Things to Do in Bismarck with Kids

things to do in Bismarck with kids

Trying to think of something fun to do for a weekend? Maybe go on a ‘shorter’ road trip? Look no further than a trip out west – there’s so many things to do with kids in Bismarck!

It is about a 2.5 hour drive from Fargo; just hop on I-94 and head west. It’s a great place for a little getaway with plenty of fun things to do.

We have family in the Bismarck area and have been there many times. Here are a few of our favorites:

Things to Do in Bismarck with Kids

Attractionsthings to do in Bismarck with kids

  • Dakota Zoo is a fun spot to visit while in town. This zoo is massive and you can easily spend half a day here. They have a large variety of animals — including tigers, bears, and even penguins! They also have this really cool train that takes you on a tour all over the zoo (note that you do have to pay extra for the train ride). Also, if you are a member of the Red River Zoo, you get into the Dakota Zoo for FREE! 
  • Raging Rivers Waterpark is technically in Mandan, but with a short drive over the Missouri River, you’re right there. This place has something for the whole family with big waterslides, a little kids area, and a lazy river. This is the perfect place to be on a hot summer day.
  • Superslide Amusement Park is right by Dakota Zoo and has attractions including a Ferris wheel, a super slide, and even a mini golf course! This a great spot for toddlers and older. Follow them on Facebook to get all of their updates.
  • North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum is an amazing place to visit in Bismarck. It is all about the history of our state, and even includes casts of dinosaur skeletons and rare beadwork. It is definitely a place to check out — especially since admission is free!
  • North Dakota’s Gateway to Science is now open! This science museum features exhibits on weather, space, and more, with lots of hands-on activities. See their website for more information, including admission costs and hours.

Hotels

If you plan to stay for the weekend with kiddos, you are probably looking for a place that has some kind of water slides/nice pool area for some extra things to do in Bismarck with kids in tow. Here are a few options:

  • Ramkota Hotel is located right by the mall and not very far from Dakota Zoo. If you are looking for a centrally-located place to stay, this is it!
  • Comfort Inn has two separate pool areas that both have slides in them. They also have a toddler water slide and splash area.
  • Country Inn & Suites also has a water slide and a toddler area. It is located in North Bismarck area and is near lots of restaurants.

Restaurants

Bismarck has a lot of the same restaurants that we have locally here in Fargo. But one fun part of traveling is checking out some new places. Here are some of our family favorites!

  • A&B Pizza is definitely worth the drive. Their pizza is delicious, and our kids devour it when we are in town. The House Special is one of our favorites!
  • Bearscat Bakehouse is basically the Sandy’s Donuts of the western part of the state. And who doesn’t love a fresh donut?!
  • Cracker Barrel is a popular spot. I don’t know what it is, but I feel like every time I talk to someone about going to Bismarck, they always stop here! Obviously, no complaints about having the option to eat breakfast food at any time of the day.

Bismarck is a great place for a day trip or even a weekend trip.

And there’s nothing better than a change of scenery, along with the opportunity for family fun that’s not too far from home!

Looking for more adventure this summer? Check out our post on 10 Summer Day Trips from Fargo with Kids.
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Danielle Ladwig
Danielle grew up in a small, rural North Dakota town before attending university in Fargo. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences and has an associate's degree in Sign Language Interpreting. She and her husband, Andrew, have been married for six years and have three beautiful kids together. Danielle decided before she had her second child to be a stay-at-home mom. While life gets insane at times, she's happy to have other stay-at-home mom friends she can share the ups and downs of parenting with. She loves to find a good deal, bake, and spend time with her family.

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