'hood Magazine November/December 2023 by 'hood Magazine

‘hood NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

y a d i l HoGift Guide

Winter Boredom Busters

Give your child the freedom to dream with CollegeAccess 529 No gift is greater than an education. To learn how to start saving today visit www.collegeaccess529.com. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the CollegeAccess 529 plan before investing. This and other important information is in the Plan Disclosure Statement, available at www.CollegeAccess529.com. Read the Plan Disclosure Statement carefully before investing. Before investing, you should consider whether your state of residency, or your intended beneficiary’s state of residency, offers a state tax deduction or any other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in that state’s 529 savings program. The CollegeAccess 529 Plan is issued by the South Dakota Higher Education Savings Trust. The Program Manager and Underwriter for the CollegeAccess 529 Plan is VP Distributors, LLC, One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103, 800-243-4361. Certain of the investment management firms that manage underlying mutual Funds in the Program, including Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., are affiliated with the Program Manager. Only South Dakota residents and Account Owners who designate a South Dakota resident as Beneficiary can invest directly in the CollegeAccess 529 Plan. Certain Portfolios are not available to those who invest directly. Residents of states other than South Dakota can invest in the CollegeAccess 529 Plan only through a financial professional. Additional fees apply for investments made through a financial professional. Please see the Plan Disclosure Statement for details. State taxes may apply for residents of states other than South Dakota. Notice: CollegeAccess 529 Plan accounts are not insured by any state, and neither the principal deposited nor any investment return is guaranteed by any state.

One Team of Specialists. One Mission.

Your Child at the Center of it All.

At LifeScape, we believe that a team-approach is the best way to help your child reach their therapy goals. • Experience treatment by one of the largest pediatric interdisciplinary teams in the region. • Feel confident all of your child’s therapy and developmental concerns will be addressed.

Therapy

To Schedule an Appointment or to Learn More Call 605.444.9700

Please scan the QR code

for a list of school locations and visit opportunities.

DISCOVER

Catholic Schools NOVEMBER 12TH-18TH, 2023 bit.ly/discovercatholicschoolssf November/December 2023 | thehoodmagazine.com | 3

welcome

‘hood

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

President & Publisher

Happy Holidays

Steffanie Holtrop 605-366-1479 steff@thehoodmagazine.com

Editor Sarah Parker

Art & Design Director Ally Chase

It is hard to believe another holiday season is already here! Buying local is so important; our Holiday Gift Guide has made it easy for you this year! Check out all our Holiday Deals and Steals from local stores and attractions. If you love to give experiences, you will have lots of options to pick from this year! Did you know that Disney on Ice, Toughest Monster Trucks, and Blippi are all coming to Sioux Falls soon?! Keep an eye on ‘hood’s social media, as we will be giving away tickets to these shows! Do you have a favorite holiday tradition you do every year? One of my family favorites is to go see Santa at the mall and cut down our Christmas tree! We usually spend forever looking for the biggest tree we can find, only to realize it is too big to fit inside when we get home! You can find an article about a local family’s holiday tradition of visiting Nora Store in this issue. People come together in this old country store every year to sing Christmas carols. I grew up only 20 minutes from Nora Store in Alcester! Check out this hidden treasure on the prairie. Have a great Holiday Season!

Steff

Steffanie Holtrop Publisher

Digital Media Director Jaclyn Small

Client Relations Taryn Sietsema Shelbi Kielhold admin@thehoodmagazine.com

Calendar Jessie Paquette

Circulation Ben Graff and Laura Kattenberg

Contributing Photographers Solis Photography S. Kay Photography

Cover Photo

Solis Photography

Reproduction or use of the contents of this magazine is prohibited. ‘Hood Magazine is published 7 times a year by Hoodlum Productions, LLC and strives to publish only accurate information; however, Hoodlum Productions, LLC cannot be held responsible for consequences resulting from errors or omissions. All material in this magazine is the property of Hoodlum Productions, LLC and cannot be reproduced without permission of the publisher. ©2023 Hoodlum Productions, LLC All Rights Reserved.

