Looking for adventure this summer? Sioux Falls has a lot to offer, including several FREE kid-friendly activities and events. Adventure is all around you. Below, find 101 free kid-friendly things to do in Sioux Falls this summer. List is in no particular order. Enjoy your next adventure.
1. Flag Day Event
A free Flag Day event will take place at Veteran's Memorial Park on June 14th at 7 PM.
2. Solstice Hike
Bring the family and your hiking shoes to Great Bear Recreation Park for a Solstice Hike in June. Registration is required.
3. Festival of Cultures
Enjoy the sights and sounds from around the world at the Festival of Cultures on June 9.
4. Little Free Library
Take a Book, Return a Book is the story behind Little Free Library. There are many locations throughout Sioux Falls and the area. Grab a book that your child is finished with and find a Little Free Library location nearby, leave your book and grab a different one.
5. Summer Developmental Track Meets
Children and adults of all ages can participate in numerous track and field events Wednesdays in June at the Summer Developmental Track Meets held at the Lincoln High School Track.6. Moonlight Movies
Located at Fawick Park, Saturdays throughout summer. Check out the EVENTS Calendar for free showings; dates and times.
7. Pool Appreciation Nights
The Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation offer pool appreciation nights at several locations throughout Sioux Falls in the beginning of June.
8. Battleship Memorial
USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial offers military memorial displays and a free museum with history inside and outside.
9. Kid's Night in the Park
Old time carnival games, inflatables and summer fun at McKennan Park June 26 & July 31.
10. Science Festival
On June 9 enjoy a celebration and exploration of all things science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at the Sanford Research Center.
11. Kirby Science Discovery Center and Visual Arts Center at Washington Pavilion
First Fridays of the month, you can visit the center for free.
12. Animals at the Amphitheater
Meet 4 different animals from the Great Plain Zoo's Zoo Express on June 1st downtown at the Amphitheater.
13. Opera in the Park
An opera show that incorporates children into the presentation will take place June 21-22 at the McKennan Park Bandshell.
14. Build a Model Car
Home Depot's Kid's classes are available each month. For June's class your child can build a model car. Class is June 2nd. Registration is recommended.
15. Play at the Area Playgrounds
There are several playgrounds in Sioux Falls to enjoy with the kids. Start your search with the Sioux Falls Parks list. How many will you check off the list this summer?
16. Sioux Falls Canaries Game
With a GreatLife membership, you can enjoy a Sioux Falls Canaries home game on Wednesdays for free. Don't have a GreatLife membership? Check out the Cagey and Peep's Kids Club.
17. Japanese Gardens
An Asian inspired garden that offers beautiful landscaping to venture through and enjoy. The Japanese Gardens are located at Terrace Park.
18. Legends Sports Clinics
Kids can participate in several different free sports clinics at various locations and times this June 7-9. Registration is requested.
19. Bike Trail
Explore the city on it's vast bike trail system, whether you bike or walk the trail you are sure to enjoy the scenery.
20. Jazz Fest
JazzFest is a two-day outdoor musical event in July, featuring two stages of music and free to the public. There are also food and art vendors, arts & crafts, fireworks and more.
21. Bible Camps
There are several local area churches that offer a fun bible camp free of charge. You can look through a list of just some of the bible camps available here, some are free and some have a minimal cost.
22. Meet a Local Author
Elise Parsley book release for her new book Neck & Neck happens June 5 at Barnes & Noble. Hear Elise read the story and join in the fun with activity sheets, giraffe themed food, and balloon animals!
23. Volunteer
Giving of your time is a great way to experience a new adventure. Need ideas on kid-friendly volunteer opportunities in the Sioux Falls area, check out this list to get you started.
24. Teen Art Show
View teen art on display at JAM Art Supplies on June 12. Deadline for entrants is June 1.
25. Watch Hot Air Balloons Take Off
Be sure to follow the Sioux Falls Ballooning Association on Facebook as they often announce area Balloon Pilot's plans for take off with locations and times. Watching hot air balloons being set up, preparing for take off and the take off is worth the early morning rise, if you can't catch an evening time. To see Balloons flying over Downtown Sioux Falls, check out some information here.
26. Old Courthouse Museum
Three floors of public exhibits at the Old Courthouse Museum offer a look into the area's history.
