Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Free Adventures This Winter



This article is sponsored by Janelle Aday, Sioux Falls realtor with Hegg Realtors.  
Janelle offers a friendly approach to finding your family a home.  
You can reach her at janelle@hegg.com or 605-553-6209.  Be sure to follow her on Facebook.


Don't let cabin fever set in and check out all that the Sioux Falls area has to offer in the way of family-friendly adventures. How about FREE adventures? We live in a wonderful community, with so many exciting opportunities for exploring for free, plus there are several businesses and organizations that offer fun free events. Check out this fun list of virtually FREE adventures during the months of January and February. Get out with the kids and enjoy your next adventure!
January

1. Movie Wednesday
Kids in K-5 grade are welcome to watch a movie at the Oak View Branch Library on the following Wednesdays in January: 2, 16 & 30 from 3-5 PM.  Oak View is located at 3700 E 3rd St.

2. Build an Easel with a Whiteboard

Home Depot's Kid's classes are available each month.  For January's class your child can build an easel with a whiteboard.  Class is January 5th. Registration is recommended.



3. Ice Skate
Of course, winter brings snow and ice.  Why not try out ice skating at the free family event put on by Sioux Falls Figure Skating Club for National Ice Skating Month (January)!  Join the event on January 5th from 6:30-8 PM at the Scheels IcePlex located at 4300 Bobhalla Ave.

4. Celebrate Winter at Frosty Frolics
The Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum at 1900 S Perry Place is hosting, along with The Outdoor Campus and Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation, a free celebration of winter event, Frosty Frolics.  Enjoy a wintry walk, try snow shoes and have some hot cocoa. January 5 11 AM - 2:30 PM.  Registration Required.

5. Sleigh Ride
McCrossan Boys Ranch will be at Memorial Ice Skating Rink giving free sleigh rides as part of the Frosty Frolics weekend of fun.  Join them on January 6 from 1-3 PM.

6. Create a Lava Lamp
Kids ages K-5 grade are invited to Prairie West Branch Library, 7630 W 26th St, for a Kids Create class focused on Lava Lamps.  The class is from 3:15-4 PM on January 9.

7. Winter Book Walk
Get outdoors and read a book!  A trail at The Outdoor Campus will be lined with pages of a book to read while you hike along, thanks to the Siouxland Libraries.  Event takes place on January 11 from 2-4 PM at 4500 S Oxbow Ave.

8. Stranger Things Escape Room
Teens are welcome to pre-register to join in the fun of a new themed escape room at Ronning Branch Library on January 11.  There are several times to choose from, so grab a friend and get registered now.

9. Learn about Self Defense
Anyone 10 years or older is welcome to join in a Free Self-Defense Class at the Church at the Gate on January 12th from 4:15-5:15 PM.  Church at the Gate is located at 6820 W 26th St.  See information on how to register here.

10. Snowman Slime
Join in the slime fun at Michael's Craft Store on January 12th from 1-3 PM.  Located at 3801 W 34th St, Suite 103.


11. Prince & Princess Skate Party
Costumes are encouraged at this fun skate party located at the McKennan Park Ice Skating Rink, 1400 S 3rd Ave.  Children ages 2-12 are invited to come skate like your favorite little prince or princess, free crowns will be handed out, while supplies last.  Be sure to dress for the weather as this is an outdoor event.  Skate rentals will be available for an additional cost (youth ages 2-15 are $1).  January 12 1-3 PM.

12. Learn Role Playing Game
The Game Chest will be hosting an Intro to RPG on January 12th and open to all ages from 11 AM - 6 PM. A variety of RPG will be played.  A schedule will be posted on their page soon.  Game Chest is located downtown at 421 N Philips Ave.

13. Meet & Greet Youth Wildlife Artist
Youth Wildlife Artist, Bria Neff will be available at The Outdoor Campus 4500 S Oxbow Ave on January 12th 10 AM - 2 PM to meet and greet to discuss her ideas and passions with area youth.  Her paintings will be on display and a variety of free conservation materials.

