Perhaps you thought of stopping in Rapid City, South Dakota, for a night on your family attractions road trip, just enough time to see Mount Rushmore, as did we.

But when Rapid City suggested we stay a little longer and explore more, we were intrigued.

In fact, we ended up staying 4 nights exploring the region and still didn’t fit everything in. I’d recommend at least one week to see it all at a comfortable pace. Or, if you’re on a tighter schedule, you can pick your favourites.

Whether you love nature, history, art, or just the weird and wonderful, there’s something for every family in Rapid City.

Where To Stay In Rapid City

During our time in Rapid City, we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, located at the northern edge of town near Interstate 90. With plenty of nearby restaurants, excellent facilities, and comfortable rooms, it was a solid choice.

 

Much to Mia and Caius’ disappointment eyeing the heated indoor pool, we spent very little time at the hotel since there was so much to discover around Rapid City.

Where To Eat In Rapid City

I only have one recommendation on where to eat in Rapid City – and that’s all you need. Once you’ve eaten here, you won’t want to go anywhere else. No hype, just fact.

For the full scoop, check out our dedicated article on where to eat in Rapid City.

What is the best month to visit Rapid City, South Dakota?

The best time to visit Rapid City attractions is June through September, when the weather is warm and perfect for exploring the Black Hills National Forest, Mount Rushmore, and Custer State Park. June and July bring wildflowers and abundant wildlife, while September offers cooler temps, fewer crowds, and stunning fall colors. Summer gives you long days for sightseeing and outdoor adventures, making it the ideal window to experience the cool things to do in Rapid City and the things to do near Rapid City.

Is Rapid City worth visiting?

Yes – Rapid City is absolutely worth visiting. It’s more than just a stopover: it’s the gateway to the Black Hills and puts you right in the mix of outdoor adventure, history, and quirky attractions. You’ve got things like the City of Presidents downtown, the fascinating Journey Museum exploring geology and Native American history. Nearby are icons like Mount Rushmore, the Needles Scenic Byway, and the bison-filled Custer State Park. And, of course, these 15 things to do in Rapid City with kids are just the beginning of attractions in Rapid City.

15 Things To Do In Rapid City With Kids

Get ready for the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Rapid City with kids. From hands-on museums to dinosaur adventures and wild animal encounters, this list packs in all the fun, learning, and excitement your family could dream of on a South Dakota family getaway.

1. The Main Attraction – Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Of course, Rapid City’s star family attraction is the world-renowned Mount Rushmore. On the way there, we drove the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, a must for anyone who loves breathtaking views. The 17-mile route has 14 switchbacks, 3 pigtails, and 3 tunnels. One tunnel even frames an insane view of Mount Rushmore – you’ll want your camera ready.

When you arrive, watch the parking signs carefully. If you’re late, the loop can bring you back to the main entrance, like it did to us.

 

If you arrive around midday, Carvers Café is a perfect spot to relax with a view of the mountain. I highly recommend the Jefferson original ice cream mix – it’s a must-try. Carvers Café is also South Dakota’s only certified three-star green restaurant, with high standards for sustainable food practices.

 

After lunch, we strolled along the Avenue of Flags to soak up the view of a lifetime. Majestic Mount Rushmore did not disappoint. For context, the sculpture features George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln carved into the granite of the Black Hills. Each profile is 60 feet high, and the memorial stretches over 5.17 km.

We also visited the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center for exhibits and films about how the carving was made. It’s a fantastic way to combine history and world schooling for the kids.

Location: Keystone, 35 minutes from Rapid City
Entrance Price: Free entry, parking USD $11 per vehicle

 

 

3. Wind Cave National Park

Just 75 minutes southwest of Rapid City, Wind Cave is the 6th largest cave system in the world and one of the best things to do around Rapid City.

The Natural Entrance Cave Tour is 75 minutes, easy for kids, and fascinating for adults. Mia and Caius loved the “boxwork” formations. Fun fact: Wind Cave was the first cave designated a national park in 1903.

Location: 75 minutes southwest of Rapid City
Entrance Price: Tours from USD $16 adults, USD $10 children (6–15)

 

4. Mammoth Site of Hot Springs

The Mammoth Site is a hands-on paleontology experience. Around 26,000 years ago, a natural sinkhole trapped animals, including mammoths, camels, wolves, and giant bears. Today, over 61 mammoths have been discovered.

Back in 1974 the site was enclosed with a building. A non-profit museum is now on the site and open to the public. The natural landmark is an internationally renowned indoor working paleontological site/museum. Kids can watch excavations or even volunteer during July digs.

Location: Hot Springs, about 1 hour 15 minutes south of Rapid City
Entrance Price: Adults USD $14, ages 4–12 USD $8, under 3 free

 

 

5. Custer State Park

Wildlife lovers, rejoice! Custer State Park covers 71,000 acres. Drive the Wildlife Loop Road, and spot bison, deer, and prairie dogs. Mia and Caius loved it.

Oh, and did I mention the begging burros? Thanks to a tip from a Facebook follower, we were prepared for those with 2 bags of carrots. They didn’t last long, and we had the funniest in-car moments ever.

