Aug 8, 2025
Sioux Falls, South Dakota turned out to be a perfect family getaway, with just the right mix of animals, outdoor play, and natural beauty. This kid-friendly trip included visits to the Great Plains Zoo, Falls Park, the brand-new Jacobson Plaza, and a quick side trip to the stunning Palisades State Park. Here’s how we made the most of our time!
Great Plains Zoo – Family Fun and Animal Adventures
Our day started with animal fun at the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, one of the top family-friendly attractions in South Dakota. The zoo is the perfect size, small enough to explore in just a couple of hours, yet packed with fascinating animals and hands-on experiences that kept our kids engaged. We loved that the zoo included a splash pad, which was the perfect way to cool off on a hot day. Make sure to bring a change of clothes and a towel when you're finished, because your kids won’t want to skip it!
We also took the train ride around the zoo, and one of the most unique parts was when it stopped in front of the zoo’s veterinary hospital. There’s a giant viewing window where visitors can watch real animal exams in progress (if there is one in progress), which is such a cool experience for kids and adults alike. Our children loved the carousel near the splash pad, and we were impressed by how active and entertaining many of the animals were. One of our family favorites was a talking bird that kept saying “hello” and “hi” on repeat, to this day it is still something our kids bring up!
Falls Park – Iconic Views and Waterfall Exploration
https://www.siouxfalls.gov/fallspark
Next up was the most iconic spot in Sioux Falls, and it didn’t disappoint! Falls Park is a stunning Sioux Falls waterfall is right in the heart of the city and is one of the top family-friendly attractions in South Dakota. The park is scenic, peaceful, and full of energy at the same time, making it the perfect place for kids to explore, climb, and burn off some energy while parents enjoy the views. The massive waterfalls are surrounded by rock formations where you can safely walk and climb to get up close for the perfect photo opportunity.
There are several Falls Park viewing platforms that give you different perspectives of the waterfalls, including a five-story observation tower that give you the most beautiful view of the whole area. You’ll also find a large grassy space surrounding the falls, ideal for a family picnic, a relaxing afternoon, or simply soaking in one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Sioux Falls.
Jacobson Plaza – Sioux Falls’ Newest Playground & Splash Pad
https://www.siouxfalls.gov/parks
Right near Falls Park, Jacobson Plaza is home to Sioux Falls’ newest and most impressive playground, and it’s a must-visit for families! This massive 26,000-square-foot play space was designed to be inclusive for children of all ages and abilities. It’s colorful, spacious, easy to navigate, with unique equipment and play zones you won’t find at other playgrounds. Whether your kids love to climb, slide, or explore, there’s something here for everyone. Our children absolutely loved it and could’ve played there for hours!
Located next to the playground is a vibrant Sioux Falls splash pad, the perfect place to cool off after a busy morning of play. In the winter months, part of Jacobson Plaza transforms into a beautiful outdoor ice skating rink, making it a year-round family destination. The plaza is a beautiful space surrounded by plenty of shops, restaurants, and open green space, so you’ll never run out of family-friendly things to do in Sioux Falls.
Palisades State Park – Easy Hikes and Stunning Cliffs
https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/palisades-state-park/
One final stop in Sioux Falls was Palisades State Park. It is just about a 30 minute drive outside of town. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and a great way to balance out the busier stops with some nature. Driving into the park, it doesn't look like much, but once we parked and walked down a trail, we were surrounded by unique pink quartzite cliffs and rock formations. We love that there were many easy hiking trails and creek side spots for our kids to explore.
Split Rock Creek Trail and Balance Rock Trail were perfect for young kids. Balance Rock Trail took you along the river, while Split Rock Creek took you high above the water. Both trails were very simple and gave you beautiful views of the rock formations and river surrounding you.
Final Thoughts – Why Sioux Falls Is the Perfect Family Stop
Would we go again? Absolutely! Sioux Falls is a perfect 2 day stop before continuing on your South Dakota Adventures. We loved all the time we could enjoy outdoors viewing nature in all different ways. Each stop felt unique, and nothing was too far apart which is perfect for families with younger kids. We’d definitely return