If your kids are climbing the walls or complaining there’s nothing to do, you’re in luck. Sioux Falls is packed with exciting spots and unique experiences that will keep little ones (and their parents) happily entertained all year long.
Let’s get to it.
Good Earth State Park Visitor Center
If you’re up for a mix of indoor exhibits and outdoor adventure, the Good Earth State Park Visitor Center delivers. The glass-fronted building sits right on the prairie and houses hands-on cultural displays about the Oneota Tradition—think pipestone and lively stories, not dusty textbooks. There’s a classroom where kids join nature programs, and a cozy theater that shows a 20-minute film when you need a break.
Parents love that you can jump straight from indoor learning to the trails. Morning preschool nature sessions give way to elementary scavenger-hunt hikes in the afternoon, complete with “TRACK” brochures that turn a walk into a mini adventure. Over ten miles of trails wind through prairie grasses, and the nature playscape and playground are perfect for burning off extra energy. It’s all ADA-accessible, so everyone can join in.
Summer drop-in camps fill up fast but stay organized—park naturalists really know how to keep kids engaged. Best part? Everything from exhibits to camps is covered by the regular park entrance fee. You might even rent a hammock just because you can.
Washington Pavilion
Downtown Sioux Falls has the Washington Pavilion, a one-stop spot for arts, science, and family fun. Toddlers under two get in free, youth tickets run up to age 17, and adults or grandparents can dive right in too. The Prehistoric Adventure Center is a two-story dinosaur climbing structure that feels like a mini Jurassic Park, but with nets instead of dinosaurs.
Upstairs, the science labs let everyone tinker with hands-on experiments—parents and kids side by side. The Raven Children’s Studio spills with paints, beads, and more craft supplies than you’ll find in your garage. Live theatre programs take budding actors from reading lines to real stage performances. Over at the CineDome, you can catch a planet or two on a giant dome screen, complete with the best popcorn in town.
General admission runs just above $16 for adults, but half-price afternoons after 3 p.m. and member discounts help keep costs down. First Fridays are always free. The Pavilion is open year-round except Mondays, and accessibility is built in, making every visit smooth.
Old Courthouse Museum
Stepping into the Old Courthouse Museum feels like taking a fun detour through Sioux Falls history. Housed in an 1890s courthouse, it turns local stories into hands-on moments for kids aged 3 to 12 with its monthly Kid’s Activity Day. You pick from beginner-friendly crafts—one month you might glue bunny hats, the next you’re building farm animals, bugs, or tractors—with all materials provided at no charge.
Since spots are limited, you’ll need to call ahead to register, but you’ll get two sessions each day. Parents can stay nearby or sneak off for coffee while educators handle the busy work. If your older kids want something extra, the Starlab Inflatable Planetarium pops up now and then for a small $2 fee. The best part is that everything feels genuine—no forced nostalgia or stiff displays. You end up learning, crafting, and maybe catching a glimpse of Sioux Falls’ past without even trying.
Escape 605 Axe Throwing & Escape Rooms
At Escape 605 Axe Throwing & Escape Rooms, you can throw axes at wooden targets or take home an Escape Crate for a puzzle night in. The crates arrive packed with clues, hints, and full instructions, so your family can team up, solve mysteries, and skip the usual screen time. Pick up a crate between 4 and 6 p.m. and return it the same time the next day—no membership needed.
Choose from three themes: “Where is Grandpa Ope?” for beginners, “The Escape Lot” if you want a mid-level challenge, or “The Great Jewel Heist” for serious puzzle fans. Everyone from your little cousin to grandma (up to age 106) can join in. These kits work rain or shine, summer or winter, making them a solid backup plan on rough-weather days. Just remember, supplies are limited, so reserve your favorite crate before someone else does.
Arrowhead Park
When you visit Arrowhead Park, you’ll first notice the arrowhead-shaped quarry lakes carved into the landscape. The mix of paved and unpaved trails is perfect for families—strollers, slow walkers, or anyone who just wants a calm stroll. Native prairie grasses sway in the breeze, and benches dot the path for quick rests or bird-watching breaks.
Spring and fall bring a rush of migratory birds, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a heron fishing at the water’s edge. The 1888 Wallace Dow barn stands nearby, adding a touch of history to the scenery. Open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., the park is free to enter and offers complimentary parking. ADA-accessible routes ensure everyone can explore, and there’s plenty of picnic space if you pack a lunch. No staff hovering—just open sky, quiet trails, and a laid-back atmosphere that invites you to set your own pace.
Child’s Play Toys
If you’re hunting for a toy shop that actually feels special, Child’s Play Toys in Sioux Falls might be it. It’s packed with well-chosen educational toys that look built to last, not fade away overnight. They cover every age from toddlers to teens, and there’s something to keep kids off screens for a while.
Every Tuesday at 10:30 am, they host a free in-store Story Time. It’s just a half-hour, no RSVP needed—just show up and be ready to gently herd your excited kiddo. All events happen indoors at their Downtown Sioux Falls spot, so unexpected weather is never an issue.
They often bring in local authors for meet-and-greets or set up Easter basket crafting stations in spring (FYI, there’s a $50 minimum for that one). The staff are pros at balancing fun and safety, so the noise level stays friendly. Parents can join in or hang back—it’s totally up to you. Don’t forget to check out their birthday bucket registry if your child has very specific toy tastes.
