Maybe it’s the changing leaves, the crisp air, the promise of a pumpkin patch, or the simple excitement of exploring somewhere new. And luckily, you don’t have to plan a full weekend getaway to make it feel like an adventure. There are plenty of family-friendly destinations within an easy drive of Sioux Falls that are perfect for a fall day trip.

Looking for more fall fun? Check out our Fall Headquarters, sponsored by Avera Children’s! We have gathered full guides for area fall festivals, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, fall food, and more!

So pack some snacks, grab the kids, and make a day of it!

Brookings

About 55 minutes north of Sioux Falls

Brookings is an easy fall escape when you want a day that mixes outdoor fun, kid-friendly attractions, and a little small-town exploring.

Spend some time at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, where kids can explore hands-on exhibits and let their imaginations run wild. Then head outside to enjoy the changing leaves at Dakota Nature Park, a 135-acre park with trails, wetlands, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.

If you’re visiting on a nice fall day, leave some time to wander downtown, grab a seasonal drink or treat, and explore the local shops. Fall also brings plenty of SDSU Jackrabbit spirit to town, making a football game another fun way to spend a fall Saturday.

Yankton

About 1 hour 15 minutes southwest of Sioux Falls

For a fall day trip that feels a little more like a getaway, head to Yankton.

The Missouri River and Lewis and Clark Recreation Area make this a beautiful place to spend a fall afternoon outdoors. Take a hike, explore the trails, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the scenery along the water. Biking the paved trail near the water is always a family favorite. Yankton also has plenty of history to explore, with museums, historic sites, and a charming downtown area.

For fun in Yankton, make sure to take a look at Mazing Acres. This fall festival destination is open on weekends and is filled with fall fun.

Vermillion

About 1 hour 15 minutes south of Sioux Falls

Vermillion is a great choice when you want your fall adventure to include a little learning along with your fun.

The National Music Museum is home to an impressive collection of musical instruments from around the world, while the W.H. Over Museum offers natural history and cultural exhibits that can turn a day trip into an unexpected learning adventure.

When the weather cooperates, head outside to explore Spirit Mound Historic Prairie, a historic landscape that Lewis and Clark visited during their expedition.

Garretson & Palisades

About 30 minutes northeast of Sioux Falls

You don’t have to drive far to feel like you’ve left town.

Head to Garretson for an afternoon of exploring Palisades State Park, where Split Rock Creek winds between dramatic Sioux quartzite cliffs. Some formations rise as high as 50 feet, making this a particularly memorable place for a family hike.

Fall is an especially beautiful time to visit, when the surrounding trees add color to the rocky landscape. Pack a picnic, wear shoes that can handle a trail, and let the kids explore.

Then head into Garretson to check out the Devil’s Gulch, where legend has it that Jesse James jumped his horse over the chasm.

Newton Hills & Canton

About 30–40 minutes south of Sioux Falls

If your idea of a perfect fall day involves colorful trees, hiking, and plenty of fresh air, head south.

Newton Hills State Park is one of the best nearby places to experience fall foliage. The heavily wooded park feels distinctly different from the surrounding prairie and offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching and exploring. More than 200 species of birds visit the area throughout the year, and fall is a particularly beautiful time to explore.

After your hike, continue into Canton for lunch or a little small-town exploring before heading back toward Sioux Falls.

Madison & Lake Herman

About 50 minutes northwest of Sioux Falls

For a slower-paced fall day, point the car toward Madison.

Lake Herman State Park is a beautiful place to spend an autumn afternoon, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, fishing, biking, and picnicking. It’s the kind of destination where you don’t necessarily need a long list of activities. Bring lunch, let the kids explore and enjoy the changing scenery.

Then head into Madison for a treat, browse the downtown area, or make the drive home as the sun starts to go down.

Make the Most of Your Fall Day Trip

You don’t need a perfectly planned itinerary to make a family road trip memorable. In fact, some of the best fall adventures are the ones where you leave a little room for spontaneity!

