5 minute read
Savvy Family Fun
By Natalie Slieter
Savvy = having or showing perception, comprehension, or shrewdness, especially in practical matters. Finding fun fall activities to do with your family need not be expensive and you don’t need to travel far! There are countless opportunities in and around the Sioux Falls area that will excite and entertain the entire family on a savvy budget.
Staying active in the colder months can be difficult, especially living in South Dakota. However, for those wanting to enjoy the outdoors while keeping costs relatively low, taking on the challenge of a corn maze is a great option. There are corn mazes at Jellystone Park in Sioux Falls and the Heartland Country Corn Maze in Harrisburg. Both mazes are open through late October.
The Fall Festival at the Country Apple Orchard in Harrisburg is also a super family excursion. Along with another corn maze to explore, they also have giant jumping pillows, zip lines, a giant hay bale maze, kiddie train rides, a petting zoo, corn pit, apple cannon range, live music, and more. If you’re not interested in the Fall Festival, you can always just visit the apple orchard to pick apples and pumpkins as a family. You can visit the Country Apple Orchard and Fall Festival every weekend from September through October.
There are also incredibly amazing views to seek out and appreciate on hiking trails throughout the Sioux Empire. Take the family to Good Earth State Park, Newton Hills State Park, Beaver Creek Nature Area, or Great Bear Recreation Park for fresh air, exercise, and beautiful scenery. Within the city limits of Sioux Falls, your family can spend an entire day visiting the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History. It is open year-round and provides the opportunity to see and learn about both living and mounted animals from anteaters to zebras from around the world.
If you’re hoping to stay indoors and get some holiday shopping done, Junkin’ Market Days is the event for your family. Founded in 2021, Junkin’ Market Days is a new shopping market for Sioux Falls happening on October 21-22 at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds Expo Building. There will be a number of vendors selling repurposed, rustic, shabby chic, farmhouse, vintage, and one-of-a-kind finds. Attendees can purchase a variety of products, including jewelry, home décor, furniture, gourmet foods, and so much more.
Family activities at zero cost are as close as stepping outside your front door. Play basketball in the driveway or any sport your family loves to play together. Take advantage of our beautiful fall and rake the leaves into a big pile and take turns jumping in. If there’s snow on the ground, make snowmen or find a nearby hill to go sledding.
Fall activities to do as a family just require a little savvy creativity and planning - then jump into the season and have fun! n
MEADOW BARN
YOUR WEDDING WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH
For engaged couples looking to tie the knot in the next year or two, booking the venue is one of the most important tasks to check off the list. Two locations couples should definitely consider are The Meadow Barn and The Veranda by Meadow Barn, located right in the Country Apple Orchards in Harrisburg, South Dakota.
In 2016, Greg and Katie Jones opened The Meadow Barn after noticing the lack of unique wedding venues in the area. Together, the Jones’ have over 30 years of experience in special events and hospitality.
Katie says, “What is special about The Meadow Barn – besides the location and all-inclusive amenities – is the fact that it’s a family-run business.” “This is what supports my family,” Katie said. “It’s important for us to provide a beautiful venue for every wedding and a great experience for every guest.” The Meadow Barn is right in the Country Apple Orchards, which Katie says offers unlimited photo opportunities and is something many wedding photographers have complimented them on. The venue is private, provides plenty of space for the bridal party to get ready and relax, and once the party starts, a full service bar is available for the reception. The bride and groom are also able to choose their own vendors, which Katie shares is a big plus if you have specific vendors in mind when planning for the big day.
In 2019, the Jones unveiled another beautiful venue option called The Veranda, located right next to The Meadow Barn. The Veranda is also a barn, but a slightly different style. It’s also a bit smaller, offering a more intimate setting.
through October, with booking season usually happening December through February. There are still some great 2023 dates available and The Meadow Barn and The Veranda are already booking for 2024. For couples that are interested, they can get a private tour of the venues and determine if it will be the right fit for their special day. A big plus when choosing The Meadow Barn or The Veranda is the high level of customer service the Jones’ provide. Katie says her husband is on the properties maintaining the facilities and any couple that books one of their venues will personally work with the Jones to get every detail ironed out before their wedding. “Leading up to the big day, you’re getting that personal touch from us,” Katie said. “We take a lot of pride in what we do.”