27. Walking Trails at Mary Jo Wagner Arboretum
Take a nice walk on the trails at the Mary Jo Wagner Arboretum. Stop inside to cool off and check out the old school house display.
28. Family Night at J&L Harley-Davidson
Featuring big trucks, race cars, police cars, kids games and activities and more, be sure to check out Family Night at J&L Harley-Davidson on July 12th.
29. Farmer's Market
Browse the Falls Park Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Check out all that the area farmers have to offer and on occassion try samples.
30. Join the Bubble Parade
Bring your bubbles on June 8th to West Terrace Park and join in blowing bubbles as you parade around. What's more fun than combining bubbles and a parade?
31. Sioux Falls Municipal Band Concert
Sit back and listen to the music, with new themes each concert.
32. Storyland Children's Theater
Catch a show from Storyland Children's Theater this summer at McKennan Park Bandshell. There are 8 weeks of entertainment.
33. Open Gym
There are 3 Community Centers that remain open during the summer. They are open 1-5 PM each Monday-Friday (not July 4th), where you can shoot hoops or run off some energy in the gym!
34. Fishing
Free Fishing at Family Park this summer, with 9 dates. Everything is supplied including poles, bait and tackle. Check a list of dates here.
35. Learn History
Take a leap back in time when you visit the Pettigrew Home & Museum.
36. Weird Art Wednesdays
All ages are welcome. A different surprise craft each week from 4-6 PM at JAM Art Supplies.
37. Juggle
Join Sooo Falls Juggle each week for a meet up session, whether you are interested in learning how to juggle or learn new tricks.
38. Archery
Part of the Super Saturday line up at The Outdoor Campus, you can stop in with no registration required. There are 3 dates and 6 different sessions you can join this summer starting June 9.
39. Paddling
Part of the Super Saturday line up at The Outdoor Campus, you can stop in with no registration required. There are 2 dates and 4 different sessions you can join this summer starting June 16. There is also a Paddling Fair on June 10.
40. Supervised Playgrounds
Free neighborhood drop-in program for 7–12 year olds. Playground staff lead games, crafts and other activities. Supervised playgrounds are available at different parks/times throughout Sioux Falls June 4-Aug 10.
41. Pioneer Spray Park
Over 60 different spray features in a fun dinosaur design, the Pioneer Spray Park is open daily at 11 am following the June 1 open date.
42. Tot Lot
Kids 6 years and younger can bring their adult and see what fun you can find. Free play combined with simple crafts. Tot Lot is available at various parks/times throughout Sioux Falls June 11 - July 25.
43. Dinosaur Craft
Make a dinosaur craft during Kid's Activity Day at the Old Courthouse Museum on June 21st.
44. Look for Painted Rocks
There are many happy painters in the area who share a bit of joy by painting rocks and "hiding" them for others to find at different locations throughout Sioux Falls. A popular spot for rocks to be hidden is The Outdoor Campus, however keep your eyes open while you are out and about. Find out more information about this fun craze at Sioux Falls Rocks, maybe you will be inspired to paint and hide your own rocks!
45. Earn a Free Book
The Barnes and Noble summer reading program kicked off on May 15th. Encourage reading with the kids, as they track their books read and earn a book from Barnes and Noble.
46. Trail Hike
The Outdoor Campus offers trails to explore, whether you want a short outing or long. Take one and see what things you will come upon in the middle of the city.
47. Geocaching
The geocaching site lists over 1700 geocaches around Sioux Falls. Head out and explore. Learn more about geocaching in South Dakota here.
48. Bird Watching at Arrowhead Park
Arrowhead Park is known to attract ducks and geese, making it fun to watch their comings and goings. They may even appreciate a little corn feed.
49. Indoor Playground
The Empire Mall offers a small indoor playground for kids to work out the wiggles each day, especially great during the summer on hot days and rainy days.
50. Skateboarding
Take a roll on a skateboard at one of the Sioux Falls Skateboard Park locations.
51. Sioux Valley Model Engineers Society Open House
Join the open house at the Sioux Valley Model Engineer Society building the first weekend in June, 10-4 each day. Or visit them during the Sioux Empire Fair in August. Check out recent updates to the display.
52. Summer Children's Bash
Celebrate at the Empire Mall with their first Summer Children's Bash with snacks, dance party, balloon artist and more.
Several sculptures can be found along Phillips Ave, Downtown. Walk along and check out the newly installed 2018 sculptures.
