What to Do in Sioux Falls While You’re There for a Tournament

If your family is going to Sioux Falls for a youth sports tournament and you’re wondering what there is to do before or after the games, look no further because we have you covered.

Sioux Falls is filled with an abundance of activities that offer a lot of bang for your buck, including many attractions and activities that are free! Here are just a few things to consider during your stay.

Thunder Road

An entertainment mecca for both kids and adults, Thunder Road offers year-round fun with outdoor and indoor activities. Take your pick of go-karts, mini golf, Euro bungy, laser tag, bowling, 7D theater, and much more!

Washington Pavilion

Like Thunder Road, the Washington Pavilion is also home to many different activities. Catch a performance on stage, immerse yourself in the Sweetman Planetarium where you’ll learn about space while being surrounded by stunning visuals, admire the many art galleries, or let the kids explore hands-on activities in the Kirby Science Discovery Center.

Falls Park

You can’t leave Sioux Falls without stopping at the city’s namesake, Falls Park! See the water from the Big Sioux River plunge over the pink quartzite rocks from one of the many viewing areas, including from the top of the five-story observation tower with Downtown Sioux Falls as the backdrop. Best of all, the park is free to enter!

Great Shots

Take a swing at Great Shots. Whether you’re an experienced golfer looking to hone in on your craft or you’re a rookie, Great Shots is designed to accommodate all levels of play with games that even the playing field for everyone.

Wild Water West Waterpark

If you find yourself in Sioux Falls during those hot summer days, cool off at Wild Water West Waterpark. Feel the thrill as you race down one of the many water slides, or enjoy a relaxing float on the Lazy River; whatever your vibe is, there’s an activity for you. Plus, don’t miss the wave pool!

Great Plains Zoo

Spot some of your favorite animals at the Great Plains Zoo like bears, giraffes, monkeys, penguins, rhinos, tigers, flamingos, zebras. We can keep going, but you get the picture. Lions are also returning to the Great Plains Zoo in Summer 2024!

Palisades State Park

If time allows, take the short drive to the outskirts of the city for a visit to Palisades State Park to see stunning rock formations amidst an unexpected landscape. There’s so much to explore here with photo ops all over the place.

Where to Eat

Of course you’re going to need some recommendations for places to eat, right?! Start your day at one of these breakfast spots. Enjoy lunch or dinner at our many diverse restaurant options, and satisfy your sweet tooth at places like CH Patisserie, Oh My Cupcakes!, and Stensland Family Farms ice cream store. Get a taste of the local craft beer scene at one of our breweries, all of which are family-friendly.

Looking for More?

While this is just a sampling, there is so much more to discover. See what else Sioux Falls has to offer.

Things to Do