TOP 8 Things To Do With Kids In South Dakota You Might Not Know

TOP 8 Things To Do With Kids In South Dakota You Might Not Know

Most people who’ve never visited South Dakota are probably only familiar with Mount Rushmore. While Mt. Rushmore is a fantastic destination to see on a South Dakota family holiday, there are a plethora of other exciting things to do with kids in South Dakota. Its history, gorgeous whispering prairies, protruding mountains, and clear lakes make the journey worthwhile.

Do you have no idea what to do in South Dakota with your children? This state is rich in natural beauty, wild as well as historical experiences, and also some spectacular national parks. Here are our choices for the top eight things to do with kids in South Dakota.

Things to do with Kids in South Dakota on a Family Vacation

Here are 8 things to do with kids in South Dakota, which will certainly make your family trip more happy and enjoyable!

Following the Signs to Wall Drug

Following the Signs to Wall Drug
Following the Signs to Wall Drug

In 1931, billboards advertising free ice water helped put only one drugstore in Wall, SD just on the map. On a summer day, Wall Drug welcomes nearly 20,000 visitors, many of whom purchase a $.05 cup of coffee or even a cute, albeit kitschy, souvenir to take home.

Line of signs For over 500 miles, Interstate-90 marked the way to Wall Drug. You and your children will feel as if you have discovered the coolest thing since sliced bread by the time you arrive at this massive gift shop and cafe in the middle of the prairie. And you have.

Wall Drug is a family-run dreamland of touristy wares, fascinating photo opportunities, cheap local food, and an enjoyable, imaginative remainder stop amid a long drive.

Visiting a Little House on the Prairie

Visiting a Little House on the Prairie
Visiting a Little House on the Prairie

The second thing on the list of Things To Do With Kids In South Dakota is visiting a Little House on the Prairie. Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s famous series of books will enjoy seeing her family home more than 2,000 material objects from the author’s life at the Ingalls Homestead in De Smet.

Visit this historical landmark in the summer for a wider reach of old-fashioned family fun where you can camp, try taking covered wagon tours, and dress up in bonnets, pinafores, and straw hats while attending the Little Prairie School. Or give it a try at being a pioneer by making rope, grinding wheat, shelling corn, and making you possess a corn-cob doll.

Every July, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant retells a scene from the author’s life in a theatrical setting at the Homestead. A gift shop on-site allows you to bring a small bit of pioneer history home with you.

Exploring the Sprawling Badlands

Exploring the Sprawling Badlands
Exploring the Sprawling Badlands

Badlands National Park, located on the edge of the Great Plains, is a beautiful and unique terrain of 244,000 acres of buttes, spires, and rolling grasslands.

The Highway 240 Loop provides an hour-long overall view of several park features. The Badlands Wilderness will be visible, and you may see coyotes, bighorn sheep, or even American bison.

Robert’s Prairie Dog Town is only a 30-minute detour away. You can attempt to catch a peek at the adorable little mammals here.

One thing you will undoubtedly notice is an incredible spectacular view of the park’s stunning landscapes. The lands are home to eight hiking trails, two of which are suitable for children: the Cliff Shelf Nature Trail (.5 mile) and the Fossil Exhibit Trail (.25 mile).

Night Sky Programs in the summer is an amazing way to conclude your day underneath a blanket of stars that most city dwellers have never imagined.

Discovering Native American Monuments

Discovering Native American Monuments
Discovering Native American Monuments

South Dakota is home to 9 Native American Indian tribes. Your trip would be incomplete unless you visited some of the incredible cultural and historical sites that give you a glimpse into the Native American perception.

The Crazy Horse Memorial near Custer, SD is a work-in-progress cultural work of art. It is a massive rock sculpture of Crazy Horse, the famous Native American leader (not yet completed, but already impressive). Don’t miss this stop, even though the hill is still being carved. On-site are the Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Education and Cultural Center.

Chamberlin, SD is home to the breathtaking Atka Lakota Museum & Dignity Sculpture (pictured above), which will take your breath away. The museum displays cultural artifacts, and artwork, and hosts an annual powwow dedicated to the Northern Plains Indians.

The South Dakota Art Museum features numerous Native American artists as well as a hands-on “Kids Sensation Station” to keep children entertained.

If your children are old enough, take kids to the Wounded Knee Museum and the real site of the Wounded Knee Massacre in Wall. Regardless of how serious the subject is, I think that a deep understanding of this occasion will help our children grow into respectful as well as responsible leaders of tomorrow.