54. Swimming
The McKennan Wading Pool is a free wading pool in the center of Sioux Falls at McKennan Park.
55. Cardboard Boat Race
The Great Cardboard Boat Race takes places at Kuehn Pool in July. To get involved be sure to register in advance.
56. Game Rooms
There are 3 Community Centers that remain open during the summer. They are open 1-5 PM each Monday-Friday (not July 4th), where you can enjoy play in the game rooms. Game rooms may have board games, video games, pool table, air hockey, and foosball.
57. Mime Show
Be sure to catch the free Mime show at the Bandshell at McKennan Park this August 9-10.
58. Crafts Corner
The Museum of Visual Materials offers free craft corner Monday-Wednesday each week.
59. Music & Movement Class
Sing N Sprouts is offering a free trial class for their music and movement classes for ages 0-5 years.
60. Music Concert Series
Catch different types of music throughout the summer with the summer concert series taking place on Mondays in McKennan Park
61. Yoga in the Park
Relieve stress and be healthier together. An all ages/levels class will be offered each month; June, July, August. Classes will take place on designated Saturdays at the Terrace Park West Shelter.
62. Inline Skating/Hockey
Sioux Falls offers a couple locations at Memorial and Sherman parks for inline skating/hockey on concrete.
63. Dog Park
Take your furry friend to enjoy a fun summer day. There are a few locations throughout Sioux Falls to check out.
64. Story Time at the Library
There are several options for free story times at the Siouxland Libraries from Family Storytime, Pajama Storytime, Baby Storytime and more.
65. Bowling
Kids Bowl Free offers 2 free bowling games each day of the summer program. Eastway Bowl, Empire Bowl and Sport Bowl are all participating locations. Sign up here.
66. Pop-Up Park
The Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation celebrating July as National Parks & Recreation Month will be offering a Pop-up park at Philips Ave Plaza with weekly activities.
67. Kid's Art Show & Sale
In both June and July you can participate in the Kid's Art Show & Sale. Artisans 17 & younger can display and/or sell their creations. Registration is required with Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation.
68. Read to a Dog
That's right, why not work on your child's summer reading by signing them up for a session with the Tail Waggin' Tutors. They choose a book and sit down to read to a dog. Bring more fun to reading! Contact your favorite Sioux Falls Library location to ask about times/availability.
69. Bookwalk
Walk along the Bike Path from Falls Park to the Downtown River Greenway Amphitheatre; read the pages of children's books. Visit the Bookmobile. Happening August 8.
70. Puppet Show
The Siouxland Libraries offer the puppet show: Little Outhouse on the Prairie. You can find the show happening at different library locations and times throughout the week of August 13-17.
71. Harry Potter Escape Room
Teens get their chance at escaping detention in Professor Vector's office, when they sign up in teams up to 4. Registration opens July 1 with the Siouxland Libraries.
72. Disc Golf
There are 3 different park locations with disc golf available. And for a fun adventure in your backyard with the little ones, simply set up your own course using laundry baskets or buckets as your holes. Get the kids involved and have them set up the course.
73. Library
You can visit the libraries in the Sioux Falls area for free. Many have kid areas for small play and seating for reading books. If you are a Sioux Falls resident and register for a library card, you can check out books and movies for free.
74. See Santa
You can celebrate Christmas in July when you stop in Stensland Family Farms on July 14th and see Santa.
75. Falls Park
Visit Falls Park to take in the beauty, venture across the bridge, check out the observation deck above the visitor center, etc. During summer evenings, you may even find The Falls lit with different colors.
76. Fireworks Display
Watch the 4th of July fireworks display put on by the Sioux Falls Jaycees at the WH Lyon Fairground, with other family fun happening during the evening.
77. Story Time at Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble offers story time followed by activities on many Saturday dates.
85. Take a Class to Learn About Outdoors
Take a free class or two at The Outdoor Campus most any time of year. Learn how to fish, try out archery or learn about animals of the area, just to name a few.
86. Play Basketball, Tennis, Soccer, Softball
Grab a few of the kid's friends and head to one of the Sioux Falls Parks to play a game of ball together. Many parks offer a basketball court, tennis court, soccer fields or softball fields. Search for locations based on your game of choice.
