The Ultimate North Dakota Travel Guide: Hidden Gems & Must-See Attractions!! 7 Can’t-Miss Places to Visit in North Dakota!
Planning a family adventure and looking for unique Midwest destinations? This North Dakota family travel guide to the best places to visit has exciting destinations for kids of all ages! From interactive museums in Fargo to the vibrant zoo in Minot and the stunning landscapes of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in North Dakota with kids. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly outdoor adventures or hands-on learning experiences, these weekend getaways in North Dakota offer families unforgettable memories and plenty of fun.
Please keep reading to discover our top picks in our North Dakota Travel Guide for Families!
Fargo
Fargo is bursting with family-friendly adventures, making it a must-stop in any North Dakota family travel guide. Families will love Fargo for its vibrant city life, variety of attractions, and dynamite food scene.
Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the Red River Zoo, home to cold-climate species like red pandas, grey wolves, and Pallas’s cats. Then, explore aviation history at the Fargo Air Museum for some hands-on learning. Young kids will love the interactive play area and massive aircraft, while other kids can try their skills in the flight simulation lab. Or, journey through the stars at the MSUM Planetarium.
Active families can hit the turf or courts at the brand-new Fargo Parks Sports Center, or jump into fun at Sky Zone Trampoline Park. They even offer toddler-friendly times! You’ll also find plenty of hiking options near Fargo, including Buffalo River State Park, Northern Cass Pass, and Maplewood State Park (all within an hour of the city).
Cap off the experience with a mural hunt downtown or a sweet stop at The Silver Lining Creamery. From nearby hiking to engaging indoor attractions and museums, Fargo is brimming with exciting things to do with kids in North Dakota—perfect for weekend getaways that keep the whole family entertained!
Grand Forks
Grand Forks is a top choice for visiting North Dakota with kids. The city offers endless family fun for all ages, from epic year-round outdoor adventures to unique indoor water parks!
Thrill-seekers will love Northern Air Action Park, packed with go-karts, trampolines, laser tag, and arcade games. It’s a can’t-miss for adrenaline-seeking families! For water-loving kids of all ages, Splasher’s of the South Seas Waterpark features exciting slides, a lazy river, and splash zones perfect for traveling tots. Everything is indoors, making an excellent year-round find!
Outdoor adventurers can explore over 20 miles of scenic trails at The Greenway or paddle down the Red River. Less than 30 minutes from downtown, Turtle River State Park offers endless outdoor options, from mountain biking, hiking, and camping to cross-country ski trails and sledding. Winter visitors will love exploring Lincoln Drive Park, which also offers thrilling sledding and cross-country ski trails. Visiting with littles? Don’t miss a visit to Sherlock Park—also known as “Castle Park”—for its one-of-a-kind playground. Meanwhile, older kids may prefer the peaceful walks through the Japanese Garden at Sertoma Park.
After a day of exploring, unwind with a family meal at Blue Moose Bar & Grill or Ely’s Ivy. Whether you’re seeking action-packed adventures or relaxing outdoor escapes, Grand Forks is the perfect spot for memorable weekend getaways in North Dakota for families.
Minot
One of the best cities to visit in North Dakota with kids, Minot provides hands-on attractions, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural experiences. Nestled along the Souris River, its charming downtown and diverse things to do will enchant families with kids of all ages.
Dive into Minot’s Scandinavian roots at the Scandinavian Heritage Park, featuring a full-scale Gol Stave Church replica, a towering Swedish Dala horse, and other historic Nordic landmarks. It’s a beautiful place to walk around and enjoy the day. Plus, each year, Minot also hosts the Norsk Høstfest. It’s the largest Scandinavian festival in the U.S.!
Families can spark creativity at the Magic City Discovery Center, where over 150 interactive exhibits and a 35-foot climbing structure invite kids to play and learn. If you have young animal enthusiasts in your family, Roosevelt Park Zoo is your next stop! This zoo is home to lions, giraffes, penguins, and the rare Amur Leopard. The zoo offers up-close encounters year-round. Of course, aviation enthusiasts will enjoy the massive aircraft found at the Dakota Territory Air Museum. The museum showcases vintage WWII aircraft and aviation artifacts across multiple rooms and hangers.
Stroll along the Minot River Walk near Roosevelt Park for a peaceful break. Or, cozy up with a book and homemade kombucha at Main Street Books. When it’s time to refuel, grab comfort food at Homesteaders Restaurant or Charlie’s Main Street Cafe. Charlie’s is the oldest restaurant in Minot and is renowned for serving up the best Hot Beef Sandwich in North Dakota! Minot’s perfect mix of fun, history, and family-friendly vibes makes it a top pick.
Jamestown
Jamestown is one of the most exciting small towns in North Dakota for families. Offering a delightful mix of history, hands-on learning, outdoor fun, and iconic sights of EPIC proportions, Jamestown is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit with kids in North Dakota!
The National Buffalo Museum is a must-see, where families can explore interactive exhibits about bison conservation and even spot live bison grazing nearby—including the state’s famous albino bison! Just steps away, kids can burn off energy exploring the Frontier Village, a collection of historic buildings like a general store, post office, and saloon. Of course, you can’t miss Jamestown’s massive bison. You can even see it from the highway as you drive into town! At 26 feet tall, it’s been dubbed the world’s largest buffalo.
