Black Hills and Badlands with Kids: A Complete Family Vacation Guide

Planning a Black Hills vacation with kids can feel exciting…and maybe just a little overwhelming.

Most families know they want to see Mount Rushmore, but once you start researching, you quickly realize there are so many incredible places to add to your itinerary.

There are national parks, scenic drives, wildlife experiences, historic landmarks, quirky roadside stops, and family attractions spread throughout the region.

Our family has now visited the Black Hills and Badlands more than once, and each trip has shown us something new.

We have explored Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Wall Drug, Bear Country USA, Storybook Island, and downtown Rapid City with our four boys.

This guide will help you decide which attractions belong on your itinerary, where to stay, how much time to allow, and what you should know before planning a Black Hills family vacation.

Whether this is your first trip to South Dakota or you are returning to experience more of the region, the Black Hills and Badlands offer an incredible mix of outdoor adventure, history, wildlife, and memorable family stops.

Black Hills and Badlands at a Glance

Not sure which attractions to prioritize? Here’s a quick comparison of some of the Black Hills and Badlands’ most popular family-friendly attractions.

Attraction	Time Needed	Best For	Don’t Miss
Mount Rushmore	1–2 hours	All ages	Presidential Trail
Custer State Park	Full day	Wildlife & scenic drives	Wildlife Loop Road & Sylvan Lake
Badlands National Park	2 hours–Full day	Outdoor adventures	Rock scrambling & scenic overlooks
Storybook Island	1–2 hours	Younger kids	Three Little Pigs & Pirate Ship
Downtown Rapid City	1–2 hours	All ages	City of Presidents & Main Street Square
Wall Drug	30–90 minutes	Road trip stop	Backyard & Giant Jackalope
Bear Country USA	1–2 hours	Animal lovers	Bear Cubs & Walk-Through Area

How Many Days Do You Need to Visit?

One of the most common questions when planning a trip to western South Dakota is, “How many days do we need?”

While you could see a few highlights in just two or three days, I recommend planning at least 4–5 days if you want to experience the best of the Black Hills and Badlands without feeling rushed.

This gives you enough time to visit the area’s iconic landmarks, enjoy a few scenic drives and hikes, explore downtown Rapid City, and leave room for some of the unexpected stops that often become family favorites.

Here’s what I recommend based on the amount of time you have:

2–3 Days

If you’re short on time, you can still experience many of the region’s biggest highlights. Focus on:

• Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Custer State Park
• Badlands National Park
• One or two additional stops, such as Wall Drug or Dinosaur Park

Coming soon: I’ll be sharing my favorite 2 Days in the Black Hills with Kids Itinerary to help you make the most of a shorter trip.

4–5 Days (My Recommendation)

I think this is the ideal amount of time for most families. You’ll have enough time to experience the must-see attractions while still leaving room to slow down and enjoy the journey.

With 4–5 days, you can pretty easily visit:

• Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Custer State Park
• Badlands National Park
• Wall Drug
• Storybook Island
• Downtown Rapid City
• Bear Country USA or Reptile Gardens
• Scenic drives, overlooks, and a few spontaneous stops along the way

6–7 Days

If you have a full week, you’ll have time to explore beyond the highlights and experience even more of what western South Dakota has to offer.

Consider adding:

• Wind Cave National Park
• Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
• Jewel Cave National Monument
• Devils Tower National Monument (Wyoming)
• Additional hiking, scenic drives, or a relaxing afternoon exploring one of the Black Hills’ charming towns

Where are the Black Hills and Badlands

If you’re planning your first trip to western South Dakota, it can be a little confusing when you keep hearing about both the Black Hills and the Badlands.

While they’re often mentioned together, they’re actually two distinct areas that are located about an hour apart. The good news? They’re close enough that you can easily visit both on the same family vacation.

The Black Hills

The Black Hills are located in western South Dakota and are where you’ll find many of the area’s most famous attractions, including:

• Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Custer State Park
• Crazy Horse Memorial
• Bear Country USA
• Storybook Island
• Rapid City
• Keystone
• Hill City

This is where most families spend the majority of their vacation. Between the scenic drives, wildlife, hiking trails, charming towns, and family attractions, there’s enough here to keep you busy for several days.

The Badlands

About an hour east of Rapid City, the landscape changes completely.

Badlands National Park is known for its dramatic rock formations, colorful cliffs, scenic overlooks, wildlife, and easy hiking trails.

It feels completely different from the pine-covered Black Hills, which is one of the reasons I think it’s such a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.