14. Learn how to Ski
Never been skiing before?  If you are 14 and older you can take part in the Beginners Ski Lessons sponsored by Sun N Fun at Great Bear Ski Valley on January 13.  But, you must register before limited spots fill up.  You can register or find out more information by emailing agiebink@greatbearpark.com


15. Story Time at Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble offers story time on many Saturday mornings at 11 AM.  Current dates listed include: January 5, 12, 19 & 26.  More information to come about possible February dates.  Barnes & Noble is located at 3700 W 41st St.

16. Intro to Ice Skating
All ages are welcome to learn how to ice skate at Campus Park from 6:30-8 PM on January 17.  The Sioux Falls Figure Skating Club will be on hand helping learners with skating. Skate rentals will be available for additional cost.  Location of park is 26th Street/Summit Ave.

17. Make a Sparkling Icicle Ornament
Kid's Activity Day at the Old Courthouse Museum is free and this month kids will be making their own sparkling icicle ornament.  There is a session from 9-11 AM and 1-2 PM on January 17. Call and register in advance 605-367-4210.  The museum is located at 200 W 6th St.

18. Military Family Carnival
Veterans and current serving members and their families are invited to Central Church on January 18 5:30-9 PM for games, inflatables, food and much more.  Be sure to register here. Central Church is located 3102 W Ralph Rogers Rd.

19. Check out the Fun at Media One FunSki
There are several events taking place at the Media One FunSki at Great Bear; snow sculpture contest, snow tube races, sled races and more! Stop by and check out all the fun for free.  Maybe even register to take part in the action (there is a cost to this, which supports Children's Inn). The annual FunSki takes place January 18 & 19th.  See a full schedule of events here.  Great Bear Ski Valley is located at 5901 E Rice St.

20. Listen to Music
Public is invited for an evening concert on January 18th from 7-9:30 PM at First Congregational Church located at 300 S Minnesota Ave.  Sioux Falls Children's Choir, USD Chamber Singers and others will be performing during this free concert.


21. Blanket Fort Party
Join others in making a large blanket fort, play games, storytime and more at Reach Literacy 2101 W 41st St January 19, 2-4 PM.  Event is free but registration required.

22. Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr with Crafts
Join your friends at the Museum of Visual Materials on January 21st anytime between 9 AM and 4 PM for crafts to help celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr.  All ages welcome.  The Museum is located at 500 N Main Ave.

23. Extract DNA from a Strawberry
Discover your own uniqueness, with this hands on activity for kids in grades 2-5 at the Downtown Branch Library on January 22 from 4-5 PM.  The library is located at 200 N Dakota Ave.

24. Weaving 101
Teens can learn to build their own loom from recycled materials and learn the basics of weaving to create their own piece.  Registration is required for this class at the Caille Branch Library located at 4100 S Carnegie Circle on January 22nd from 6-7:30 PM.

25. Ceili Dance
The Old Courthouse museum is offering a class to learn the Irish social dance, Ceili.  Beginners are welcome on January 24 and February 28 at 6:30 PM.  The Museum is located downtown at 200 W 6th St.

26. Superhero Skate Party
On January 25th head over to Sherman Park Ice Skating Rink from 6-8 PM for a fun superhero skating party.  Dress up like your favorite superhero, keeping in mind to dress for the weather as well.  Make a superhero mask in the warming house and meet some of your favorite superheros. Skate rentals available for additional cost (youth ages 2-15 are $1).

27. Girls Try Hockey Free
Girls join Brandon Valley Hockey on Fridays in January, including January 25 from 5:30-6:30 PM for a try it free hockey session at 720 S McHardy Park in Brandon.


28. Puzzle Party
At 2 PM on January 26 you can celebrate National Puzzle Month at the Sioux Falls Barnes & Noble, located at 3700 W 41st St.  You will find activities including crosswords, word searches, jigsaw puzzles and a puzzle tournament.  

