Sponsored by Move U Pediatric Therapy

Author Lexi Waddell

If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering whether your child’s struggle is “just a phase” or something more, you’ve already asked the question most parents bring to us first. As the holidays approach and routines get busier, those questions tend to surface more — a meltdown at grandma’s house, a meal your child won’t touch, a milestone that still hasn’t clicked. Rather than answer them one at a time, we thought it would help to gather the questions we hear most often from families and walk through them together, so you have a clearer picture of what pediatric therapy actually is, and whether it might be worth exploring for your child.

“What’s the difference between occupational, physical, and speech therapy?”

This is usually the first question, and it makes sense — the three often get lumped together, but each one focuses on a different part of your child’s growth.

Physical therapy centers on movement — helping kids build the strength, balance, and coordination behind milestones like rolling, crawling, walking, and jumping. If your child seems delayed in gross motor skills, tires quickly during play, or struggles with balance and posture, PT is usually the starting point.

Occupational therapy takes a broader view of daily life. Rather than one skill area, OT looks at everything a child needs to do to participate fully — playing, learning, getting dressed, managing emotions, and handling the sensory experience of the world around them. It’s often the therapy that addresses fine motor skills like handwriting and utensil use, along with regulation and attention.

Speech therapy goes well beyond pronunciation. Speech-language pathologists help children with language development, understanding and following directions, social communication, and — something many parents are surprised to learn — feeding and oral motor skills, including picky eating and difficulty with textures.

In practice, these three often overlap. A child who struggles to communicate may also struggle to regulate their emotions; a child with low muscle tone may also have trouble with the fine motor demands of handwriting. That’s part of why so many families end up working with more than one type of therapist, sometimes at the same time.

“Is this something my child will just grow out of?”

Sometimes, yes — plenty of quirks and delays resolve on their own with time. But this is exactly the question therapy that is built to help answer. An evaluation isn’t a long-term commitment; it’s simply a way to find out whether your child’s struggle is likely to resolve naturally or whether some extra support now could help them catch up sooner, with a lot less frustration along the way for both of you.

Early support matters because skills build on each other. A toddler who struggles with core strength may later struggle to sit at a table for family dinner. A child who can’t yet express frustration in words may express it through a meltdown instead. Addressing the root skill early tends to prevent the frustration from compounding.

“Do I need a diagnosis or a doctor’s referral to get started?”

For occupational and physical therapy, no. Speech therapy does require a referral and is typically given by a primary care doctor or pediatrician. Many families come to us with nothing more than a feeling that something is harder for their child than it should be — no diagnosis, no referral, just a question worth answering. If that’s where you are, that’s reason enough to reach out and start a conversation. 

“What actually happens in a session?”

We’ve created a welcoming, and playful environment at Move U so kids can look forward to coming to our space and growing. Pediatric therapy — whether PT, OT, or speech — works best through play, because play is how kids naturally build skills and stay engaged. A session might involve an obstacle course, a swing, climbing on the rock wall, jumping on the trampoline, or a game of catch, all built around specific goals your therapist is tracking behind the scenes.

At Move U, this looks like a child-led, relationship-based approach, informed by the DIRFloortime® model. Instead of rigid drills or reward charts, our therapists follow your child’s interests and natural motivation to connect, using that connection as the foundation for building new skills — whether that’s crawling, forming sentences, tolerating a new food, or managing a big emotion.

“My child seems fine most of the time — these are just everyday struggles, right?”

Often, yes, everyday struggles are exactly what bring families to therapy — and that’s not a bad thing. You don’t need a “big” concern to ask a question. Some of the most common reasons parents reach out include:

Meltdowns during transitions, like leaving the park or getting out the door in the morning. Picky eating that goes beyond preference into daily mealtime battles. Sensitivity to tags, textures, loud noises, or messy hands. Avoidance of writing or drawing tasks. Trouble focusing or sitting still. Speech that’s harder to understand than expected for their age. Big emotional reactions to noisy, busy environments — birthday parties, family gatherings, or holiday events that end in tears.

“How does therapy help with emotional regulation specifically?”

This is one of the more overlooked benefits of pediatric therapy, and one of the most valuable. Emotional regulation — the ability to notice a feeling and manage it without shutting down or exploding — isn’t something kids are born knowing how to do. It’s a skill, built the same way physical or communication skills are: through practice, modeling, and the right support.

Occupational therapists often use sensory-based strategies, like movement, deep pressure, or calming activities, to help kids recognize their own rising frustration before it becomes a full meltdown. Speech therapists help by giving kids the words to express needs and feelings instead of resorting to behavior to communicate them. Physical therapists build the body confidence that lets kids engage in play without frustration derailing the experience. Together, these approaches give children more tools to stay regulated — and a regulated child is a child who’s more available to learn, connect, and enjoy their day.

“Will I be involved, or does therapy just happen to my child?”

You’re a central part of the process, not a bystander. Every family walks away with practical strategies to use at home — not just a recap of what happened in the session. Skill-building doesn’t stop when the session ends, and the more it carries into everyday routines, the faster progress tends to show up.

“How long does therapy usually take?”

It depends entirely on the child and the goal. Some families come for a focused season to work through one specific challenge — a feeding transition, a motor delay, an articulation issue — while others benefit from longer-term support as new goals emerge. Your therapist will be honest with you about progress and timelines along the way, so you always know where things stand.

