When it comes to exploring Rapid City, there's something for every traveler and every age group, especially downtown. From great places to eat to educational adventures, every corner promises the opportunity of a new and memorable experience for your family. If you're traveling with children, here are a few options found downtown that will both kids and adults will enjoy!
Tiny Tummies, Big Appetites
Harriet & Oak
This spot offers a cozy atmosphere, perfect for families with young children (and parents who need a caffeine boost). Their menu features a variety of breakfast and lunch options. Think homemade pop-tarts, breakfast burritos, yummy sandwiches, and fresh salads.
Kid’s Tip: The coolest part? Harriet & Oak has a real Volkswagen van inside the restaurant that kids can climb in and play around on! It's the perfect spot for a quick photo op or to keep little ones entertained while you wait for your food. Just make sure they are supervised.
Tally’s Silver Spoon
This local favorite offers a more upscale experience, but don't let that fool you! They have a dedicated brunch menu perfect for families, with options like fluffy pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, and the crowd favorite Cinnamon Swirl French Toast.
Parent Tip: they serve delicious mimosas!
Press Start
This spot is decked out with themed decor and arcade games to keep the whole family entertained. There are even some vintage arcade games. Parents - see how many you can recognize from your childhood! Press Start also has a delicious menu of burgers, wings, pizza, and other finger foods perfect for satisfying hungry tummies after a day of exploration.
Kid's Tip: The Pac-Man Pizza is equally delicious and fun!
Burn Off Some Energy
Memorial Park
Kick off your downtown adventure at Memorial Park. This park is all about fun for little explorers. Legacy Commons is a dream playground with five different areas to climb, slide, and even go on a treasure hunt for hidden animals and fossils! Let your little ones run wild!
Main Street Square
The square offers double the fun for kids! In summer, it transforms into a giant playground. It features a splash pad of fountains, open space for running free, and free concerts or movies under the stars - check out our events calendar for all the options. Winter brings a whole new adventure – a dazzling ice rink for gliding under twinkling lights. Main Street Square keeps the fun going all year long!
City of Presidents
Turn history into an adventure with the free City of Presidents walking and audio tour, guided by a walking tour and scavenger hunt. You can use digital version of the tour, or opt for a keepsake printed version available for pick up at The Rapid City Visitor Center. See if you can find all the presidents and learn a fun fact about each one.
Kid's Tip: If you find them all, you can bring your pass back to the Visitor Center for a well earned prize!
Curious Minds
Museum of Geology
A visit to Downtown Rapid City isn't complete without exploring the Museum of Geology, located on the campus of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Since its inception in 1885, the museum has captivated visitors with its fascinating array of specimens. Wander through exhibits showcasing dinosaur skeletons, ancient mammals, marine reptiles, and rare fossils from the White River Badlands. The Hall of South Dakota Minerals dazzles with impressive displays of local treasures, meteorites, and even a fluorescent mineral room.
Bonus: Admission is absolutely free!
City View Trolley
Experience the best of Rapid City on the City View Trolley Tour! Perfect for visitors wanting a fun and convenient way to explore, the 90-minute tour offers a fascinating look at downtown, the historic West Boulevard district, and iconic landmarks like the quirky green dinosaurs of Dinosaur Park. The tour features live narration by the adored Ollie and Pollie, offering insights and historical tidbits that bring the sights to life. It's an ideal way for families to see the city's top attractions without the hassle of navigating on your own.
Journey Museum
Spark your inner explorer at the Journey Museum! This interactive museum takes families on a captivating journey through the rich history and culture of the Black Hills. Explore exhibits featuring Lakota tipis, dinosaurs and fossils, and so much more! Kids will love getting hands-on with history through interactive displays and digging for artifacts in a special play area. The Journey Museum also offers an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding into the Lakota way of life by learning a few Lakota phrases or listening to stories of Grandma Nellie.
* Also the pick up spot for the trolley!
Sweet Endings
Silver Lining Creamery
Beat the heat with a scoop (or two) of handcrafted ice cream from Silver Lining Creamery. This local favorite offers unique flavors made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. From classics like cookies and cream to adventurous concoctions like lavender honey or captain crunch, you will want to try them all. They have Fido treats for your dog too!
Mary’s Mountain Cookies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a homemade cookie from Mary's Mountain Cookies. Baked fresh dailys, these cookies are legendary for their chewy texture and delicious flavors. Choose from a tempting selection of classics like chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin, or opt for a specialty cookie like snickerdoodle or peanut butter. Mary's Mountain Cookies are the perfect treat to fuel your downtown adventure!
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
This store is like Willy Wonka's dream come true, full of delicious chocolate treats waiting to be devoured. From creamy milk chocolate to fancy truffles, they've got everything your sweet tooth could want. Make sure you sneak in your apple a day with the dipped caramel apple!
Your family will love exploring all Downtown Rapid City has to offer. It makes for the perfect addition to all the outdoor adventures you'll find in the parks of the Black Hills area. For more activities in Rapid City, check out the related content below!
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