The best summer awaits! Use our ABC’s of Summer list for endless fun.
Art in the Park
Gather some art supplies and make art in a local park! Try drawing what you see, find fun textures to draw over, or make nature art with things like sticks and leaves.
Bridges Bay Resort
Enjoy year-round fun at Bridges Bay Resort’s indoor and outdoor waterpark, featuring thrilling slides, a lazy river, splash zones, and a swim-up bar. Perfect for families and groups, the park offers excitement in every season with heated indoor attractions and outdoor spaces overlooking beautiful Lake Okoboji. Create unforgettable memories for everyone!
Address: 630 Linden Drive Arnolds Park,Iowa 51331
Phone: 712.332.2202
Bounce Around Inflatables
Let Bounce Around Inflatables supply professional services that simplify your entertainment needs while making your experience unique. Our fun, courteous staff will help with every aspect of your day, from ordering to setting up and tearing down at the end, making your event fun and hassle-free!
Bike Rides on the Trail
Explore the beautiful Sioux Falls bike path, bike to a nearby park, or simply enjoy biking around your neighborhood.
Children's Museum of South Dakota
Did someone say road trip? Greet life-size Mama T. Rex and climb among clouds. Harvest food and bring it to market. Cruise on down KidStreet and change a tire, deliver mail, and splash in a water room. Play along in Downtown Brookings!
Address: 521 4th St, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: 605.692.6700
Sioux Falls Canaries
There’s no better way to soak up the South Dakota sun than catching a game at the ballpark with the Sioux Falls Canaries. Grab a cold drink, a hot dog, and a seat under the big sky as the Birds bring the heat to the diamond all summer long.
Address: 1001 N. West Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57014
Phone: 651.470.5539
Camping Adventure
Pack up the tent and go on a camping adventure! Check out one of the area State Parks like Palisades, Newton Hills, or Lewis and Clark Recreation Area for an adventure a bit closer to home.
County Fairs
Food on a stick, carnival rides, 4-H animals, and more are all found at a county fair. Go online to thehoodmagazine.com to check out our guide to area county fairs.
Summer Camps
Looking for the best summer camps around? We have it covered! Check out our Summer Camp Guide today! Summer Camp Guide
Day Trip
Take a day trip! Get the whole family in the car to explore a new town. Pick a nearby town you have never been to and learn what it has to offer!
Donut Day
Try different donut places in the Sioux Falls Area. Check out our full Sioux Falls Area Donut Guide online at thehoodmagazine.com.
Explore a New Park
Try to explore as many different parks around Sioux Falls as possible. Your family might just find some new favorites!
Educational Outings
Head to an area museum like the Washington Pavilion, The Children’s Museum of South Dakota, The LaunchPAD, or one of the Siouxland Heritage Museums for a fun and brain-boosting day.
Eat Local
Try out a new food truck, farmer’s market booth, or family-run diner for something fresh and local. Support local and get something delicious to eat.
Get ready for a day full of FREE family fun! Cruise around town from 9am-2pm on May 30th to check out area businesses and participate in tons of amazing activities. Learn what the Sioux Empire has to offer your family! Stay tuned, our 2027 Familyfest date will be announced soon!
Great Bear
Spend your summer at Great Bear! Explore scenic hiking and biking trails all season long, offering the perfect way to get outside, stay active, and enjoy the views. Then we have Chill at the Hill every Wednesday night featuring food trucks, live music, and more!
Phone: 605-864-8116
Great Shots
Imagine the best parts of all your favorite places. Now imagine you could golf at every single one of them. That’s Great Shots. Great food, great drinks and a whole lot of fun for the whole family. Visit us at 2505 West Benson Rd, Sioux Falls, SD.
Address: 2505 West Benson Rd, Sioux Falls, SD 57107
Phone: 605.312.7950
GFP Outdoor Campus
The Outdoor Campus is your connection to the outdoors! Make this summer one to remember with FREE outdoor programming offered by our expert instructors and volunteers. Registration for summer programs opens May 6 for June classes, June 3 for July classes, and July 1 for August classes. Free Family Fun!
The Huether Family Aquatics Center
This will be your number-one destination for Fun in the Sun! Enjoy a day of recreation as you explore our exciting waterpark. Splash in the lazy river, water slides, play structure, wiggle bridge, climbing wall, spray zones, and more. The home for Fun and Sun in Yankton.
