Places to take your kids this summer in Sioux Falls for some family fun — indoors

Vanessa Carlson Bender, Sioux Falls Argus Leader
·10 min read

Summer is around the corner, which means kids will be out of school for roughly three months. And as temperatures warm, parents, grandparents and guardians alike may be wondering what activities to keep youths occupied instead of gaming and television.

South Dakota weather can be unpredictable, and summer days often shift between rainy days, thunderstorms and extreme heat and humidity.

But with one less indoor outlet for children to burn off some energy, with the sudden closure of Chuck E. Cheese about two weeks ago, it begs the question of what indoor activity options are still in the Sioux Falls area.

More: Chuck E. Cheese to close Sioux Falls location Saturday

So, we've compiled a list for you, where children of all ages can laugh and play during both spring and summer months as heat moves in (as well as for those inevitable colder months later in the year).

Have something to add? Email reporter Vanessa Bender at vbender@gannett.com.

Visitors experience archeology at the Washington Pavilion on Wednesday, May 29, in Sioux Falls.
Visitors experience archeology at the Washington Pavilion on Wednesday, May 29, in Sioux Falls.

Washington Pavilion

Art and Science Center

  • Where: 301 S Main Ave.

  • Cost: $15 for adults (18+); $13 for adults 65+; $12 ages 3-17; ages 0-2 years are free. At 3 p.m., museum admission is 50% off.

  • Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; Noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

  • Details: See eight different galleries at theVisual Arts Center;  A fun space for kids to let their artistic creativity flow; Raven Children’s Studio; More than 100 interactive science exhibits inside the Kirby Science Discovery Center. Snacks such as gourmet ice cream, popcorn, candy and beverages will be available for purchase at Parlour ice cream and concessions. Daily activity programs are updated online.

  • More info: Facebook page, online at washintonpavilion.org or call 605-367-6000

Mary W. Sommervold Hall

  • Where: 301 S Main Ave.

  • Cost: Seat prices range from $29 to $124 each. Order tickets online or purchase at the Box Office in the first-floor lobby.

  • Hours: Show dates and times vary. Check show information online.

  • Details: Catch a show in the 1,800-seat hall ranging from the musical “Shrek,” “Annie” and “The Addams Family” musical comedy.

  • More info: Facebook page, online at washintonpavilion.org or call 605-367-6000

Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium

  • Where: 301 S Main Ave.

  • Cost: $5, members are $4. You can purchase tickets online or at the Box Office in the first-floor lobby.

  • Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; Noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Spring hours?

  • Details: A variety of film showings are available at the Wells Fargo CineDome. Or come see one of the most advanced planetarium systems in the U.S. at the Sweetman Planetarium.

  • More info: Facebook page, online washintonpavilion.org or call 605-367-600

Midco Aquatic Center

  • Where: 1601 S Western Ave.

  • Cost: Active swim pass or daily admission rate of $5 (ages 0-2 are free)

  • Hours: 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; Noon-5 p.m. Sunday

  • Details: Take a dip at Sioux Falls’ first public indoor aquatic facility! Between the recreational, 50-meter and warm water pools, there’s something for everyone including water slides, lazy river, kids' interactive play feature with slides, water sprays and dumping bucket and more.

  • More info: Facebook page, siouxfalls.gov or call 605-367-7665

Arcade games fill the main floor at the new indoor entertainment center on Friday, August 7, at Thunder Road in Sioux Falls.
Arcade games fill the main floor at the new indoor entertainment center on Friday, August 7, at Thunder Road in Sioux Falls.

Thunder Road

  • Where: 201 N. Kiwanis Ave.

  • Cost: $7.50 per movie at 7D Theater; $7.75 per person for a single session of laser tag; $5.25 per ride for single or double riders; $10-$11 per adult and $5-%.50 per child 12 and under for bowling (shoe rentals are $3.25); $3.50 per game for mini bowling; (Omni Virtual Reality?)  Arcade Cash credits can also be used. Indoor packages are available here.