Should You Visit Both?

Absolutely.

One of my favorite things about this region is how much variety you can experience in just a few days.

One day you’re driving through Custer State Park watching bison graze along the road, and the next you’re hiking through the rugged landscapes of Badlands National Park.

If your schedule allows, I highly recommend including both the Black Hills and the Badlands in your itinerary. Together, they make one of my favorite family vacation destinations in the United States.

Best Things to Do in the Black Hills and Badlands with Kids

One of the things I love most about visiting the Black Hills and Badlands is how much variety there is.

In just a few days, your family can explore national parks, spot wildlife, visit iconic landmarks, discover a one-of-a-kind storybook-themed park, and stop at some wonderfully quirky roadside attractions.

Here are the places I think are most worth adding to your itinerary.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

If it’s your first trip to the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore is one attraction I definitely recommend adding to your itinerary.

Seeing the massive granite sculpture in person is one of those experiences that photos simply can’t capture.

While many people think of Mount Rushmore as a quick photo stop, there’s actually enough to do to tailor your visit to your family’s schedule.

If you’re hoping to admire the monument, snap a few photos, and browse the gift shop, you can easily spend about an hour here.

If you’d like to walk the Presidential Trail, explore the visitor center, or stay for the Evening Lighting Ceremony, plan to spend a little longer.

Plan to Spend: 1–2 hours (most families)
Great For: All ages
Cost: Free admission (currently a $10 parking fee per vehicle)

Highlights

• Walk the Avenue of Flags as you make your way to the Grand View Terrace.
• Hike the 0.6-mile Presidential Trail for closer views of the monument.
• Visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center to learn about the history and construction of Mount Rushmore.
• Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet for the kids.
• Grab some ice cream from Memorial Team Ice Cream or enjoy a meal at Carvers’ Café.
• Visit during the summer months if you’d like to attend the Evening Lighting Ceremony.

Tips for Visiting

• Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a more relaxed experience.
• Walk the Presidential Trail clockwise for a slightly easier hike.
• Have your kids look for your home state’s flag along the Avenue of Flags and find out when it became a state. This was one of our boys’ favorite activities.
• Don’t forget your National Park Passport if you collect cancellation stamps.
• Plan a little extra time if you’d like to stay for the Evening Lighting Ceremony during the summer months.

Our Experience

We’ve visited Mount Rushmore twice with kids, and we enjoyed it just as much the second time as the first.

Our older boys were only 7 and 5 on our first visit, so it was fun returning a few years later and seeing them experience it again at ages 12 and 10.

This time, we arrived in the evening after a full day of driving. Although we were too tired to stay for the Evening Lighting Ceremony, seeing Mount Rushmore at dusk was a beautiful experience.

There were quite a few people there, but it never felt overly crowded, even as visitors continued arriving for the evening program.

One thing we did differently on our second visit was walk the Presidential Trail, and I’m so glad we did.

As you wind through the trees, you get to see Mount Rushmore from several different viewpoints along a boardwalk, and it feels like you’re experiencing the monument in its natural surroundings rather than only from the main viewing terrace.

If your schedule allows, I definitely recommend taking the time to walk the trail.

Whether you have an hour or an entire evening, I think Mount Rushmore is well worth adding to your Black Hills family itinerary.

Planning to visit Mount Rushmore? Read my complete guide to Mount Rushmore with Kids, where I share exactly how much time you need, whether the Presidential Trail is worth it, and the experiences I wouldn’t miss.

Custer State Park

If I had to choose just one place that captures everything I love about the Black Hills, it would be Custer State Park. From scenic drives and wildlife to peaceful lakes and family-friendly hiking, this park offers a little bit of everything.

With so much to see, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring Custer State Park. In fact, that’s exactly what I recommend.

Plan to Spend: One full day
Great For: All ages
Cost: State Park entrance pass required

Highlights

• Drive the Wildlife Loop Road in search of bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and the famous begging burros.
• Cruise the scenic Needles Highway and drive through its narrow granite tunnels.
• Spend time at Sylvan Lake, one of the most beautiful spots in the Black Hills.
• Stop at one of the many scenic overlooks and pull-offs along the way.
• Enjoy a picnic or lunch at Legion Lake Lodge.

