Castle Trail: This 10 mile moderate trail is the longest one in the National Park. It passes along some formation and is an out and back hike.
We attempted the sadle pass trail but we didn’t make it to the top because of the loose rocks
2) Become a Badlands National Park Junior Ranger:
The Badlands National Park Junior Ranger program should be on every families Badlands National park itinerary! The program is open year round. Visit the Visitor Center to get a Junior Ranger workbook and instructions. Complete all the fun-filled activities in the book and watch the exciting park movie, Land of Stone and Light, or attend a daily ranger-guided program (summer only) to earn your official Badlands National Park Junior Ranger badge and a signed certificate. To learn more about the program, go HERE.
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looking back at panorama point in badlands national park
3) Do a Scavenger Hunt:
Badlands National Park is home to some incredible geological formations. Print THIS scavenger hunt worksheet and bring it with you to the park. The scavenger hunt is a great thing to do in Badlands for kids! See how many formations your family can find as you explore this amazing park!
4) Bicyling
Can you cycle in Badlands National Park? YES! Badlands National Park offers some amazing cycling opportunities. There are three rides that have been mapped out by the National Park Service:
Sage Creek Loop: This is an easy 23 mile ride through rolling grasslands, this route offers good opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Northeast-Big Foot Loop: This is a moderate 27 mile ride with an inital hill climb. Riders will be rewarded with incredible views of badland formations.
Northeast Loop: This is an easy 17 mile ride through the main section of the parl.
You can find more information and the exact biking routes HERE.
We drove the entire road through badlands national park taking in all of the overlooks and other-worldly scenery
5) A Scenic Drive:
We stopped to explore many of the overlooks!
Badlands National Park is a really great driving park. While it isn’t a loop, the main road through the park offers visitors an incredible trek through the Badlands. The park has over 13 overlooks for drivers to stop and take in the incredible views of the pinnacles and buttes. Almost every single overlook is accessible, so everyone will have the chance to enjoy the scenery.
READ NEXT: 10 Tips for Roadtripping with Toddlers
6) Ride Horseback in Badlands National Park:
Bring your horse to Badlands National Park! Horseback riding through the Badlands will be an unforgettable experience. As you ride, you’ll take in panoramic views of the eroded spires and mixed grass prairie. Horseback riding is permitted anywhere in the park unless posted otherwise. Before you get started, head to the Visitor Centers to get a map and information on trail closures.
If you don’t have your own horse, you can book a guided horseback tour with Hurley Butte Horseback. Guided rides can accommodate 1-5 riders.
**Remember to bring plenty of drinking water for humans and the horses as there is no water for human consumption in the Badlands National Parks' backcountry.
Some of the hiking is slippery and not suitable for young kids — I found it easier to go shoeless.
Badlands National Park is the perfect destination for families. There is so much amazing wildlife, wildflowers, sweeping mountain views, and perfect hikes. No matter whether you camp out, stay at the Cedar Point Lodge, or stay nearby Rapid City, the Badlands are an easy trip for an unforgettable adventure. If you're looking for what to do around Badlands National Park, check out my other guides for your South Dakota adventure! While you’re exploring the Dakotas, pop up to North Dakota to explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park or take e a weekend Road Trip through North Dakota!
Click Below for more info on visiting the Black Hills:
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