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The Hood Magazine

Summer Family Fun: Outdoor Adventures

Apr 29, 2019 ● By The Hood Magazine

Big Sioux Recreational Area

-Something for the whole family to enjoy. From Disc Golfing, hiking, grilling, campfires, and camping. This 430-acre park has so much to offer, and only a short drive from Sioux Falls!

 

Sioux Falls Parks and Bike Trail System

-Approximately 19 miles of paved trails for walking, running, biking, and rollerblading. It follows the Big Sioux River and goes through many of the city’s wonderful parks, including the iconic Falls Park—where you can stop for ice cream for the whole family! Leashed Dogs are welcome too!

 

Blue Mounds State Park

-A beautiful park in Luverne, open daily from 8am-10pm. Head on out for bird watching, camping, and hiking! From the 100-foot Quartzite Cliff to the wild prairie flowers, you are sure to love this park. Catch a glimpse of the buffalo that roam the prairie, or time your visit for the blooms of the prickly pear cactus in June/July.

 

Canaries Baseball

-“Take me out to the ball game!!” Check out their schedule and take the whole family out for the classic experience right here in Sioux Falls. Games often end with an exciting Fireworks Display!

 

Catfish Bay Greatest Show on H20

-Take a short drive to Catfish Bay for amazing water-ski entertainment put on by the dedicated and talented volunteers! Check out their schedule online for a great way to spend a Friday night or your 4th of July evening!  

 

Downtown Sioux Falls (DTSF) Downtown Trolley

- The Downtown Trolley is a hop-on, hop-off historic tour of downtown Sioux Falls and offers a unique experience for the whole family to enjoy. Riders can hop on or off at any trolley stop to take a break and enjoy all downtown has to discover!

 

Falls Park

-Head out to the city’s namesake park! Our #1 attraction! View the massive waterfall, enjoy the walking paths, lookout tower, gift shop, and grab some lunch or local icecream at the Falls Overlook Café!

 

Family Park

- For the love of fishing, this 90-acre park includes two stocked fishing ponds, a boat ramp, fishing docks, two picnic shelters and walking trails! —and bring the pooch too, because it also has its own 3 acre dog park!

 

Good Earth State Park

- Lace up your hiking boots and hop on the hiking trails winding throughout SD’s newest state park grounds, with scenic overlooks scattered throughout. Check out the brand-new visitor’s center too…a great place to take cover if the weather makes a quick shift!

 

Heritage Park

-Collection of historic Great Plains buildings dating from the late 19th and early 20th century.  The historic buildings are located in Augustana’s Heritage Park and open for tours this June through August. 

 

Kayak/Canoe the Big Sioux

-Check out the different local rentals and river access points (Check out the Jay Heath Canoe/Kayak Trail) to drop your kayaks/canoe in the water and take a look at nature, experiencing the city in a whole new way—heading downstream with the ones you love!

 

Mary Joe Wegner Arboretum & East Sioux Falls Historic Site

-Explore five different walking/hiking trails, and the formal garden path with stunning blooms! Get immersed in the history and culture of earlier Sioux Falls folk and enjoy learning about native plants. Education Classes and special events also offered!

 

Moonlight Movies, Fawick Park

-This FREE outdoor movie series kicks off at dusk on June 2. Bring your favorite blanket, or chair and enjoy some movies as a family. Popcorn, candy and soda available for purchase on-site.

 

Music Mondays at McKennan Park

-Slow down in the shady McKennan Park for a FREE eight-week concert series all summer long. You’ll find great music and some fun family entertainment.

 

Newton Hills State Park

-Step outside of the flatlands with a quick jaunt to this hilly wonder of a park! Camping, hiking trails, picnicking, grilling/campfires, birdwatching, playgrounds for the kids, and fun toy rentals- Oh my!

 

Outdoor Campus

-For the love of all things NATURE! Enjoy hiking trails, an outdoor nature play area, an indoor camping/SD themed play space, classes/special events, fishing, rentals, education! A wonderful way to reconnect with each other and all that nature has to offer.

 

Palisades State Park

-Soon to expand, this breathtaking cliff-filled park with Splitrock Creek rushing through, is one of our favorites! We love the unique hiking/overlooks! Use caution at this natural wonder, or maybe save it for the older kiddos. Wonderful Camping, and one of the few places to try out some rock-climbing!

 

Perry Nature Area

-Creek stomping, anyone? Enjoy woodland trails and an open grassy area near the creek, in the shade on those hot days. A great place to spot frogs, cray fish, and stunning dragon flies. Bring your picnic and find your child-like spirit again!

 

Pioneer Spray Park

- A fun way to cool off with the little ones! This park features an open picnic shelter, children's play area, basketball court, soccer field, tennis courts and Summer spray park.

 

Outdoor Public Pools

-Featuring six different public pools with life guards, theres sure to be a suitable option for each family. Some pools feature fast slides for the big kids, and some.  sandy areas, shallow wading pools, and zero depth entrances for the little ones!

 

Sculpture Walk

- Come Downtown and enjoy a walk while admiring the incredible sculptures lining the streets! Download a printable version of the SculptureWalk map, or find SculptureWalk brochures with map, photos and People's Choice ballot in the brochure boxes attached to historic light posts on Phillips Ave.

 

Thunder Road Adventure Park

-A great option for your evenings and weekends with the kiddos this summer! Something for everyone to enjoy—go carts, mini golf, laser tag and maze, euro bungee, bumper boats and more!

 

Wild Water West Waterpark

-Catch the wave at this wild water park! Check out Discounts with Get-N-Go tickets and Wednesday Night Family Nights! Featuring waterpark, go-karts, mini golf, batting cages, and sand volleyball.

 

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

-Check out their online calendar featuring great interactive fun themes with endless activities on the weekends! Featuring exciting camping experiences, including a swimming pool, mini golf, volleyball, GaGa, basketball, indoor theatre, playgrounds and more!