2022

4 | November/December 2023 | thehoodmagazine.com

NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER

‘hood

2023

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

COVER STORY 15 Holiday Gift Guide

Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list with our Holiday Gift Guide!

29 Winter Boredom Busters

Find 45 activities to keep your kids entertained all winter long.

IN EVERY ISSUE

FEATURES

21 Ask the Expert

Dr. Ashley Gentrup Visions Eye Care + Therapy Center Amanda Klein Great Plains Zoo Adam Danielsen Eastway Bowl

IN THIS ISSUE

9 A Dog Friendly Thanksgiving 10 Preventing Holiday Burnout: A Recipe for a Joyful

Cozy Up To Reading Learn More About the Winter Reading Program! Brought to you by Siouxland Libraries

Season

12 Give Thanks By Giving Back

20 Nora Store Christmas: A Nostalgic Family Tradition 24 Top Sledding Hills:

Where to Go Sledding in the Sioux Falls Area

‘hood Online

50 Questions

To Ask at the Dinner Table Life gets so busy that we can easily forget to carve out intentional time with those we love most. Check out these 50 questions to ask at the dinner table that will get the conversation flowing! From funny, insightful, thoughtful, and just plain silly, these questions will spark conversations everyone will love.

Christmas Crafts to Give as Gifts Give a homemade gift this year! This online article gives you plenty of ideas for gifts that your kids can make. Make salt dough ornaments with little ones, or challenge your older kids to make bath bombs. A handmade gift is thoughtful and will never go out of style!

Looking for Santa?

Want to know where to find the jolly man in red?! Check out our online calendar! Type in “Santa” to see where you can find him around town this year. Our online calendar is full of fun events for your family to check out and enjoy.

Thank you Community Sponsors. Our community experts, bringing advice and tips to our ‘hood community.

5 Thanksgiving FACTS Spaghetti and Meatball Soup For more Halloween recipes & treats go to our digital issue &

CLICK HERE

The first Thanksgiving was in 1621 and lasted for

three days!

Thanksgiving Leaf Banner

Celebrate Thanksgiving all month long by making a Thanksgiving leaf banner! Take time each night to write down what your family is thankful for. This crafty banner will serve as a reminder all month long of your family’s blessings.

There is no record that turkey

was present on the first Thanksgiving, it may have been on the menu; but likely that seafood was the main dish.

The TV dinner was invented because of Thanksgiving. In 1953, a Swanson employee ac-

WATCHcidentally HERE ordered too much turkey—260 tons too much!

baby

‘hood

The frozen turkeys were taking up space in 10 refrigerated train cars when a company salesman suggested preparing and packaging the turkey with sides in compartmentalized aluminum trays. Swanson sold 5,000 TV dinners in 1953. The following year, they sold 10 million!

50 million pumpkin pies are eaten on Thanksgiving, even

though it’s typically not a family favorite. Actually pumpkin pie rates #4 on the favorite list behind apple, pecan and chocolate.

SAVE THE DATE

The largest pumpkin pie made weighed 3,699 pounds and was over 20 feet in diameter.

mortgage BY PLAINS COMMERCE BANK

Easy Cake Mix Cookies

This recipe could not be easier! With just three ingredients, you can have fresh cookies in no time. Try out any cake mix flavor you want in cookie form. This recipe is especially great to make with younger kids. Find it online at thehoodmagazine.com!

The holiday season is among us! Our ‘hood online community calendar is full of family fun, from musicals and concerts to seasonal entertainment and special weekend events. Scroll through all the events or head straight to the date you are looking for.

Here are some upcoming events we think you will love! Learn all about these events and more on the ‘hood online calendar. • Disney On Ice • Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland • 31st Annual Parade of Lights • The Lighting of Falls Park

Click “Add to Calendar” to save and sync an event to YOUR personal calendar!

