Simplified: Winter in Sioux Falls means cold and snow, but there's still plenty of seasonal activities in the city. Here's a list of a few events, places and winter inspiration that'll keep the family entertained this season.
Why it matters:
- The Sioux Falls District is on winter break from December 22 through January 2, which means kids have almost two weeks at home.
- A few local organizations have sites to help you find activities, like Experience Sioux Falls' "Things to do" list or Downtown Sioux Falls' events page.
- Matt Barthel, communications manager with Experience Sioux Falls, said their blogs also have some inspiration for winter activities. Â
"It's always great to get outside and experience things, whether that's just getting out and enjoying the snow, or even different attractions," Barthel said.
Tell me some things to do outdoors
If you want to embrace the winter weather, here's a few outdoor activities:
- Ski, snowboard or go tubing at Great Bear Ski Valley. They're hoping to have skiing and snowboarding open by December 22 and tubing open by December 26. Hours vary, but are usually between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets range from $30 to $35, and you can rent equipment there. Details here.
- Strap on some snowshoes at a park. You can check out snowshoes at the Outdoor Campus, the Big Sioux Recreation Area and Good Earth State Park. Park entry fees are $8 a day. Find a park with rentals here.
- Hike through the winter weather. Good Earth State Park has group hikes on December 22 and January 1, and you can explore the park on your own for $8 a day. Details here.
- Try ice skating at a city park. There's six different outdoor rinks across the city, including Campus Park, Frank Olson Park, McKennan Park, Memorial Park, Sherman Park and Tuthill Park. The rinks should be open December 22 to February 20 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. Skate rentals range from $1 to $3. Details here.
- If you're looking for a free option, try sledding at Tuthill Park. It's open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
"There's always a ton of events going around in Sioux Falls, so winter is definitely a good time to get out," Barthel said.
What is there to do inside?
Here's a list of activities that will get you out of the house but also out of the cold:
- Find a new hobby, like yoga or pottery. There's a few different yoga studios around town like Ignite or Revolution, which offers drop-in prices at $16 a class (your first one is $6). The Washington Pavilion offers two-day clay workshops for $80, and you can find dates here.
- Catch a movie. The Polar Express is playing at the Washington Pavilion every weekend through December 31. Tickets are $7, and you can buy those here. The State Theatre is also showing some holiday favorites for $9.50 a ticket, and you can find movies and showtimes here.
- See some critters at the Butterfly House and Aquarium. They're open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and entry is between $10 and $14 (and free for kids under two). Details here.
- Take a class and learn something new from Plum's Cooking Company or the Museum of Visual Materials. Plum's offers cooking classes between $80 to $110 with some more expensive specialty classes. Here's a list of those classes. The Museum of Visual Materials offers art classes for all ages between Monday and Wednesday. A list of those classes is here.
- Wander a museum. The Washington Pavilion has different art and science exhibits from $11 to $15, and you can get half price tickets after 3 p.m. Exhibit info here. There's also free admission to the Old Courthouse Museum and the Pettigrew Home and Museum. Details for those here.
- Sing, dance and laugh at the Orpheum Theatre. A Christmas Carol, Newsical and more shows will be at the Orpheum this winter, along with a few comedians. A list of shows is here.