Tips for Visiting

• Start your day on the Wildlife Loop Road. Early morning is typically the best time to see wildlife.
• Plan to drive Needles Highway after the Wildlife Loop.
• Build in time to relax at Sylvan Lake. Whether you walk the trail around the lake, rent a kayak, or simply enjoy the scenery, it’s worth slowing down here.
• Bring plenty of snacks and water since you’ll spend much of the day driving between attractions.
• Leave room to be flexible. If your kids are having fun exploring a trail, climbing rocks, spotting wildlife, or playing along the shore at Sylvan Lake, let them enjoy it. You may spend more time at one stop than another, and that’s okay. Some of the best family vacation memories happen when you slow down instead of rushing to the next attraction.

Our Experience

We spent an entire day exploring Custer State Park, and it ended up being one of our favorite days of the trip.

We started with the Wildlife Loop Road, had lunch at Legion Lake Lodge, continued along Needles Highway, and finished the day at Sylvan Lake.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The day had a great balance of driving, wildlife, scenic viewpoints, and time for the kids to get out and explore.

The Wildlife Loop was a family favorite. Seeing the bison roaming freely was incredible, and the begging burros were just as entertaining.

By the time we reached Sylvan Lake later that afternoon, it was the perfect place to slow down, stretch our legs, and enjoy the scenery before heading back.

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is one of the most unique landscapes we’ve visited as a family.

The colorful rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping views almost don’t look real, making it one of the most memorable stops on a Black Hills vacation.

One thing that makes the Badlands especially fun for kids is that they aren’t limited to staying on designated trails.

In many areas, they can climb, scramble, and explore the rock formations, turning the park into one big outdoor adventure which they absolutely love.

Plan to Spend: 1–2 hours or a full day
Great For: Families who enjoy scenic drives, easy hikes, and outdoor adventures
Cost: National Park entrance fee or America the Beautiful Pass

Highlights

• Drive the scenic Badlands Loop Road and stop at the many overlooks.
• Hike the easy Door Trail, Window Trail, or Fossil Exhibit Trail.
• Let the kids climb and scramble on the rock formations.
• Watch for wildlife, including prairie dogs, bison, and bighorn sheep.
• Stop at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to explore the exhibits, pick up a souvenir, and earn a Junior Ranger badge.

Tips for Visiting

• Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats since there is very little shade.
• Pack a few Band-Aids. The loose rock and clay-like ground can be slippery, making it easy for adventurous kids to end up with a scraped knee or elbow.
• Don’t feel like you need to hike every trail. Even if you only have an hour or two, the scenic drive and a couple of stops will give you an incredible experience.
• If your kids are having fun climbing and exploring, let them. Some of the best vacation memories happen when you slow down and enjoy where you are instead of rushing to the next overlook.

Our Experience

We’ve visited Badlands National Park twice, and both visits were a little different.

Our first visit took us through the Northeast Entrance, while our most recent visit began near the Pinnacles Entrance.

This time, we saw more prairie dogs than we could count, and watching them pop in and out of their burrows quickly became one of the highlights for our boys.

On both visits, we drove the scenic loop through the park and stopped a few times to let the kids climb and scramble on the rock formations.

Honestly, they could have spent hours exploring. If your kids enjoy climbing and getting a little dirty, they’ll probably love this part of the park as much as ours did.

One thing I really love about Badlands National Park is that it’s so flexible.

If you’re short on time, you can drive the scenic loop, stop at a few overlooks, and let the kids explore for an hour or two and still leave feeling like you experienced the park.

But if you have more time, there are plenty of trails, overlooks, and scenic viewpoints that can easily fill an entire day.

Storybook Island

Storybook Island had been on my Black Hills bucket list for years, and I’m so glad we finally made time to visit.

Located in Rapid City, this free children’s park brings classic nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and beloved storybook characters to life through imaginative play areas that encourage kids to explore, climb, and pretend.

While Storybook Island is designed primarily for younger children, I honestly loved it just as much as the kids.

Walking through the park felt like a trip down memory lane as I recognized so many familiar nursery rhymes and storybook scenes from my own childhood.

I even found myself looking up the full words to a few of the nursery rhymes while we were there!

While children of all ages can enjoy Storybook Island, I think it’s best suited for kids between about 2 and 10 years old.

If you’re visiting the Black Hills with younger kids, I highly recommend adding Storybook Island to your itinerary.

Plan to Spend: 1–2 hours
Great For: Toddlers through elementary-aged kids
Cost: Free

Highlights

• Explore dozens of themed play areas inspired by classic nursery rhymes and storybook characters.
• Climb aboard pirate ships, treehouses, trains, and other imaginative play structures.
• Enjoy plenty of shade throughout the park, making it a great stop on a warm summer day.
• Let your kids use their imaginations as they explore each themed area.
• Ride the Storybook Island train during the summer season (additional fee).

