‘hood
SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE
40 Winter Boredom Busters
Embracing Holiday Travel with Kids
40 Winter Boredom Busters
Embracing Holiday Travel with Kids
No gift is greater than an education.
To learn how to start saving today visit www.collegeaccess529.com. Give your
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.
“I get to come to work every day and help kids learn how to play and move more independently. And how fun is that? And I love the variety of the job that I can work with patients of all di erent functional levels. I get to meet so many di erent patients and be a part of their journey towards improved mobility, ability to play, and independence in life.”
Pam, LifeScape PT
Buying local is more important than ever, and our Holiday Gifting Local makes it a breeze this year! Unwrap all the best holiday gift ideas from local shops and attractions. For those who love gifting experiences, you’ll have a sleighful of options to choose from! Did you know that Disney on Ice and the Toughest Monster Truck Tour are both rolling into Sioux Falls soon? Keep your eye on ‘hood’s social media—because we’re spreading cheer with ticket giveaways to these exciting shows!
We know how challenging it can be to keep the kids entertained during the winter months. That’s why we’ve put together our Winter Boredom Busters Guide, filled with boredom-busting ideas that’ll keep everyone busy throughout the season. You’ll find it on page 23 and online all winter long. We have ideas perfect for cozy days inside or snowy adventures outside!
And let’s give a huge round of applause to local supermom Hannah! She managed to travel across the country with her two little ones—without using any screen time! She’s officially our new hero. Be sure to check out her story and discover her amazing tips for family travel with minimal or no screen time. Her story is so encouraging for those of us planning holiday travel!
Have a Great Holiday Season!
Steffanie Holtrop Publisher
President
Steffanie Holtrop
605-366-1479 steff@thehoodmagazine.com
Editor
Calendar Jessie Paquette
Circulation
Ben Graff and Laura Kattenberg
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.
©2024 Hoodlum Productions, LLC All Rights Reserved.
Are you looking for Santa in the Sioux Falls Area? Go online to search our calendar, which is full of holiday events, to find out where the jolly man will be this year.
Celebrating New Year’s with kids at home can still be so much fun! Go online to check out our ideas for celebrating the New Year at home with your kids. Have a blast, and stay in this year with those you love most!
Dive into the holiday season with some classic Sioux Falls Holiday Fun! Enjoy everything Sioux Falls offers families during the most wonderful time of the year. From walking around the Winter Wonderland at Falls Park to the beautiful sounds you can hear during Christmas at the Cathedral, we let you know how to make the most of the Holidays in Sioux Falls.
Many of us can feel overwhelmed by everything there is to do each day, especially during the holidays. Finding quality time daily to connect with our kids amidst school, sports, family commitments, and work can sometimes seem complicated. Check out 5 simple ways that you can guarantee time to connect with your child each day.
This easy recipe is full of warm holiday flavor! These simple pumpkin spice muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a special after-school treat. Fill your kitchen with the delicious smells and flavors of the season!
SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE
The Sioux Falls Area is full of fun family events! Check out some of our favorite upcoming events below. For a complete list of area events, check out our online Calendar!
20 Winter Class Registration Opens The Outdoor Campus
Winter is almost here, and we’re excited to invite you to all the fun, FREE winter programming opportunities. From cross-country skiing to ice fishing, there is a class that is right for your family!
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Winter Wonderland Opening Day, Falls Park
Dive into the holiday season with a walk through the Winter Wonderland at Falls Park! The dazzling lights are on from 6 pm-midnight every night from November 22nd - January 5th.
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Turkey Trail Run 5K, Pasley Park
Start your Thanksgiving festivities early with a Turkey Trail run or walk! Enjoy the beautiful trails of Pasley Park, and keep your eye out for a hidden turkey. Registration is required.
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Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party
Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
Join Mickey and Friends on the hunt for Tinker Bell! Experience the magic in different Disney stories, all while being amazed by incredible ice skating, acrobatics, and stunts.
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Family NYE Party Skate City
Experience the fun of New Years Eve without staying up late! This event is great for the whole family. Party Favors, Door Prizes, and a Balloon Drop Full of Prizes.
The holiday season is a magical time for families, filled with loved traditions, cozy moments, and exciting activities! Whether it’s decorating cookies, building snowmen, or sipping hot cocoa by the tree, this time of year brings joy to both young and old.
We asked our cover stars to share with us their holiday favorites and what they love about the holidays in Sioux Falls!