If You’re Still Wondering

If you’ve read this far nodding along to more than one question, that’s worth paying attention to. You don’t need a diagnosis, a referral, or a “big enough” concern to start the conversation — just the sense that something could be a little easier for your child than it currently is.

At Move U Pediatric Therapy in Sioux Falls, our occupational, physical, and speech therapists work together to help children build the skills they need to move, communicate, regulate their emotions, and participate confidently in everyday life — all through playful, child-led, highly skilled care.

📞 Call (605) 409-9533 or visit www.themoveu.com to schedule an evaluation and get your questions answered.

Lexi Waddell is Co-Owner and Head of Development at Move U. Born and raised in Rapid City, she now calls Sioux Falls home with her husband. With a heart for kids, Lexi leads development and client experience initiatives, helping Move U and Empower U better serve the community’s healthcare needs.

The post The Questions We Hear Most From Parents About Pediatric Therapy appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

As November arrives in the Sioux Falls area, families can dive into the season with a blend of festive holiday events, live music, and general family fun. The month offers everything from dazzling light displays to cozy concerts, perfect for making memories as the weather cools down. Sioux Falls truly shines this time of year, whether you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit or simply enjoy a weekend out with the kids. Learn about Classic Sioux Falls Holiday Activities not to be missed.  

Are you looking to enjoy more family time at home with the cooler weather? Check out our winter boredom busters! Or maybe you are looking for things to do indoors around Sioux Falls! Read our Indoor Play in the Sioux Falls Area of what to do on a winter day! 

Here’s a look at some top events to add to your family calendar this November!

Holiday Events

Winter Wonderland at Falls Park opens up on November 21st this year! Witness Falls Park transformed into a magical holiday landscape with sparkling lights and festive decorations, creating a beautiful family photo op! The grand opening for the Falls Park Lights is also on the evening of November 21st. Enjoy the lights turning on, and stay for the fireworks!

The Parade of Lights will be held downtown on November 27th. This annual parade lights up the streets with beautifully decorated floats, creating a magical holiday kickoff in downtown Sioux Falls.

Get a run in before Thanksgiving with the Turkey Trail Run 5K with the Sioux Falls Parks and Rec. The run is on November 21st and is held at Pasley Park. 

Want another option for a holiday run? The Gobble Wobble 10K will be held also on November 21st this year, with the run starting at Sertoma Park.

Speaking of running, the Jingle Bell Run is back on November 27th! This festive race is brought to you by the Arthritis Foundation and is run at Fawick Park in Sioux Falls. 

Music & Theater 

Looking for a different kind of show experience? An Evening of Alton Brown will be at The Washington Pavilion on November 4th. This live cooking show will be unlike any other show that you have seen.

Crowder Live will be at the Washington Pavilion on November 8th. Expect an evening full of music and worship. He is also bringing special guest Franni Cash.

Support our young local actors while enjoying the theater! The Spotlight Theater Company will be presenting the musical Circus Stars at the Washington Pavilion November 5th-6th.

For those who want to get into the Christmas spirit with some music, you can enjoy the musical talents of Lorie Lane at the Washington Pavilion on November 29th.

General Family Fun

First Free Friday at the Washington Pavilion this month is set for November 6th. Enjoy free admission to the Science Center and let your kids play and explore inside, out of the cold!

Winter Registration for classes at The Outdoor Campus opens on November 18th for 2026, and class and program booklets are available on November 4th. They offer free classes for everyone in your family. 

Also, at The Outdoor Campus, this November is the grand opening of the new expansion! Head over to the campus on November 7th for a tour of the expansion and fun for the whole family.

The Sioux Empire Arts and Crafts Show will be at the Expo Building at the WH Lyon Fairgrounds on November 13th-14th. Come out and find beautifully made arts and crafts from the area.

Be on the lookout this month for our Santa Sightings and Holiday Events posts! We are working hard to compile everything you might need for the Holidays in one convenient place. To find more great events happening this month, make sure to check out our full calendar!

The post November in the Sioux Falls Area appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Halloween is almost here, and there are so many ways to celebrate in the Sioux Falls Area! Whether your family loves dressing up and collecting candy, exploring not-so-scary activities with little ones, or getting their hearts racing at a haunted house, there’s something for everyone.

Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to celebrate Halloween with your family. From indoor trick-or-treating and sensory-friendly events to spooky adventures for older kids, here’s your guide to Halloween fun around Sioux Falls. Keep reading to find your family’s next adventure, and check our Sioux Falls Halloween Events Calendar for even more local happenings! Thanks to Avera Children’s for sponsoring our Fall and Halloween Headquarters! 

Find Family-Friendly Halloween Events

Looking for a fun way to celebrate without anything too scary? Sioux Falls has plenty of Halloween activities for kids of all ages. Get dressed up, enjoy seasonal activities, and make some memories together!

Here are a few events to add to your calendar. This is just a taste! Our full Halloween Events calendar is filled with great events, trunk-or-Treats, and Halloween fun:

• Spooky Science at the Washington Pavilion – Saturday, October 24. Little scientists can enjoy hands-on activities, bubbling experiments, and Halloween fun.
• Spooky Seas at the Butterfly House & Aquarium – Saturday, October 24. Combine Halloween festivities with underwater adventures at this family-friendly event.
• Family Halloween Party at Mosaic Arts & Events – Tuesday, October 27. Celebrate with crafts, games, sensory bins, and other festive activities.
• Monster Mash at Jellystone Park – Saturday, October 24, from noon–4 p.m. Enjoy fall fun, a corn maze, mini golf, candy dash, family games, spooky treats, and meet-and-greets with Yogi Bear and friends! Open to the public with paid admission.
• Mall-O-Ween at The Empire Mall – Thursday, October 29, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. Stop by Center Court for indoor trick-or-treating, sweet treats, and spooky photo opportunities.

