Don’t let the cold weather bring you down this year! Our Winter Boredom Busters Guide has you covered! Discover local businesses, programs, and fun ideas that help families have fun during the coldest months. Whether you’re looking for indoor adventures, new hobbies, or simple ways to get out and play, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to make winter truly wonderful.
Outdoor Campus
Join us this winter for a variety of FREE outdoor programming! From hunting and ice fishing to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, the Campus has a class for your family! Winter Registration opens November 12 at 8:00 AM and stays open until classes are full. Get connected to the Outdoors!
Address: 4500 S Oxbow Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Phone: (605) 362-2777
Sioux Falls Skyforce
Turn up the HEAT this winter with Skyforce basketball! It’s more than just a game; it’s an experience the whole family will enjoy! With tickets starting as low as $10, you can enjoy thrilling, high-level basketball and exciting entertainment at every game. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Address: 2131 S Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Phone: (605) 332-0605
BritZa Performing Arts Studio
Join us for a season of growth, expression, and creativity at BritZa Performing Arts Studio. Explore our new theatre and vocal classes for elementary and middle schoolers, or check out one of our dance classes for all ages!
Address: 1500 E 77th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Phone: (605) 371-8888
Dakota Spirit
Join our Half-Season Team! Saturdays starting in January 2026. Open to K–8 boys and girls, athletes learn cheer basics, tumbling, stunts, and dance while performing in 3 fun events. Build skills, confidence, and teamwork with Dakota Spirit. Contact us at info@dakotaspirit.com or 605-373-0414 for more information.
Address: 3910 W 59th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Phone: (605) 373-0414
Great Bear Ski Valley
Have more fun this winter and take the family skiing or snowboarding! New to the sport? We offer lessons and rental equipment. Or go tubing! Buy tickets online and save up to 25%. Warm up in the lodge featuring full concessions. Plus, we’re just minutes from downtown Sioux Falls!
Address: 5901 E Rice St, Sioux Falls, SD 57110
Phone:(605) 367-4309
Children's Museum of South Dakota
Don’t climb the walls, climb the clouds! It may be chilly outside, but we have 40,000 square feet of cozy indoor space to play along in. From the hustle and bustle of KidStreet, to the water play in our Splash exhibit, there’s something for everyone. Even Tyrannosaurus rexes!
Address: 521 4th St, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone:(605) 692-6700
Skate City
Keep your kids busy and warm this winter by going skating! We have regular weekly skate sessions all year and extra sessions over the holidays. Save 20% on admission when you purchase online using code “Hood20” – Code is valid for school out days and weekends from 12-2, 2-4, and 4-6pm.
Address: 2901 W 3rd St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 332-7915
605 Ninja
605 Ninja is a fabulous place to come and burn off some energy! We offer Ninja, Parkour, & Aerial Silk Classes. Open Gyms, Camps, Kids Night Out Events, and more!
Address:2101 W 41st St Suite 41-Behind BEST BUY, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Phone:(605) 550-8770
Color Me Mine
Are you looking for something fun to do? Come to the studio and get creative with us! We love to paint with all ages, and we have hundreds of items to choose from.
Address: 3709 W 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Phone: (605) 362-6055
EmBe
Ready for some winter fun? EmBe has you covered! Join our exciting youth camps, rent our facilities for unforgettable birthday parties, and enjoy family swim time on the weekends in our indoor heated pool downtown. For all the details, visit our website and follow us on social media!
Address: 300 W 11th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone:(605) 336-3660
Thunder Road
Break out of the cold and into 30,000 feet of amazing arcade & VR games, Hyper-bowling, 2-Story Laser-Tag, Mini-Bowling, 7D theater, & more! Satisfy your appetite at Rev It Up Grille for awesome eats, desserts, and adult drinks! We host awesome parties as well. Next spring, enjoy Go-Karts, Euro-Bungy, Mini-Golf, and more!
Address:201 N Kiwanis Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 334-4181
Sioux Falls Park and Rec
Embrace the winter fun in Sioux Falls parks and facilities! From ice skating, sledding, and Winter Wonderland to indoor classes and programs to keep you moving. Find hours, locations, and registration details in our full winter guide.
Address:231 N Dakota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 367-8222
Siouxland Libraries
Ready to read? Start 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten for free to help your child learn essential vocabulary, pre-reading skills, and a lifelong love of books before they enter kindergarten. Reading just three picture books a day can help you reach the goal in under a year!