Name: Niko Age: 5
Favorite Things About the Holidays:
I love presents! My elf, Kobe, comes before Christmas and does funny things around my house that make me laugh. I also love spending time with my cousins and throwing snowballs.
Favorite Holiday Food: Cookies!
Favorite Things to do Locally: I like the Parade of Lights and going to the Winter Wonderland at Falls Park with my Mom and Dad. I like to sled and play in the snow too.
Name: Nia Age: 11
Favorite Things About the Holidays:
I love making treats. The sugar cookies are my favorite because I like to decorate them. I also like to decorate the house for Christmas. I always help put all the ornaments in the tree.
Favorite Holiday Food: I like the ham and all the desserts.
Favorite Things to do Locally: I love going to Falls Park and looking at the Christmas lights. My family always drives around town to look at all the Christmas lights. I also love to go sledding or tubing at Great Bear.
Looking for classic winter fun for your family? Check out the top sledding hills in the area!
Tuthill Park
Find this huge hill starting in Upper Tuthill Park. Best for older kids.
Spellerberg Park
Next to Midco Aquatic Center, this hill is a great choice for families.
Leaders Park
This lesser-known hill is perfect for an afternoon of fun.
Lions Centennial Park
This park has a smaller hill that is perfect for younger children.
Terrace Park
A great choice for families, due to the longer/shorter options down the hill.
Kuehn Park
Enjoy an easy hill for the youngest sledders.
McHardy Park (Brandon, SD)
A local favorite, this is the perfect park for a day of sledding.
Hillview Recreation Area (Hinton, IA)
This hill is known for snow tubing!
Great Bear Ski Valley
The Kirby Family Tubing Park has long been a favorite for winter tubing!
Cone Park (Sioux City, IA)
Enjoy a tubing hill, ice skating rink, and trails.
Discounted party packages? Free treats? Exclusive coupons? The ‘hood Birthday Club is like no other for our Sioux Empire families. It’s not too late to sign up to join. Scan QR code to sign your child(ren) up today!
Scan the QR code to find all the holiday events happening in our area.
Shop locally this year with our Holiday Gifting Local! Find the perfect gift from these local businesses and attractions for everyone on your list. Give the gift of memberships, classes, experiences, and more while you support our local communities. Make sure to follow their social media pages and websites to learn about great deals all season long.
1 Toughest Monster Truck Tour toughestmonstertrucks.com/event/ sioux-falls-sd-2
The Toughest Monster Truck Tour returns this January with all your favorite trucks, freestyle motocross, and a BRAND-NEW TRUCK! Grab a pit pass to walk the track and take photos & more during the Pit Party before each show.
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Flourish Wellness & Birth Co flourishbirthco.com
$75 Ear Piercings! Flourish offers medical-grade ear piercings for anyone 6 months+. Book online with code HOOD in the appointment note, or call us and mention this ad to secure your savings! Gift cards are available for purchase in the clinic.
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Great Shots greatshots.golf 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 purchased online. For online orders, allow approximately 5-7 business days for delivery.
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Color Me Mine siouxfalls.colormemine.com
Looking for that perfect gift? Pick up one of our Gift Cards and Gift an Experience! Watch our social media for a Black Friday Special and other holiday ideas!
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Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium greatzoo.org
Gift a Monarch membership this holiday season! Access Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium - plus events, and discounts on retail items and zoo concessions. For a limited time, get free ZooBucks with your new or renewed membership!
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The Country Apple Orchard countryappleorchard.com
Your family tradition starts here! Our massive holiday light show, dancing to the merriest songs, guarantees to put you in the holiday spirit! Get your ticket, pack the car, and head to the orchard. Three shows, Wednesday - Sunday, 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm!
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Children’s Museum of South Dakota prairieplay.org
The gift of play lasts all year long! Give play passes or a membership. You’ll make memories that last a lifetime. From the hustle and bustle of KidStreet to the 2-story Cloud Climber, there’s something for everyone. Even Tyrannosaurus rexes!
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Pizza Ranch & Fun Zone Arcade pizzaranch.com
This holiday season, give the gift of Everyone’s Favorite Buffet! Look online for deals on Pizza Ranch gift cards. Remember to check out our FunZone, where we take fun to a whole new level!
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Siouxland Libraries siouxlandlib.org
A library card is a gift that keeps on giving! Siouxland Libraries connects you to many free experiences you can share with your loved ones this season. Discover books, movies, board games, and toys with your library card.
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
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. Come enjoy Omni Arena virtual reality!
