The Sioux Falls Area has so many great things to offer for families! From enjoying a day at an area park, to walking around the zoo, taking in a show at the Washington Pavilion, or shopping downtown, there is always something to do. We love how family-friendly the Sioux Falls Area is. We also love free family fun! In the list below we let you know 15 of our favorite free things to do in the Sioux Falls Area!
For this list, we focus on things that are available during the summer in Sioux Falls. Some are open year around (like the Outdoor Campus), while others will only be open in the warmer months (like the splash pads).
If you are looking for free things to do, look no further then this list!
Take a Class at the Outdoor Campus
All of the classes and programs offered by the GFP Outdoor Campus are free! Located in Sertoma Park, The Outdoor Campus offers plenty of amazing programming. Take a wild-game cooking class, shoot a bow in an archery class, catch a fish during a fishing Saturday, or go on a guided hike with your littles!
Cool off at One of the Local Splash Parks
Get wet at one of Sioux Falls area splash parks! Check out both Pioneer Spray Park and Hayward Park Splash Park. Both of these facilities are free! Pack a picnic to really make a day of it. Remember your sunscreen too!
If a splash pad is a bit too much for your family, check out the free wading pools that Sioux Falls offers all summer long!
Enjoy an evening at the Washington Pavilion on First Fridays
The Washington Pavilion is always a great spot for families! From the science museum, arts center, shows, and programs there are plenty of great things to do. Once a month the Pavilion hosts First Free Friday’s at their science center! On the first Friday of the month you can enjoy the Pavilion for free in the eventing hours!.
Check out the Courthouse Museum
The Courthouse Museum is part of the Siouxland Heritage Museums. All of which are free to visit! Check out the location of the first Minnehaha county courthouse. They offer great programming throughout the year, kids programming included!
Attend a program at the Siouxland Libraries
Local libraries are always an amazing resource for free and fun events for families. The Siouxland libraries does a great job of offering great programming year round. Check out their calendar to see everything that they offer!
Take in a show at the Levitt
This summer (2024) the Levitt will hosting 50 free shows! They are an amazing asset to the Sioux Falls community. Enjoy an eventing show or a children’s show on select Saturday mornings! Grab your chairs, spend time outside, and take in the music.
Enjoy a Morning at the Falls Park Farmers Market
During the warmer months of the year, the Falls Park Farmers Market happens each Saturday morning at its downtown location. Often, you can find live music along with amazing local produce, vendors, and other goods. Check out the market and then take a stroll along the Falls next door!
The Stockyard Ag Experience
Located in Falls Park is this hidden Gem! Learn about the local agricultural history of the Stockyards. They have a great educational section of their barn geared towards kids! Your child will learn how food gets from the farm to their table.
The Sculpture Walk
The Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk is a wonderful way to spend a morning! Start off at the Sculpture Walk Visitors Center, located in the Washington Pavilion, to grab your map! Enjoy a stroll downtown as you view the amazing artwork.
Good Earth State Park’s Summer Concert Series
On Sunday evenings throughout the summer months, Good Earth State Park hosts a free concert series along with a food truck. Come out to enjoy live music in a beautiful seating. Note: Entrance to Good Earth State Park does have a fee (unless you have a state park pass).
McKennan Park Theater Programs
Enjoy some local theater at the McKennan Park Bandshell! This historic park is the perfect place to enjoy some local theater programs. Throughout the summer you can enjoy free concerts in the park, a local children’s theater that plays throughout the summer, and other events as well.
Trails and Gardens at Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum
Located on the East side of Sioux Falls is the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum! This hidden gem is the perfect place to enjoy a summer day. Walk through the marvelous maintained gardens, hike the trails, and have a picnic down by the creek!
Attend a Program with Sioux Falls Parks and Rec
The Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation department puts on amazing programs throughout the year. Find sports leagues to join, special events, children’s programming, and more. While some of these events may have a fee, many are completely free! Check out their summer book of programming!
The Sioux Falls Recreation Trail
Better known as the Sioux Falls Bike Trail, the Recreation Trail isn’t just for bikes! Enjoy over 36 miles of paved trails in Sioux Falls. Many parts of the Recreation Trail travel through parks and playgrounds. Plan a family biking morning where you travel to a few different parks! Remember to follow all safety laws and to be kind to all who use the trail.
The Historic Pettigrew Home & Museum
Enjoy an afternoon touring the historic Pettigrew Home! They are part of the Siouxland Heritage Museums, which means that admission is always free! Take a step back into time and learn about the history of Sioux Falls from over 100 years ago. While younger children may not appreciate the home quite as much, you may be surprised by how much your older children love it!
There you have it! 15 free things to do in Sioux Falls that your whole family will love.