  • Hours: Noon-8 p.m. Sunday and Monday; Closed Tuesday; Noon-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

  • Details: 7D Theater, arcade, bumper cars, laser tag, hyper/traditional bowling, mini bowling and the new Omni Virtual Reality center where players wear a VR headset and use controllers to interact with the virtual world. If you need to refuel, the Rev It Up Grille has plenty of mouthwatering options. Note that their hours may differ from indoor activities.

  • More info: Facebook page, online at thunderroadsiouxfalls.com or call 605-334-4181

Roller skating at Skate City in Sioux Falls.
Roller skating at Skate City in Sioux Falls.

Skate City

  • Where: 2901 W. 3rd St.

  • Cost: $8 admission plus $3 skate rental. $10 admission at 8-10 p.m. $4 for each additional session

  • Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Monday; Closed Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday; Noon-10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. Be sure to check online if they are closed for private events. Summer hours will also change June-August.

  • Details: Indoor roller skating rink that offers a variety of skating events and engaging sessions.

  • More info: Facebook page, online at skatecitysd.com or call 605-332-7915

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Siouxland Libraries 

Butterflies flock to a feeder containing large pieces of fruit on Thursday, September 3, at the Butterfly House and Aquarium in Sioux Falls.
Butterflies flock to a feeder containing large pieces of fruit on Thursday, September 3, at the Butterfly House and Aquarium in Sioux Falls.

Butterfly House & Aquarium

  • Where: 4320 S. Oxbow Ave.

  • Cost: $14.75 for adults (18-59); $12.75 for adults 60+; $10.75 ages 2-17; ages 0-1 years are free. Learn about annual memberships here. Tickets can be purchased at the door upon arrival.

  • Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Sunday

  • Details: Visit South Dakota’s only saltwater aquarium and one of the few tropical butterfly houses nationwide open year-round! Before you go, note USDA APHIS regulations which include: No strollers, hats, large purses, backpacks, diaper bags or baby carriers, beverages besides water, outerwear like hoodies, jackets or cardigans and no food allowed in the butterfly house area. They can accommodate strollers and wheelchairs for required medical needs.

  • More info: Facebook page, online at butterflyhouseaquarium.org or call 605-334-9466

AirMadness Trampoline Park

  • Where: 310 W. Industrial Rd., Harrisburg

  • Cost: $17.50 for 60 minutes; $23 for 120 minutes; $27.25 for all day. Required Air Madness Jump Socks are $3.25 a pair. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online. Spectators are free of charge. Concession items are available for purchase.

  • Hours: 4-8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; Closed Monday and Tuesday

  • Details: Note that participants must sign a waiver beforehand. Whether you’re jumping on trampolines, foam pits or dunking baskets, there’s something for everyone. Check out other activities such as the Ninja Course, Zero Gravity Court, King of the Beam, Ultimate Dodgeball, gaming and virtual reality. There’s also a space for younger children and toddlers to play and jump safely.

  • More info: Facebook page, online at airmadness.com or call 605-767-1600

The Sensory Studio (formerly The Sandlot)

  • Where: 305 W. Willow St., Harrisburg

  • Cost: Single session prices - $10 for one child; $18 for 2 siblings; $24 for three siblings; $28 for four siblings. Double session prices - $15 for one child; $27 for two siblings; $36 for three siblings; $42 for four siblings. Each session is an hour and a half long. Other activities and events may have different pricing. Pre-registration is required. Private play dates for up to five children are $75 for one hour.

  • Hours: Varies based on classes and programs. Monthly schedules and event updates are available online. Saturday morning sessions are 8:30-10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.-noon. Sundays are by reservation only.

  • Details: Primarily for ages 2-6 years.Explore sensory learning with the indoor sandbox, small splash room and sensory gym. If you need a pick-me-up, Lava’s Coffee & Cafe is next door in the same building. Socks are required on matted areas which you can bring along or purchase for $2. Snacks are allowed in the designated area.