Solis Photography solisphotoportraits.com
Our mini sessions will happen November 22-24, 2024, at our studio! Experience a different kind of Christmas Magic by capturing your kids searching the sky for Santa! Info on our Instagram!
Holidays are
Galaxy Gaming thegalaxygaming.com
This holiday season, surprise your loved ones with a gift they’ll never forget!
by Sarah Parker
As the holiday season approaches, families everywhere are preparing to pack their bags and hit the road to visit loved ones. But for many parents, the thought of traveling with kids—especially during holidays—can be overwhelming.
Hannah, a busy mom of two young boys, has plenty of experience traveling with younger children. This last summer, their family went on a 30-hour road trip! She shares her experience and tips on how to make holiday travel not only manageable but memorable.
For Hannah and Travis, the holidays usually mean traveling. “One of the ways we got our boys to be
good-natured travelers was simply by doing it frequently. Just like anything else, practice helps,” Hannah shares. In today’s world, it’s easy to always be entertained. Hannah knows that learning how to handle being bored is an important skill for her boys to learn. Plus, “If you want to travel with kids, you have to travel with kids.”
Of course, traveling with little ones isn’t always picturesque. Hannah admits that certain aspects can be tough, such as diaper changes in less-than-ideal spots, finding healthy places to eat, and frequent
stops. “While frequent stops can be frustrating, it’s actually a beautiful opportunity to slow down,” Hannah shares. “We drove through Michigan this summer and were so close to our cabin, but could tell the kids were nearing a meltdown. We ended up stopping at a roadside park with the most beautiful beach and seeing our kids’ reactions to Lake Michigan was one of the highlights of our trip!” These unplanned moments are often the most special.
On their recent 30-hour road trip, they managed to travel with no screen time, a feat many parents might find unimaginable. Her secret? A lot of preparation and a lot of snacks! She packs a bag of diverse toys to keep up front, which she slowly passes out during the drive so they always have a new toy to play with. “When I think I’ve packed enough snacks, I double it!” she jokes.
They packed the iPad for their road trip, fully expecting to use it. “We wanted to see how far we could go before offering it to our 4-year-old. We were so glad we put in the extra effort to encourage them to find creative ways to stay busy,” Hannah shares.
Hannah suggests keeping things simple for parents who are hesitant about traveling with their younger kids. “Set your expectations low,” she advises. “If you expect a loud, restless, and frequently interrupted trip, then the worst thing that happens is your expectations are met. The best thing that can happen is you will be pleasantly surprised!”
One of her go-to strategies is to have a variety of playlists ready for different moods and moments. “We have a playlist of Theo’s favorites, a nursery rhyme playlist for Izzy, and a “calm baby” playlist for when they start to get grumpy and could use something soothing.” Music can make even the longest stretches of highway more bearable.
Above all, Hannah swears by snacks. “Pack ALL the snacks! It is amazing how many emotional hardships kids can get over when offered an interesting snack.”
For Hannah, one of the sweetest perks of traveling with her kids is seeing the world through their eyes. “We travel so much that our four-year-old LOVES gas stations. He thinks they are such a treat. Kids always find joy in the ordinary if we give them the opportunity!”
Hannah’s advice for families hitting the road this holiday season is simple: embrace the adventure, expect a little chaos, and make room for spontaneous moments that turn a trip into a memory. l
From the experts at Sanford fit
Want to teach kids about healthy eating?
Cooking together is one fun way to get them excited about nutritious food. These Apple Nachos are a fun snack to make together that are packed with nutrition and the perfect amount of sweetness.
• Apples: Apples are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Peanut Butter: Peanut butter offers protein and healthy fats.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon has antioxidant properties
• Shredded Coconut: Shredded coconut is high in dietary fiber, provides healthy fats, and contains minerals.
• Apples, sliced
• Peanut butter, melted
• Chocolate chips
• Shredded coconut
• Cinnamon Instructions:
1. Slice apples and arrange them on a plate.
2. Drizzle the apple slices with melted peanut butter.
3. Sprinkle apple slices with chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and cinnamon.
4. Serve and enjoy!
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.
Patty Solis Owner
What questions should I ask when hiring a family photographer?
Ask about their experience with family sessions, especially if you have young children. Request to see a portfolio to ensure their style matches your vision. Inquire about their process for helping families feel comfortable, which is key for natural, candid shots. Ask about locations and backup plans in case of bad weather —do they offer studio, outdoor, or in-home sessions?