Want more options that won’t leave you worrying about the weather? We’ve rounded up even more Indoor Halloween Events in the Sioux Falls Area, including indoor trick-or-treating, crafts, and trunk-or-treat events.

Head Out for Trunk-or-Treating

If your kids love collecting candy but aren’t quite ready for a full neighborhood trick-or-treating adventure, trunk-or-treats are a great option. Families can visit decorated vehicles, enjoy Halloween treats, and celebrate with their community.

Keep an eye out for local events, including:

• Trunk-or-Treat with the Miller Team – Saturday, October 24, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Adaptive and Inclusive Trunk-or-Treat at Teachwell Solutions – Friday, October 23, from 5–7 p.m.
• Indoor Trunk-or-Treat at Spirit of Peace UCC – Saturday, October 24, from 2–4 p.m.
• Every Boo-dy Belongs – Trunk-or-Treat – Sunday, October 25, from 3–5 p.m.
• Trunk-or-Treat at Silver Star – Tuesday, October 27th, from 6-8 p.m.
• Trunk-or-Treat at O2B Kids – Saturday, October 31, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. 
• Hillcrest Church Trunk-or-Treat – Sunday, October 31st, from 2–3:30 p.m. 

NOTE: These are just a few of the opportunities to enjoy trunk-or-treating around town. Browse our Halloween Events Calendar for additional events, times, and locations.

Explore Sensory-Friendly Halloween Fun

Halloween is exciting, but costumes, crowds, loud noises, and unfamiliar surroundings can be overwhelming for some kids. The good news? Families have options that make it easier to enjoy the season at their own pace.

Consider these local events:

• Halloween Dress Rehearsal at Encompass Mental Health – Friday, October 30, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Kids can practice trick-or-treating in a familiar, enclosed space. The free event includes candy options, sensory activities, and a photo booth.
• Adaptive and Inclusive Trunk-or-Treat at Teachwell Solutions – Friday, October 23, from 5–7 p.m. This inclusive event welcomes children, teens, and adults with special needs, along with their families and friends.
• Sensory-Friendly Play at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota – Friday, October 23, from 4–7 p.m. Head to Brookings for Halloween activities, museum exploration, and a more accommodating environment.

These are just a few of the options available. Read our full Sensory-Friendly Halloween Events in the Sioux Falls Area roundup for more details and ideas for finding the right fit for your child.

Get Spooked at Haunted Houses and Trails

Have older kids who are ready for a bigger scare? The Sioux Falls area has haunted houses, creepy trails, and other spooky attractions for preteens, teens, and brave adults.

Here are a few places to check out:

• Jaycees Feargrounds – A Sioux Falls Halloween tradition featuring a classic haunted-house experience for those ready for a good scare.
• Screaming Woods Haunted Trails – Explore a dark, wooded trail with spooky surprises and live scares.
• Haunted Farm – Located near Worthing, this attraction offers multiple haunted experiences for those looking to make a night of it.
• Terror 29 – Choose between a haunted house in Brandon and a haunted corn maze near Valley Springs.
• Fear Asylum – Located in Brookings, this attraction delivers an intense haunted-house experience with dark spaces, sound effects, and plenty of surprises.

Check each attraction’s website for current dates, ticket information, and age recommendations before heading out.

Looking for even more scares? Our guide to Halloween for Preteens & Teens: Sioux Falls Area Spots to Get Spooked has additional haunted attractions and nighttime adventures for older kids.

Make Time for Fall Festivals and Corn Mazes

Halloween fun doesn’t have to happen after dark! Fall festivals, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and seasonal activities are great ways to enjoy the season before the weather turns cold.

Consider adding these stops to your family’s fall bucket list:

• Country Apple Orchard: Head to Harrisburg for fall festival fun and seasonal activities.
• Riverview Pumpkin Festival: Visit Riverview Christmas Tree Farm near Canton for pumpkin festival activities and fall fun.
• Cherry Rock Farms: This locally owned family-farm hosts fall festivals on the weekends in the fall, and they also offer a self-serve U-Pick pumpkin patch during the week (make sure to check out the corn maze too, free!)
• Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park – Look for seasonal activities, including its Monster Mash event and nighttime corn maze adventures.
• Mazing Acres: Yankton might be a bit more of a drive, but we promise it is worth it! They host a wonderful fall festival on the weekends. Plus, it gives you a chance to also enjoy fall down by the lake! 

Check event schedules before you go, since activities and hours can vary throughout the season. For more ideas beyond Halloween night, visit our Fall and Halloween Headquarters, sponsored by Avera Children’s, for more local fall guides and family activities.

Find Halloween Events Happening Near You

One of the easiest ways to plan your Halloween season is to see what’s happening around town. From costume contests and family parties to community trick-or-treating and haunted attractions, there’s plenty to explore.

Our Sioux Falls Halloween Events Calendar brings local events together in one place. Browse the listings to find activities that fit your family’s schedule, interests, and comfort level.

Be sure to check back for additional listings and confirm details with event organizers before heading out.

Make Halloween Your Own

Not every family celebrates Halloween the same way, and that’s part of the fun! You might spend the afternoon exploring a pumpkin patch, head out for a community trunk-or-treat, or plan a spooky night with older kids. Maybe your family prefers a quieter activity, a creative craft, or a cozy night at home.

