For the longest time, I associated Sioux Falls with its iconic waterfall and nothing more. And while those cascades at Falls Park are impressive and worth a stop, there’s a lot more to do in Sioux Falls. It’s a great Midwestern getaway for families, and I’ve got some tips on what to see and do there.
Disclosure: I visited Sioux Falls for a writing assignment so admission to some of my activities were complimentary, while I paid for other things. All thoughts, opinions and typos are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.
Kirby Science Discovery Center
If you’ve read any of my other travel itineraries, you know if there’s a science center or children’s museum in a city, I’m going to include a stop there. Kirby Science Discovery Center inside the Washington Pavilion combines the best things in both of those types of attractions. There are three floors of exhibits, climbers, and hands-on activities.
I visited with my teen, and he was on the older end of the intended age. Still, some of the more complex activities appealed to him, like operating a robotic arm and building stations. We also raced each other in sports wheelchairs and this cool light game.
Early elementary-aged kids and younger are going to have the most fun here. There’s a huge water table, a couple impressive climbers, and dinosaurs. It’s a kid’s dream place.
Tip: While there, you can see a show at the Sweetman Planetarium. There are several films offered daily.
Great Plains Zoo
Sioux Falls’ Great Plains Zoo is the perfect size for an afternoon outing. Some of the exhibits with impressive designs that get you up-close to animals include the snow monkeys and the black bears. This summer, there will be an African Lion exhibit opening, too. It’s not so large that you’ll be exhausted by the end of your visit.
Tip: The zoo has a large spray ground called the Lily Pad. Be sure to bring swimsuits and towels.
Butterfly House & Aquarium
Butterfly House & Aquarium are a recently acquired entity of the zoo, though they are not near it. Housed in the same building, you’ll first enter the aquarium gallery and then the Butterfly House. There are a five aquariums on the wall with sea life found among Caribbean coral reef and indo-pacific coral reef, as well as an aquarium of moon jellyfish, lumpfish, and clown fish and anemone. There’s also a touch tank and a stingray tank (no touch).
While the Aquarium is a compact room, the Butterfly House is a spacious, tropical setting. There’s a waterfall that feeds a koi pond, with little bridges to cross it. Hundreds of butterflies flutter about, and if you purchase a butterfly feeder, you may luck out and have one land on you. Or, just wear a brightly colored shirt, as was the case for my son in his orange jersey.
In addition to the butterflies and fish, their building has the Discover Den for hands-on activities for young children, and a few terrariums of reptiles and insects.
Tip: After your visit to the Butterfly House & Aquarium, you can stop by Outdoor Campus located nearby. It’s a totally free space that has four playgrounds and an assortment of recreational activities and learning opportunities hosted by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. It’s just a great spot to really tire your kids out. If you plan ahead, pack a picnic to enjoy at the large covered picnic pavilion there.
Terrace Park Aquatic Center
Terrace Park Aquatic Center is the kind of pool destination that’s a step above a city pool that has a fun slide and a waterpark. That’s to say, it’s much more than a city pool but not incredibly expensive like a waterpark. There are four drop slides, a regular waterslide, and a tube slide. For younger swimmers, the pool is zero-depth entry and has a couple little slides for them.
Tip: Terrace Park Aquatic Center is near a lake, and if you have time, it’s worth a stroll. You’ll find the Japanese Gardens there, a unique setting with various flowering trees, and rock lanterns and pagodas. It’s an expected gem in the city. It’s also a good backdrop for photos.
Falls Park
And last, but not least, is Falls Park near downtown Sioux Falls. There are paved trails, but a lot of people opt to walk on the rocks to get a closer view. Falls Park was once a site of a mill, and there are remains of said mill that you can see while you’re there.
Tip: There is a restaurant overlooking Falls Park with a patio (aptly named Overlook Cafe). Skip getting a meal there and go straight to dessert. There’s an ice cream counter there serving Stensland Family Farms ice cream, which is a local farm.
