What Are the Top 6 Things to Do With Kids at Badlands National Park?

If you’re planning a trip to Badlands National Park with kids, you may be wondering what will actually keep them excited and engaged — beyond just pulling over for scenic views. Roadtripping with the kids can turn into long, tough days, but the good news is that the Badlands can be an amazing family destination. Between the unusual landscape, wildlife, fossils, hiking, and wide-open skies, there’s plenty here to spark curiosity and adventure for kids of all ages.

If you’re visiting as a family, here are 6 of the best things to do with kids at Badlands National Park.

1. Help Your Kids Become Junior Rangers

One of the best things to do with kids at Badlands National Park is to have them participate in the Junior Ranger program.

This is a great way to make the visit more interactive and fun, especially for children who enjoy checklists, activities, and learning while they explore. Kids can complete age-appropriate activities and earn a Junior Ranger badge, which often becomes one of the most memorable parts of the trip. It’s a fun way to help them feel like they’re really part of the adventure - and they may not even realize they're learning!

2. Go on a Short Hike With Kids

The Badlands has several shorter trails and easy exploration areas that work well for families. You don’t need to commit to a major hike to let kids enjoy the landscape. In fact, for many families, shorter trails are the perfect way to explore without turning the day into a battle of snacks, heat, and tired legs. Some family-friendly options include:

• Door Trail

• Window Trail

• Fossil Exhibit Trail

These are great ways for kids to stretch their legs and feel like they’re exploring another world.

3. Look for the Animals

Kids love wildlife spotting, and the Badlands offers plenty of opportunities for it. As you drive through the park and surrounding areas, keep an eye out for:

• Bison

• Bighorn sheep

• Prairie dogs

• Antelope

• Birds of prey

Turning the drive into a “spot the animals” game can make the whole experience much more fun for younger kids, and wildlife sightings often become one of the biggest highlights of the trip. The visitor center has an animal "bingo card" which makes it more fun!

4. Find Fossils and Learn About Ancient Life

The Badlands is not just beautiful — it’s also one of the richest fossil areas in North America. Kids who are interested in rocks, dinosaurs, or ancient animals often find this part especially fascinating. While visitors should never remove fossils from the park, there are great opportunities to learn about the prehistoric creatures that once lived here and to help kids imagine what this landscape looked like millions of years ago.

The Fossil Exhibit Trail is especially good for this and makes geology feel much more exciting and accessible for children.

5. Go Stargazing as a Family

If you’re staying near the Badlands overnight, one of the most magical things to do with kids is simply to look up after dark. Because the area has relatively low light pollution, the night sky can be incredible. For many kids — especially those from cities or suburbs — seeing a sky full of stars can be just as memorable as anything they do during the day.

If your family enjoys astronomy, camping, or simply winding down after a day of exploring, stargazing in and around the Badlands can be a really special part of the trip.

6. See the Badlands From the Air

If you want to add one truly unforgettable memory to your family trip, seeing the Badlands from the air is a completely different kind of experience.

Most visitors see the Badlands from scenic overlooks or from the road, which is beautiful — but flying above the landscape gives you a whole new perspective on the ridges, formations, and open prairie. For kids, the airplane itself is often a huge part of the excitement. For parents, it becomes one of those rare travel experiences that feels both adventurous and genuinely memorable.

At Fly Badlands, based at the Wall Municipal Airport, families can experience the landscape together from above in a way that often becomes one of the highlights of the trip. They also offer Family Flight Packs, which make it easier for families traveling together to enjoy a scenic flight as part of their Badlands vacation.

If your family is looking for something beyond the usual roadside stops, this is a really special way to experience the area.

Final Thoughts: Visiting Badlands National Park With Kids

The Badlands can be an incredible destination for families — especially if you build in a mix of movement, discovery, wildlife, and wonder.

If you’re planning a family trip, some of the best things to do with kids at Badlands National Park include:

• becoming Junior Rangers

• taking a short hike

• spotting wildlife

• learning about fossils

• stargazing

• and seeing the Badlands from the air

The best family trips are the ones kids actually remember — and the Badlands offers plenty of opportunities for exactly that.

Make your family trip unforgettable

A scenic flight with Fly Badlands is a one-of-a-kind way to experience the Badlands together.

Ask about our Family Flight Packs

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