Tips for Visiting

• Visit in the morning or evening during the summer for cooler temperatures.
• Take your time exploring. There are so many themed areas that it’s easy to miss some if you rush through.
• Pair your visit with downtown Rapid City or Dinosaur Park since they’re only a short drive away.
• Bring your camera. You’ll find plenty of fun photo opportunities throughout the park.

Our Experience

Storybook Island had been on my bucket list for years, and I was so excited to finally visit. It was every bit as charming as I had hoped it would be.

Our youngest was absolutely thrilled. He ran from one area to the next, excitedly calling out everything he saw.

Before long, all of the boys were chasing each other around the Three Little Pigs houses, taking turns pretending to be the Big Bad Wolf before climbing aboard the pirate ship for their next adventure.

I loved watching their imaginations take over.

There weren’t flashing lights or rides telling them what to do. They simply ran from one storybook scene to the next, creating their own games and having fun together.

Honestly, watching that was one of my favorite parts of our visit.

As much as the kids enjoyed Storybook Island, I think I appreciated it just as much.

Walking through the different nursery rhymes and storybook scenes brought back so many childhood memories, and it was fun seeing those familiar stories come to life in a way that both kids and adults can enjoy.

Downtown Rapid City

If you’re staying in Rapid City, I definitely recommend setting aside some time to explore downtown.

It’s clean, walkable, and filled with local shops, restaurants, public art, and family-friendly spaces that make it a fun place to spend an afternoon or evening.

One of the most unique features of downtown Rapid City is the City of Presidents.

Bronze statues of past U.S. presidents are scattered throughout downtown, turning a simple walk into a fun scavenger hunt as you see how many you can find.

Plan to Spend: 1–2 hours
Great For: All ages
Cost: Free (shopping and dining additional)

Highlights

• Find the bronze City of Presidents statues throughout downtown.
• Visit Main Street Square, a popular gathering place for families.
• Browse local shops and boutiques.
• Stop for dinner, dessert, or ice cream at one of the downtown restaurants.
• Enjoy the relaxed, walkable atmosphere.

Tips for Visiting

• Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll likely be walking several blocks.
• Pair downtown Rapid City with Storybook Island or Dinosaur Park for an easy half-day itinerary.
• Take your time exploring. The kids loved taking pictures with all of the presidents. They had a blast guessing which one they would see next!
• If you’re visiting during the warmer months, pack towels or a change of clothes if your kids want to play in the splash pad at Main Street Square.

Our Experience

We really enjoyed spending time exploring downtown Rapid City.

One of our favorite stops was Main Street Square. Although the splash pad hadn’t turned on yet, there were already families waiting nearby, and our kids had a great time running around on the artificial turf while we relaxed for a bit.

I can easily picture spending a summer evening here with ice cream in hand while the kids play.

Walking through downtown searching for the City of Presidents statues was another fun surprise. It gave the kids something to look for as we explored and made the walk much more engaging.

We didn’t have a chance to eat downtown since we headed to Mount Rushmore shortly after arriving in Rapid City, but if we had, Firehouse Brewing Company would have been at the top of our list.

The historic atmosphere, family-friendly feel, and kids’ menu made it one of the places that stood out while we were planning our trip.

If you’re looking for a convenient home base for exploring the Black Hills, I think downtown Rapid City is well worth considering.

Wall Drug Store

If you’re driving to or from Badlands National Park, I definitely recommend making a stop at Wall Drug. It’s one of those classic road trip stops that’s fun to experience at least once, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

You don’t need to spend half a day here, but it’s a fun place to stretch your legs, grab lunch, browse the gift shops, take some fun photos, and let the kids burn off a little energy before getting back on the road.

Plan to Spend: 30 minutes–1½ hours
Great For: All ages
Cost: Free to explore (shopping and food additional)

Highlights

• Snap a photo with the famous jackalope.
• Browse the many gift shops and souvenir stores.
• Grab a burger, grilled cheese, homemade donut, or ice cream.
• Watch the giant T. rex come to life.
• Explore the Backyard area with fun photo opportunities, a splash pad, and plenty of room for kids to play.
• Experience the famous free ice water that helped make Wall Drug famous.