Address: Varies-multiple locations
Phone: Varies-multiple locations
Wings Gymnastics Academy
Bored? Never at Wings! Wings Gymnastics has the perfect cure for cabin fever! More than just Gymnastics, from weekly open gym hours to Nerf nights, glow parties, holiday activities, and themed day camps – there’s fun for every age. Beat winter boredom at Wings!
Address: 5825 S Bahnson Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Phone: (605) 318-5361
Additional WINTER BOREDOM BUSTERS
- Family Movie Night: Pile up the blankets, make popcorn, and have a family movie marathon with everyone’s favorite films.
- Send a Letter: Handwritten letters can be extra special to receive these days. Write a letter to a relative or friend to tell them how much they mean to you.
- Help a Neighbor: Find someone nearby who could use some help. Offer to shovel their sidewalk, walk their dog, or even offer your company!
- Discover a Local Favorite: Winter can make us homebodies at times. Pick a few local restaurants you haven’t visited to give a try this winter.
- Dream About Summer: Dive into summer this winter! Get a head start and plan as a family some of the summer fun you hope to have next year.
- Attend a Virtual Concert: Many artists have concerts you can watch from home! Make it a party with themed outfits and snacks.
- Puzzle Race: Each family member gets their own smaller puzzle—see who finishes first!
- DIY Science Experiments: Try fun (and safe) science experiments like making slime, baking soda volcanoes, or growing crystals.
- Go Sledding: Bundle up and find a local hill to sled down! Need ideas for where to go? Check out our Local Sledding Guide at thehoodmagazine.com.
- Homemade Pizza Night: Let everyone build their own pizza with their favorite toppings. It’s dinner and an activity in one!
- Bake Cinnamon Rolls: Make a chilly morning extra special by baking a warm batch of cinnamon rolls together.
- Go Stargazing: Bundle up and head outside on a clear night to look at the stars. Bring along a stargazing app or constellation guide from the library.
- Frozen Bubble Fun: On extra-cold days, take bubbles outside and watch them freeze midair. It’s magical!
- Video Game Tournament: Choose a family-friendly video game and hold a mini-tournament. Parents, this is your chance to show off those old gaming skills!
- Easy Gingerbread Houses: Make mini gingerbread houses using graham crackers, frosting, and candy.
- Go Ice Skating: Glide into winter fun with a trip to a local ice rink. Make sure to check out the new ice ribbon at Jacobson Plaza!
- DIY Bird Feeders: Use pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed to make simple feeders, then watch the birds visit all winter long.
- Learn Origami: Fold paper into snowflakes, animals, or stars. It’s a fun mix of art and patience!
- Snowball Target Practice: Set up a target (like an old box or bucket) and see who has the best aim with snowballs.
- Build LEGO Creations: Dump out the LEGO bin and challenge everyone to build something winter-themed, like a snowman, sled, or Christmas tree.
- Build a Snow Fort: Head outside and create the ultimate snow fort together! Don’t forget to stock it with snowballs for a friendly family snowball fight.
- Indoor Scavenger Hunt: Hide objects around the house and give kids clues to find them. This is perfect for a snowed-in day to help get kids moving.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Mix up mugs of homemade cocoa and set out toppings like marshmallows, candy canes, and whipped cream for a cozy treat.
- Blanket Fort: Transform your living room into a fun hideaway with blankets, pillows, and chairs. Bring snacks and stories inside for hours of fun.
- Make Snow Ice Cream: Scoop up a bowl of fresh snow, then stir in condensed milk and vanilla for an easy, sweet treat.
- Family Puzzle Time: Start a big jigsaw puzzle on a table and work on it together a little each day-it’s a perfect slow-paced winter pastime.
- Dive Into Reading: Start a family reading challenge. Track your progress, share stories, and celebrate finishing a great book.
- Salt Dough Ornaments: Make salt dough with flour, salt, and water, then cut out shapes to bake and paint. These make great keepsakes or gifts.
- Make DIY Stickers: Kids love stickers; let them design their own! Grab some sticker paper and have your kids draw their own designs.
- Ice Ornaments: Fill muffin tins or small containers with water and things you find outside, like small twigs, berries, or pine needles. Add a string loop, freeze, then hang the icy ornaments on tree branches for sparkling outdoor décor.
- Dance Party: Have a classic dance party in your living room. Play your family’s favorite songs and have everyone wear their best dance outfits.
- Snowshoeing Adventure: Bundle up for a walk through the snow! Check out snowshoes from The Outdoor Campus if you don’t own any.