Whatever Halloween looks like for your crew, there are plenty of ways to make it special.

Happy Halloween from the ‘hood! We hope you find a few new traditions, make some sweet memories, and enjoy all the Halloween fun our community has to offer.

The post The Ultimate Halloween in the Sioux Falls Area Guide appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Sponsored by Flourish Wellness + Birth Co.

What Does Metabolic Wellness Really Mean?

When people hear the words “metabolic wellness,” they often think first about weight loss. But your metabolism influences far more than the number on the scale. Energy, blood sugar regulation, appetite and cravings, body composition, hormone health, inflammation, sleep, stress, and the way your body uses fuel are all part of a much bigger picture.

At Flourish Wellness + Birth Co. in Sioux Falls, we believe metabolic health deserves more than a quick prescription or a one-size-fits-all plan. Our goal is to understand what may be contributing to the imbalance in the first place and then build an individualized plan that supports long-term health. For some patients, that plan may include a GLP-1 medication. For others, the focus may begin with nutrition, movement, hormone health, sleep, stress, laboratory findings, or other metabolic factors.

GLP-1 Medications Can Be a Tool – Not the Whole Plan

GLP-1 medications have changed the conversation around weight management and metabolic health. When medically appropriate, they can be a valuable tool for some patients. But simply receiving medication is not the same as receiving comprehensive metabolic care.

At Flourish, we want patients to understand why a treatment is being used, what we are watching for, and how it fits into their bigger health picture. We have seen many patients do very well with individualized, lower-dose or “microdosing” approaches when appropriate for their goals and clinical needs. The goal is not to chase the highest dose or the fastest weight loss. Instead, dosing is customized based on the individual, their response, side effects, health history, progress, and goals.

That individualized approach matters because sustainable metabolic wellness should support the whole person. Preserving muscle, eating enough protein and nutrient-dense food, staying well hydrated, supporting healthy digestion, building strength, sleeping well, and addressing hormone or nutrient concerns can all be important pieces of the plan.

A Metabolic Wellness Membership Built Around Ongoing Care

One of the greatest strengths of our Metabolic Wellness Membership is that patients are not handed medication and left to navigate the process alone. Ongoing support is built into the program.

Our team follows progress over time, trends metabolic labs when indicated, provides regular check-ins, and creates opportunities to meet with a provider as the plan evolves. Those touchpoints allow us to ask important questions: How is your energy? Are you eating enough? Are you maintaining strength and muscle? How are your sleep, digestion, cravings, and menstrual or hormone symptoms? Are we seeing the changes in your labs and overall health that we hoped to see?

The answers help us make thoughtful adjustments rather than relying on the scale alone. Sometimes success means weight loss. Sometimes it means improved habits, better energy, improved metabolic markers, greater strength, fewer cravings, or finally understanding a health pattern that has been difficult to piece together.

Looking Beyond Weight to Find the Root Cause

Difficulty losing weight can be frustrating, especially when someone feels like they are already “doing everything right.” Metabolic health can be influenced by many factors, including insulin resistance, thyroid function, sex hormones, nutrient deficiencies, sleep, stress, medications, dietary patterns, activity level, and changes that occur through pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause.

This is why our approach to metabolic wellness at Flourish Wellness + Birth Co. goes beyond calories and the scale. When appropriate, laboratory testing and a detailed health history can help us identify patterns that deserve attention. Rather than assuming every person needs the same diet, supplement, medication, or dose, we work to create a plan around the individual sitting in front of us.

This root-cause approach is central to the way Flourish provides care. Medication can support the process, but it should not replace the work of understanding and caring for the body.

Metabolic Health for Real Life

A wellness plan only works if it can live in the middle of real life. Busy workdays, kids’ activities, travel, changing hormones, stress, illness, and different seasons of life all affect what is realistic. Our job is not to expect perfection. It is to help patients build a plan they can actually sustain.

That may mean finding practical ways to increase protein, adding strength training a few days each week, improving meal timing, addressing low vitamin or iron levels, working on sleep, or making small medication adjustments instead of dramatic changes. Monthly check-ins also give patients a place to ask questions before small concerns become reasons to abandon the plan altogether.

Why Choose Metabolic Wellness Care at Flourish?

Patients looking for GLP-1 support or a weight loss clinic in Sioux Falls have more options than ever. What makes Flourish different is the relationship surrounding the treatment.

Our Metabolic Wellness Membership is designed to provide individualized medical guidance, ongoing provider oversight, customized medication management when appropriate, progress tracking, and continued support toward long-term metabolic health goals. We work hard to keep care accessible and competitively priced while still protecting the part we believe matters most: intentional time and connection with a healthcare team that knows you and cares about your success.

Whether your goal is weight management, improved metabolic health, better energy, support through hormone changes, or simply feeling more at home in your body again, we want to help you understand what is happening beneath the surface and create a thoughtful path forward.

Ready to Learn More About Metabolic Wellness?

You do not have to choose between medication and whole-person wellness care. At Flourish Wellness + Birth Co., our Metabolic Wellness Membership brings those pieces together. GLP-1 treatment may be part of the plan when appropriate, but the bigger goal is to help you build healthier metabolic function and sustainable habits with a team walking alongside you.

If you have been searching for metabolic wellness, GLP-1 support, personalized weight management, or a weight loss clinic in Sioux Falls, we would love to help you explore your options and determine what approach fits your health goals.