Before you go:

Pack snacks. Hungry kids can turn a scenic drive into a very different kind of adventure.

Bring layers. Fall weather can change quickly, especially when you’re spending part of the day outdoors.

Look at the forecast. A sunny 55-degree day and a windy 45-degree day can make for very different hiking experiences.

Build in a treat stop. Because every good family road trip is better with a donut, ice cream, hot chocolate, or apple cider.

Don’t overpack the itinerary. Pick two or three main stops and let the rest of the day unfold.

Make a playlist. Give everyone a chance to pick a song for the drive.

Take the long way home. If the leaves are beautiful, slow down and enjoy the scenery.

The best part? You can do these trips again and have a completely different experience depending on the weather, the leaves, the events happening that weekend and the ages of your kids.

So pick a town, fill up the gas tank, and make a little fall adventure out of it. You might be surprised how far a one-day getaway can take you.

The post Fall Day Trips From Sioux Falls: 6 Family Adventures Worth the Drive appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Back to school season brings so much excitement and chaos. Between early mornings, new routines, and the never-ending question of “What’s for dinner?”, many families find themselves stretched thin before the week begins.

The good news? With a little planning, back-to-school meal prep can make your hectic weekdays easier!

Why Meal Prep Matters

Meal prep isn’t all about Bento boxes, perfectly portioned containers, or spending hours in the kitchen. It is about making the week ahead more manageable. Meal prep can:

• Prevent last-minute dinner scrambles
• Cut down on fast food
• Make nutritious meals easier
• Save time

Start Small, Keep It Simple

Meal prep doesn’t have to be complicated. Many people get discouraged when they think it is an all or nothing task. Instead, do what works for your family. Starting small is key. Here are some easy ways to get started that also feel like big wins!

• Plan your meals. You can start small by planning just your dinners or, you can focus on planning 2-3 days instead of the entire week.
• Bach cook staples like chicken, ground beef, hard boiled eggs, or roasted vegetables to mix and match into quick and easy meals. 
• Wash and chop fruits and vegetables so they are ready to grab for meals and snacks
• Cook a double batch of a meal and freeze half. Now you have a meal ready to heat and enjoy on busy nights!
• Convenience Boosters: Use frozen veggies, canned proteins, rotisserie chicken, microwave rice, and salad kits to speed up dinner time.

Meal Prep Hacks

• Plan around your schedule. On busy evenings, choose simple, slow cooker, or quick meals. Have a lighter night? Take the opportunity to cook. 
• Choose flexible ingredients that work in multiple meals.
  • Chicken and ground beef = wraps, bowls, pasta, tacos, salads, casseroles
  • Pre-washed and chopped veggies = easy to throw into omelets, soups, casseroles, or use as a side (fresh, roasted, or steamed)
• You don’t have to cook full meals or prep everything all at once. Instead, prep what you can, when you can.
• Include your children by having them tear lettuce, make snack boxes, or cut fruit with kid-friendly knives.
• After school snacks are key for giving kids energy and sustaining them until dinner time. Designate a snack bin or drawer to make them easy for kids to grab. 

Easy Family-Friendly Meal Ideas

Quick Breakfasts:

• Overnight oats
• Egg muffins
• Veggie-based muffins
• Smoothies

Lunchbox Favorites:

• DIY lunchboxes with protein, fruit, cheese cubes, and whole grain crackers or choose a theme such as pizza and taco.
• Savory muffins such as pizza muffins or ham and cheese muffins
• Cold options: cold pasta with veggies, chicken salad with crackers

Afterschool Snacks:

• Snack boxes with items like string cheese and meat stick, hard boiled eggs, cheese cubes, and pretzels
• Ants on a lot (celery, peanut butter, and raisins)
• Cucumber bites (cucumber slices, cream cheese, and add seasonings if desired)

Quick Dinners:

• Sheet pan or one pan meals
• Shredded chicken in wraps, salads, or bowls
• Slow cooker or pressure cooker meals

For more information on meal prep and recipes, check out our website at https://extension.sdstate.edu/food/nutrition. 