8 | November/December 2023 | thehoodmagazine.com

A DOG FRIENDLY Thanksgiving Celebrating the holidays with family sometimes even including your four-legged friends. Your furry companion will love a taste of Thanksgiving, but you remember to only share foods that are safe for dogs. According to the American Kennel Club

1. Sweet potatoes are a great

source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Just remember not to give your pet sweet potatoes containing any added ingredients.

2. Potatoes. You get to enjoy both

kinds of potatoes, and your dog can have that option, too. However, give only boiled or baked potatoes with no butter, sour cream, salt, or pepper, and serve in moderation.

3. Turkey meat (no bones, no skin).

The main dish is okay to offer up in moderation but always avoid bones and the skin as the outer layer of the poultry is likely to have been prepared with butter, spices, or other fatty ingredients that could cause issues for your dog.

4. Pumpkin itself is a very healthy snack and helps with digestive health and it’s great for a dog’s skin and coat. If feeding canned pumpkin, make sure it’s just plain pumpkin and not the pre-spiced pie mix.

November/December 2023 | thehoodmagazine.com | 9

Preventing Holiday Burnout A Recipe for a Joyful Season

The holiday season, often called the “most wonderful time of the year,” can sometimes become a whirlwind of stress, exhaustion, and burnout. Between gift shopping, decorating, and school events, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. However, with a little planning and self-care, you can ensure that this holiday season is filled with joy and not dread.

Here are five tips to prevent burnout this holiday season! 1. Prioritize Self-Care: Remember to take care of yourself amidst the holiday hustle and bustle. Set aside time for relaxation, exercise, and activities you enjoy. A healthy mind and body are better able to handle stress.

2. Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid striving for perfection! Instead, set realistic expectations for yourself and others. It’s okay if everything isn’t flawless; what matters most is the time spent with loved ones!

10 | November/December 2023 | thehoodmagazine.com

3. Embrace Simplicity: Simplify your holiday traditions and decorations! A minimalist approach can be just as meaningful and less overwhelming. Choose quality over quantity and focus on what you truly love.

4. Learn to Say No: It’s okay to decline invitations or requests if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Prioritize what’s most important and honor those first. Saying no sometimes allows you to enjoy what you say yes to fully!

Empowering You on Your

Financial Journey

5. Make Relationships a Priority: The holidays are an excellent time to connect with loved ones. Prioritize quality time with family and friends over the perfect event or gift. Rekindle old friendships and strengthen existing bonds.

We asked Katie Woudstra, PsyD, of Sioux Falls Psychological Services, her advice on avoiding holiday burnout: “For many people, the holidays can be accompanied by stress, disappointment, and loneliness. If that is how you feel, I want to remind you that you are not alone and your emotions are valid. If you are struggling, I encourage you to set up an appointment with a therapist to process any emotions you might have and learn positive interventions that can truly make a difference.”

Remember that the holidays are a time to celebrate and spend with loved ones. By prioritizing self-care, setting realistic expectations, and embracing simplicity, you can prevent holiday burnout and savor the true magic of the season! l

www.voyagefcu.org Insured by NCUA

November/December 2023 | thehoodmagazine.com | 11

by The Helpline Center

by Giving Back The Helpline Center has served the Sioux Empire for almost 50 years, providing critical volunteer services to its citizens and agencies through its Volunteer Connections program. Volunteer Connections makes that link between community members who want to give back and the agencies that need volunteers. Do-It-Yourself Volunteer Projects are perfect for groups, families, and clubs to give back in a meaningful way. This is a great option to complete during a family gathering or on your own. You can choose from our list of 40+ project options at: helplinecenter.org/diy. Once completed, the projects can be dropped off or mailed to area nonprofits.

Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet new friends, develop new skills, and make a difference in your community. Whether it’s donating toys for kids or volunteering to serve a holiday meal, the Helpline Center can help you find a way to give back throughout the year. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, our DIY projects, or any of our other services, visit helplinecenter.org or call 211. l

Want to serve in person? Here are a few! Visit the helplinecenter.org for a full list of opportunities. • The Banquet • Feeding South Dakota • St. Francis House • Kids Against Hunger • Project Warm-Up • Bishop Dudley Hospitality House

12 | November/December 2023 | thehoodmagazine.com

Childcare Exceptional

Give a lasting gift for a special child:

Exceptional Preschool Education

Spots are open for Spring and Fall 2024. Schedule a guided tour today!

Call 605-231-5520

Pumpkin Create a special memory and keepsake this year. If you are gathering together with family and friends this Thanksgiving, consider starting a Grateful Pumpkin tradition. All you need is a pumpkin and black marker. Use an artificial pumpkin if it is something you plan to keep year after year. When your guests arrive, simply have them write something they are grateful for on the pumpkin.

> BETTER LEARNING

Love what you see.

the Grateful

Exceptional Childcare

77th & Lyncrest Avenue • Sioux Falls • creatorskids.com

th roug h v ision th e rapy

Is your child struggling at school? Visions Therapy Center can put learning back on track.

e? r o m t n a w

Find more holiday crafts & fun at thehoodmagazine.com

Search “thanksgiving”

THERAPY CENTER

6205 S. Minnesota Ave. (605) 271.7100

visions@sdvisions.com sdvisions.com

November/December 2023 | thehoodmagazine.com | 13

QUALITY

EDUCATION

for your preschooler

Our preschool room is one of the first steps in helping your child be prepared for kindergarten. We follow the South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines and we strive to offer the children creative and fun ways of learning. Stop in and check out our programs and teachers anytime! No appointment necessary.

OW ME TO APPLE TREE! FOLL 4 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS Apple Tree East 3309 E. 26th Street 605-339-9571

Apple Tree North 700 N. Sycamore 605-332-5581

14 | November/December 2023 | thehoodmagazine.com

Apple Tree Valhalla 4101 Valhalla Blvd. 605-361-7746

Apple Tree West 6400 W. 43rd Street 605-361-9875

y a d i l HoGift Guide Find something for everyone on your list this holiday season with our Holiday Gift Guide! Give the gift of memberships, classes, toys, and more from these local attractions and businesses. Support local while giving gifts that last all year! Make sure to follow their social media pages and websites to learn about great deals all season long.

1 Disney On Ice disneyonice.com/into-the-magic/siouxfalls-sd-denny-sanford-premier-center Ready for non-stop Disney fun? Experience the fantastic Disney adventures of Coco, Moana, Frozen, and more at Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic in Sioux Falls. Playing at the Denny Sanford Premier Center November 30-December 3. Book tickets today at DisneyOnIce.com.

2 605 Ninja 605ninja.com Give the gift of Ninja! Kids love our open gym passes where they can come play like a ninja warrior. See our website for all our Christmas specials, including discounted gym passes 3 for $33.

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

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SALE ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2023 Guaranteed lowest prices of the season. So don't wait! Purchase your passes and tickets now!

Purchase online at WildWaterWest.com or call 605-361-9313 Sale Sale price pricesinclude includesales salestax taxand and expire expire12/31/23. 12/31/21.

16 | November/December 2023 | thehoodmagazine.com

3 Wild Water West Waterpark wildwaterwest.com A season pass at Wild Water West is your ticket to fun all summer long! We offer two-season pass packages, which are on sale now for the lowest price of the season. This deal ends on December 31st, 2023!

4 Solis Photography solisphotoportraits.com

Our mini sessions will happen November 12-15, 2023, at our studio! Experience a different kind of Christmas Magic by capturing your kids making a mess in Santa’s Mailroom! Info in our Instagram!