About the Author:

Tegan McManaman, FNP-C is a Nurse Practitioner at Flourish with over nine years of healthcare experience. She is passionate about personalized wellness, preventive care, hormones, and longevity, taking a thoughtful, root-cause approach to help patients thrive. Outside of Flourish, she enjoys family time, teaching fitness, reading, baking, and the outdoors.

The post Metabolic Wellness Is More Than a Number on the Scale appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

It’s easy to buy a Halloween costume, but for Samantha Westhoff, making costumes has become one of her favorite family traditions. For Samantha and her daughters, Jane, 3, and Elle, 1, it’s not just about what they wear; it’s about the memories they make creating them together. 

“From wandering thrift stores and craft aisles to adding the finishing touches with makeup, felt, and hot glue, the process is just as fun as Halloween itself,” Samantha says. 

Worth the Work 

Samantha loves that their costumes are one of a kind. While they take more time, she says that’s part of the point. Making costumes gives her a chance to slow down, be creative, and spend quality time with her girls. As someone who has always loved drawing and designing, it’s also a creative outlet that “fills my mama cup up.” 

Now, she gets to share that creativity with her daughters, and hopes they’ll remember making their costumes just as much as wearing them. 

Jane especially loves getting into character. Samantha enjoys watching her imagination come to life as she steps into the role of whatever she’s dressed up as. 

“That’s one of my favorite parts of DIY costumes: watching them light up when they get to become the character they helped create,” she says. “The costume becomes more than something they wear; it becomes a special part of our family traditions and the moments we’ll look back on for years to come!” 

Family Themes 

Some of Samantha’s favorite costumes have been family themes, including 101 Dalmatians and Dumbo. The Dumbo theme was especially meaningful because it was Elle’s first Halloween, and the family has always called her “Elle-phant.” The entire theme started with the idea of dressing her as an elephant, and the rest of the costumes were built around it. 

The 101 Dalmatians costumes started with a cute black-and-white jacket Jane already had. From there, the family theme came together, with Jane completely embracing Cruella through her wild hair, drawn-on eyebrows and big personality, while baby Elle dressed as one of the dalmatians. 

Don’t Overthink It 

Samantha’s biggest advice for parents considering a DIY costume? Don’t overthink it. 

“Start with something you already have, a favorite character, an animal, or even one small detail you love, and build from there,” she says. “Sometimes the simplest ideas become the most memorable ones!” 

Let your kids be part of the process, whether they’re picking colors, choosing accessories, or helping with the hot glue, with supervision, of course! Embrace the mess and the memories instead of striving for perfection. Halloween will be magical not because of the costumes, but because of the love and laughter that went into making something together. 

The post Making Halloween Magical: DIY Costumes  appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

If you’d rather keep the Halloween fun indoors, there are plenty of options around the Sioux Falls Area. From indoor trick-or-treating and trunk-or-treats to Halloween crafts and spooky science, here are some great ways to celebrate without worrying about the weather.

October Halloween Drop-In Crafts at AMC Collective

AMC Collective, 2119 S. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls
October | During studio hours
Event Details

Get creative with Halloween-themed crafts throughout the month of October. Choose from projects like a witchy pinecone owl, Halloween cutout pumpkin, glowing pumpkin jar or ghost weaving. No experience is needed and all supplies are included. Pre-registration is encouraged to make sure your chosen project is available. AMC’s studio hours are Wednesday 12–5 p.m., Thursday 12–8 p.m., Friday 12–6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday 1–4 p.m.

Indoor Trick-or-Treat at Vern Eide Mitsubishi

4501 E. Arrowhead Parkway, Sioux Falls
Thursday, October 22nd | 4-6 pm
Event Details

Get ready for candy, costumes and creative trunks at this indoor trunk-or-treat. Local nonprofit organizations will transform trunks—and even boats—into spooky, silly and spectacular Halloween displays. Families can collect treats and vote for their favorite display. The event is free and open to the community.

Spooky Seas

Butterfly House & Aquarium, 4320 S. Oxbow Ave., Sioux Falls
Saturday, October 24 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Event Details

Dive into Halloween fun at Spooky Seas! Families can enjoy a Halloween-themed day at the Butterfly House & Aquarium with spooky sights, activities and plenty of under-the-sea fun. Costumes are welcome, making this a fun indoor Halloween option for little ones.

Spooky Science

Washington Pavilion, 301 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls
Saturday, October 24 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Event Details

Put on a costume and bring your curious little scientists for a fright-free Halloween experience. Spooky Science features hands-on activities, bubbling experiments, silly surprises and plenty of opportunities to discover something new. Costumes are encouraged but not required.

Indoor Trunk or Treat at Spirit of Peace UCC

6509 S. Cliff Ave., Sioux Falls
Saturday, October 24 | 2–4 p.m.
Event Details

Head inside for an afternoon of Halloween fun, including trick-or-treating, games, activities and a spooky haunted house. This free, family-friendly event is open to everyone and offers a festive way to celebrate Halloween rain or shine.

Family Halloween Party at Mosaic

Mosaic Arts & Events, 500 N. Main Ave., Sioux Falls
Tuesday, October 27 | 9:30 a.m. or 5:30 p.m.
Event Details

Mosaic’s Family Halloween Party offers families an indoor way to celebrate Halloween with creative activities and festive fun. With two session times available, families can choose the option that works best for their schedule.

