Family Fun in South Dakota

Some places are on the family vacation bucket list for a reason. See the famous faces of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, stand beneath the towering Crazy Horse Memorial® and cross paths with Old West legends in Historic Deadwood. Marvels like these make South Dakota a timeless family destination that never gets old. 

Travel back millions of years and unearth fun for all ages in one of the richest places on Earth for paleontological discovery. From colossal skeletons at The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs to fossil-filled landscapes in Badlands National Park, a vacation in South Dakota puts your family right at the center of prehistoric history.

Beyond the famous landmarks, South Dakota is filled with attractions designed for pure fun. Race down alpine slides, pan for gold, fly by Mount Rushmore on a zipline or cool off at a water park. From chugging through the Black Hills on the 1880 Train to zooming around the track at Big Thunder of Sioux Falls, these family favorites add an extra dose of adventure to any trip.

Whether you're on a buffalo safari or visiting the beggin' burros of Custer State Park, up-close wildlife encounters are part of the South Dakota experience. Watch prairie dogs pop up across the plains, surround yourself with winged beauties at the Butterfly House & Aquarium and meet hundreds of exotic animals at family-friendly zoos, including Reptile Gardens, home to the world's largest reptile collection. 

There's no better place to trade screen time for fresh air and family fun. Hike scenic trails, paddle sparkling waters, cast a line from the shore or spend the night beneath a sky full of stars. With more shoreline than Florida and endless opportunities to explore, South Dakota makes outdoor adventure accessible for every age.

It’s hard to say which view is better: South Dakota’s landscapes or your kids’ awestruck faces pressed against the window. Cruise scenic byways and stop for pics (and doughnuts!) at quirky roadside attractions like Wall Drug Store. After all, the best souvenirs are memories that last forever ... although a stuffed jackalope is pretty cool, too!

If kids learn through play, then there’s an awful lot to learn in South Dakota. Spark curiosity at interactive museums like the South Dakota Discovery Center and the Children's Museum of South Dakota. Inspire their creativity with larger-than-life public art and sculpture trails. Whether your kids love science, history or art, you'll find experiences that keep the whole family entertained.

No two families are alike, and South Dakota has adventures for every age. Little ones can meet beloved characters at Storybook Land and the Land of Oz, while kids and teens can explore caves, connect with Indigenous culture attend a fun event and whoop it up at a rodeo. No matter who's along for the ride, there's no shortage of ways to keep kids engaged from sunrise to sunset.