5 Thunder Road thunderroadsiouxfalls.com Awesome food and the best entertainment in town! Great gifts, great parties, and the best place to make memories with friends and family. We have 2-Story Laser-tag, MiniBowling, Hyper-bowling, 7D theater, and Bumper Cars. Coming soon in December, enjoy Omni area virtual reality!

6 Children’s Museum of South Dakota prairieplay.org The gift of play lasts all year long! Give admission play passes or even a membership! Memberships offer unlimited free admission for a year plus a 10% discount in the gift shop, memberonly hours, and 2 guest passes for friends.

7 Great Shots greatshots.golf/product-category/ gift-card/

Great Shots gift cards make the perfect gifts! Gift cards can be used for golf, food, and beverages. Gift Cards can be purchased in person during operating hours or purchase online. For online orders, allow approximately 5-7 business days for delivery.

8 SafeSplash Sioux Falls safesplash.com/locations/sioux-falls-sd Know someone looking for a great kid’s gift idea? Suggest a swim lesson gift for a lifetime of water safety, adventure, and joy in and around water. Pass along this phone number (605) 271-1042, and we’ll take care of the rest.

November/December 2023 | thehoodmagazine.com | 17

The Country Orchard’s Holiday Light Show Countryappleorchard.com

Skate City skatecitysd.com Our Family Skate Christmas Party is Saturday, December 16th, 10am - 12pm! Santa is visiting Skate City, plus games, prizes, and tons of family fun! Get 25% off admission using code SANTASKATES23. Adults skate FREE with the purchase of a child’s admission.

Your family tradition starts here! With our massive holiday light display dancing to the merriest songs, it’s guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit! Get your ticket, fill the car, and head to the orchard! Three shows a night - Wednesday thru Sunday at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm. Check out page 14 for more details.

BUY A $20 FUNZONE CARD, GET A $20 FUNZONE CARD FREE! NO LIMIT! Don’t miss these great savings!

Must present this coupon. The $20 FunZone Card offer expires 10/31/23. Cards are only valid at the 2717 West 41st Street, Sioux Falls location. EACH FUNZONE CARD IS VALID FOR ONE YEAR FROM PURCHASE DATE. FunZone cards do not earn Ranch Rewards points.

Toughest Monster Truck Tour toughestmonstertrucks.com The Toughest Monster Truck Tour returns to Denny Sanford PREMIER Center January 19 & 20! Buy tickets Tuesday, November 21Monday, December 4. Enter GIVE23, and get $5 off select adult and child tickets (level 2 tickets) for Friday, January 19th.

SIOUX FAL

2717 WEST 41ST

271-864

Pizza Ranch pizzaranchorder.com This holiday season, give the gift of Everyone’s Favorite Buffet! Check out our ad on page 19 for deals on Pizza Ranch gift cards. Remember to check out our FunZone, where we take fun to a whole new level!

BUY BUY BUY TEN BUY TEN BUY TEN $5TEN $5 GIFT TEN $5 GIFT $5 GIFT $5 GIFT GIFT CERTIFICATES CERTIFICATES CERTIFICATES CERTIFICATES CERTIFICATES AND AND AND AND AND BUY A $20 FUNZONE GET GET GET TEN GET TEN GET TEN FREE! TEN FREE! TEN FREE! FREE! FREE! BUY BUY BUY TEN BUY TEN TEN $5 TEN $5 GIFT $5 GIFT $5 GIFT GIFT That’s That’s That’s $100 That’s $100 in That’s $100 Gift in$100 Gift in$100 Gift inA Gift in Gift CARD, GET $20 14 CERTIFICATES CERTIFICATES CERTIFICATES CERTIFICATES AND AND AND AND Certificates Certificates Certificates Certificates for Certificates for only for only $50! for only $50! for only $50! only $50!$50! 11 GET GET GET TEN GET TEN TEN FREE! TEN FREE! FREE! FREE!FREE! FUNZONE CARD Eastway Bowl Color Me Mine Sioux Falls Must present Mustthis present coupon. Mustthis present The coupon. Must $100 this present The for coupon. Must $50 $100 this present offer The for coupon. expires $50 $100 this offer The for coupon. 10/31/23. expires $50 $100 offer The for10/31/23. One expires $50 $100 $5 offer for card 10/31/23. One expires $50$5 offer card 10/31/23. One expires $5 card 10/31/23. One $5 card One $5 card valid per order valid per or one order valid $5per or card one order valid per $5buffet. per or card one order valid per Cards $5buffet. per or card one order are per Cards $5 only buffet. or card one valid are per Cards $5 only at buffet. card the valid are per 2717 Cards only at buffet. West the valid are 2717 Cards only at West the valid are 2717 only at West the valid 2717 at West the 2717 West