The post Back to School Meal Prep Made Simple appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

In every issue of the ‘hood Magazine, we ask local experts questions that are helpful for our community! This Ask the Expert was printed in the September/October 2026 Issue of ‘hood. Check out the full digital issue at the link! 

Question: What is the South Dakota Crunch Off, and how can I participate? 

The South Dakota Crunch Off is a statewide celebration of local foods, healthy eating, and the producers who make it all possible. To participate, take a big “crunch” into locally grown or raised food, such as apples, carrots, popcorn, or beef sticks, between September 14-October 31. 

For children, the Crunch Off is a fun way to try new foods, learn where food comes from, and develop healthy eating habits. Families, schools, childcare, businesses, community groups, teams, and more can all participate. Last year, we recorded our highest Crunch Off participation yet, and we’re hoping for even more this year! Register your crunches online, explore kid-friendly activities, and learn more by visiting our website. 

SDSU Extension 

Jessica Meuleners 

SDSU Extension Nutrition Field Specialist 

4101 W 38th St Ste 103 

Sioux Falls, SD 57106 

extension.sdstate.edu/food/nutrition 

605.782.3290 

The post Ask The Expert: What is the South Dakota Crunch Off and How Can I Participate? appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

This article was originally printed in the May/June 2026 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print, and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital issue

The post Fun with Fruits and Veggies appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

The days are getting shorter, school is back in session, and before we know it, winter activities will be here. Now is a good time to start looking ahead for registration deadlines!  

Here are a few Sioux Falls Area programs to have on your radar. 

Hockey: The Sioux Falls Flyers Youth Hockey Association offers several City League options for the 2026-27 season. Registration deadlines begin September 21st for these leagues. 

Soccer: Soccer Sprouts serves children ages 3-10 and focuses on soccer skills, confidence, and teamwork. They play indoors during the winter; pay attention to their website for when registration opens for their winter sessions.   

Basketball: The YMCA’s Y-Force Youth Basketball program is open to kids ages 4 through high school, with opportunities for players of different ages and skill levels. Registration closes on September 16th. 

Football: Looking ahead to winter, Sanford Sports Academy’s 7-on-7 football teams offer opportunities for boys ages 10-18 and girls (flag football) ages 10-14. Tryouts for boys are scheduled for November 22nd and for girls on December 13th. 

Outdoor Adventures: The Outdoor Campus offers free, hands-on programs focused on outdoor skills, conservation, hunting, and fishing. Winter registration opens on November 18th. 

All this is just the beginning! From hockey, basketball, gymnastics, music, outdoor adventures, and more, the Sioux Falls Area offers an incredible variety of ways for kids to stay active and discover something they love. 

Looking for more? 

The ‘hood’s Sioux Falls Sports & Activities Guide, sponsored by SDSU Extension, brings local youth sports, classes, clubs, and activities together in one place. It’s organized by category so you can find the right fit for your family without endless searching. 

Visit thehoodmagazine.com/siouxfallssportsandactivitesguide and start exploring what’s next! 

The post Winter Sports Registration Round-Up: Find Your Child’s Next Activity  appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

If your child participates in sports, music, or other activities, chances are you spend a lot of time waiting. Practices, tournaments, rehearsals, and games can quickly add up to several hours each week. Instead of sitting on the sidelines scrolling through your phone, consider using that time to move more and support your own health.

Finding opportunities to be active during your child’s activities can help you fit your own physical activity into a busy schedule.

Walk the Perimeter

One of the easiest ways to stay active while your child is at their activities is to go for a walk. Many soccer fields, baseball complexes, gyms, parks, and school grounds offer safe spaces to walk laps. A 60-minute practice could easily become a 30 to 60-minute walk, helping you accumulate steps and improve your health.

Walking is also a great option because it requires no equipment and can be adapted to your fitness level. Try alternating between comfortable walking and short periods of faster-paced walking for an added challenge.