29. Story & Craft
January 29, 10-11 AM preschoolers are welcome to stop in for story and craft at Museum of Visual Materials, 500 N Main Ave.  There is no cost, but please register.


30. Yoga
The Source Roastery is offering a free yoga class every Wednesday in January.  Bring your own mat for class 5:30-6:30, all ages and abilities welcome.  The Source is located at 421 N Philips Ave.



31. Livestock Show
The Sioux Empire Livestock Show happens January 22-26th with several shows to watch with opportunities to see several different farm animals over the course of the event.  Full schedule here.

February
32. Bring Your Own Game Event
Part of the Sioux Falls Winter Carnival put on by the Boys & Girls Club of the Sioux Empire includes a Bring Your Own Game event at different locations throughout downtown Sioux Falls.  Specific locations and times are forthcoming, however this will take place on February 2nd, so mark your calendar.

33. Pack Birthday Bags for Kids in Need
Join the Simon Says Give group on February 2 from 1-2:30 PM at 2400 N 4th Ave to pack bags with birthday supplies and gifts for kids in need in our community.  All ages are welcome to help put the bags together.  A wonderful way for kids to give back to their community.


34. Check out Snow Sculpting
Part of the Sioux Falls Winter Carnival put on by the Boys & Girls Club of the Sioux Empire includes a snow sculpting contest from 9 AM - 5 PM on February 2 at Fawick Park, 200 S 2nd Ave.  Stop by and check out the fun sculptures in the city's first snow sculpting contest!  Want to get in on the fun?  Get your family/group together and enter the contest, register now.


35. Discover Parachutes
Kids in K-5 grade will use a large parachute for experiments and build their own parachute to understand the science behind it.  Join in the fun at the Downtown Branch Library 200 N Dakota Ave on February 5th 4-5 PM.

36. Pop Up Ice Rink
Find a Pop Up Ice Rink February 7-9 in Downtown Sioux Falls located at 8th & Railroad with open skates and performances.  Full schedule of times coming soon.

37. Augustana Vikings Tennis
Watch Augustana Vikings Tennis at Woodlake Athletic Club on February 8 & 9 at 6:30 PM.  Woodlake is located at 4600 S Tennis Ln.


38. Ice Fishing 101
Brave the cold with The Outdoor Campus and Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation at this all ages event (children must be supervised). All equipment is provided as you learn to ice fish at Family Park on S Ellis Rd. Event is February 9 from 9-10 AM. Registration is required.


39. Family Snowfest
Enjoy kid's activities, mascot appearances and more under a big tent located at 8th & Railroad on February 9 10 AM - 1 PM.  This fun event put on by the Boys & Girls Club of Sioux Empire as part of the Sioux Falls Winter Carnival.

40. Make Valentine's Box
Celebrate Valentine's Day at the Museum of Visual Materials, located downtown at 500 N Main Ave.  Create a fun Valentine's Box February 11, 4-7 PM.  Must register online.

41. Matball Mania
Teens have you heard of Matball?  It is a spin off of kickball, using gym mats as bases.  Come have some fun during some time off from school, February 15 1-3 PM.  Pre-register.

42. Fun & Fit Day
Join other kids age 2-6 at Kuehn Community Center located at 2801 S Valley View Rd for riding, running, jumping and jamming at Fun & Fit Day.  Children must be supervised.  Event is from 10 AM - 12 PM on February 16.

43. Learn about Winter Survival
Join the Outdoor Winter Survival family class at The Outdoor Campus, recommended for ages 5 and up.  The class is February 16 from 10-11:30.  Be sure to dress for the weather.  The Outdoor Campus is located at 4500 S Oxbow Ave.