41st Street, 41st Sioux Street, Falls 41st Sioux location. Street, Falls 41st Sioux EACH location. Street, Falls 41st GIFT Sioux EACH location. Street, CERTIFICATE Falls GIFT Sioux EACH location. CERTIFICATE Falls GIFT IS VALID EACH location. CERTIFICATE GIFT IS FOR VALID EACH ONE CERTIFICATE GIFT IS FOR YEAR VALID ONE CERTIFICATE IS FOR YEAR VALID ONE IS FOR YEAR VALID ONE FOR YEAR ONE YEAR FROM PURCHASE FROM PURCHASE DATE. FROM Gift PURCHASE DATE. FROM Certificates Gift PURCHASE DATE. FROM Certificates do Gift not PURCHASE DATE. earn Certificates do Ranch Gift notDATE. earn Certificates Rewards do Ranch Gift not earn Certificates points. Rewards do Ranch not earn points. Rewards do Ranch not earn points. Rewards Ranch points. Rewards points.

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Must present this coupon. The $20 FunZone Card offer expires 10/31/23. 0KMU0105.indd 0KMU0105.indd 2 0KMU0105.indd 2 0KMU0105.indd 2 2 Cards are only valid at the 2717 West 41st Street, Sioux Falls location. EACH FUNZONE CARD IS VALID FOR ONE YEAR FROM PURCHASE DATE. FunZone cards do not earn Ranch Rewards points.

18 | November/December 2023 | thehoodmagazine.com

DOUBLE THE FUN Double the discounts!

BUY A $20 FUNZONE CARD, GET A $20 FUNZONE CARD FREE!

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Must present this coupon. The $20 FunZone Card offer expires 1/31/24. Cards are only valid at the 2717 West 41st Street, Sioux Falls location. EACH FUNZONE CARD IS VALID FOR ONE YEAR FROM PURCHASE DATE. FunZone cards do not earn Ranch Rewards points.

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BUY TEN $5 GIFT CERTIFICATES AND GET 10 FREE! That’s $100 in Gift Certificates for only $50! Must present this coupon. The $100 for $50 offer expires 1/31/24. One $5 card valid per order or one $5 card per buffet. Cards are only valid at the 2717 West 41st Street, Sioux Falls location. EACH GIFT CERTIFICATE IS VALID FOR ONE YEARFROM PURCHASE DATE. Gift Certificates do not earn Ranch Rewards points.

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SIOUX FALLS

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Must present this coupon. The $100 for $50 offer expires 10/31/23. One $5 card valid per order or one $5 card per buffet. Cards are only valid at the 2717 West 41st Street, Sioux Falls location. EACH GIFT CERTIFICATE IS VALID FOR ONE YEAR All Kinds DATE. of Delicious FROM PURCHASE Gift Certificates do not earn Ranch Rewards points.

PizzaRanchOrder.com

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Christmas :

: A Nostalgic Family Tradition Less than an hour from Sioux Falls, you can find what some have called the greatest hidden treasure of South Dakota. People gather every year to sing carols, eat cookies, and enjoy what feels very much like a step back in time. Nora Store was once an active general store dating back to the 1900’s. Now it’s home to Mike Pedersen, who for over 30 years has hosted Nora Store Christmas.

