There are a lot of great places to bring the family on vacation, from coast to coast. Unfortunately, the cost of flying, staying, eating, and admission to many of the world-famous attractions has put those great times out of financial reach for many dads and moms.

Still, you want to give your kids a vacation they'll remember for the rest of their lives. Well, do I have great news for you.

One of the absolute best places for you and the kids is right here, close to home, in the greatest state of all, South Dakota! No matter what part of the state you're in, it's a short drive to family-friendly fun and wonderful memories. And don't forget to stop along the way and get to know the more 'intimate' places in every part of our state. You'll probably stop for a hamburger in a small town and make yourself a new life-long friend.

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Sometimes I think, since we live here, we forget or maybe take for granted all the great places there are to take the kids (or maybe Grandkids!). Well, I came across a website called kidventurous and they listed what they thought were the Top Ten places the kids will love on a South Dakota vacation.

1. Become a Junior Paleontologist. Take in the unique beauty of Badlands National Park, but before you leave, be sure to pick up and fill out an activity booklet at the visitors center. Best for kids ages five to 12, your little ones will love learning about fossils through word searches and drawing activities.

2. Ride on a Jackalope. Sure, a jackalope is a fictitious animal (or is it?), but you can still climb atop one at the famous Wall Drug. Makes a fun photo opp. While at Wall Drug, be sure to see the T-Rex roar, splash around in the outdoor fountains, and try some of the best maple-frosted donuts around.

3. Sleep in a Log Cabin. You’ll find loads of fun places to stay in South Dakota that offer rustic log cabins with modern conveniences, like coffee makers and flat-screen TVs. One example is Backroads Inn and Cabins. The kids will love it for the rustic fun and you'll love the relaxing atmosphere.

4. Pay Tribute to Crazy Horse. While still a work in progress, stop or drive-by Crazy Horse Memorial, a mountain carving dedicated to Lakota leader Crazy Horse that’s been a work in progress for 65 years. During the summer, stay for an evening laser light show that gets going after dark.

5. Go on a Buffalo Safari. We paid a visit to Custer State Park and spent nearly two hours riding around in an open-air jeep in search of buffalo, antelope, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep. And, boy, were we able to get up close and personal. If you can visit the park in late September for the annual Buffalo Round-up.

6. Meet and Greet our Nation’s Past Presidents. Take a walk around downtown Rapid City and you’ll find life-size bronze statues of each of our past presidents on just about every corner. Hop on the City View Trolley to learn all about the sculptures, as well as various other attractions in Rapid City.

7. Pan for Gold. Head to Big Thunder Gold Mine and put on your hard hat for a tour deep into the mine to learn about the life of a miner and the failed attempts of many to strike it rich. Before you leave, pan for gold and take home the gold flakes you find in a tiny glass jar. A great keepsake.

8. Wrestle an Alligator. Well, maybe don’t do that, but a trip to Reptile Gardens on your way to or from Mount Rushmore is a must. Walk around in the Giant Tortoise Yard, watch prairie dogs play from the underground bubble in Prairie Dog Town and take in a Snake Show for a look at cobras and rattlesnakes.

9. Take a Ride on a Train. Pick up the 1880 Train in Keystone or Hill City for a relaxing steam train ride through the Black Hills. The open-air ride lasts just over two hours and the conductor will share fun facts about the train sounds and what you’ll see out the windows.

10. Stare in Awe at Mount Rushmore. Of course, no trip to South Dakota is complete without a visit to Mount Rushmore. Take a free ranger tour to learn how the mountain sculpture was made and how the four presidents were chosen. Pick up a Junior Ranger or Rushmore Ranger activity booklet and earn a badge.

Dad and mom, you'll save a bundle, the kids will have the time of their life and everyone will have memories that last a lifetime. Now really, is there anything better than that?

LOOK: 10 Reasons to Visit the South Dakota Badlands

Returning from a weekend trip to Rapid City, South Dakota for state basketball tournaments we decided to visit the Badlands National Park.

A quick turn-off I-90 will take you into some of the most awe-inspiring scenery.

It's also fun to note that several big-screen movies were filmed in the Badlands. Dances With Wolves, Starship Troopers, Armageddon, and most recently, Academy Award winner, Nomadland.

It's a spectacular park with tons to do. If you're setting out on a hike, bring lots of water and sign the hikers' logs at the trailheads. It could save your life. It's a tough place to survive.

Here are 10 facts about the Badlands:

 

 

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