For a deeper dive into local history, the 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse offers a glimpse into the past, and the basement escape room adds a fun twist. Art lovers will appreciate Jamestown’s growing public art scene, with murals and sculptures sprinkled throughout downtown. Whether you’re exploring history or love seeking out roadside attractions, Jamestown is a family-friendly stop that’s full of exciting experiences for all ages.
Bismarck & Mandan
Two great cities set along the scenic Missouri River, Bismarck, and Mandan, are easy to pair together as you explore North Dakota with your kids. These twin cities feature a variety of exciting opportunities for families, including summer beaches and paddling, a zoo, and some of the state’s best historical attractions.
Start your visit with a ride on the Lewis and Clark Riverboat, where you can soak in panoramic views and learn about the explorers who once navigated these waters. For hands-on adventure, paddle with Missouri Kayak Adventures and let the kids explore small river islands up close. Then, step back in time at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in Mandan, where kids can climb through reconstructed blockhouses and learn about the region’s military history. Continue your outdoor exploration of Bismarck and Mandan by hiking and picnicking at McDowell Dam Nature Park.
Be sure to stop at the Dakota Zoo. It’s home to playful penguins and hundreds of other animals, including tigers, sloths, and mountain goats. On hot summer days, cool off at Raging Rivers Waterpark. The water park boasts multiple water slides, a lazy river, and a tot play area. Fun for all ages, round out your visit with interactive play and learning at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science.
Are you looking for somewhere unique to eat and play? Head to Send-It! 24/7 Cornhole. This family-friendly establishment offers cornhole, darts, axe throwing, and great food! Alternatively, those traveling with younger kids may prefer the comfort food and planetary-themed decor at Space Aliens Grill & Bar. As you plan weekend getaways in North Dakota with your family, Bismarck-Mandan delivers everything you need for a fantastic trip with kids!
Related Article: 11 Best Places to Visit in Minnesota with Kids
Medora & Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit)
Medora and the southern part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park are top North Dakota places to visit with kids, particularly during summer. Medora and the surrounding area feature many outdoor adventures, indigenous roots, early settler history, and endless family-friendly entertainment. There’s a good reason why it’s one of the most visited parts of the state!
Start your trip by exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where scenic drives and easy hikes lead to stunning views of the North Dakota Badlands. Stop at the Visitor Center to pick up a Junior Ranger booklet so your kids can earn their badges while spotting bison, prairie dogs, and wild horses. Admission to the park covers 7 days, so you can re-enter any time you like during your trip. Join a guided hike with Joe Wiegand, a Theodore Roosevelt reprisor, for a unique adventure. Along the route, learn about the park’s rich history and enjoy panoramic views of downtown Medora and the surrounding Badlands.
Cool off at Point to Point Park, Medora’s ultimate family playground. The park boasts a splash pad, giant jump pillow, playground, and pickleball courts—all free to enjoy. Grab an All Day Package to access the mini golf course, Lazy River, and the thrilling Manitou Zipline with breathtaking views for even more excitement.
Be amazed by the Medora Magic Show, where talented magician Colin Zasadny delivers mind-blowing tricks that will wow kids and adults alike. End your trip with the famous Medora Musical, an energetic outdoor performance filled with singing, dancing, live horses, and a dazzling fireworks finale. With so many exciting things to do and see with kids in Medora, North Dakota, it promises to be an unforgettable family adventure!
Keep reading our North Dakota Travel Guide!
Watford City & Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Unit)
Offering outdoor adventures, hands-on history, and family-friendly attractions, Watford City is undoubtedly amongst the best cities to visit with kids in North Dakota. Nestled near Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s North Unit, it’s a prime spot for families exploring the state’s natural beauty and rich culture.
Families searching for unique historical stops have plenty to choose from. Start your visit at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. Once one of the most essential fur trade posts on the Upper Missouri River, it now serves as a reminder of the area’s local history, including Indigenous trading routes. In nearby New Town, MHA Nation Earthlodge Village is another site where you can walk in the footsteps of the local Indigenous peoples. Both sites offer a unique look into the area’s rich history.
Of course, Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s North Unit offers endless trails through the Little Missouri National Grasslands. Only 20 minutes from Watford City, spend the day hiking beautiful trails, spotting wildlife, and enjoying stunning vistas. Afterward, head to the Wild West Water Park or enjoy the indoor pool and waterslide at the Rough Rider Center. Both offer a variety of swim activities and zero-depth entry areas for littles.
The area is also home to the unique Fairview Lift Bridge and Cartwright Tunnel, adding to its charm. Whether kayaking the Little Missouri River, splashing at the outdoor water park, or exploring the stunning landscapes, Watford City offers families endless things to see and do in North Dakota.
Enjoy Exploring with our North Dakota Travel Guide
This North Dakota travel guide for families is designed to help you make the most of your time exploring the beauty and charm of the state. From Theodore Roosevelt National Park to the fun-filled attractions of Fargo and Jamestown, North Dakota, offers many unforgettable experiences for families. Regardless of your family’s interests on vacation, from hiking trails and water parks to interactive museums, North Dakota has unique places to visit with kids of all ages. With so many exciting things to do and see in North Dakota with your kids, it’s easy to see why this region should be at the top of your family travel bucket list.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a road trip through the state, these destinations promise lasting memories for the whole family.
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