Discuss the pricing, including what’s in the package (editing, digital files, or prints). Clarify the turnaround time for receiving the final images. Ask about their availability, particularly if you’re aiming for a specific date or season. Overall, be sure they are a legal business so you are covered. Happy session!
600 S Westport Ave Suite 103
Sioux Falls, SD 57106 solisphotoportraits.com
605-413-0135 hello@solisphoto.com
ChrissieYoung Director
How do I support my kids in being safe online?
Keeping your children safe online can feel daunting. Some simple tips can help you begin the process of setting guidelines, having safety barriers, and creating open communication about device usage.
• Remind your children that rules are to protect, not control.
• Monitor your child’s online activities: what apps they use, games they play, or sites they visit.
• Review privacy settings for the devices, apps, and sites they use.
• Set clear boundaries about sharing pictures and information online.
• Enforce your consequences.
• Remind your child that you’re there to help.
Access parent resources, including conversation guides, platform details, and more at SDCPCM.com.
4801 N Career Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57107
SDCPCM.com 605-357-1392 cpcm@usd.edu
Travis Ball Vice President
Why is my furnace blowing cold air?
Your furnace might blow cold air for a few reasons.
• Check to see that the thermostat is set to “Heat” and not “Cool” and that the fan is set to “Auto.”
• If those settings look good, the issue could be with a clogged air filter restricting airflow, or the ignition system may be faulty.
• Sometimes, a dirty flame sensor can cause the furnace to not start properly and shut the furnace off before completing the heating cycle.
If troubleshooting these items doesn’t help, it’s best to contact a professional technician at Foley’s Heating & AC Inc. to inspect the system and restore your system to proper heating operation safely and efficiently.
PO Box 1834
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
foleysheating.com
605-940-8283
travis@foleysheating.com
Let’s Be Clear: 8% of South Dakota students have used an illicit substance before the age of 13.
Source: https://doh.sd.gov/health-data-reports
Ready or not – winter is here! With that comes colder weather pushing us inside. Winter sometimes leaves us feeling uninspired, but we are here to help. Our Winter Boredom Busters list is full of fun ideas to kick that boredom away!
GFP Outdoor Campus Sioux Falls gfp.sd.gov/toc-east
Join us this winter for a variety of FREE outdoor programming! From hunting and ice fishing to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, The Campus has a class for you and your family! Winter registration opens November 20th at 8 am and stays open until classes are full. Get connected to the Outdoors!
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Attend a Virtual Concert. Many artists have concerts you can watch from home! Make it a party with themed outfits and snacks.
Build a Snow Fort: Gather the family to construct an epic snow fort in the yard. Don’t forget to stock it with snowball supplies for a friendly snowball fight!
Children’s Museum of South Dakota prairieplay.org
Greet a life-size T. rex and climb the clouds. Splash in water and create some art! This is a sample of the hands-on activities ready to spark your imagination 50 miles north of Sioux Falls in Brookings. Did someone say ROAD TRIP? Play along with us!
Bake Holiday Cookies. Warm up the kitchen by baking a batch of cookies. Make it extra easy with our Cake Mix Cookie Recipe! Find it online at thehoodmagazine.com
Board Game Tournament. Pick out a few family board games and have a day-long tournament, complete with a winner’s prize.
Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium greatzoo.org
Hot Chocolate Bar. Get cozy by making hot chocolate from scratch, adding marshmallows, whipped cream, and fun toppings.
Go wild this winter at the Great Plains Zoo and the Butterfly House & Aquarium - open 361 days a year! With a Monarch membership, you can watch the animals play in the snow at the zoo, and then warm up at BHA among tropical plants, butterflies, and diverse aquatic habitats. 5 6 7 8 9 10
Indoor Scavenger Hunt. Create an indoor scavenger hunt with hidden objects around the house. This activity is perfect for a bad weather day.
Sioux Falls Skyforce sfskyforce.com/tickets
Turn up the HEAT this winter with the Sioux Falls Skyforce! With tickets starting as low as $10, you can enjoy thrilling, high-level basketball and exciting entertainment at every game. Don’t miss out on the fun—create lasting memories together while cheering on the Force!
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Dive Into Reading. Get cozy with a new book! Create your own family reading challenge with prizes.
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605 Ninja is a fabulous place to come and burn off some energy! We offer Ninja, Parkour, & Aerial Silk Classes. Open Gyms, Camps, Kids Night Out Events and more!
Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation
siouxfalls.gov/guide
Embrace winter with recreational opportunities from Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation. Register for scheduled programs, or enjoy ice skating, sledding, ice fishing, and more in the City’s more than 80 parks.
