Winters in the Midwest can seem to drag on! When the cold weather seems never to let up, parents can easily start dreaming of summer days at the park.
If you are looking for things to do in the Sioux Falls area, we have got you covered!
We love a good bundled-up time outside! In fact, it’s healthy for both our bodies and minds to still spend some time outside in the winter. But we also know that indoor play becomes pretty important this time of the year.
Sioux Falls has plenty to offer families during the winter months. Check out our full list below! We list if the attraction has a paid admission price or is free and a general idea of what type of play is offered. We do our best to keep this list updated and relevant! Let us know if we missed something so that we can make sure to share it with the rest of the ‘hood community!
Here are the amazing places around Sioux Falls that you can take your kids to for some indoor fun!
Washington Pavilion
The Washington Pavilion has so much to offer! Their science center has plenty of areas to keep both toddlers and older kids entertained for some indoor fun! Their H2O room offers fun for children and adults alike. You can find several play structures, a small climbing wall, and plenty of themed play areas. Make sure to check out the Raven’s Children Studio in the Visual Arts Center as well.
To Note: Offers Memberships, Theater programs for kids, Camps and Classes, Has a preschool on campus, Nursing Mothers Room, Ice Cream Parlour, WP Cafe, They have free events throughout the year (First Free Fridays every month), Closed Monday’s during the school year
Website: Washington Pavilion
*Paid
Siouxland Libraries
With branch locations all over the Sioux Empire, the Siouxland Libraries have so much to offer! Of course, check out books, but make sure to also check out their classes, toddler times, storytimes, and special events. Locations also have computers to play games on, play areas (like a kitchen area at Callie Library or a giant Lite Brite at Ronning Library), and playrooms for children.
To Note: Library Cards are free for Residents (Small cost for non-residents), some classes have a minimal fee attached, Events Throughout the Year
Website: Siouxland Libraries
*Free
The Butterfly House and Aquarium
The Butterfly House is perfect for cold weather! Walk into the butterfly house where it is always a tropical temperature! The Butterfly House and Aquarium offers a butterfly house, an aquarium, an education area, and a tide pool. While the Butterfly House isn’t a place for running around (plenty of walking, though!), it certainly is fun and educational for the whole family.
To Note: Offers Memberships, Camps and Classes, Birthday Parties, Educational Hours during the day, Hosts Events throughout the Year, Make sure to look up what you can/cannot bring inside (No Strollers, backpacks, big coats, etc.)
Website: The Butterfly House
*Paid
Great Plains Zoo
The Great Plains Zoo is wonderful to visit in the winter! Check out the giraffes up close in their winter habitat, or see the snow monkeys in the snow! The zoo is an outdoor activity that has indoor areas. Walk to the monkey house, check out the indoor giraffes and meerkats, or spend time with the eagles and red-tailed pandas- all inside! The zoo also offers book time with an animal encounter on Friday mornings. On a winter day, the zoo is still a great place to get some outside time in while checking out all the outside animals (some of which love the snow and cold!).
To Note: Offers Memberships, Open Year-Round, Events during the year, Camps and Classes, ROAR Cafe, Gift Shop, Nursing Mothers Room,
Website: Great Plains Zoo
*Paid
Wings Gymnastics
Indoor fun is what Wings Gymnastics is all about. They have two locations in Sioux Falls. They offer classes, toddler play times, open gyms, No-School Day Fun, Parent Date Nights, and more. Wing’s open gym times are perfect for when you need your kids to get all their energy out!
To Note: Check out their schedules for open gym times, Birthday Parties, Hosts events throughout the year, Babies 0-5 months old play for free, They offer a preschool on campus
Website: Wings Gymnastics
*Paid
SkyZone
Jump, leap, and bounce all around SkyZone! Your kids are sure to leave tired from playing here. Shoot some hoops on the air court, free jump, run up the warped wall, or climb up the bouldering wall to fall back into the foam pit. They offer the Little Leapers (up to age 6) Program on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for safer play.