87. Cross a Bridge
There is so much more fun to a bridge than the simple fact that they get you from point A to point B without getting wet. There are several walking bridges in the Sioux Falls area to cross, gaze down and explore. A few of our favorite bridges can be found Here, Here, Here, Here, Here and Farm Park just off 57th/Western. Where is your favorite walking bridge?
88. Play with Slime
Head over to Michael's Craft Store and join their Make Break class all about slime. Class on June 2 is SuperHero Slime and class on June 9 is Glow in the Dark Slime.
91. Chalk Phillips Ave
Head downtown on June 15th to JAM Art Supplies for Friday Night Chalk from 6-9 PM and chalk the sidewalks on Phillips Ave.
92. Take a Picture with a Bear
Head to Scheels and find the bear as you walk through the store. Don't forget to take your picture! Scheels is also home of the $1 Ferris Wheel ride.
93. Hot Harley Nights Motorcycle Parade
Check out all the motorcycle entries in the Hot Harley Nights parade on July 14th.
94. Outdoor Church Service
There are outdoor church services offered throughout the summer months. What a fun experience to share in faith with community in the great outdoors. A couple outdoor services we know about are: June 24 10:30 AM here, July 15, 10 AM here, July 1 10:30 AM here, July 1 10 AM here
95. Car Show
Stop by the Hardee's restaurant on Minnesota Ave on Saturday evenings throughout the summer to see antique cars on display.
96. Soft Serve Cone
Stensland Family Farms is celebrating June as Dairy Month and offering FREE KIDS MINI Soft Serve Cones. This offer is available every Saturday during the Month of June. While Supplies Last - Limited Quantity - Limit One Per Person/Per Visit.
97. Ride the Sioux Falls Trolley
It's back! Yay! The Sioux Falls Trolley has made a comeback to the downtown area in thanks to several sponsors. Kids 12 & under can ride free! Adults $2.
98. Story Time at Child's Play Toy Store
Each Tuesday at 10 AM catch a fun story at Child's Play Toy Store. And what kid doesn't like the fun of a toy store!
99. Walk Through A Fish's Mouth
Check out the cute indoor learning and play area that the Outdoor Campus offers it's visitors. Yes, there is plenty of nature fun outdoors, but the air conditioned indoors give a nice reprieve from the summer heat and there are several things for the kids to explore. Walk through the big fish mouth and learn about fish, watch live fish in the aquarium, play with a canoe and more.
100. 4th of July Parade
Watch the 4th of July Parade in downtown Sioux Falls, followed by the Mayor's 4th of July Celebration. Although not free, be sure to check out the Bike Decorating Class in the Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation summer activities guide to get involved in the parade.
101. Human Foosball
Thunder Road designed and built the Human Foosball attraction and it is free for all ages. Bring a group and have some fun.
There are 3 different park locations with disc golf available. And for a fun adventure in your backyard with the little ones, simply set up your own course using laundry baskets or buckets as your holes. Get the kids involved and have them set up the course.
73. Library
You can visit the libraries in the Sioux Falls area for free. Many have kid areas for small play and seating for reading books. If you are a Sioux Falls resident and register for a library card, you can check out books and movies for free.
74. See Santa
You can celebrate Christmas in July when you stop in Stensland Family Farms on July 14th and see Santa.
Visit Falls Park to take in the beauty, venture across the bridge, check out the observation deck above the visitor center, etc. During summer evenings, you may even find The Falls lit with different colors.
76. Fireworks Display
Watch the 4th of July fireworks display put on by the Sioux Falls Jaycees at the WH Lyon Fairground, with other family fun happening during the evening.
77. Story Time at Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble offers story time followed by activities on many Saturday dates.
78. Chuck E Cheese's Games
That's right, play a few free games at Chuck E Cheese's when your kid works towards one of several different goals including reading, chores, behavior, etc and they fill out one of these charts.
79. DockDogs
Watch DockDogs duel it out at the Scheels Hunting Expo in August.
80. Sioux Empire Fair
If headed to the Sioux Empire Fair, you may consider heading prior to 1 PM each day, as you are allowed free admission. There are many free things to do while at the fair as well, including Ronald McDonald Farm, Safety Village and more.
81. Lego Creation
Stop into the Museum of Visual Materials each week Monday-Wednesday where you can enjoy the Lego table and several blocks for creating.
82. Playtime at Pioneer
Kids can join in games, crafts and inflatables August 9 at Pioneer Park.