Host a Summer Fun Day
Host a summer fun day for your friends and family! Focus on all things summer. Think water activities, ice cream, and time outside. Check out one of the area splash pads for a fantastic morning of play.
Hometown Days
Many towns around Sioux Falls celebrate their communities with hometown days, like Teapot Days or Old Fashioned Weekend in Beresford. Check out our full Hometown Days Guide on ‘hood online!
‘hood Calendar
Looking for fun events for your family? The ‘hood calendar is the perfect place to find out what is going on in the Sioux Empire. Discover events and programs that are perfect for your family all summer long.
Homemade Popsicles
Blend up fruit and juice to make your own cold, colorful summer snacks. Let your kids come up with their own unique creations.
Le Mars Ice Cream Days
Le Mars, Iowa, hosts the annual Ice Cream Days festival, celebrating its “Ice Cream Capital of the World” title. The family-friendly, 4-day event features a car show, live music, vendor booth, carnival rides, ice cream socials and plenty of Blue Bunny ice cream, honoring the town’s sweet heritage. This year’s festival is June 17th-20th.
Indoor Fun Days
Too hot or rainy? Visit a trampoline park, library, arcade, or bowling alley. Check out our Indoor Play in Sioux Falls Guide online at thehoodmagazine.com for a full list of where to play on a rainy day in Sioux Falls.
Ice Cream Tour
A cold sweet treat on a hot summer day is always a family favorite. Support local and check out the different local ice cream places in the Sioux Falls Area. Our Ice Cream Guide can be found at thehoodmagazine.com
Junior Chef Night
With school out, summer can be the perfect time for kids to learn different skills at home. Pick a night each week where the kids get to do the cooking! It’s fun for them and teaches great life skills.
Jump in the Pool
Take the edge off the summer heat by jumping in the pool! Check out Midco or the Sioux Falls Parks and Rec Pools for places to swim all summer long.
Kayak
The Sioux Falls Area has a few different spots that you can kayak at this summer! Enjoy free classes at the Outdoor Campus, kayak on the Big Sioux, or head over to Lake Vermillion for some time out on the water.
Kindness Projects
Have everyone in your family pick a kindness project to do over the summer. Send cards to the military overseas, help a neighbor with yard work, or help serve meals downtown.
Levitt at the Falls
Join us for 5 FREE, family-friendly outdoor children’s concerts featuring incredible artists across musical genres – bringing music for littles to the lawn! Shows start at 10:30AM on select Saturdays: June 6 & 27, July 11, August 1 & 29. Bring a blanket, soak up the sun, and dance along!
Address: 504 N Phillips Ave Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104
Phone: 605.271.1560
LaunchPAD Children's Museum
Blast off into summer with LaunchPAD! LaunchPAD Children’s Museum hosts daily activities Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. There are also a variety of summer camps all summer long for kids ages 5 and older. Registration is available on our website.
Make Your Own Pizza Night
Create a pizza masterpiece at home. Offer lots of toppings for your family to get creative. Try grilling your pizza for some added summer flavor.
Neighborhood Block Party
Plan a simple gathering for the whole block and get to know your neighbors better. Make sure to check out the Block Parties hosted by Sioux Falls Parks and Rec as well this summer!
No-Schedule Days
It can be tempting to schedule a whole summer of activities to help create maximum fun. Sometimes, the best memories happen when you have no plans at all. Leave a few days free this summer for some true spontaneity.
Obstacle Course Challenge
Use pool noodles, cones, sprinklers, or sidewalk chalk to build your own backyard challenge. Get friends and family involved for an epic obstacle course.
Olympic Games
Turn that obstacle course into part of your Olympic summer games! Host an opening ceremony, plan fun events, give out homemade medals, and create some unforgettable summer memories for your family.
Pizza Ranch & Fun Zone Arcade
Pizza Ranch & FunZone Arcade on West 41st Street in Sioux Falls is a family-friendly buffet restaurant featuring pizza, chicken, a fresh salad bar, and desserts—plus a full arcade with games and prizes for all ages.
GREAT FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND FAMILY GATHERINGS.
Address: 2717 W 41st ST Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Phone: 605.271.8646
Quite Reading Time
Summer reading is important for all kids. Set aside time each week for quiet reading for everyone in your family.