Tips for Visiting

• Visit before or after your Badlands National Park adventure since it’s only a few minutes from the Northeast Entrance.
• Give the kids time to explore the Backyard. It’s much more than just a place to take pictures.
• If you’re visiting during the summer, consider bringing a small towel. The interactive water feature in the Backyard is a fun way for kids to cool off, even if they’re just trying to avoid getting soaked before hopping back in the car.
• Even if you don’t plan to shop, it’s still worth stopping to experience one of South Dakota’s most iconic roadside attractions.

Our Experience

We’ve stopped at Wall Drug twice, and it’s become one of those road trip traditions we look forward to whenever we’re in the area.

This time, we stopped for lunch, and the kids enjoyed burgers and grilled cheese before we wandered through the gift shops.

There was so much to see that they happily explored each store, pointing out all of the unique souvenirs and displays that caught their attention.

After lunch, we headed to the Backyard area, where the kids climbed on the giant jackalope, checked out the miniature Mount Rushmore, and had a blast playing around the interactive water feature.

Water unexpectedly squirts from different spots in the ground, so they spent several minutes trying to guess where it would pop up next while attempting to get “just a little wet” without soaking their clothes before getting back in the car. It was one of those simple moments that ended up being a lot of fun.

Wall Drug is much more than just a souvenir shop. It’s a fun place to take a break from driving, grab a bite to eat, let the kids burn off some energy, and enjoy one of South Dakota’s classic roadside stops.

Bear Country USA

Bear Country USA offers a unique opportunity to see North American wildlife from the comfort of your own vehicle.

As you drive through the park, you’ll see bears, wolves, elk, bison, bighorn sheep, and other animals before finishing your visit in a walk-through area featuring additional exhibits and playful bear cubs.

Plan to Spend: 1–2 hours
Great For: Animal-loving families
Cost: Admission required

Highlights

• Drive through the wildlife park in your own vehicle.
• See black bears, wolves, elk, bison, and other North American animals.
• Visit the walk-through area after the drive.
• Watch the playful bear cubs.
• Browse the gift shop before you leave.

Tips for Visiting

• Plan time for both the drive-through and walk-through portions of the park.
• Keep your camera ready because you never know when an animal will be close to the road.
• Check current admission prices before your visit, especially if you’re traveling with a larger family.

Our Experience

We visited Bear Country USA on our first trip to the Black Hills, and our kids especially enjoyed the walk-through area after the drive.

It gave them a chance to get out of the car, move around, and get a closer look at some of the animals. The bear cubs were definitely the highlight of our visit.

Looking back, this is one attraction I personally wouldn’t prioritize over some of the other experiences in the Black Hills.

We enjoyed our time there, but admission has increased over the years, and now that we’re a family of six with an older child who would be charged the adult rate, it’s a much more expensive outing than it was on our first visit.

I also think this is one of those attractions that depends on the age of your kids and your family’s interests.

As our boys have gotten older, I think we’d be more likely to spend that money on an experience like ziplining, a guided adventure, or another activity we couldn’t do just anywhere.

If your family loves animals and it’s within your budget, I think you’ll have a great time.

But if you’re trying to prioritize your time and money in the Black Hills, I would personally put attractions like Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, or Storybook Island ahead of Bear Country USA.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial is one of the Black Hills’ most well-known attractions and is still actively being carved into the mountainside.

When completed, it will be the world’s largest mountain carving and serves as both a monument and a tribute to Native American history and culture.

Plan to Spend: 1–2 hours
Great For: Families looking for a unique sightseeing stop
Cost: Admission required

Highlights

• View the massive mountain carving in progress.
• Visit the Indian Museum of North America.
• Learn about the history and vision behind the memorial.
• Browse the cultural exhibits and gift shop.

Tips for Visiting

• Plan to spend some time exploring the museums and exhibits in addition to viewing the monument.
• Check the schedule before your visit if you’re interested in cultural demonstrations or special events.

Our Experience

We visited Crazy Horse Memorial on our first trip to the Black Hills about five years ago. While I don’t remember all of the details, I do remember being impressed by the scale of the project and learning more about the vision behind the memorial.

From a family perspective, though, I found this attraction to be much less interactive than many of the others we visited.

Compared to places like Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Storybook Island, and even Wall Drug, I think most kids will likely stay engaged longer at those attractions.

If you’re visiting the Black Hills for the first time or only have a few days, I would personally prioritize those attractions before adding Crazy Horse Memorial to your itinerary.

However, if you have extra time, I do think it’s worth considering, especially if you’d like to see the monument in person and learn more about the incredible vision behind the project.