Turn Waiting Time into Workout Time

While watching practice, try simple bodyweight exercises such as:

• Squats
• Lunges
• Calf raises
• Wall sits
• Pushups against a bench or fence
• Standing core exercises

Short movement breaks throughout your waiting time can improve strength and break up sedentary time.

Make Use of Indoor Facilities

When activities take place indoors, look for opportunities to move within the building. Many recreation centers, gyms, studios, and sports complexes have walking tracks, hallways, staircases, or fitness centers available for use.

If space is limited, consider bringing a resistance band. Resistance bands are lightweight, portable, and allow you to perform a variety of exercises while waiting.

Be Active with Siblings

If siblings are tagging along, use the time to be active together. Rather than sitting in the bleachers, try activities such as:

• Walking around the facility
• Playing tag
• Visiting a nearby playground
• Kicking a ball
• Creating an obstacle course
• Playing simple active games like Simon Says or Follow the Leader

Not only does this help you move more, but it also keeps your other children entertained and helps them build healthy habits.

Connect with Other Parents

Youth activities can be a great opportunity to connect with other parents whose children share similar interests. Consider inviting another parent to take a walk during practice or between games. Walking together can make the time pass quickly while helping you stay active, and can even develop new friendships.

Every Minute Counts

Physical activity does not have to happen in a gym or in one long workout. The minutes spent walking around a soccer field, climbing stairs at a gymnastics meet, or chasing a toddler near the playground all contribute to your overall health.

The next time you head to a practice, game, or lesson, think of it as an opportunity to move. Small choices made consistently throughout the busy season can add up to meaningful improvements in physical activity, energy levels, and overall well-being. Instead of waiting on the sidelines, use the time to invest in your own health while supporting your child’s activities.

Erin Hallenbeck is an SDSU Extension Health and Physical Activity Field Specialist based in Sioux Falls. She is passionate about empowering South Dakotans to lead healthier, more active lives that help them build confidence and improve their quality of life. Her work is focused on promoting physical activity and wellness throughout South Dakota. Erin has experience developing and leading exercise programs for all ages, and supports volunteer-led, community efforts to promote sustainable health initiatives. 

The post How Parents Can Stay Active During Kids’ Activities appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

By Jessica Meuleners, SDSU Extension Nutrition Field Specialist; Lily Dahler SDSU Grad Student

Busy schedules, travel, sports, activities, and family outings make for busy seasons of life. When life is on the go, you need snacks that check all the boxes: healthy, portable, budget-friendly, quick, and easy. 

Introducing the Snackle Box! 

The Snackle Box is a snack container designed like a tackle box, featuring multiple compartments that hold a variety of foods in one convenient container. Popularized on social media, Snackle Boxes offer endless opportunities to create personalized snack combinations while helping families save money, reduce packaging waste, and make nutritious choices. 

Snackle Boxes Are Perfect For:

• Day trips
• Road trips
• Plane rides
• Day camps
• Lake or pool days
• Sporting events and practices
• School activities
• Family outings
• Picnics
• After-school snacks
• Workdays

Why Snackle Boxes Work

Snackle Boxes take the guesswork out of helathy snacking. They offer a variety of options to ensure there is something everyone will enjoy. They work well because families can:

• Save time on busy days
• Reduce impulse snack purchases
• Stay energized between meals
• Encourage kids to explore new foods
• Create a fun opportunity for children to participate in preparing their own snacks
• Including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein foods, they can support young athletes before, during, or after sports and physical activities.

Basic Steps to Building a Snackle Box:

To create a Snackle Box that keeps you fueled and satisfied, it should consist of foods from various food groups. They don’t have to be expensive. Use foods you already have at home, buy frequently used items in bulk, and take advantage of frozen, canned, or seasonal produce when appropriate.

Protein

Protein helps keep you feeling full and supports muscle growth and repair. Activities like hiking, biking, swimming, sports, and more use your muscles which need to be refueled just like the gas tank in a car! During active days, protein will help keep your muscles strong.

