Summer is here and it’s time to enjoy the warm weather! A favorite summer time activity for many of us is…swimming! Especially for kids, spending time at the pool is often a huge part of summer fun.
We have some amazing pools, water parks, and splash pads in and around Sioux Falls! Keep on reading to learn about all of the great places to enjoy some fun this summer in the water. If your family is looking for things to do in the Sioux Empire-then this list is for you!
Don’t worry, we let you know in the list if a particular pool is indoor and open in the wintertime!
Don’t forget about your Swimming Pool Essentials this summer!
For more things to do in Sioux Falls, check out our article about 15 FREE Things to Do in Sioux Falls. Or head over to our Indoor Play Guide for those summer days when the weather isn’t that hot.
Swimming Pools and Splash Pads in the Sioux Falls Area
*Prices listed are daily rates and were current in May 2024. Please confirm opening times and prices. If you plan to swim often at a, we recommend purchasing a season pass! If you have an EBT card, WIC, or Medicaid make sure to check your particular pool because you may qualify for a reduced rate.
Swimming Pools/Water Parks
Sioux Falls Public Swimming Pools
Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation operates several swimming pools, aquatic centers, and splash pads in Sioux Falls. Make sure to note that the wading pools are free! A day pass for adults is $6, children are $5, and children under 2 are free.
Drake Springs Family Aquatic Center features a zero-depth are with a play structure, diving boards, tube slide, and a lazy river.
Frank Olsen Pool is a 50 M swimming pool great for swimming laps. It also features a diving board and a free wading pool.
Kuehn Pool is a traditional swimming pool and has a diving well with two diving boards. It also features a free wading pool.
Laurel Oak Family Aquatic Center features a zero-depth play area with different small slides and features to play on, a large slide, and an area for short-course lap swimming.
Terrace Park Family Aquatic Center features four drop slides, a tube slide, a large body slide, and a zero depth area with many play features.
McKennan Park Wading Pool is located in historic McKennan Park and is free! It features a walking bridge, a small kiddie slide, and several spray features. It is the only stand-alone wading pool in Sioux Falls.
Midco Aquatic Center (Indoor)
The Midco Aquatic Center features three pools and is open year-round! This center is perfect for lap swimming, fitness classes, birthday parties, and general swimming fun with many slides and play features. They also have an outdoor splash area in the summer months.
Other Pools in Sioux Falls
Wild Water West
Get ready for fun at the largest waterpark in South Dakota! Wild water west has multiple slides, a wave pool, an activity pool, a lazy river, bumper boats, a large play structure, plus go-karts and mini-golf! Wild Water West is a popular summer spot for many in the Sioux Falls Area. Make sure to check out their weekly promotions for a discount. They offer season passes, day tickets (11-8), and evening tickets (4-8). Day tickets are $30 for 48 inches and taller, under 48 inches is $18, and under 24 months is free.
Sanford Wellness Center (Indoor)
The Sanford Wellness Center has two locations, both of which have pools. Pools are for the use of members, though you can reach out about daily use and/or birthday party rentals. The Tea-Ellis location features a hot tub, zero-depth area with a play feature, short lap lanes, and a water slide. The Oxbow main pool is currently under construction, but the warm water pool is open.
Outside of Sioux Falls
Beresford, South Dakota
This small-town swimming pool was upgraded a few years ago! It features a nice sized slide, driving boards, and a splash area. This is a great pool for families looking for a bit of everything! Adults are $4, children $3, and 3 and under are free.
Tea, South Dakota
Just outside of Sioux Falls you can find a great hometown pool! It has two slides, along with a small kidde-sized slide. It also features a zero-depth entry area for younger children. Adults are $4, children $2, and those under 2 are free.
Brandon, South Dakota
Just North-East of Sioux Falls you can find a great local pool in Brandon. It has two large slides and a nice sized play structure in the zero depth area of the pool. Adults are $5 and children are $4.
Lennox, South Dakota
This small-town pool features lap lines, a high dive and low dive, a zero-depth entry, and a play structure. Adults are $6 and children are $4.
Grand Falls Casino (Larchwood, Iowa)
Non-Hotel/RV Guests can purchase a day-pass for their pool at the front desk. A day-pass price is $25.
Siouxnami Waterpark, Indoor and Outdoor (Sioux Center, Iowa)
This waterpark has something for everyone! It features indoor and outdoor waterslides, an aqua zip line, a lazy river, splash pad areas, many play structures, a pool climbing wall, and more! This park is great for poor-weather days and year-round with its amazing indoor area. Adults are $10, just viewing is $4, K-12th grade is $8, 3-PreK is $4, and 2 and under is free.
Huether Family Aquatic Center, Yankton, South Dakota
While Yankton is a bit over an hour from the Sioux Falls Area, this center is well worth the drive! This center features a tube slide, body slide, lazy river, vortex pool, family area with a large play structure, splash areas, lap swimming, a climbing wall, walking bridge water walk, and water basketball. Daily rates are $4 for 4 and up, and 3 and under are free with a paying adult. Enjoy some time at the river while you are there as well, or join up this pool trip with a camping adventure at Lewis and Clark Rec Area.
Splash Pads
Pioneer Splash Pad (City of Sioux Falls)
This free splash pad is located just north-east of downtown. This splash park has a dinosaur theme and features over 60 spray features! Please note: This splash pad does not have lifeguard supervision.
Hayward Park Splash Pad (City of Sioux Falls)
This newer splash pad is located on the west side of Sioux Falls. We especially love this splash pad for younger children. It features a large dumping bucket and a nice bathroom next to the splash pad. Please note: This splash pad does not have lifeguard supervision.
The Great Plains Zoo Splash Pad (In Sioux Falls)
This splash pad is brand new and opened in May of 2024. This large splash pad is free for anyone who has paid for entry into the Zoo. This splash pad has a larger play structure with slides and many different features for kiddos of all ages. There is a nearby bathroom and changing area as well. Please note: This splash pad does not have lifeguard supervision.
Larchwood Splash Pad (Larchwood, Iowa)
You can find a free splash pad located in Larchwood, Iowa at the City Park! This splash pad can often be a less busy place to enjoy a hot day. We especially like this splash pad for younger children. Please note: This splash pad does not have lifeguard supervision.
Sioux City Public Splash Pads (Sioux City, Iowa)
The City of Sioux City operates 6 free splash pads during the summer months! You can find these splash pads at Cone Park, Cook Park, Dale Street Park, Leeds Park, Riverfront, and Rose Hill Park.
Wherever you choose to enjoy swimming, stay safe and have fun!