44. Make a Snowman Craft
Kid's Activity Day at the Old Courthouse Museum is free and this month, kids will be making their own snowman craft.  There is a session from 9-11 AM and 1-2 PM on February 21. Call and register in advance 605-367-4210.  The museum is located at 200 W 6th St.

45. Crunchy Spring Slime
Join in the slime fun at Michael's Craft Store on February 23 from 1-3 PM.  Located at 3801 W 34th St, Suite 103.

46. Read Across America Dr Seuss Fun
Kids in K-5 grades join in on stories, crafts and games for Dr Seuss on February 27 3:15-4 PM at Oakview Branch Library, 3700 E 3rd St.

47. Story & Craft
Museum of Visual Materials, 500 N Main Ave invites preschoolers for a story and easy craft during the month of February.  Date and time to be announced shortly and information will be added here.

48. Storytime at First Bank & Trust
The Dawley Farms First Bank & Trust team is working on putting the final touches on a February storytime.  Stay tuned for details to be updated.

Multiple Dates
49. Check Out Model Trains
Join the Sioux Valley Model Engineers Society Open House at the Sioux Valley Model Engineer Society building at 100 Lyon Blvd. the first weekend in January 5-6, February 2-3 and March 2-3. Typically open 10-4 each day, check link for updates.

50. Join Winter Reading Program
The Siouxland Library invites adults, kids K-5 and families to complete reading bingo for prizes from January 1 through February 28th.  Bingo cards can be picked up at any Sioux Falls library location or online here.  Teens can participate in the Teen Reading Program.

51. Kirby Science Discovery Center and Visual Arts Center at Washington Pavilion
First Fridays of each month, you can visit the center for free 5-8 PM.  This includes the dates: January 4, February 1 and March 1. The Kirby Science Discovery Center, located inside the Washington Pavilion is located at 301 S Main Ave in Downtown Sioux Falls.

52. Family Movie Night at Community Center
Join in free family movie fun at community centers in Sioux Falls. January 18 6:30 PM at Kuehn Community Center 2801 S Valley View Rd or February 22 6:30 PM at Oyate Community Center 2421 W 15th St.

53. Learn About the Outdoors
Register for any number of free classes for different ages at The Outdoor Campus.  The Outdoor Campus is located at 4500 S Oxbow Ave.


54. Sledding
Snow on the ground?  Bundle up, grab your sleds and head to your nearest sled hill.  Not sure where to go?  A couple local favorites are at Tuthill Park at 3500 S Cliff Ave and Spellerberg Park at the 1601 S Western Ave.

55. Juggle
Join Sooo Falls Juggle weekly on Thursdays at 5:30 PM for a meet up session for juggling.  Whether you are interested in learning how to juggle or to learn new tricks, all skill levels welcome.  The group meets at Morningside Community Center at 2400 S Bahnson Ave.

56. Make A Craft

Join JAM Art & Supplies each Wednesday 4-6 PM for a new surprise craft each week.  All ages welcome.  They are located at 401 N Phillips Ave Studio B.

57. Learn Lakota
All ages welcome to the Downtown Public Library to learn the Lakota language.  This is a recurring event with dates scheduled for January 13, February 10 and March 10 from 2-3 PM.  The library is located at 200 N Dakota Ave.

58. Learn About Nature
Little Acorns classes at Good Earth State Park & Blood Run are available the first Wednesday of the month and give kids ages 3-5 a fun way to learn about nature. (A park entrance is necessary to enter the park if you do not have a sticker)

59. Knit & Crochet Hats, Gloves & Scarves
Join JAM Art & Supplies each Sunday through Spring to knit or crochet hats, gloves and scarves for people in need. No skill required, help is available to learn! JAM is located at 401 N Phillips Ave Studio B.

60. Old Courthouse Museum
Three floors of public exhibits at the Old Courthouse Museum offer a look into the area's history.  There is currently a Toys exhibit, which opened in November, focusing on toys through the years.  A fun look back at stuffed animals, barbies, action figures and more.  Admission to the museum is free.  The address is: 200 W 6th St.

