5 Amazing Places Worth Visiting in North Dakota with Your Kids

ByAntonia

This post, featuring some of the places to visit in North Dakota with kids, may contain affiliate links. Read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information (linked below).

A woman and her young daughter make a heart with their hands, with a view of the North Dakota badlands in the distance.

As a Minnesota family that loves loading up the car and hitting the road with our tween daughter, North Dakota has quietly become one of our favorite states to explore. If you're wondering where to go in North Dakota with kids, you might be amazed by how much this state packs into an easy, memorable getaway. (With several destinations within driving distance of Minnesota!) From hands-on museums and wide-open national parks to quirky roadside attractions, North Dakota offers a mix of surprisingly fun destinations for all ages.

This roundup of the best places to visit in North Dakota with kids is extra special to us because every destination is somewhere we've personally explored as a family. These are real trips, real memories, and places we'd happily return to. Whether you're planning a quick North Dakota weekend getaway or a multi-city road trip, these five destinations prove that big family fun can be found in the most unexpected places.

Fargo

Antonia and her young daughter stand in front of a mural in downtown Fargo.

If you're looking for fun places to visit in North Dakota with kids, Fargo is a fantastic place to start. We had a blast exploring this city over the summer! Fargo strikes an excellent balance for families. It's big enough to have an impressive (and yet, very underrated) food scene. And it's small and compact enough to navigate easily with kids. 

A dad and his young daughter look at massive planes at the Fargo Air Museum.

Family-friendly activities are everywhere in Fargo. We loved wandering downtown to spot colorful murals and browse local shops. Downtown feels vibrant and welcoming, with plenty of excitement to keep both kids and parents happy. And, everything is very close together, making it easy to fit multiple stops into one day.

Red River Zoo is a highlight for many families. Meanwhile, aspiring aviators can see huge planes at the Fargo Air Museum. Or, learn about marine life at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) Oceanarium (this was one of our family's highlights!). You can even stop at The Original Moorhead Dairy Queen. It's famously the birthplace of the Dilly Bar. They still make them by hand here! From museums and parks to great food, Fargo is FILLED with family adventures. It is undoubtedly one of my favorite cities to visit in North Dakota with kids.

Book Your Stay in Fargo with Kids

Jamestown

Antonia and her grandma stand next to the large bison in Jamestown, North Dakota.

Jamestown is one of the most charming small towns in North Dakota for a family weekend getaway. Here, families can expect hands-on history, outdoor fun, and roadside attractions of truly EPIC proportions. Just a quick 1.5-hour drive west of Fargo, Jamestown makes an easy road trip addition that packs in a lot for kids and parents alike.

A visit to the National Buffalo Museum is a must. Kids can explore interactive exhibits about bison conservation and watch live bison grazing nearby (including North Dakota's iconic albino bison!). Right next door, Frontier Village invites families to step back in time with historic buildings like a general store, post office, and saloon. And of course, no trip is complete without seeing Jamestown's iconic 26-foot-tall buffalo. It is proudly visible from the highway and dubbed as the world's largest.

For even more local flavor, the 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse offers a peek into Jamestown's past, complete with a fun escape room in the basement. As you wander downtown, enjoy colorful murals and public art. Whether you're after local history or classic roadside fun, Jamestown is one of the best places to visit in North Dakota with kids.

Book Your Stay in Jamestown with Kids

  • Hampton Inn & Suites Jamestown
  • Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Jamestown
  • Holiday Inn Express Jamestown

Minot

The replica stave church in Scandinavian Heritage Park in Minot, North Dakota.

Minot, North Dakota, offers small-city charm with surprisingly BIG family adventures. The city is nestled along the Souris River, which is absolutely stunning. Minot feels relaxed and welcoming, with an easygoing downtown and plenty of ways to keep kids engaged without feeling rushed. There are so many fun, family-friendly things to do. I genuinely think it is one of the most fun places to visit in North Dakota with kids.

A plane at the Dakota Territory Air Museum.

Families love exploring the Scandinavian Heritage Park. Here, a towering Dala horse and a replica stave church create a uniquely Nordic backdrop. It’s a great spot for wandering and cute family photos. Add Magic City Discovery Center for hands-on fun. The museum is packed with interactive exhibits for kids. Not to mention, a giant climbing structure! Plus, you can't miss the Roosevelt Park Zoo. It's home to giraffes, penguins, lions, and other animals from around the world. The Dakota Territory Air Museum is another great stop with kids. You can even see a plane that my great-grandfather (Oscar Anderson) donated to the museum!