Heading Underground into South Dakota’s Caves

Heading Underground into South Dakota’s Caves
Heading Underground into South Dakota’s Caves

The next one on the list of top 8 Things To Do With Kids In South Dakota is heading Underground into South Dakota’s Caves. South Dakota’s terrain is teeming with caves ripe for exploration. Caves offer families a distinctive, mysterious, and always fascinating glimpse into life underground.

Wind Cave National Park, as well as Jewel Cave National Monument, should not be missed. The two cave systems run nearly 300 miles underground! There are numerous tour options available that run daily, except on holidays.

Rushmore Mountain Adventure Park caters to the adrenaline junkie family. Families can ride a roller coaster, zip line through the cave, or take a sophisticated spelunking tour that requires you to crawl on your belly through confined quarters!

If you want to find several golds during your underground adventure, go to Big Thunder Gold Mine, where you are assured to leave a little richer. These caves are both located in the Black Hills.

Following in the Footsteps of Lewis & Clark

Following in the Footsteps of Lewis & Clark
Following in the Footsteps of Lewis & Clark

You can follow the Missouri River as Lewis and Clark did through South Dakota. The route is intersected by numerous interstates and trails. Several stops along the way provide insight into their journey.

Spirit Mound, located near Vermillion, SD as in the southeast, is an excellent place to begin for your journey. Because of changes in the body of water over time, this is one of the very few places where you can be certain you are standing where the explorers once stood.

The nearby Lewis & Clark Visitor’s Center offers a history of the duo as well as incredible views of Lewis & Clark Lake as well as Recreation Center. The Rec Center is a popular park in South Dakota. It has three campgrounds, playgrounds, a resort, fishing and swimming areas, and other amenities.

Take a boat trip on the Sunset Paddle Wheeler in Pierre, the state capital, to see iconic landmarks from the water. Farm Island is another excellent recreation and camping location.

While you’re there, stop by the Lewis & Clark Family Center for hands-on interactive screens about their expeditions.

Digging up Some Bones at Archaeological Sites

Digging up Some Bones at Archaeological Sites
Digging up Some Bones at Archaeological Sites

Travel back in time 26,000 years to the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, where a distinctive sinkhole created a treasure trove of ice age fossil remains. The Mammoth Site is a must-see for any family with a future paleontologist. It provides sufficient hands-on actions for non-scientists to enjoy their visit.

You can take a guided tour through an active archeology dig site and see real ice age fossils as they’re discovered at the world’s largest Mammoth Research facility. Over 58 Colombian but also Woolly Mammoth fossils, as well as numerous other animals, can be found on-site!

Summer brings the museum to life. An hour-long Jr. Paleontologist project gets your kids in the dirt with such a simulated excavation held every day. Older children are also invited to take part in a more advanced simulated dig.

Visiting the Wild Wild West in Deadwood

Visiting the Wild Wild West in Deadwood
Visiting the Wild Wild West in Deadwood

The last one on the list of things to do with kids in South Dakota is visiting the Wild West in Deadwood. Deadwood was founded almost overnight in 1876, as outlaws, miners, gunslingers, and gamblers poured into town to find gold during the gold rush. Deadwood is a domestic historic landmark that is perfect for wild west family fun.

Begin your day by visiting Adams House & Museum, Deadwood’s oldest museum filled with historical artifacts. Pan for gold at Broken Boot Mine or participate in the daily reenactments.

Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane can be discovered at the #10 Saloon, where the latter died. Other good bets include gunslinger shows just on street in front of the Four Aces or even the Celebrity Hotel (now exact gambling casinos, which are lawful in Deadwood).

More Things To Do With Kids In South Dakota

We adore South Dakota so much that we couldn’t leave out these exciting activities as Things To Do With Kids In South Dakota:

  • Follow the craze to South Dakota’s World’s Only Corn Palace, situated in the state’s southeastern corner near Sioux Falls. This tourist attraction, which opened in 1892, receives over 500,000 visitors each year.
  • Sioux Falls is a growing city. Don’t miss their center city Sculpture Walk, which was recently expanded to include the Arc of Dreams. Kid-friendly attractions include musical festivals at Levitt at the Falls as well as the Washington Pavilion science as well as discovery museum.
  • Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills has a Western Heritage Museum, incredible hiking trails, lakes, and some of the state’s most beautiful scenery.
  • The must-see National Music Museum in Sioux Falls is allied with the University of South Dakota. The museum (which is undergoing renovations until 2021) houses one of the most extensive and earliest collections of musical instruments as well as music.
  • Brookings’ Children’s Museum and Aberdeen’s Storybook Land are ideal for small children!
    Visit a rodeo if you’re in South Dakota; it’s the state’s official sport!