61. Open Gym
There are 5 Community Centers that offer gym space to shoot hoops or run off energy during the winter months.  They are open 2:45-6 PM Monday-Friday and 1-5 PM on Saturday and Sunday through May 3. They are closed however on January 1, 11 and 21.  *Kenny Anderson Community Center 3701 E 3rd *Kuehn Community Center 2801 S Valley View Rd *Mari Car Community Center 400 N Valley View Rd *Morningside Community Center 2400 S Bahnson Rd *Oyate Community Center 2421 W 15th St

62. Learn History
Take a leap back in time when you visit the Pettigrew Home & Museum.  The museum is located at 131 N Duluth Ave.

63. Join in on Play Group
A couple of the Sioux Falls Community Centers are home to weekly Play Group time from 10 AM - 12 PM.  Play groups are open for infant to pre-kindergarten aged kids to play with toys, tricycles and other equipment that is provided in the gym.  So bring your friends or meet new ones! This is not intended for daycare centers or in-home care providers.  You can find Play Groups January 2 through May 3 as follows: Morningside Community Center located at 2400 S Bahnson Ave on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and Kuehn Community Center located at 2801 S Valley View Rd on Tuesday and Thursday.  No Play Group on January 11 & 21 or April 18, 19 & 22.


64. Check out a Book and More
You can visit libraries in the Sioux Falls area for free.  Many have kid areas for small play and seating areas for reading books.  If you are a Sioux Falls resident and register for a library card, you can check out books, books on CD, music CDs, DVDs and more for free.


65. Game Rooms
There are 5 Community Centers that offer game rooms for some game playing during the winter months.  They are open 2:45-6 PM Monday-Friday and 1-5 PM on Saturday and Sunday through May 3. They are closed however on January 1, 11 and 21.  *Kenny Anderson Community Center 3701 E 3rd *Kuehn Community Center 2801 S Valley View Rd *Mari Car Community Center 400 N Valley View Rd *Morningside Community Center 2400 S Bahnson Rd *Oyate Community Center 2421 W 15th St. Game rooms may have board games, video games, pool table, air hockey, and foosball.

66. Crafts Corner
The Museum of Visual Materials offers free craft corner Monday-Wednesday each week.  Lots of supplies to use the imagination and create.  Mon & Tues hours are 9 AM - 4 PM and Wed hours are 10 AM - 4 PM.  The Museum is located at 500 N Main Ave.

67. Read to a Dog
That's right, why not work on your child's reading in a fun way by signing them up for a session with the Tail Waggin' Tutors.  They choose a book and sit down to read to a dog.  Contact the Ronning, Downtown or Brandon Branch Library locations to ask about times/availability.

68. Listen to Stories at Reach Literacy
That's right, you can join in story time twice a month now at REACH Literacy, located at 2101 W 41st Street Suite 23.  Not only listen to stories, but sing songs, do a small craft and more!  Story time is from 9:15-10:15 AM with scheduled dates of January 14, January 28, February 11, February 25 and more.  See the KID-Friendly Event Calendar for more dates.

69. Chuck E Cheese's Games
Chuck E Cheese's offers several rewards calendars and charts for different goals such as reading, chores, tooth fairy, behavior, and more. Once the task is completed, many offer 10 free tokens of play at your local Chuck E Cheese's.

70. Story Time at the Library
There are several options for free story times at the Siouxland Libraries from Family Storytime, Baby Storytime, Preschool Storytime and more.  Check your favorite libraries for dates and times.

71. Lego Creating
Stop into the Museum of Visual Materials each week Monday-Wednesday where you can enjoy the Lego table and several blocks for creating.  Mon & Tues hours are 9 AM - 4 PM and Wed hours are 10 AM - 4 PM.  The Museum is located at 500 N Main Ave.