Protein ideas:

• Cheese cubes
• String cheese
• Nuts or trail mix
• Peanut butter or other nut butters
• Jerky or meat sticks
• Greek yogurt
• Deli meat like turkey or ham

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help keep our bodies healthy. These foods are perfect for adding to a Snackle Box for not only the health benefits, but for the wide variety and convenience to be cut to fit perfectly into your box. They add color and natural sweetness. Choose fresh, canned, or dried versions!

Fruit ideas:

• Berries like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries
• Watermelon
• Cherries
• Mango
• Pineapple
• Apples
• Grapes 

Vegetable ideas:

• Bell pepper strips
• Baby carrots
• Celery sticks
• Cucumbers
• Broccoli or cauliflower
• Snap peas
• Cherry tomatoes

Whole Grains

Whole grains provide our bodies with fiber and lasting energy. They make an excellent choice for active day snacks. When shopping, check the ingredient list and choose products that list a whole grain as one of the first ingredients.

Whole grain ideas:

• Whole grain pretzels
• Whole grain crackers
• Corn chips
• Whole grain cereal
• Pita chips

A Fun Treat

Every Snackle Box can include a small treat. Adding a small amount of a special snack or treat can teach children about balance and make nutritious eating fun. It can also keep children excited about their Snackle Box creations. 

Treat Ideas:

• Chocolate chips or bar
• Popcorn
• Granola bites
• Mini cookies
• Seasonal candy

Snackle Box Inspiration

The Original 

• Peanut butter
• Celery sticks
• Cheese cubes
• Whole grain crackers
• Grapes
• Almonds

DIY Lunchables

• Sliced/cubed meat 
• Sliced/cubed cheese
• Whole grain crackers
• Carrot sticks
• Apple slices
• Mini cookies

Lake or Pool Days 

• Watermelon
• Whole grain tortilla chips
• Hummus, salsa, or cheese dip
• Beef Jerky or meat sticks
• Carrot, cucumber or bell pepper slices
• Candy

Road Trip

• Trail mix
• Beef Jerky or meat sticks
• Dried fruit
• Pretzels
• Chocolate candy

Breakfast box 

• Greek yogurt
• Whole grain granola or cereal
• Berries 
• Mini chocolate chips 

Colorful box

• Assorted berries
• Assorted vegetables
• Pita chips/crackers
• Hummus 

My favorites box

• Favorite cheese or meat
• Favorite cracker or chip
• Favorite fruit 
• Favorite vegetable
• Favorite treat

4^th of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day-themed Box

• Cubed cheese (white)
• Whole grain crackers
• Red fruits/veggies (strawberries, cherries, cherry tomatoes, red peppers)
• Blue fruits/veggies (blueberries, blackberries, plum)
• Red, white, and blue candy or treat

Keep it Safe!

Snackle Boxes are fun, but we want to be mindful of food safety. Follow these tips to keep your snacks safe for everyone:

• Keep perishable foods cold by using ice packs or insulated lunch boxes/containers.
• Avoid leaving cold food or foods that melt easily in hot cars. Instead, choose a shelf-stable, heat-friendly food.
• Refrigerate prepared Snackle Boxes until ready to use.
• Discard perishable foods left out at room temperature for more than two hours (one hour if temperatures are above 90°F).
• Wash fruits and vegetables before preparing or packing

Snackle Boxes are a simple way to make healthy choices the easy choices. By including a variety of healthy foods, you can save time, reduce food waste, and stay fueled!

SDSU Extension 

Jessica Meuleners 

SDSU Extension Nutrition Field Specialist 

4101 W 38th St Ste 103 

Sioux Falls, SD 57106 

extension.sdstate.edu/food/nutrition 

605.782.3290 

The post Snackle Boxes: Healthy Snacking Made Easy appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

This article was originally printed in the July/August 2026 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print, and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital issue

Learn about The Cubhouse, where they create a place where children feel safe, confident, supported, and excited to learn each day.