Wind Cave National Park

If your family enjoys caves and learning about nature, Wind Cave National Park is another attraction worth considering in the Black Hills.

It’s also a fun stop if you’re working toward visiting all of the U.S. national parks, as it’s one of South Dakota’s two national parks.

Plan to Spend: 1–3 hours (or longer with a cave tour)
Best For: Families with extra time or those looking to visit another national park
Cost: Park entrance is free; guided cave tours require a ticket

Highlights

• Explore the visitor center to learn about the cave and the park’s history.
• Watch for wildlife like bison, elk, and prairie dogs throughout the park.
• Take a guided cave tour if tickets are available.
• Enjoy the scenic prairie landscape above ground.

Tips for Visiting

• Check the National Park Service website well before your trip to compare the different cave tours and decide which one is the best fit for your family.
• Reserve your cave tour tickets in advance if possible, especially if you’re visiting during the busy summer season, as tours often sell out.
• If you aren’t able to reserve tickets ahead of time, don’t give up. Approximately half of the cave tour tickets are held for same-day sales on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive as early as possible for the best chance of getting tickets, as they often sell out soon after the visitor center opens.
• Bring a light jacket if you plan to take a cave tour since temperatures underground stay cool year-round.
• If cave tours are sold out, it’s still worth stopping by the visitor center and exploring the park if you’re already in the area.

Our Experience

We visited Wind Cave National Park during our first trip to the Black Hills about five years ago.

One of the reasons we wanted to stop was because our family enjoys visiting national parks whenever we travel.

By the time we arrived, there weren’t any cave tours available for the next couple of hours.

Since we already had other plans for the rest of the day, we decided not to wait for a later tour.

Instead, we spent some time exploring the visitor center before continuing on with our trip. Looking back, I wish we had planned ahead a little better so we could have experienced one of the guided cave tours.

Personally, I tend to be drawn to national parks for the scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and beautiful landscapes, so parks like Badlands National Park and Custer State Park are naturally more my style.

Because of that, Wind Cave wasn’t one of my personal favorites. However, I also know that’s simply my preference.

If your family enjoys cave tours, geology, or learning about unique natural features, Wind Cave could easily be one of the highlights of your trip.

Plus, the park offers hiking trails and opportunities to spot wildlife like bison, elk, and prairie dogs above ground, making it more than just a cave tour.

If you’re interested in visiting, I’d definitely recommend planning ahead so you can experience one of the guided cave tours, since that’s what makes Wind Cave National Park such a unique destination.

Dinosaur Park

Dinosaur Park is one attraction that’s still on my Black Hills bucket list.

We had planned to visit during our most recent trip, but after a full day of exploring, we didn’t make it back to Rapid City until after dark. Sometimes that’s just how family vacations go!

Perched on a hill overlooking Rapid City, Dinosaur Park is home to several large dinosaur sculptures and offers beautiful views of the city below. Best of all, it’s completely free to visit.

Plan to Spend: 30–60 minutes
Great For: Families with dinosaur-loving kids
Cost: Free

Highlights

• See the giant dinosaur sculptures overlooking Rapid City.
• Enjoy panoramic views of the city.
• Snap some fun family photos.
• Pair your visit with downtown Rapid City or Storybook Island since they’re just a short drive away.

Tips for Visiting

• Dinosaur Park is an easy stop to add before or after exploring downtown Rapid City.
• Bring your camera for the city views and fun dinosaur photos.
• If you’re visiting during the summer, try to go earlier in the day or in the evening to avoid the hottest temperatures.

My Thoughts

Although I haven’t had the chance to visit Dinosaur Park yet, I still wanted to include it because it’s one of Rapid City’s most popular free attractions for families.

It’s already at the top of my list for our next Black Hills trip, and I’ll be sure to update this guide with our firsthand experience after we’ve visited.

Where to Stay in the Black Hills with Kids

Choosing where to stay in the Black Hills can feel a little overwhelming at first.

The good news is that most of the area’s top attractions are within a reasonable driving distance of one another, so there’s no single “right” place to stay.

The best home base really depends on what you want to prioritize during your trip.

If you’re trying to decide which town is the best fit for your family, I share a much more detailed breakdown in my Where to Stay in the Black Hills guide. It compares the pros and cons of Hill City, Rapid City, Keystone, Custer, Deadwood, and Spearfish to help you choose the best home base for your trip.