Butterfly House & Aquarium
Stepping into Butterfly House & Aquarium feels like a mini rainforest escape without the outside humidity wrecking your hair. It’s kept at a steady 72°F and bright all year. You wander through the conservatory surrounded by hundreds of tropical butterflies that flutter right up to you. You can even grab a little flower soaked in sugar water to encourage them to land on your hand.
Just past the butterflies, you’ll find the only public saltwater aquarium in the Dakotas. It’s a cool switch from wings to fins—clownfish, tangs, and other colorful residents. There are touch pools too, so you can gently poke starfish under staff supervision. You don’t need any special expertise here; everyone’s happy to help if you’re unsure.
The facility is fully ADA accessible, and if you let them know in advance, they can make accommodations for special needs. Tickets are discounted for SNAP recipients, or you can grab a membership and come back whenever you need a tropical fix—even in the middle of a snowstorm.
Thunder Road of Sioux Falls
At Thunder Road of Sioux Falls, you’ll find something for everyone—kids, teens, adults, and that friend who swears they can still land a backflip. The go-kart tracks include classic and slick racing lines, plus a Rookie Kart option for younger drivers. Pay-as-you-play means you can dip your toes in or go full throttle.
Indoors, HyperBowling turns lanes into a neon party, there’s a two-story laser tag arena, and rows of arcade games. VR gaming stations force you to move around instead of just pressing buttons. If you need a quieter session, staff can arrange sensory-friendly times. They even host monthly Adult Nights for those of us who never really grew up.
Whether you’re trying out the Euro Bungy, racing around corners, or ducking behind obstacles in laser tag, the team keeps things running smoothly. It’s a one-stop spot for unleashing your inner kid without worrying about the weather.
Galaxy Gaming
Walking into Galaxy Gaming is like stepping onto a futuristic battlefield in the middle of a jungle rave. Fog curls around neon-lit towers, music pounds, and you know you’re in for an adrenaline hit. Their laser tag and gel blaster arenas can handle up to 24 players weaving through multi-level terrain. The gellets are water-based and soft on impact, so you won’t end up looking like you lost a paint war.
This all happens indoors, so a blizzard or heatwave outside won’t kill your plans. You can walk in for a couple of sessions—laser tag starts at $16 for two games, gel blasters at $21—or opt for unlimited weekend play if you’re really going for it. There’s also a QBIX arcade and VR setups plus a digital gaming lounge for those who prefer console-style competition.
Beginners get extra guidance from staff, which is perfect if you tend to confuse left and right under fire. Whether it’s your first match or your fiftieth, it’s easy to jump right in and keep the fun rolling.
Skate City SD
If you’re looking for a versatile family outing, Skate City SD has you covered. It’s fully indoors, so you don’t have to worry about rain, snow days, or summer heat. Little skaters get their own “Skate Mates” sessions for anyone 10 and under, and everyone else can join the open floor.
Most sessions last two hours. You’ll see everything from low-key skating nights to themed events with music, games, or even a free hotdog during a “Holiday Hotdog Skate.” Admission is $10 and skate rental is $4, with deals like Five Dollar Fridays and summer passes for regulars.
On-floor staff keep things running smoothly and instructors lead group lessons on Saturdays, including rentals. Parties get a dedicated host, and there are both inline and traditional skates along with over-shoe options for beginners. Birthday packages and group rates are available, and the climate-controlled space means nobody’s melting in the summer or freezing in winter. Throw in anniversary celebrations and holiday skates, and you’ve got a rolling Sioux Falls tradition that’s fun for the whole crew.
Wild Water West Waterpark and Flamingo Falls Campground
When it comes to summer thrills, Wild Water West Waterpark delivers. There’s a baby pool and Caribbean Falls for the little ones, and for bigger kids or anyone chasing adrenaline, you can brave the 55-foot slide tower or line up for unlimited go-karts. The wave pool is actually the only one in South Dakota, and adults can unwind at the swim-up bar. If you still have energy, mini-golf and batting cages are right on site. Everything’s outdoors and open late May through Labor Day, with lifeguards on duty and birthday or team-event packages available.
A short drive away, Flamingo Falls Campground runs from May to October with tent and RV sites. Grab a waterfront spot and you’ll get your own fire pit and picnic table. There’s a catch-and-release fishing pond that doesn’t require a license, plus a game room stocked with air hockey and foosball for rainy days. Roads are marked with safety cones, three ADA-accessible bathhouses are spread around camp, and the office staff is on call. They even have a propane station and on-site pizza delivery, so you can focus on s’mores without the hassle.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Sky Zone Trampoline Park is like an all-you-can-jump buffet for anyone with energy to burn. Inside you’ll find bouncy runways, a Mega Launch Slide that dares you to try it, a warped wall for climbing challenges, and a zip line that isn’t just a one-hit wonder.
Open Jump sessions run about an hour. All you need is a waiver and SkySocks—they’re $5 but well worth it for grip and hygiene. Parents with little ones will love Little Leapers on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when kids six and under jump free with a paying adult.
The real highlight is GLOW nights: blacklights, thumping music, laser effects—it’s basically a neon dance party. If you want to make it a regular thing, memberships offer unlimited visits. Staff keep a close eye on everything, so you can focus on flipping, bouncing, and laughing without stressing about safety. It’s open year-round—just wear clothes you can move in and get ready to launch yourself into fun.
