Family events in Black Hills, SD

Autism Society of the Black Hills and Whole Child Wellness present a sensory friendly swim party at the Spearfish Rec & Aquatics Center pool. It is open to anyone with sensory needs for a dedicated swim experience. Admission is a discounted $10 per person, and participants are asked to pay and register as directed by the organizers.

Cars & Coffee at The Local brings together car and motorcycle enthusiasts for a relaxed meetup where everything from classics and exotics to lifted trucks, lowered cruisers, hot rods, muscle cars, rat rods, and more are welcome. Enjoy coffee, drinks, and food while browsing an array of vehicles and striking up conversations with fellow enthusiasts. Local businesses contribute prizes and giveaways at every gathering, offering a little swag and bragging rights. Participants can display their own ride or simply take in the scene and connect with the community.

Chaos Cards and Games hosts a Pokemon League on Saturdays. For more information, contact the store.

On Sundays at Robbinsdale Bowling Alley, games are $2, shoe rentals are $2, and there is a $2 discount on any food item.

Connect with adoptable cats and kittens at Petco in Rapid City. There are often more animals available than those present at the event, since some felines prefer quieter spaces, so a broader selection can be explored online as well. An adoption application and home check are required. To help the process go quickly, complete the application in advance and be ready to provide a video walk through of the main areas of your home so you may take your new family member home the same day. All adopted cats must leave in a carrier for their safety and yours. The adoption fee is $130 plus tax, it includes a prepaid Avid microchip and the service fees. Adoption fees can be paid by debit or credit card. Donations are appreciated at the event, including items from a posted wishlist, and can be made by PayPal, Venmo, cash, or card. Those interested in fostering can also submit a foster application, and a current list of available kitties can be viewed online.

Family Food Truck Night at Canyon Lake Park closes out the season with a relaxed evening of fresh air and time with family and friends. Ruth’s Kitchen will be serving Punjabi-inspired favorites, including butter chicken, chicken curry, samosas, naan, and more. Guests can bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic-style dinner in the park while supporting local food trucks, whether they want a quick bite or a leisurely night outdoors.

KIDS Summer Art Camp at Prouty Pottery offers a hands-on creative adventure that keeps young artists engaged with something new each week. Each class explores different mediums, including pottery painting, clay, canvas painting, and planting small gardens, and projects change every time so no two sessions are the same. Designed for ages 8 and up, each day runs for two hours and includes light snacks and drinks. Parents can drop off their child or purchase a ticket to create alongside them, and prompt pickup at the end of class is requested. Eleven dates are offered. The cost is $25 per class. To register, call 605-718-2529 or email proutypottery@gmail.com.

Join the Little Explorers program to explore South Dakota’s state and national parks through close observation and creative projects. This session is part of the weekly meetups featuring sensory play, STEM-focused activities, and stories designed for kids ages 3 to 6.

Celebrate the return of summer storytime at Main Street Square, featuring stories, drawings, prizes, and additional activities. Splash Labs also brings activities to the Square each week. Presented by Mitzi's Books, Who's Toyhouse, Silver Linings Creamery, Theater 605, and Main Street Square.

Curious about what happens a mile beneath the surface at the Sanford Underground Research Facility? This Ask a Scientist conversation features SURF physicist and experiment support scientist Mark Hanhardt, who will take questions and explain research on neutrinos, dark matter, and astrophysics. Hear about the science underway at the nation’s deepest underground lab and get clear answers to your questions.