To Note: Offers Memberships, Birthday Parties, Concessions, Special Events
Website: SkyZone
*Paid
The Sandlot
The Sandlot Sensory Play Park is perfect for indoor play! They offer a huge indoor sandbox and themed playrooms. Bring a bit of summer into your winter by playing in the sand! Their schedule changes based on private events, so make sure to check their hours before going to play.
To Note: Birthday Parties, public and private play, Special 2 and under playtimes
Website: The Sandlot
*Paid
Bounce Around Inflatable
Kids love inflatables, and at Bounce Around Inflatables, they can play all day! Monday through Friday, you can purchase an all-day wristband to play. Multiple inflatables are set up for the kids and adults to play on. Bounce away all your energy!
To Note: Located in Tea, Birthday Parties, Rentals
Website: Bounce Around Inflatables
*Paid
605 Ninja
There are so many ways to play at 605 Ninja! Sign up for classes or enjoy their open gym times. Master different obstacles, try out aerial skills, and do some parkour. Kids will love getting to try new things, challenge themselves, and get all their energy out.
To Note: Classes, Open Gym times, Birthday Parties, Open Gym is 5+ (they do have a program for younger children)
Website: 605 Ninja
*Paid
Thunder Road
Visit Thunder Road and its indoor attractions! For indoor fun, they have a 7D Theater, arcade, bowling, laser tag, and bumper cars. This spot is especially great for older elementary kids and up.
To Note: Birthday Parties, Grille, Special Events, Outdoor Attractions as well
Website: Thunder Road
*Paid
The Stockyard Experience
This free attraction is here to teach us about agriculture! Learn about the ag history in Sioux Falls and how food travels from the farm to the table. The upstairs of the barn is full of great information, while the downstairs has a play area for children. Children can play in the kitchen to learn where their food comes from.
To Note: Free, Located in Falls Park, They have limited hours in the winter and expanded hours in the summer.
Website: The Stockyard Experience
*Free
The Empire Mall
Inside the Empire Mall, you can find a Sanford-themed soft play area! Made with babies and toddlers in mind, this is a great free option for some indoor play. Walk around the mall, grab a coffee, shop, eat, and play all on the same day.
To Note: The soft-play area is up from Bath and Body Works, near the Empire Offices.
Website: The Empire Mall
*Free
Rainbow Midwest
Bring the playgrounds inside! Rainbow Midwest offers indoor play on their playsets, swings, trampoline, and basketball hoops. Great for letting your kiddos get to really run around and get all their energy out.
To Note: 1 Year Passes Offered, Birthday Parties, Babies Play for Free
Website: Rainbow Midwest
*Paid
Frontier Climbing
South Dakota’s largest indoor climbing facility! They offer day passes and classes that will teach you what you need to know. Top Rope and bouldering routes are available. They have a kids’ climbing area with a slide for your little ones to burn off some energy.
To Note: Membership Programs, Gym, Birthday Parties, Classes, Homeschool Climbing Times
Website: Frontier Climbing
*Paid
All-American Gymnastics
All-American Gymnastics offers a perfect way to burn off some energy in Sioux Falls! They offer classes along with open gym times, a little kids program, no-school days, and camps. Kids love getting to play on the wide range of equipment offered.
To Note: Classes, Camps, Birthday Parties, Special Events during the year, Kids Fun Nights
Website: All-American Gymnastics
*Paid
Air Madness
Jump away all that energy! Air Madness offers plenty of different attractions and games. From a foam pit, VALO, a little air area, a ninja course, and more. There is something there for everyone in the family. For little ones, they have dedicated toddler time every week.
To Note: Located in Harrisburg, Homeschool Jump, Cosmic nights, Toddler Time, Food Court, Birthday Parties
Website: Air Madness
*Paid
Scheels
Yes, SCHEELS is a store. But it’s also a popular spot for some indoor fun! SCHEELS has a coffee shop, cafe, candy store, Ferris wheel, and attractions around the store (like the big grizzly bear or the monster truck!). They also have a play area near the baby section! Add in the escalators, and it’s a fun morning for any toddler. Plus, Mom and Dad can grab some coffee and do some shopping.
To Note: Check their website and social media for fun events they host throughout the year.
Website: SCHEELS
*FREE
