5. Wander Badlands National Park
To date, my family has visited 45 national parks. I distinctly remember when we visited Badlands National Park, my sons – ages 11 and 14 at the time – declared this park to be their favorite. Why? At Badlands National Park, you’re not required to stay on the trail. You can explore and climb the park’s maze-like landscape of spires, pinnacles, and hoodoos at will. That’s incredibly enticing to kids!
You’ll also have some good wildlife viewing here: bison, bighorn sheep, bobcats, coyotes, mule deer, pronghorns, and curious prairie dogs who congregate in prairie dog towns. For specific recommendations on hikes, ranger program, sunset locations, lodging, and dining, click on my full guide here.
KidTripster Tip: I’d suggest staying a night at Badlands National Park either in the cabins or the campground. That way, you can truly enjoy sunset and then catch the ranger-led stargazing program. The skies here on a clear night are spectacular!
KidTripster Tip: Yes, they’re called bison not buffalo, despite what you may see on some signs. Bison are a North American species; buffalo only live in Africa and Southeast Asia.
6. Let a bison lick your car at Custer State Park
Custer State Park and its 71,000 acres is located west of the Badlands. While it’s designated as a state park, it truly rivals many national parks that my family has visited. Here you have plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing: coyotes, elk, mule and white-tailed deer, pronghorns, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and more reclusive mountain lions. But most people come to see the majestic herd of bison – 1300 head strong during the summer. As opposed to a national park, the herd at Custer State Park is managed – meaning every fall, the bison are rounded up and sorted. Some are auctioned off to make room for spring calves. There’s one more animal worth noting: the wild burro. Yep, these friendly burros will walk right up to your car!
KidTripster Tip: Bison also will walk right up to your car and then lick it! They’re looking for salt. Make sure to stay inside with the windows rolled up.
Custer State Park is another location worth staying overnight. There are various accommodations here from an RV campground and large, modern cabins to lodge rooms.
KidTripster Tip: It’s worth making the trip outside the park to have dinner at Skogen Kitchen (29 N. 5th Street) in Custer. The brunch and dinner menu is super innovative. Honestly, it was the best meal that I’ve had in South Dakota!
7. Go spelunking at Wind Cave
Despite the fact that Wind Cave is one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world, you’ve likely never heard of it. This national park is home to the largest collection of boxwork, a rare, honeycomb-like mineral formation that hangs from the cave’s ceiling. To visit Wind Cave, you must book a ranger-led tour. Some tours can be reserved in advance; others are first-come, first-serve. Cost: Youth (5 & under) Free; Youth (6-16) starts at $5; Adult starts at $10.
KidTripster Tip: In my experience, a 1- to 2-hour caving tour is plenty long, especially for kids. I’d avoid booking any excursion longer than that.
Another option? Jewel Cave National Monument is about 32 miles from Wind Cave and also offers guided tours.
KidTripster Tip: If you encounter some bad weather and need an indoor escape, head to Evans Plunge Mineral Springs (1145 N. River Street), a natural hot springs pool with slides and obstacles. Cost: Youth (2 & under) Free; Youth (3-15) $10; Adult $14.