The post Learn, Play, and Belong appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

This article was originally printed in the July/August 2026 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print, and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital issue

Pediatric therapy can help children build the skills they need to move, communicate, regulate emotions, and participate more confidently in everyday life—all through playful, child-led, and highly skilled care. 

Every child develops at their own pace, but sometimes they benefit from extra support along the way. Pediatric therapy provides individualized strategies and interventions to help children overcome challenges, build confidence, and continue progressing toward meaningful milestones. 

At Move U Pediatric Therapy in Sioux Falls, our approach is different. Therapy sessions are intentionally designed to be child-led, playful, and joyful while still delivering highly skilled, evidence-informed care. We believe children learn best through connection, movement, and play. 

Benefits of Pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT) 

Occupational Therapy helps children participate more successfully in daily activities at home, school, and in the community. 

OT can help children: 

• Improve emotional regulation and sensory processing  

• Develop fine motor skills for dressing, handwriting, feeding, and play  

• Increase attention, independence, and participation in routines  

Benefits of Pediatric Physical Therapy (PT) 

Physical Therapy supports strength, coordination, balance, and movement development. 

PT can help children: 

• Achieve milestones like sitting, crawling, walking, and jumping  

• Improve balance, coordination, and posture  

• Support for successful and independent bowel/bladder movements 

• Build confidence with movement, sports, and playground activities  

Benefits of Pediatric Speech Therapy 

Speech Therapy supports communication, feeding, and oral motor development. 

Speech Therapy can help children: 

• Improve speech clarity and language development  

• Build confidence in communicating wants, needs, and emotions  

• Support feeding challenges, picky eating, and oral motor coordination  

Why Families Choose Move U 

At Move U, therapy is more than exercises, doing the same activities while seated at a table, or repetition. Our sensory-rich environment encourages children to explore, move, and engage naturally while building important developmental skills. Families appreciate our collaborative approach, individualized care plans, and focus on helping children feel successful and confident. 

We proudly offer flexible cash-pay options and are in-network with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. 

If you have concerns about your child’s development or simply want guidance on the next steps, our team is here to help. 

The post Helping Children Grow Through Pediatric Therapy: How Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy Support Confidence, Development & Everyday Success  appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

This article was originally printed in the July/August 2026 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print, and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital issue

When our family’s dyslexia journey was first featured in Hood Magazine in 2024, my message was simple: early intervention matters. 

Today, after several more years of learning, advocating, and connecting with other families, I believe that message more than ever. 

1 in 5 

Dyslexia affects approximately 1 in 5 individuals, yet many families spend years searching for answers while watching their child struggle academically, emotionally, and socially. Too often, children begin to believe they aren’t smart or capable when, in reality, they simply haven’t been taught in the way their brain learns best. 

As both a parent and a former educator, one of the most eye-opening lessons I learned was that many teachers, including myself early in my career, were never adequately trained to identify dyslexia or understand how the brain learns to read. For years, I believed that if children were exposed to enough books, reading would eventually click. What I later learned is that reading is not a natural process. The brain must build specific pathways and connections, and those pathways are strengthened through direct, explicit, systematic, and multisensory instruction. 

Finding the Right Intervention 

The good news is that when children receive the right intervention, everything can change. 

For our family, early identification helped put our son on a different path. But much of that support came through evaluations, tutoring, training, and resources that required significant time, research, and financial investment outside of school. We were fortunate to find answers, but many families still don’t know where to begin. 

What started as our personal journey has grown into a passion for advocacy and community change. Through parent support groups, educational events, and conversations with other families, we’ve discovered we are far from alone. 

Fifth Reader Foundation 

That shared experience inspired the creation of Fifth Reader Foundation, a nonprofit we are excited to launch in Sioux Falls and surrounding communities. Our mission is to provide education, resources, support, and hope to families navigating dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. 

Because when we know better, we can do better. And every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. 

The post From Dyslexia to Self-Advocacy: A Family’s Journey of Growth, Understanding, and Hope  appeared first on the 'hood magazine.