For our most recent visit, we stayed at the Hyatt Place in downtown Rapid City and loved it.

It gave us easy access to restaurants, parks, and family-friendly attractions while still being within driving distance of places like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, and Wall Drug.

Rapid City

If you’re looking for convenience and plenty of hotel and restaurant options, I think Rapid City is an excellent choice. We enjoyed being able to spend time walking around downtown, visiting Main Street Square, and finding the City of Presidents statues.

→ See current prices and availability for hotels in Rapid City.

Keystone

Keystone has a fun vacation-town feel that many families will love. The boardwalks are lined with restaurants, shops, mini golf, and other family-friendly attractions, so it’s a fun place to spend an evening after visiting Mount Rushmore. If seeing Mount Rushmore is one of your biggest priorities, staying in Keystone means you’re just a few minutes away.

→ Compare family-friendly hotels in Keystone.

Custer

If your family loves hiking, wildlife, and spending as much time as possible in Custer State Park, Custer would be a wonderful place to stay. It has a quieter, more laid-back feel than Rapid City or Keystone and puts you close to many of the outdoor adventures that make the Black Hills so special.

→ Browse hotels in Custer.

Hill City

During our first trip to the Black Hills, we stayed just outside of Hill City, and it ended up being a great location.

While we weren’t right in town, Hill City was our go-to spot for dinner in the evenings.

One of our favorite parts was that we could walk to Candyland, where the kids picked out treats and played a round of miniature golf.

We could also walk to Dairy Twist for ice cream, burgers, fries, chicken, hot dogs, and other quick family-friendly meals.

It made for such an easy and enjoyable way to end the day after exploring the Black Hills.

→ See current prices and availability for hotels in Hill City.

My Recommendation

After staying in two different areas of the Black Hills, I honestly don’t think you can go wrong.

Both gave us a different experience, and I’m glad we’ve been able to see the area from two different home bases.

If you’re looking for the most convenience, I would probably recommend Rapid City.

We loved having a wide variety of restaurants to choose from after a full day of exploring, and it was fun spending our evenings walking around downtown, visiting Main Street Square, and finding the City of Presidents statues.

It also made a great central location for taking day trips throughout the Black Hills.

That said, I also really enjoyed staying just outside of Hill City on our first visit. It was quieter, and I loved being able to walk to Candyland for treats and miniature golf or head over to Dairy Twist for burgers and ice cream after a day of sightseeing. It had a relaxed, vacation feel that worked really well for our family.

Ultimately, I think the best place to stay depends on what you want your trip to look like.

If you want the convenience of more restaurants, shopping, and evening activities, I’d lean toward Rapid City.

If you’d rather stay in a smaller town that’s closer to attractions like Mount Rushmore or Custer State Park, Keystone, Hill City, or Custer are all excellent options.

I really don’t think you can go wrong. Each town offers something a little different, and I think most families will be happy no matter which one they choose.

Traveling with a larger family? A vacation rental can be a fantastic option. We stayed in a vacation rental just outside of Hill City on our first trip, and it was one of our favorite places we’ve stayed. Having extra space to spread out, along with a full kitchen, made the trip feel even more relaxing.

→ Browse family-friendly vacation rentals in the Black Hills.

What I’d Do Differently Next Time

Even after two trips to the Black Hills, there are still a few things I’d love to do differently next time. That’s one of the things I love about this area. There’s always another reason to come back.

• Finally visit Dinosaur Park. We planned to stop this trip, but after a full day of exploring, we didn’t make it back to Rapid City until after dark. It’s definitely at the top of my list for next time.
• Plan ahead for Wind Cave National Park. We didn’t have our hearts set on a cave tour, but by the time we stopped, there weren’t any tours available for the next couple of hours that fit into our schedule. If exploring the cave is important to you, I’d definitely reserve your tickets ahead of time or arrive early for same-day ticket sales.
• Leave extra time for Custer State Park. Every time we visit, I find myself wishing we had just a little more time there. Between the scenic drives, wildlife, lakes, and hiking trails, it’s easy to spend much longer than you planned.
• Keep your itinerary flexible. Some of our favorite memories came from slowing down and letting the kids enjoy where we were. Watching them climb around the Badlands, use their imaginations at Storybook Island, or simply explore together ended up being just as memorable as some of the biggest attractions.

One thing I’ve learned after visiting the Black Hills twice is that you don’t have to see everything in one trip. In fact, I think leaving a few things for next time is part of what makes this destination so special.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Black Hills with Kids

Is the Black Hills worth visiting with kids?