He keeps young children engaged with bells and Rudolph’s nose. He’s an amazing storyteller and entertainer.

Why would you encourage another family to attend Nora Store Christmas? This unique experience is the perfect opportunity to create lasting family memories. It’s also a great photo op! What are some of your other favorite holiday traditions? Our family enjoys driving around to look at lights, attending Christmas Eve Service at our church, and sharing a traditional holiday meal with our extended family. My favorite part is watching our girls’ excitement on Christmas morning. The Strom family has attended Nora Store for the last few years and it has become a Christmas tradition. They let us know why it’s a special place for their family!

First off, how would you describe Nora Store Christmas? Nora Store Christmas is a joyful celebration of Christmas on the prairie in an old general store. Singing carols around the large organ, eating cookies, and sipping hot chocolate near the old wood stove feels nostalgic and magical. Why is it part of your holiday traditions? We love the historic atmosphere of the old general store and the feel of stepping back in time. We also appreciate that Mr. Mike allows groups to schedule their own private Nora Store experiences. We’ve enjoyed attending with our homeschool co-op. What is your family’s favorite part of going to Nora Store? We love singing Christmas carols as Mr. Mike plays the organ.

Check out the Nora Store Christmas Facebook page for information about when they will be open this year! l

November/December 2023 | thehoodmagazine.com | 21

for

BEDTIME HABITS BETTER SLEEP From the experts at Sanford fit

Throughout childhood, children will spend about 40% of their time asleep. But what happens when children don’t sleep enough? They may have a harder time controlling their emotions and are more likely to have difficulty with impulse control, paying attention, and learning. Here are five tips to help build bedtime habits for better sleep. 1.

Make consistent sleep a family priority. Set regular bedtime and wake-up times for the entire family and be sure to follow them—even on weekends. Children who get enough sleep will fall asleep within 15 to 30 minutes of going to bed, wake up easily in the morning, and won’t fall asleep during the day. Limit screen time before bed. Having your children turn devices off an hour before bedtime will give their brains enough time to relax and prepare for sleep. Visual stimulation too close to sleeping can harm their quality of sleep. Create a healthy sleep environment. Make sure your child’s bedroom promotes sleep. Dark, quiet, and cool rooms are best. If your child likes to sleep with a personal object, like a doll or blanket, make sure they have it with them. Active during the day, sleep during the night. Making sure your child is physically active during the day is important in order to ensure your child is sleepy come nighttime. However, be sure to avoid too many activities close to bedtime since that could prevent them from falling asleep. Establish a bedtime routine together. As a family, create a visual bedtime routine chart to help your child see each step of their bedtime routine every night. Consistency in bedtime routines is a vital part of your child’s growth and development. Remember to be patient and don’t expect perfection right away. Things like unexpected company, illness, nightmares, etc. can interrupt bedtime routines. If your child gets out of a routine, it usually takes 2 to 3 nights to reestablish the routine.

Check out our Bedtime Routine printable to create your own visual bedtime routine chart.

Expert

Ask the

Do you have a question for a Sioux Empire expert? ‘hood will be inviting area experts to weigh in and answer various questions from our readers.

Visions Eye Care + Therapy Center Dr. Ashley Gentrup Developmental Optometrist

What is vision therapy? Vision therapy helps build visual skills that are underdeveloped and interfering with everyday life, outside of simply wearing glasses. When eyes cannot track properly, students lose their place often or skip words/letters when reading and may have sloppy handwriting. When they cannot team or focus properly, students experience tired eyes, headaches, and even double vision. Vision therapy is a program of specific exercises tailored for each student to improve how the eyes track, team, and focus to be able to perform better at school and in activities. Students of all ages can benefit from Vision Therapy!