Go Sledding. Bundle up and find a local hill to sled down! Check out our Local Sledding Guide online for help finding the perfect hill.
Color Me Mine
siouxfalls.colormemine.com
Are you looking for something fun to do? Come to the studio and get creative with us! We love to paint with all ages, and we have hundreds of items to choose from.
Craft Paper Snowflakes. Decorate the house by cutting out intricate paper snowflakes and hanging them in windows for a wintery feel inside.
Great Shots greatshots.golf
Great Shots is year-round Next Level Entertainment. Heated golf bays provide shelter from the weather, and our full-service restaurant is a great gathering place for friends and family. Great Shots golf leagues are open to all-ages and provide the perfect opportunity to stay at the top of your game.
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Make Snow Ice Cream. Grab a clean bowl of fresh snow, then mix in some condensed milk and vanilla extract for a simple and sweet treat.
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Family Puzzle Time. Get a big puzzle, lay it out on the table, and work on it together as a relaxing and quiet winter activity.
Family Talent Show. Host a family talent show in your living room. Let each family member show off their unique skills.
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Sky Zone skyzone.com/siouxfalls
The trampoline park is a fantastic spot for young explorers! Our parks are full of one-of-a-kind attractions designed to push your limits, allow you to fly higher, laugh harder and have tons of fun. With the widest selection of activities around, Sky Zone is sure to have something for everyone.
Have a Pajama Day. Declare a full-on pajama day, complete with breakfast in bed, games, movies, and lots of cozy snuggles.
22 BritZa Performing Arts Studio britzaperformingarts.com
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Warm up this winter and join us for a season of growth, expression, and creativity at BritZa Performing Arts Studio. Explore our new Fine Arts Club program for 3-5 year olds, as well as dance, acting, and singing classes for all ages.
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Go Ice Skating. Enjoy a family ice skating outing on a nice winter day. Sioux Falls Parks and Rec has several rinks in Sioux Falls.
DIY Bird Feeders. Create bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed, then hang them outside and watch for feathered friends.
EmBe embe.org
Ready for some winter fun? EmBe has you covered! Join our exciting youth camps, rent our facilities for unforgettable birthday parties, and enjoy family swim time on the weekends in our indoor heated pool downtown. For all the details, visit our website and follow us on social media!
Dance Party. Have a classic dance party in your living room. Play your family’s favorite songs and have everyone wear their best dance outfits.
Make Gingerbread Houses. Use graham crackers, icing, and candy to create mini gingerbread houses. Challenge your family to get creative!
Gymnastics Academy wingsgym.com Bored? Never at Wings! Wings Gymnastics has the perfect cure for cabin fever! More than just Gymnastics, from weekly open gym hours to Nerf nights, glow parties, holiday activities, and themed day camps - there’s fun for every age. Beat winter boredom at Wings!
Snowshoeing Adventure. Bundle up for a walk through the snow! Check out snowshoes from The Outdoor Campus if you don’t own any.
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Skate City skatecitysd.com/skating-programs
Join a class this winter! Learn the basics of skating with 45-minute instructorled lessons for 4 weeks on Saturday Mornings. Classes start on Jan 11th, Feb 15th, Mar 22nd, and April 26th. Plus, enjoy 2-hours of practice time after class! Rental is Included.
Thunder Road thunderroadsiouxfalls.com
Break out of the cold and into 30,000 feet of amazing arcade & VR games, Hyper-bowling, 2-Story Laser-Tag, Mini-Bowling, 7D theater, & More! Satisfy your appetite at Rev It Up Grille for awesome eats, desserts, and adult drinks! We host awesome parties as well. Next spring, enjoy Go-Karts, Euro-Bungy, MiniGolf, and more!
Homemade Pizza Night. Get the whole family involved in making dough and picking fun pizza toppings for a warm and delicious meal.
You’ll have so much fun at the Washington Pavilion during the holidays! The Kirby Science Discovery Center and the Visual Arts Center offer interactive and amazing activities for all ages. Experience delightful holiday movies and stunning cosmic cinema at the Wells Fargo CineDome and Sweetman Planetarium. 36 37 38
Go Stargazing. On a clear, cold night, bundle up and head outside to look at the stars. Borrow a book about constellations from the library.
Bake Cinnamon Rolls. Fill the house with the smell of homemade cinnamon rolls! Make a cold morning or a snow day more delicious.
Washington Pavilion
washingtonpavilion.org