  • More info: Facebook page, online at thesensorystudiosd.com or call 605-370-0507

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Empire Bowl

  • Where: 3800 S. Westport Ave.

  • Cost: Monday-Sunday before 6 p.m. - Adults $4.25 per game; Kids under 18 are $4 per game. Monday-Sunday after 6 p.m. – Adults $5.25 per game; Kids $4.75 per game. Bumpers are $20 per hour per land before 6 p.m. and $25 per hour per lane. $3.25 for shoe rental. GreatLIFE members have various discounts.

  • Hours: Noon-8 p.m. Monday and Sunday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday; Noon-10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m.-Midnight Friday; Noon-Midnight Saturday. Cosmic Bowling is 10 p.m.-Midnight Friday and Saturday.

  • Details: Kids can bowl up to two games per day for free this summer starting May 15 by signing up online.Concessions are also available.

  • More info: Facebook page, online at empirebowlsd.com or call 605-361-6271

Sky Zone 

  • Where: 5129 S. Solberg Ave.

  • Cost: $18 for 60 minutes; $22 for 90 minutes; $25 for 120 minutes. Required SkySocks are $5 a pair. Purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time online, though online is recommended. Concession items are available for purchase at the Fuel Zone. Learn more about membership packages offered here.

  • Hours: 4-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; Noon-10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; Noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Check the schedule online for scheduled classes and event times.

  • Details: Note that participantsmust sign a waiver beforehand. Fly high with wall-to-wall trampoline courts, play basketball, soccer, volleyball or dodgeball on a springy, air-filled court, take your game to the next level with Ultimate Dodgeball or test your skills at the Warped Wall.

  • More info: Facebook page, online at skyzone.com or call 605-553-9910

Rainbow Play Midwest

  • Where: 2801 S. Carolyn Ave.

  • Cost: $8 per child (up to 12 years) for a two-hour play session. Kids under 12 months play for free.

  • Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Book a time slot online. Pay to Play punch cards and passes are also available.

  • Details: Note that participantsmust sign a waiver beforehand. Go to the park without having to go outside! Kids can play on the multiple playground equipment sets - swings, slides, climbing - all you would expect at a regular park.Shoes and socks must be worn at all times. Outside snacks are allowed and can be enjoyed in their designated eating area.

  • More info: Facebook page, online at rainbowplaymidwest.com or call 605-331-3663

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FunZone Arcade at Pizza Ranch

  • Where: Three locations: 2717 W. 41st St. / 3809 E. 10th St., Suite 100 / 801 E. Brian St., Tea

  • Cost: Prices vary based on preferred games. Mondays are half-price to play all your favorite games. Kiosks accept cash (no change), VISA and MasterCard. Player Cards are also available from the merchandise center and online. Buffet purchase is usually required for FunZone access. Call ahead or check online.

  • Hours:  W. 41st. St. - 10 a.m.-9 p.m.  / E. 10th St. - 10:45 a.m.-9:30 p.m. / Tea - 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

  • Details: Choose from a variety of high-energy games to play such as skeeball, racing games or basketball! You can even win fun prizes!

  • More info: W. 41st St. - Facebook, website or call 605-271-8646 / E. 10th St. - Facebook, website or call 605-275-9777 / Tea - Facebook, website or call 605-368-5588

Empire Mall

  • Where: 5000 W. Empire Mall

  • Cost: Free. Bring quarters for kiddie rides.

  • Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Noon-6 p.m. Sunday

  • Details: Tons of options for kids and adults alike! There is a kids' play area as well as various kiddie rides. Or just go mall walking! Grab a bite from a number of places including Red Robin, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Burger King, Boki Gelato Italian Artisan Ice Cream, Cinnabon, Culvers and more.

  • More info: Facebook page, online at simon.com/mall/the-empire-mall or call 605-361-3300

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Best indoor activities for kids and families in Sioux Falls