Mall-O-Ween at The Empire Mall

The Empire Mall, 5000 W. Empire Place, Sioux Falls
Thursday, October 29 | 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Event Details

Show off your favorite costume and enjoy a spooktacular night of indoor trick-or-treating and free family fun. Kids can collect sweet treats, stop for a spooky photo opportunity and discover a few spooky surprises along the way. The event takes place in Center Court.

Halloween Dress Rehearsal at Encompass Mental Health

1110 E. 77th St., Sioux Falls
Friday, October 30 | 5:30–7:30 pm
Event Details

Halloween can be a lot for kids, so this event gives families a chance to practice before the big night. Kids can come in costume and practice knocking on doors, saying trick-or-treat and navigating a pretend intersection. There will be standard candy along with allergy-friendly, dye-free and non-food options, all in one enclosed space.

This event is also listed in our Sensory-Friendly/Adaptive Halloween Event Round-Up! Click the link to see the rest of those events. 

Indoor Trunk or Treat at Arise Church

Arise Church, 3803 S. Western Ave., Sioux Falls
Saturday, October 31 | 9–11 a.m.
Event Details

Celebrate Halloween indoors with a free trunk-or-treat at Arise Church! Families can enjoy all the candy and Halloween fun without worrying about the weather. Everyone is welcome!

Happy Halloween, ‘hood family!

The post Indoor Halloween Events in the Sioux Falls Area appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

And that’s OK! Halloween doesn’t have to look the same for every kid.

If your child does better with smaller crowds, daytime activities, predictable routines, or a chance to practice before the big night, there are several Halloween events in the Sioux Falls Area that may be a great fit. Some are specifically designed with neurodivergent kids and sensory needs in mind, while others offer a quieter or less-crowded alternative to traditional Halloween festivities.

Speaking of Halloween, make sure to check out our Fall and Halloween Headquarters Page, sponsored by Avera Children’s. It’s filled with fall and Halloween fun!

Sensory-Friendly and Inclusive Halloween Events

Halloween Dress Rehearsal with Encompass Mental Health

Encompass Mental Health
1110 E. 77th St., Sioux Falls
Friday, Oct. 30 | 5:30-7:30 pm
Event Details

Halloween asks a lot of a kid, so Encompass Mental Health is offering a chance to practice first!

Kids can come in costume and practice knocking on doors, saying “trick or treat,” and stopping at pretend intersections, all within one enclosed space. Every door will offer standard candy, allergy-friendly candy, dye-free candy, and a non-food option, giving kids and families plenty of choices. Because everything happens in one enclosed area, parents don’t have to worry about little runners taking off into the neighborhood. Kids can also make a magic potion sensory bottle in the lobby and visit a family photo booth.

The event was built with neurodivergent kids in mind, but every kid is welcome.

Cost: Free
Registration: Not required

Deaf Awareness Fall Carnival

Peace Lutheran Church
5509 W 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD
Sunday, October 18th | 1-4 pm
Event Details

The Deaf Awareness Fall Carnival was started by the South Dakota School for the Deaf and is now hosted by Augustana Deaf Awareness. All are welcome, and admission to the carnival is free. Learn more about the deaf community while having some fall fun.

$5 for 20 tickets to play games, get your face painted, or go all in for the cake walk! A costume contest for children will also take place; kid-friendly costumes are encouraged.

ZooBoo Sensory Day

Great Plains Zoo
805 S. Kiwanis Ave., Sioux Falls
Sunday, Oct. 18 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
ZooBoo Details

If your child loves Halloween but not the crowds and noise that often come with it, ZooBoo’s Sensory Day may be worth checking out. The Great Plains Zoo is offering a special sensory-friendly day on October 18 with lower capacity and less noise than its regular ZooBoo events. Families can still enjoy Halloween fun at the zoo while having a little more breathing room.

It’s a great option for kids who want the excitement of Halloween but may need a calmer environment to enjoy it.

Sensory-Friendly Play: Halloween

Children’s Museum of South Dakota
521 4th St., Brookings
Friday, Oct. 23 | 4-7 p.m.
Event Details

For families willing to make the short trip to Brookings, the Children’s Museum of South Dakota is hosting a Halloween-themed sensory-friendly play event.

Kids can come in costume, trick-or-treat on KidStreet, explore the museum, and enjoy Halloween-themed activities in an environment designed with accessibility and sensory needs in mind. The event provides a less-crowded environment along with spaces and accommodations for kids who may need a break from the activity.

Good to know: Regular museum admission applies.

All-Inclusive Trunk-or-Treat at Teachwell Solutions, Inc

Teachwell Solutions, Inc
715 E 14th St
Friday, Oct. 23 | 5-7 p.m.
Event Details

Teachwell Solutions is hosting its yearly special-needs-friendly, adaptive, and inclusive trunk-or-treat! Children, teens, and adults with special needs and their friends/family are welcome to join! Cars will be decorated for kids to trick-or-treat at.

They understand that not everyone wants to wear a costume for Halloween! Costumes are encouraged, but are not required.

Mosaic Arts & Events Family Halloween Party

Mosaic Arts & Events
Sioux Falls
Tuesday, Oct. 27

Event Details and Registration

Mosaic Arts & Events is offering a Halloween party with crafts, games, sensory bins, body-paint markers and stencils, plus an autumn-themed selfie station where families can take their own photos.

The evening party runs from 5:30-7 p.m. and costs $5 per family of up to five people. Kids can wear their costumes and bring a bag to collect candy and prizes from the games.

