Planning a trip to the Black Hills? Whether you’re on a road trip or planning a full vacation, this kid-friendly Rapid City itinerary blends nature, history, wildlife, and fun attractions perfect for families.

From Mount Rushmore to fossil digs and dinosaur parks, here’s how to make the most of 5 or 6 days in and around Rapid City, South Dakota.

Day 1: Museums, Downtown Rapid City & Local Eats

Start your trip with a mix of culture, history, and local flavor.

Morning – The Journey Museum & Learning Center
Explore hands-on exhibits on geology, Native American culture, and the history of the Black Hills—perfect for curious kids.

Lunch – Harriet & Oak
A cozy coffee shop serving burritos, sandwiches, smoothies, and more—with a vintage VW van inside that kids will love.

Afternoon – Explore Downtown Rapid City

• Who’s Toy House – locally loved toy store
• City of Presidents Statues – scavenger hunt–style walk featuring bronze presidents
• Local shops, galleries, and boutiques

Evening
Let the kids cool off at Main Street Square’s fountains (summer only) before enjoying dinner downtown.

Day 2: Reptile Gardens, Storybook Island & Dinosaur Park

A day of wildlife encounters and fairy-tale fun.

Morning – Reptile Gardens
See giant tortoises, snakes, alligators, and live animal shows.
✅ Tip: Eat on-site or bring a picnic for shaded areas.

Afternoon – Storybook Island
A free fairy tale–themed park featuring:

• Castle playground
• Carousel and train ride (small fee)
• Dozens of whimsical photo spots

Late Afternoon – Dinosaur Park
Climb vintage dinosaur sculptures and grab ice cream while enjoying panoramic city views.

Day 3: Bear Country USA, Gold Mine Tours & Optional Adventures

Wildlife, gold panning, and scenic adventures.

Morning – Bear Country USA
Drive through to spot bears, wolves, elk, bison, and more. Don’t miss Babyland, a walk-through exhibit with young animals.

Late Morning – Big Thunder Gold Mine (Keystone)
Tour the mine and try your hand at gold panning—one of our kids’ favorite parts of the trip!

Lunch – Keystone
Choose from local cafés and family-friendly restaurants.

Afternoon Options:

• Scenic Helicopter Tour – If a helicopter tour sounds exciting, there are several operators near Keystone that offer short scenic loops or longer flights over Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.
  • We did a short loop and thought it was a really unique way for our kids to see the area.
• Not into flying? Try one of these instead:
  • Visit the Rushmore Borglum Story museum in Keystone to learn more about the carving of Mount Rushmore
  • Walk one of the kid-friendly trails at Presidents Park or Iron Mountain Trail
  • Explore Keystone Historical Museum for a low-key indoor activity

Evening
Return to Rapid City for dinner and relax at Memorial Park or Main Street Square.

Day 4: Trains, Hill City & Rush Mountain Adventure Park

A perfect mix of scenic rides, caves, and thrills.

Morning

• Ride the 1880 Train from Hill City to Keystone (round trip ~2 hours). Kids who love trains will be thrilled!
• OR visit the Black Hills Institute to see fossils, including the famous T. rex “Stan.”

Lunch – Alpine Inn (Hill City)
A South Dakota favorite for German-inspired dishes—don’t skip dessert! Lunch offers the best variety.

Afternoon – Rush Mountain Adventure Park

• Explore Rushmore Cave
• Ride the Mountain Coaster (min. height: 38” & age 3+)
• Try gemstone panning, ropes course, or zip lines (check height requirements)

Evening – Downtown Hill City
Grab a snack or treat from Downtown Deli & Bakery before heading back.

Day 5: Mount Rushmore, Sylvan Lake & Custer State Park

An iconic day in the Black Hills.

Morning – Mount Rushmore National Memorial

• Walk the Presidential Trail (0.6 mile loop)
• Visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Museum
• Try Thomas Jefferson vanilla ice cream (based on his original 18th century recipe!)

Late Morning – Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park
Easy 1-mile loop trail, perfect for wading in shallow areas and scrambling over boulders.

Afternoon – Scenic Drives

• Needles Highway for stunning granite spires and carved tunnels
• Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop Road to spot bison, wild burros, and elk

🍔 Meal Tip: Stop at Black Hills Burger & Bun Co. for some of the best burgers in South Dakota.

⏳ This is a packed day—consider splitting it into two days if traveling with younger kids.

Bonus Day (Day 6): Mammoth Site, Badlands National Park & Wall Drug

Ideal if you’re extending your trip.

Morning – The Mammoth Site (Hot Springs) – about 1 hr 15 min drive from Rapid City

• See an active indoor fossil dig and indoor exhibits featuring over 60 mammoths
• Junior Paleontologist Dig for kids 4–12, a hands-on experience that was a hit for our kiddos

Lunch
Eat in Hot Springs or pack a picnic.

Afternoon – Badlands National Park

• Drive the Badlands Loop Road
• Best short hikes include: 
  • Door Trail
  • Window Trail
  • Notch Trail (more adventurous)

Late Afternoon – Wall Drug
Famous for quirky photo ops, free ice water, fresh donuts, and giant jackalope statues.

This works great as a Day 6 if you’re extending your trip, or swapping with another day (if you are not doing the helicopter or train).

Final Tips for Visiting Rapid City with Kids

• Many cave tours and alpine rides have height restrictions (best for ages 4+)
• Pack water, sunscreen, layers, and snacks daily—the weather can change quickly
• Book popular activities like the 1880 Train and helicopter tours in advance
• Double-check seasonal hours for attractions

Ready to plan your own Black Hills adventure? Use this Rapid City family itinerary to map out your trip, and don’t forget to bookmark it for easy reference while you travel. Share it with friends and family who are looking for things to do in Rapid City with kids, and check back for more travel tips and kid-friendly vacation ideas.