When you're ready to slow down, stroll the Minot Riverwalk, browse the shelves at Main Street Books (a fantastic indie shop with a huge kids' section-and it used to be owned by my cousin!), or grab comfort food at Charlie's Main Street Café (get the hot beef and thank me later). With its friendly vibes, cultural roots, and family-friendly attractions, Minot is an easy win for a North Dakota getaway with kids.

Book Your Stay in Minot with Kids

  • Staybridge Suites Minot (this is where we've stayed in the past!)
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Minot Airport
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Minot

Medora

A young girl sits in a cavern while hiking in Medora.

Medora is one of the most unique family vacations in North Dakota. It has small-town Wild West energy with BIG, kid-friendly fun. Tucked near the Montana border, Medora feels like a summer playground for families. Here, entertainment, history, outdoor adventure, and plenty of kid-friendly dining all collide for maximum fun for all ages.

A young girl plays at the Medora Children’s Park.

While Theodore Roosevelt National Park sits just outside town (and is worth a visit in and of itself), the heart of Medora is its lively, walkable downtown. Kids will love splashing and playing at Point to Point Park. This park features a free splash pad, playground, and jump pillow, plus add-ons like mini golf, a lazy river, and a zipline with sweeping Badlands views. Dive into local history at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. It is one of the most uniquely "North Dakota" experiences you can have with kids.

Throughout the visit, grab burgers and shakes at Sheriff Bear's Burgers, browse local shops, and catch free live music in Town Square. Of course, you can't miss a night with the iconic Medora Musical. Kids will love the singing, dancing, horses, and fireworks. Make it even more fun with dinner at Pitchfork Steak Fondue before the musical. With so many fun things to do, it's easy to see why Medora is one of the best cities to visit in North Dakota with kids!

Book Your Stay in Medora with Kids

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

A bison walks around in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the best outdoor destinations in North Dakota for families with kids of all ages. It is perfect for families looking to hike, spot wildlife, and experience the North Dakota Badlands up close. 

Located in western North Dakota, TRNP is divided into three distinct units: 

  • The South Unit, near Medora (also the most popular amongst families)
  • The more remote North Unit, which is located near Watford City)
  • The quieter Elkhorn Ranch Unit, tucked between the other two units and along the Little Missouri River
A young girl hikes along a trail in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Most families begin at the South Unit. On this side, Medora serves as the park's gateway. Since Medora is literally made for families, it's a great spot to start exploring together. Like the city, this part of the park is also ideal for kids. Expect easy scenic drives to kick things off. Then, the trails range from easy to difficult, with many short treks offering fantastic views. We recommend trying family-favorite trails like the Painted Canyon Nature Trail and the Coal Vein Trail. Start at the Visitor Center to grab a Junior Ranger booklet. Wildlife sightings are common wherever you go in the park (especially in the morning or near sunset). Kids will delight in spotting wild ponies, bison, and prairie dogs. 

The North Unit, about an hour north and closer to Watford City, feels wilder and less crowded. It’s a 14-mile scenic drive that offers jaw-dropping views. And, trails like Caprock Coulee are great for adventurous families with older kids.

Whether you're road-tripping through Medora or basing your stay near Watford City, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a standout destination for hiking with kids in North Dakota.

Book Your Stay near Medora + the South Unit of TRNP with Kids

Book Your Stay near Watford City + the North Unit of TRNP with Kids

Have Fun Exploring North Dakota with Your Kids!

A mom and her young daughter cheers drinks while dining in Medora.

From wide-open Badlands and bison sightings to hands-on museums, quirky roadside attractions, and charming small towns, North Dakota is full of surprises for families. Whether you're planning a quick weekend away or an epic road trip, you'll find no shortage of fun places to visit in North Dakota with kids.

What makes North Dakota family vacations so special is the balance between ease and adventure. Expect affordable attractions, uncrowded spaces, and experiences that invite kids to explore at their own pace. From lively towns like Minot and Fargo to iconic destinations like Theodore Roosevelt National Park, these are undoubtedly some of the best cities and places to visit in North Dakota with your kids. If you're anything like us, North Dakota might just become your family's new favorite place to adventure!

Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog's author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information. 

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