Make it Sensory-Friendly

Mosaic is also offering a daytime Halloween party from 9:30 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The daytime version includes the same games, crafts, and activities, but is specifically an option for families who want to avoid the larger evening crowd. The daytime event is a free-will donation, with no registration required.

There are a few differences: the daytime party does not include prizes or candy at each game, and there will be fewer volunteers available to help with the activities.

For some kids, though, a smaller crowd and a quieter environment may be exactly what makes a Halloween activity enjoyable.

Don’t Be Afraid to Do Halloween Your Own Way

For some kids, the best Halloween experience might mean practicing trick-or-treating ahead of time. For others, it might mean going to a daytime event, choosing a sensory-friendly celebration, or simply finding an activity without a giant crowd.

You don’t have to do Halloween the “traditional” way for it to be special. The best Halloween celebration is one where your child gets to participate in a way that works for them and hopefully has a whole lot of fun along the way!

The post Sensory-Friendly Halloween Events in the Sioux Falls Area appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Speaking of Fall and Halloween Fun, make sure to check out our Fall and Halloween Headquarters, sponsored by Avera Children’s! It’s filled with Sioux Falls Guides for pumpkin patches, apple picking, corn mazes, fall foods, Sioux Falls Halloween Events, and more! 

From haunted houses and trails to nighttime corn mazes, there are plenty of ways for older kids to get their scare on this Halloween season.

Sioux Falls Area Spots for a Spooky Halloween

Jaycees Feargrounds

100 N. Lyon Blvd., Sioux Falls, SD 57107

The Jaycees Feargrounds is a classic Sioux Falls haunted house and a longtime local Halloween tradition. The attraction is geared toward older kids and adults and offers plenty of scares for preteens and teens who are ready for a traditional haunted-house experience. Check the website for the current season’s dates, hours and ticket information.

Riverview Tree Farm Haunted Trail

48392 278th St., Canton, SD 57013

Riverview Tree Farm’s Haunted Trail takes guests on a guided walk through the dark trails surrounding the farm. The trail is about three-quarters of a mile and includes uneven terrain and a large hill, so make sure everyone in your group is ready for a bit of a hike. It is a fun option for teens who would rather be outside than inside a traditional haunted house.

Haunted Farm

47449 276th St., Worthing, SD 57077

Just south of Harrisburg, Haunted Farm offers multiple haunted attractions in one location. This is a good option for teens who want a longer Halloween experience rather than simply walking through one haunted house. With creepy farm surroundings and several attractions to explore, it is geared toward an older crowd looking for a bigger scare.

Screaming Woods Haunted Trails

1811 N. Lowell Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57103

Screaming Woods is a haunted trail experience in Sioux Falls for those who want their Halloween scares outside. Guests make their way through a dark, wooded trail filled with spooky surprises and live scares. This one is geared more toward older kids and teens, so check the attraction’s current age recommendations before you go.

Terror 29

Haunted House: 1420 E. Cedar St., Brandon, SD 57005
Haunted Corn Maze: 26076 484th Ave., Valley Springs, SD 57068

Terror 29 gives teens a couple of ways to get scared. The haunted house takes guests through a terrifying experience in Brandon, while the nearby haunted corn maze adds zombies and scares to a nighttime trip through the corn. If your group really wants to make a night of it, you can hit both attractions.

Fear Asylum

216 6th St. W., Brookings, SD 57006

For teens who consider themselves serious Halloween fans, Fear Asylum in Brookings offers an intense haunted-house experience. Expect dark spaces, fog, loud sounds, special effects and plenty of surprises. Because of the intensity of the attraction, parents should check the current warnings and age recommendations before taking younger preteens.

Twisted Nightmare

26437 481st Ave., Brandon, SD 57005

Twisted Nightmare is a volunteer-run haunted house featuring live actors, animatronics, lighting and special effects. The attraction includes things like fog, strobe lights, low visibility and moving floors, so it is definitely geared toward kids who are ready for a more intense Halloween experience. It’s also a fundraiser, making it a spooky night out that supports local causes.

Looking for Something Less Spooky?

Moonlight Maze

26014 478th Ave., Brandon, SD 57005

Not every teen wants to spend Halloween night screaming, and that’s where a moonlit corn maze comes in. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park offers the chance to navigate its large corn maze after dark, with additional Halloween-season activities to make an evening of it. It’s a great middle ground for kids who want something festive and a little creepy without committing to a full haunted house.

Night Corn Maze at Heartland Country Corn Maze

47882 256th St., Brandon, SD 57005

If your kids want the challenge of a corn maze without a full haunted-house experience, check out the night corn maze at Heartland Country Corn Maze. Navigating the maze after dark adds a whole new level of challenge—and just enough spooky atmosphere to make it feel like a Halloween activity. Grab a flashlight, bring some friends and see if your group can find its way out. It’s a great choice for preteens and younger teens who want something fun and seasonal but aren’t quite ready for the more intense haunted attractions.

Not Sure How Scary to Go?

There is a pretty wide range of Halloween experiences for older kids around Sioux Falls. If your crew wants full-on scares, look at the haunted houses and trails. If they want something that is more Halloween fun than terrifying, try one of the nighttime corn mazes. Either way, getting a group of friends together can make for a pretty memorable October night.