83. Fridays on the Plaza
Head downtown to KSFY's Fridays on the Plaza. Sit back and listen to the free music or let the kids get up and dance.
84. Library's Rock Reading Program
Library's do rock! And this summer the local libraries are offering a fun Library's Rock Reading Program June 1 - July 31. Kids can earn prizes as they read this summer.
85. Take a Class to Learn About Outdoors
Take a free class or two at The Outdoor Campus most any time of year. Learn how to fish, try out archery or learn about animals of the area, just to name a few.
86. Play Basketball, Tennis, Soccer, Softball
Grab a few of the kid's friends and head to one of the Sioux Falls Parks to play a game of ball together. Many parks offer a basketball court, tennis court, soccer fields or softball fields. Search for locations based on your game of choice.
There is so much more fun to a bridge than the simple fact that they get you from point A to point B without getting wet. There are several walking bridges in the Sioux Falls area to cross, gaze down and explore. A few of our favorite bridges can be found Here, Here, Here, Here, Here and Farm Park just off 57th/Western. Where is your favorite walking bridge?
88. Play with Slime
Head over to Michael's Craft Store and join their Make Break class all about slime. Class on June 2 is SuperHero Slime and class on June 9 is Glow in the Dark Slime.
89. Random Act of Kindness
Doing something nice and spreading kindness doesn't have to cost anything. Look up when walking by and smile at someone, stop a moment and hold a door for someone, offer to take someone's cart back to the store for them when they are finished, mow the lawn for a neighbor, etc! Get creative with the kids and see what fun ideas they have. Help spread kindness throughout the Sioux Falls area!
Doing something nice and spreading kindness doesn't have to cost anything. Look up when walking by and smile at someone, stop a moment and hold a door for someone, offer to take someone's cart back to the store for them when they are finished, mow the lawn for a neighbor, etc! Get creative with the kids and see what fun ideas they have. Help spread kindness throughout the Sioux Falls area!
90. Join Pokemon League
Whether you want to trade cards or play a game, you can join Pokemon League meetings on most Sundays at Game Chest.
91. Chalk Phillips Ave
Head downtown on June 15th to JAM Art Supplies for Friday Night Chalk from 6-9 PM and chalk the sidewalks on Phillips Ave.
92. Take a Picture with a Bear
Head to Scheels and find the bear as you walk through the store. Don't forget to take your picture! Scheels is also home of the $1 Ferris Wheel ride.
93. Hot Harley Nights Motorcycle Parade
Check out all the motorcycle entries in the Hot Harley Nights parade on July 14th.
94. Outdoor Church Service
There are outdoor church services offered throughout the summer months. What a fun experience to share in faith with community in the great outdoors. A couple outdoor services we know about are: June 24 10:30 AM here, July 15, 10 AM here, July 1 10:30 AM here, July 1 10 AM here
95. Car Show
Stop by the Hardee's restaurant on Minnesota Ave on Saturday evenings throughout the summer to see antique cars on display.
96. Soft Serve Cone
Stensland Family Farms is celebrating June as Dairy Month and offering FREE KIDS MINI Soft Serve Cones. This offer is available every Saturday during the Month of June. While Supplies Last - Limited Quantity - Limit One Per Person/Per Visit.
97. Ride the Sioux Falls Trolley
It's back! Yay! The Sioux Falls Trolley has made a comeback to the downtown area in thanks to several sponsors. Kids 12 & under can ride free! Adults $2.
98. Story Time at Child's Play Toy Store
Each Tuesday at 10 AM catch a fun story at Child's Play Toy Store. And what kid doesn't like the fun of a toy store!
99. Walk Through A Fish's Mouth
Check out the cute indoor learning and play area that the Outdoor Campus offers it's visitors. Yes, there is plenty of nature fun outdoors, but the air conditioned indoors give a nice reprieve from the summer heat and there are several things for the kids to explore. Walk through the big fish mouth and learn about fish, watch live fish in the aquarium, play with a canoe and more.
100. 4th of July Parade
Watch the 4th of July Parade in downtown Sioux Falls, followed by the Mayor's 4th of July Celebration. Although not free, be sure to check out the Bike Decorating Class in the Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation summer activities guide to get involved in the parade.
101. Human Foosball
Thunder Road designed and built the Human Foosball attraction and it is free for all ages. Bring a group and have some fun.