Absolutely! Between Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Storybook Island, wildlife viewing, and fun roadside attractions like Wall Drug, there’s something for every age.

We’ve now visited twice, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to other families.

It’s one of the reasons I included the Black Hills and Badlands in my roundup of the 26 Best Places to Vacation with Your Family in 2026.

What age is best for visiting the Black Hills with kids?

One of the reasons I recommend the Black Hills for families is that there’s truly something for every age.

Toddlers and younger kids will love places like Storybook Island, Bear Country USA, and Custer State Park, while older kids and teens can enjoy hiking, climbing around the Badlands, spotting wildlife, and exploring attractions like Mount Rushmore.

We’ve now visited twice with kids at very different ages.

On our first trip, our boys were 7 and 5. When we returned a few years later, we were traveling as a family of six with boys who were 4, 6, 10, and 12.

Each trip looked a little different, but we found plenty to enjoy both times.

I hope that gives you confidence that whether you’re traveling with toddlers, elementary-aged kids, or teens, the Black Hills and Badlands offer plenty of experiences the whole family can enjoy.

How many days do you need in the Black Hills?

I think three to five days is a great amount of time for a first visit. You’ll have enough time to see many of the area’s biggest attractions without feeling like you’re rushing from place to place.

What is the best town to stay in?

There really isn’t a wrong choice. We enjoyed staying in both the Rapid City area and near Hill City for different reasons. If you want lots of restaurants, shopping, and evening activities, I’d lean toward Rapid City. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere that’s closer to nature, Hill City, Keystone, or Custer are all great options.

Should I stay in one hotel or move around?

We stayed in one place on both of our trips and never felt like we were driving too much. Personally, I prefer unpacking once and taking day trips throughout the Black Hills rather than moving hotels every couple of nights.

That said, if you enjoy slower travel or plan to spend several days in one specific area, splitting your stay between two towns could also work well.

For most families, though, I think choosing one home base makes for a more relaxing vacation.

Is Wall Drug worth stopping at?

I think so! It’s one of those classic Black Hills stops that’s worth experiencing at least once. Our kids loved exploring the gift shops, eating lunch, and climbing on some of the statues out back before getting back in the car.

Is Storybook Island worth visiting?

Yes! Storybook Island quickly became one of our favorite stops in the Black Hills. It’s free to visit, full of imaginative play areas, and a nice change of pace from some of the bigger attractions. I honestly enjoyed it just as much as the kids.

When is the best time to visit the Black Hills?

Summer is the most popular time to visit because everything is open and the weather is great for exploring. If you don’t mind cooler temperatures, late spring and early fall can also be wonderful times to visit with fewer crowds.

Can you visit Mount Rushmore in the evening?

Yes! We visited around dusk during our most recent trip and loved it. The lighting was beautiful, the temperatures were cooler, and it felt like a great way to end the day. If you’re interested in the evening lighting ceremony, be sure to check the schedule before your visit.

Final Thoughts

After visiting the Black Hills twice, one thing has become clear to me. This is one of those destinations that’s almost impossible to experience in just one trip.

Whether your family is hiking through Custer State Park, scrambling over the rocks in Badlands National Park, visiting Mount Rushmore for the first time, or watching your kids’ imaginations come to life at Storybook Island, there are so many different ways to experience the Black Hills with kids.

Don’t feel like you have to fit every Black Hills attraction into one vacation. Instead, choose the experiences that fit your family’s interests, leave room for unplanned moments, and know that it’s perfectly okay to save a few things for next time.

Some of our favorite memories weren’t the ones we could have planned. They were watching our boys climb the rock formations in Badlands National Park, seeing them get completely immersed in imaginative play at Storybook Island, and ending the day with a walk through downtown Rapid City.

After reading about everything the Black Hills have to offer, you might be wondering how to fit it all together into a trip that works for your family. That’s exactly why I created my Ultimate Family Vacation Itinerary Planner.

It’s the same planner I use to organize our family vacations, from mapping out each day’s itinerary to keeping track of hotel reservations, attraction tickets, driving routes, packing lists, budgets, and more.

If you’re looking for a simple way to stay organized and make vacation planning feel less overwhelming, I think you’ll love it.

Looking for something simpler? You can also download my free Family Vacation Itinerary Planner to help organize your trip and get started.

However you choose to explore the Black Hills, I have a feeling you’ll leave with wonderful memories and already be thinking about your next visit.

May you love your adventure! KW