The post Halloween for Preteens & Teens: Sioux Falls Area Spots to Get Spooked appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Fall is fully here in the Sioux Falls Area, and it is beautiful! October means that school is in full swing, fall sports are going strong, and we are all trying to soak in the last of the warm weather while we still have it. There is plenty of things going on in the Sioux Falls Area this October! If you are looking for things to do in Sioux Falls as a family, October brings you plenty of great options!

To See our Full Calendar of Area Events, Click the Button Below!

Here is what’s going on in the Sioux Falls Area this October!

Fall Fun

Fall fun is in full swing this month! We have tons of fall content on our site for your family. To view everything, check out our Fall Headquarters Page, sponsored by Avera Children’s.

For specific Fall Fun Activities happening this month check out the following articles:

• Fall Festivals in the Sioux Falls Area
• Corn Mazes in the Sioux Falls Area
• Pumpkin Patches in the Sioux Falls Area
• Apple Picking in the Sioux Falls Area
• Fall Colors in the Sioux Falls Area

Halloween events are coming in strong! There are a ton of truck-and-treats, trick-or-treats, and Halloween events happening this month. Check out our calendar to see dozens of events.

Music

The Zac Brown Band will be at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center on October 24th for their Love and Fear Tour.

The National Tour of the hit musical Waitress is coming to the Washington Pavilion on October 9th-11th.

Enjoy a night of Laughter and Music at the Alliance. This is the Sioux Falls American Legion Post 15’s Annual “A Night of Laughter & Music!” Featuring ventriloquist Kevin Horner and live country music by Danica Michaels.

Fall Family Fun

Creator’s Academy is hosting a FREE Fall Family Carnival on October 3rd. Enjoy inflatables, games, food, and fun for the whole family.

Looking for some kid-friendly but still spooky Halloween Fun? Check out the Jaycees Feargrounds on October 11th for their Kids Day! For those who want the full scare experience, Jaycees Feargrounds opens on October 9th for 2026!

Celebrate National Farmers’ Day at the Barn with the Stockyard Ag Experience on October 9th. Learn about agriculture, enjoy a pumpkin patch, kids’ activities, and fun for the whole family.

Quack! Open a Book! The Sioux Empire United Way Reading Festival is back! This FREE festival is on October 10th at the Sioux Falls Convention Center and is perfect for those ages 0-8. Free books to take home!

Did you know that Frank and Jesse James once came through the Sioux Falls Area? The Riverview Pumpkin Festival, at Riverview Christmas Tree Farm, is celebrating the James brothers’ journey through their area on October 10th.

Head over to the Great Plains Zoo for their 2026 ZooBOO on October 15th-18th! Trick-or-Treat at the Zoo and enjoy all the extra fun planned. This year, they have added a whole sensory day on October 18th for those who want to join in on the fun, but with it being a little less crazy!

Does your family love reading? Novel Lattes is back for its 3rd year on October 17th, celebrating both clean books and tasty coffee.

Find ‘hood on October 24th at the Washington Pavilion for their Spooky Science Event! Costumes for kids are encouraged but not required.

Explore the Spooky Seas on October 24th with the Butterfly House and Aquarium.

Trunk-or-Treat with The Miller Team in the Hegg Parking lot on October 24th! This free event always has amazing trunks from local businesses.

Have a great month, ‘hood Family!

The post October in the Sioux Falls Area appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Photos by Solis Photography

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

Just east of Sioux Falls, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park has helped families create amazing memories for over 30 years. This local family-owned park works hard to offer the best family camping and entertainment in the Sioux Falls Area. Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying the weekend, fall is a perfect time to experience everything the park has to offer.  

“We’ve always focused on providing the best experience we can for our guests,” says owner Bruce Aljets. “Providing an excellent experience involves great activities in a clean and well-kept environment.” 

Sioux Falls Corn Maze 

No overnight stay required; this fall favorite is open to the public! Explore 7+ acres of twists and turns through Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park’s annual Corn Maze. Every maze ticket includes Free Mini Golf and Jumping Pillow Access! 

Corn Maze Hours: 

Group Visits: Private maze bookings available for groups of 20 or more! Contact Jellystone for more information. 

Make It a Full Day 

Upgrade your visit with optional activities like: 

• Tie-dye t-shirts 

• Paint-your-own ceramics 

• Food Trucks on site 

“We’re really set up for a full day of fun out here,” Aljets said. “We’ve really developed the corn maze experience to offer the same great fun that our campground guests are used to. It’s a great opportunityfor people in the community to experience the park without having to stay.”  

Moonlight Maze 

Select Saturday Nights: September 26th, October 3rd, and October 10th 

Enjoy the maze after dark! Moonlight Maze Nights also offer: 

• Silent Disco 

• Campfires & S’mores Kits 

Camping Options for Every Family 

Planning a longer stay this fall? Jellystone Park offers flexible camping experiences, including: 

• Full-service RV sites 

• Tent sites 

• Cabins and Cottages  

Each overnight stay includes access to the pool, corn maze, jumping pillow, playgrounds, mini golf, and more. 

“Whether you’re pulling in with a camper or packing a suitcase for the weekend, we’ve got a space for you,” says Aljets. “Our accommodations work for all types of families.” 

Local Family Review: Perfect Staycation Location! 

Our cabin stay at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Sioux Falls was such a fun way to make family memories without traveling far! We loved the cozy cabin, swimming, outdoor play, and they had tons of family activities. There was plenty to keep the kids entertained, and the whole family had a blast. It was the perfect little getaway right here in Sioux Falls! 

-Abby’s Family

The post Fall Into Family Fun at Jellystone Park  appeared first on the 'hood magazine.