Road Trip
Take the summer fun on the road! Pack up the car and head out on an adventure. Keep it close or go far, either way it’s quality time as a family.
Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium
Explore the whole wild world on two campuses. Great Plains Zoo is home to rhinos, wolves, lions, monkeys, and more. At the Butterfly House & Aquarium, step into the tropics amid hundreds of free-flying butterflies and explore underwater worlds in South Dakota’s largest saltwater aquarium. Open 361 days a year.
Siouxnami Waterpark
Located in Sioux Center, Iowa! Come enjoy the water with fantastic indoor and outdoor water slides, Iowa’s only outdoor aqua zip line, a lazy river, a 16-foot climbing wall, and more! There are zero-depth entry pools and splash areas indoors and outdoors.
Address: 770 7th St. NE Sioux Center, IA 51250
Phone: 712.722.4386
SDSU Extension Field and Family Evening
Dig in and discover! Field and Family Day is where curiosity meets fun. From experiments to ag exploration, kids learn by doing while building skills that last a lifetime. Join us the evening of July 7 at the Southeast Research Farm near Beresford, SD. Visit our website to register today!
South Dakota State University
A short drive away, Brookings is home to SDSU, with opportunities for all to enjoy. Interact with exhibits at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum and the South Dakota Art Museum. Wander through McCrory Gardens and satisfy your sweet tooth at the SDSU Dairy Bar. Plan your visit this summer!
Thunder Road
Come make memories with us! Time with our kids is limited, but not the fun at Thunder Road! With Go-Karts, Mini-Golf, Tilt-a-Whirl, Batting Cages, Hyper Bowling, 7D-Theater, Mini Bowling, 2-Story Laser Tag, Omni-Arena VR, awesome food, and a huge arcade, you choose your fun. Find your happy place here!
Take in a Show
Go to Mckennan Park for their free Children’s Theater Shows this summer! These shows are perfect for toddlers and elementary age children. Or check out what shows are playing at other theaters around town!
Unplugged and Outside
We all know the importance of spending intentional time unplugged from our phones, computers, or TV’s. Make it a family goal this summer to spend a portion of each day unplugged and outside!
Under the Stars
Upgrade your movie nights by setting up an outdoor projector and bedsheet and enjoy a movie outside after dusk. Check out the outdoor family movie nights offered by DTSF as well.
Volunteer in the Sioux Empire
Give back to your community this summer by volunteering! Your family might be shocked at how much fun volunteering can really be. Check out the Helpline Center for places your family can serve.
Vacation to the Twin Cities
Enjoy a bigger city this summer with a vacation to the Twin Cities! With plenty of parks, museums, attractions, and events the Twin Cities has something for everyone. Read our full weekend guide to the Twin Cities!
Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor
Step into a playful interactive experience where ice cream dreams come true! The Ice Cream Parlor in Le Mars provides a scoop of fun, a sprinkle of history, and a swirl of taste-testing of over 40 flavors of premium ice cream in the only Ice Cream Capital of the World!
Water Balloon Fight
Fill up a bunch of water balloons and invite the neighborhood over for an epic water balloon fight.
Wading Pool
Check out the free wading pools we have in the Sioux Falls Area. The new McKennan Park wading pool is set to open this summer!
Xmas in the Summer
Bring a little Christmas cheer to your summer! Have fun celebrating Christmas in July and dive into all things Christmas, minus the cold weather.
Yard Games
Visit Game Chest, Kidtopia, or Child’s Play Toy stores and pick up a fun game to play outdoors. Frisbee, Ladder Ball, and Lawn Dart are all fun activities. Or get even more creative and create your own Yard Yahtzee or Farkle set with a few blocks of wood and some dots of paint.
Zzzzz’s Outdoors
If you’re not able to enjoy a getaway at a campground this summer, you can still make use of your tent by setting it up in the backyard! The bonus is you’ll have the comfort of your own bathroom nearby and no need for shower shoes.
Looking for More?
Looking for even more ways to keep your kids active and having fun this summer? Explore the ‘hood Magazine’s complete Sioux Falls Youth Sports & Activities Guide, sponsored by SDSU Extension. This guide features local sports leagues, dance studios, swimming lessons, martial arts, STEM programs, and dozens of other activities for kids of every age.