72. Join Pokemon League
Whether you want to trade cards or play a game, you can join Pokemon League meetings on most Sundays from 1-5 PM at Game Chest, 421 N Phillips Ave.  From time to time they also add a small tournament to the meeting time, which has an additional fee.  Call the store ahead of time to confirm event details on the dates you plan to attend.  

73. 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!  Find Child's Play Toy Store at 233 S Phillips Ave.

74. Play Chess
Join the casual meet up for all ages/skill levels at Dragon's Den on Wednesday evenings from 6-8 PM.  Dragon's Den has a new location at 7218 W 41st St.

75. Ice Skating
When there has been enough cold weather the city will open several outdoor ice rinks.  Follow their page and find the rink locations and hours here.  Don't have any ice skates?  That is okay, skates are available for rent at the warming houses for as low as $1.

76. Try Snowshoeing
Once we have accumulated at least 4 inches of snow, be sure to watch The Outdoor Campus Facebook page for an announcement about their winter Snow and Go open house events.  This will be an open house style event where families can come and try out the snowshoes for free!

77. Play at the Area Playgrounds
There are several playgrounds in Sioux Falls that remain open and accessible during the winter months.  Take advantage of warmer days and get out and enjoy the playgrounds! Climb on playground equipment, build snow forts if snow is available, etc. Start your search with the Sioux Falls Parks list.

78. 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, shovel a driveway for a neighbor, etc! Get creative with the kids and see what fun ideas they have.  Help spread kindness throughout the Sioux Falls area!

79. 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!

80. Ride A Horse
Check out the mechanical horses at a couple of the HyVee locations in Sioux Falls and let the kids shout a "yea-ha" with a free ride!  Hy-Vee 3000 S Minnesota Ave and Hy-Vee 4101 S Louise Ave offer free mechanical horse rides near their check out area.  

81. 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 and many are still available even in the winter months! 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.

82. 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.

83. Passport to the Ice Rinks Contest
Love to ice skate?  Visit at least 3 of Sioux Falls' ice rinks during the 2019 season, get your "passport" punched and be eligible to enter to win prizes with the Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation.  Turn in your passports by February 28th.  Check out all rules here.

84. Bike Trail
Explore the wintry version of the bike trail system, with a nice stroll together.  Bundle up and enjoy the change in scenery during the winter months.

85. Indoor Playground
Work off some energy at the indoor playground in the Empire Mall, located at 5000 W Empire Mall.


86. Visit the Falls
Falls Park is open year round and the Falls are worth viewing in all seasons.  If temperatures are too cold, you could check out the Visitor Information Center view of the Falls, which includes a 50 foot viewing tower.  The center is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM - 5 PM.

87. Go Camping
Put on your creative play hat and enter the indoor play area at The Outdoor Campus, which offers supplies for pretend camping play, including a play fire pit!  Check out the aquarium, listen to animal sounds, walk through a large fish, find other living things, climb inside a tree and maybe even do some bird watching from the comfort of a couch.  Great indoor play and discovery opportunities at The Outdoor Campus, located at 4500 S Oxbow Ave.

88. 3-Day Sanford Wellness Trial
You can check out Sanford Wellness locations for free in a 3-day trial.  This trial includes the whole family!  Not only check out the kid's classes they offer, but also the pools during swim times.  You can stop in to fill out a form or download your 3-day pass here.  The link also lists the locations.


89. Winter Wonderland
That is right, if you haven't been through Falls Park to check out the Winter Wonderland of lights yet, you have through January 6th to do so!  Be sure to check out the beauty the lights add to the park.



90. Move & Groove
Sing N Sprout Studio invites you to a trial class for just $.01.  That's pretty much free right?  Sing N Sprout is a movement and music class great for kids infant through 5 years old.  The studio is located at 5000 MacArthur Lane, Suite 109. Register for your penny class today.

Wow!  What a list of adventures!  Continue to check out the Sioux Falls area's KID-Friendly Event Calendar on this page for additional events.  

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