Sponsored by Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation
This feature was originally published in the May/June 2025 issue of The ‘hood Magazine. To see this feature in print and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital copy!
Use this guide to get the most out of Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation this summer. With free to low-cost Pools, Parks, and Programs, there’s plenty to do in the city to stay busy and active this summer.
Explore the Falls
Start your Saturday morning with a visit to the Falls Park Farmer’s Market, venture across the street to the Stockyards Ag Experience, and end it with lunch or ice cream from Falls Overlook Café. Look out for the opening of Jacobson Plaza’s free splash pad, dog park, and playground this summer, as well as fun events on the skate ribbon.
Summer Swim Pass
Stay cool this summer with a Summer Swim Pass! For $100, your entire family can get unlimited access to six outdoor pools plus indoor pools at the Midco Aquatic Center. Free and reduced-income swim pass options are available for families who qualify.
Visit a New Park
Make it a goal to visit as many parks this summer as possible! Find hidden gems, explore new areas of town, and enjoy being outside. Our park listings can be found at siouxfalls.gov/parks
Free Activities and Events
Looking for something new and fun to do? Take a look at the Summer Activities Guide and discover. Whether you’re looking to meet families in your same stage of life or you want a musical concert during Mondays at McKennan, there’s so much you can do to keep your family active this summer.
Splash Pads!
Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation operates three splash pads free for anyone to use. Check out Pioneer Park, Hayward Park, and the Midco Aquatic Center for summer fun. Be sure to visit Jacobson Plaza’s T. Denny Sanford Splash Pad this summer. It’s the largest one in the region.
Ride the Trail
The Recreation Trail is 36 miles of paved trail, and the main loop follows the Big Sioux River. It features scenic views of the city, parks like Falls Park, open fields, and forested areas. There are many Access Points along the trail to customize your ride.
Hydrant Parties
Have a blast at a summer hydrant block party hosted by the City of Sioux Falls in a neighborhood near you. Everyone is invited—neighbors, families, daycares, and everyone in between. Best of all, it’s FREE. Sioux Falls Fire and Rescue hooks up hoses to fire hydrants so you can stay cool and have fun while multiple city departments offer games and entertainment.
Visit siouxfalls.gov/guide to learn more and to register for activities!
