Looking for a family getaway that’s not too far from home but still packed with adventure? Aberdeen, South Dakota makes for a perfect weekend trip from Sioux Falls. With a drive time of just under four hours, it’s manageable for families with young kids — and even better, there are fun stops along the way in Brookings, Watertown, and beyond to break up the trip.
Aberdeen, SD might be a smaller town (still one of the largest in SD!), but it packs a big punch for visitors! Find out why we think it’s a great choice for a weekend trip from the Sioux Falls Area, especially if you are a family with kids around that 0-13 range!
All of our trip guides include stops along the way! Check out our guide to Kansas City, Omaha, or the Twin Cities! A great road trip means fun stops, and we’ll let you know where to go.
Stops Along the Way
Brookings
- Children’s Museum of South Dakota
This is such a well done children’s museum and very much worth the stop. Kids can dig for dinosaur bones, play in a child-sized grocery store, climb through interactive exhibits, and run wild outside in the Prairie play area — complete with a giant T. Rex. - McCrory Gardens
A beautiful place for the whole family to stretch their legs. The carefully landscaped gardens are filled with seasonal flowers, trees, and plants. Kids enjoy exploring the winding paths while parents appreciate the calm and beauty of nature. - SDSU Dairy Bar
No road trip is complete without ice cream, and South Dakota State University is famous for its homemade flavors. Stop in and grab a cone before continuing your drive.
Watertown
- Bramble Park Zoo
This family-friendly zoo is just the right size for a stop. It’s a very walkable and relaxing zoo, with plenty of animals and play areas. The playground and picnic areas make it easy to spend a couple of hours here before hitting the road again. - Redlin Art Center
Free and open to the public, the Redlin Art Center showcases the work of artist Terry Redlin. Even if your kids aren’t art buffs, the beautiful grounds outside are perfect for a quick stretch and photo op. - Lake Kampeska
If the weather’s nice, Lake Kampeska is a scenic stop for a picnic or a quick splash at the beach. It’s a local favorite for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Small-Town Stop: The Purple Cow
Between Watertown and Aberdeen, you’ll pass through the town of Waubay, where you’ll find The Purple Cow — a charming roadside spot for ice cream. It’s the kind of stop that makes a road trip memorable.
Things to Do in Aberdeen
Storybook Land and the Land of Oz
One of the biggest draws in Aberdeen, Storybook Land brings fairytales to life. This free park is a true wonder for kiddos of all ages. We think that this is especially magical for those up to 13 (though kids of all ages will have fun). Families can wander through themed play areas featuring Humpty Dumpty, the Three Little Pigs, and more. The castle, train ride, and Land of Oz are must-dos. It’s whimsical, imaginative, and completely free — which makes it even better. Storybook Land features several great playground areas, tons of awesome slides, and more. They also have a visitors area, gift shop, food, and a nursing mothers’ room with AC.
They do have 7 rides at Storybook Land that currently cost $3 a ride. There is a small roller coaster, a train that rides around the park, a balloon ride, a carousel, spinning tea cups, a smaller train ride, and a barn ride that shakes.
Storybook Land is open during the summer months. Make sure to check the Storybook Land website for exact dates and hours!
Wylie Park
Located right next to Storybook Land, Wylie Park is an attraction all on its own. This sprawling park includes a lake with paddleboats and swimming, mini golf with Thunder Road, bike trails, the wildlife zoo, a campground, and playgrounds. It’s the perfect spot to let kids run and play, or to enjoy a picnic lunch as a family.
Allevity Entertainment
Allevity is a one-stop spot for family fun in Aberdeen. The arcade is a favorite, with everything from nostalgic classics to the high-energy games that let kids (and adults!) rack up tickets for fun prizes. Beyond the arcade, you’ll find laser tag, mini bowling, virtual reality, and spinning bumper cars— giving families plenty of options to burn off energy and make memories together.
The Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
For a dose of natural beauty, visit the Aberdeen Arboretum. It’s a peaceful place for a family walk, with labeled trees, plants, and gardens to explore. There is a large playground area as well! Bring along some snacks and enjoy a quiet break outdoors.
Aberdeen Aquatic Center
If your trip is in the summer, plan to cool off at the Aquatic Center. With water slides, a lazy river, and splash areas, it’s designed for all ages. We especially love that they have a sand play area, complete with water tables, for those little ones who don’t love to get splashed.
Twist Cone
A trip to Aberdeen isn’t complete without a stop at The Twist Cone, a local favorite for sweet treats. Known for its classic soft-serve cones and creative flavor twists, this spot is the perfect place to cool down after a day of exploring. Kids will love the colorful dipped cones, while parents can enjoy everything from malts to sundaes. Affordable, nostalgic, and delicious, Twist Cone is a must-visit for families looking to add a little sweetness to their adventure.
Thunder Road Aberdeen
For families with older kids or teens, Thunder Road is a hit. Thunder Road Aberdeen is located inside of Wylie Park and features a mini-golf area, go-karts, bumper boats, a euro bungy, and a laser maze.
Dacotah Prairie Museum
Located in downtown Aberdeen, this museum is a great way to mix in some learning with your family fun. With exhibits on local history, Native American culture, and interactive displays, it’s both educational and entertaining.
Why Aberdeen is a Perfect Family Getaway
Aberdeen may be smaller than some weekend destinations, but it’s full of family fun. From the magical world of Storybook Land to the outdoor beauty of the Arboretum, there’s something for everyone. And with Brookings, Watertown, and small-town gems like The Purple Cow along the way, the road trip itself is just as fun as the destination.
If your family is looking for an affordable, kid-friendly adventure close to Sioux Falls, Aberdeen should be at the top of your list!
