best things to see with 7 year old

The end of May, we will be driving through the badland enroute to Mt. Rushmore area for an overnight stop on the way to Yellowstone. We should have a few hours in the badlands. Any recommendations on what to stop and see in the park. Thanks

best things to see with 7 year old

If all you have is a few hours, make a point of stopping at the designated pull-outs/overlooks along the drive. Each and every one affords a different, fantastic view. Maybe spend a few minutes along the Window and Door Trails (same parking lot, less than 1/2 mile each) and the Cliff Shelf Nature Trail (close to the visitor center). The fossil exhibit trail is also great for youngsters and is only 1/4 mile long. Rangers give a daily 15 min. fossil talk along the trail at 10:30, 1:30 and 3:30, but I see that the talks don%26#39;t start until June 1, so that may not fit in your plans. I would recommend driving the Sage Creek drive on your way to the Black Hills; it%26#39;s a great drive, but a gravel/clay road. Not very fun after a rain.

http://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm

best things to see with 7 year old

Thank you for the feedback and the NPS website. I will make a note of those options.

I%26#39;m sure your 7 years old loves to see the Prairie Dog town along that road. Even to us seniors it was great.