6201 S. Minnesota Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57108 sdvisions.com 605-271-7100 visions@sdvisions.com

Eastway Bowl Adam Danielsen Pro Shop Operator

What is your favorite thing about bowling? Anyone can do it! Bowling is for everyone and anyone. No matter your age, height, or weight, bowling provides an activity or sport for everyone. For me, I enjoy improving my skills and abilities over time. As a recreation, it is a great environment to enjoy with family and friends. Rain or shine, you know you can always have a good time at the bowling center. As a sport, putting in the time and energy to sharpen my skills while competing against the best bowlers drives me more and more. I also find knocking down ten objects with my shiny new orb to be quite therapeutic!

3201 E 10th St Sioux Falls, SD 57103 eastwaybowl.com 605-336-0468 info@eastwaybowl.com

Great Plains Zoo Amanda Klein Africa Area Supervisor

Where do giraffes and rhinos go in the winter? Our animals stay at the zoo all year, but some move indoors. Giraffes live inside their specially designed-barn. During the cold months, they get extra enrichment and continue training to ensure they stay stimulated. Their barn has indoor viewing, and guests can see the giraffes every day. Rhinos go inside when temperatures drop below 35 degrees. You can see them all winter, though, in their indoor viewing area. We do their veterinary procedures and training sessions in view of the public during the winter, which is always cool to see. Mud is important for protecting rhino skin, so they get weekly indoor mud baths. Both rhinos and giraffes enjoy piles of snow as enrichment!

1805 S Kiwanis Sioux Falls, SD 57107 greatzoo.org 605-367-7003 contact@gpzoo.org

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Top Sledding Hills: Where To Go Sledding In the Sioux Falls Area

Embrace winter and one of the best parts of snow-sledding! Sledding has always been a favorite winter activity here in the Midwest. Use our list to explore some of the best sledding hills in and around Sioux Falls. Uncover hidden gems, revisit well-known favorites, and make lasting winter memories with your family.

Tuthill Park

Lions Centennial Park

A true Sioux Falls classic! This sledding hill is perfect for older children who won’t mind a longer climb up after a fast ride down.

This sledding hill is a great choice for younger children! It’s a shorter hill but still fun for the whole family.

Spellerberg Park

Terrace Park

Spellerberg Park (near Midco Aquatic Center) is an excellent pick for families to go sledding! Its open, wide hill makes this a popular spot for many locals.

This park is perfect for kids of all ages to sled at. Terrace Park has a few different hills to sled from, making it a great choice if you have kids of different sledding abilities.

Leaders Park

Kuehn Park

Leaders Park is a great place for a quiet hike in the summertime and has a great hill to sled in the wintertime.

While this park might not be well known for sledding, it’s just the right size for little kids! You can find an easy hill to enjoy a winter afternoon by the baseball fields.

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McHardy Park

Cone Park

Located in Brandon, McHardy Park has long been a local favorite for sledding! After sledding, enjoy a winter walk by the frozen creek.

In Sioux City, IA, you can find Cone Park! Your admission price for this paid hill includes a tubing hill, ice skating rink, outdoor fire pit, and loop trail.

Hillview Recreation Area

Your Local Park

Located in Hinton, IA, this sledding hill is well worth the drive! It’s well known for snow tubing. On the weekends, they rent out sledding tubes and tow rope for a nominal fee. During all other times, the hill is free (tubes not provided).

Keep in mind your local public park! Especially for young kids, a small hill is all you need!

Great Bear Ski Valley Great Bear’s Kirby Family Tubing Park has long been a favorite for winter tubing! This paid hill comes with the tube provided, along with no walk back up.

Remember to check park hours and regulations before hitting the sledding hills. Pack extra warm clothing, water, and snacks as well. Make safety a top priority and be courteous to others enjoying the outdoors. Embrace the winter fun and enjoy your time together with friends and family. l

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