Location: 40 minutes southwest of Rapid City
Entrance Price: USD $20 per vehicle (7-day pass)

 

 

6. Wall Drug Store

Wall Drug is a quirky 76,000 sq. ft. roadside attraction about 50 minutes from Rapid City. Shops, a restaurant, gold panning, a giant jackalope, and singing robots make it a must-visit. Allow at least an hour to explore.

This is one strange stop.

Picture this – a long, straight, desolate highway. Travellers driving from point A to B, zooming right by the little town of Wall, South Dakota… until one day in 1931 a roadside sign goes up offering free ice water. In those days, that was really something. No one did that. This struggling little pharmacy on the brink of failure all of a sudden was filled with customers and is now regularly ranked as the #1 roadside attraction in the world. Yes, the world.

 

Wall Drug combines an on-site restaurant, speciality stores, gift shop, marriage chapel, singing robots, animated T-Rex, gold panning fun, giant jackalope and so much more. Give yourself at least an hour here.

 

You really have to visit it to understand… or even believe it.

Location: Wall, 50 minutes east of Rapid City
Entrance Price: Free

 

7. Badlands National Park

The Badlands’ rugged landscape is surreal and can be seen from space.

Driving the park south from Wall along Highway 240, we stopped at Pinnacles Overlook, Panorama Point, Door & Window Trail, and the Big Badlands Overlook. Wildlife was sparse compared to Custer, but the dramatic terrain was worth every minute.

Location: 1 hour east of Rapid City
Entrance Price: USD $30 per vehicle (7-day pass)

 

8. Devils Tower

Just 1.5 hours west in Wyoming, Devils Tower is an 867-foot monolith featured in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. We stopped for a couple of hours on our way from Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Rapid City.

Devils Tower is held sacred by local Lakota tribes and was the United States’ first national monument established in 1906. Walking around the base was easy for Mia and Caius, and watching the sunset was unforgettable.

Location: 1.5 hours west of Rapid City (Wyoming)
Entrance Price: USD $25 per vehicle

 

9. The Journey Museum & Learning Center

The Journey Museum covers 2.5 billion years of Black Hills and Badlands history, with hands-on exhibits in geology, culture, archaeology, and space. Entry gives 2 days of access, which is perfect for curious kids who want to return after a short break.

 

We watched an impressive interactive presentation in the theatre about the night’s sky – a journey amongst the planets in our solar system, driven by software and imagery provided by NASA. Multiple shows in the theatre throughout the day are a great way for kids with short attention spans to break up their visit.

An entry ticket provides 2 days’ worth of access, so you can come back if you like. I’d recommend spending between 1.5 to 3 hours here.

Location: Downtown Rapid City
Entrance Price: Adults USD $14, ages 6–17 USD $7, under 5 free

 

10. Watiki Indoor Waterpark

A tropical-themed indoor waterpark with mini lazy river, Wipeout-style frog pads, pool basketball, and a large kids’ playground. Great for a rainy or winter day.

Location: East Rapid City, near Interstate 90
Entrance Price: Day passes from USD $25 per person

 

11. Dinosaur Park

Opened in 1936, this free attraction has seven life-size concrete dinosaurs and overlooks the city. Mia and Caius loved the Triceratops, and the views from Dinosaur Park stretch 100 miles. This dinosaur museum is top on our Rapic City things to do.

Location: Skyline Drive, Rapid City
Entrance Price: Free

12. Art Alley

A colorful, ever-changing outdoor gallery where local artists can legally express themselves. Bring a camera – Art Alley is Instagram gold.

Location: Between 6th and 7th Streets, downtown Rapid City
Entrance Price: Free

 

13. Storybook Island

A whimsical playground filled with fairy-tale characters. Storybook Island is best for younger children, but even older kids love the holiday lights.

Location: Sheridan Lake Road, Rapid City
Entrance Price: Usually free, special events USD $2–$3

 

14. Main Square & City of Presidents

Downtown Rapid City’s hub. We skated at the outdoor rink, then explored the life-size bronze presidents scattered through the streets.

Location: Downtown Rapid City
Entrance Price: Free, skate rentals about USD $5

 

 

15. Reptile Gardens

Home to some of the world’s largest reptiles, tropical birds, and giant tortoises you can pet. It’s educational and surprisingly beautiful. Visit Reptile Gardens in Rapid City for another favourite family attraction.

Location: 6 miles south of Rapid City on Highway 16
Entrance Price: Adults USD $24.50, ages 4–12 USD $17, under 4 free

Explore With Erin Rapid City With Kids Wrap Up

Four nights barely scratched the surface of things to do in Rapid City with kids. We missed family attractions like Outdoor Campus West, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum, and the South Dakota Museum of Geology.

South Dakota is wildly scenic, historic, and sometimes downright quirky. It’s epic, untamed, and family-friendly – a perfect stop for a road trip to Mount Rushmore. Set aside extra days to explore Rapid City South Dakota; your kids will thank you for it.

Other fun US cities to take the kids –

7 Things To Do in Sioux Falls With Kids – Family Attractions in South Dakota

15 Best Things To Do In Rapid City With Kids (Including Mount Rushmore)

19 Things To Do In Tallahassee With Kids

20 Things To Do In The Mall Of America With Kids

15 Things To Do In Chicago With Kids

Top 10 Things To Do In New York With Kids

20 Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids

20 Things To Do In Nashville With Kids