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Going on a family hike is a great way to encourage children to be active and connect with nature. It has always been, but sometimes reality isn’t in our favor. While it may sound relatively easy, but it might take a little bribery and a whole lot of cajoling for them to agree. Letting them have a say in choosing what type of hike they’ll do will avoid the issue. Even if they’re too young to pick the location, few choices can be given.

In this blog, we will be introducing the trails in Badlands National Park and give guides to parents while exploring the area with the children. The place can be one of your options to adventure and let them build up anticipation for it. As no one wants to feel like they’re being dragged along, they will feel a sense of ownership over the trip as they’re the ones choosing it.

With a variety of landscapes offering varying levels of difficulty, the trails in the Badlands National Park area give children the chance to grow and explore in age-appropriate settings. For the parents, with easy access to an abundance of bucket-list-worthy views, moving at a child’s pace doesn’t mean giving up the sights and experiences that make Badland’s such a worldwide attraction.

Follow these tips to maximize your child’s independence while still giving yourself the iconic desert escape of your dreams.

Let the Children Feel Themselves Out

The trail in Badlands National Park is a great place to figure out children’s boundaries. With its easy inclines, timid children won’t feel overwhelmed, and its subtly dry terrain will let more adventurous children test their limits.

Schedule Variety

Plan your trip so that each event is totally different from the last. Plan to alternate open hiking with canyons and even boardwalks. Most parents are excited to visit the Badlands trail because of the best close-to-the-road-but-out-of-the-overlook scenery, so start there. Window trail is a great spot, while notch trail offers similar terrain if you want to get a bit more off the grid.

Family Photos

The best time for taking photos when you’re traveling with children is usually right when you get to the park, during the first few hikes, or at sunset. It’s a rookie mistake to put off snapping pictures until after the first couple of hikes because everyone will be tired and no one will want to pose. Don’t forget to have the camera at the ready while the children are exploring on their own — you’ll cherish those memories for a long time.

With its unique rock formations amid jagged peaks and rugged terrain, Badlands National Park is an extraordinary outdoor playground that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime together with your family. If you hike with children using trekking poles in an arid terrain with clay-rich soil, just like the trails in Badlands, a wider basket is suggested as they will provide the most stability and support. The Kid’s trekking poles by High Stream Gear come with a free basket for most terrains.

Door, Window, and Notch Trails in Badlands National Park – South Dakota

Difficulty: Easy 2.5 mile out-and-back round trip if you do all three of the routes (Add an extra mile round trip if you venture the to end of the Notch Trail.)

Amenities: Toilets and benches

Parking/Admission fee: Park fee varies depending on age/type of vehicle, length of stay

Have you been to Badlands National Park? What was your favorite thing to do? Tell us in the comments below!