South Dakota Family Attractions

Bringing the kids along? The whole family is sure to find entertainment at countless family-friendly attractions in South Dakota. For family fun, let Choice Hotels^® help you find the perfect attraction for your next family adventure.

In the Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Region

Evan's Plunge
Hot Springs, SD  
605-745-5165

This is the world's largest natural warm spring swimming pool, and as such provides wonderful opportunities for families visiting South Dakota to get together for a day of leisure in some of the most relaxing waters known to man. Enjoy the bubbling waters of the plunge as you rejuvenate the senses; the kids will surely get a kick out of the water's offerings.

Cosmos Mystery Area
24040 Cosmos Road
Rapid City, SD   57702
605-343-9802

You're sure to be stunned and surprised by the mysteries awaiting you at Cosmos Mystery Area. Bring the family and try to figure out how water runs uphill and nothing can seem to stand up straight. Could it be that this location simply defies every known law of physics? Decide for yourself, only in South Dakota.

Black Hills Maze & Family Adventure
Highway 16 (on road to Mount Rushmore)
Rapid City, SD   57709
605-343-5439

Enjoy the trappings of Black Hills Maze & Family Adventure, and you'll see why South Dakotans from all over flock here with the family for a day of losing oneself. Challenge yourself in the depths of a 37,000 square-foot, two level maze, and afterwards, ride a 400-foot racing zip line which courses above the maze you just coursed through.

In the Great Lakes Region

Mulehead Ranch Adventures
34122 SD Highway 44
Gregory, SD   57533
605-835-8053

Enjoy the beautiful state of South Dakota with Mulehead Ranch Adventures. Bring the whole family to these 15,000 acres, located along the pristine banks of the Missouri River. Hunt, fish and explore the lands, and enjoy the incredible views which are offered along the site. Afterwards, ride the ranch and learn about the area's fascinating history.

Reptile Gardens
8955 S. Highway 16
Rapid City, SD   57709
605-342-5873

This collection of species has been coined as "one of middle America's richest attractions". And not without reason - over 150 species of reptiles await you with their scales intact and their neural systems pulsing. Don't forget to check out the garden aspect of this South Dakota attraction - over 40,000 different flowers grace the property in full bloom.

Sacagawea Learning Center
921 10th Ave West
Mobridge, SD   57601
605-845-2020

Have you ever wanted to learn about the fascinating history of the American outback? Well, there's no place to do it like South Dakota, and to take that final step, you'll want to head to the Sacagawea Learning Center. Learn about the fabulous female explorer who led our country's settlers to the futures sites of American cities and farms.

In the Glacial Lakes & Prairies Region

Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame
519 Main Street
Lake Norden, SD   57248
605-785-3553

One of the prime attractions in the city of Lake Norden is the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. Here, you'll find fascinating displays which outline amateur baseball through pictures and diagrams. Learn about the history of baseball in the state of South Dakota, and view with an air of fascination the mounds of antiques which grace the hall.

Bramble Park Zoo
800 10th Street NW
Watertown, SD   57201
605-882-6269

Anyone who loves animals is invited to spend an entire day at Bramble Park Zoo. We say "entire day" because you'll need to allot more than just a little time to exploring South Dakota's second-largest zoo. After you're done admiring the fine animal specimens found here, head to the zoo's new Science Discovery Center.

McCrory Gardens & State Arboretum
6th Street at 22nd Avenue
Brookings, SD  
605-692-6125

Some of the most beautiful plants and animals in the world can be found on this naturally inclined estate. Visit McCrory Gardens & State Arboretum to view South Dakota's natural treasures in full blossom. You'll see creatures ranging from simple squirrels to frilly peacocks, all frolicking in their natural environments.

In the Southeast Region

Campbell Straw Built Museum
260 Main Street East
Carthage, SD   57349
605-772-4716

Visit this simple museum to find out about the history of the state of South Dakota. The museum's stated aim is the preservation of South Dakotan history in the face of rapid change and modernization. As well as hosting a festive assortment of historical exhibits, the museum also functions as a home for educational meetings and various cultural events.

Ingalls Homestead
20812 Homestead Road
De Smet, SD   57231
800-776-3594

Remember reading "Little House on the Prairie" way back in elementary school? Try hard to conjure up those images, because you'll want to be able to compare them with the real thing. And now you can - only in the state of South Dakota, where Pa Ingalls first set claim to this quarter section in 1880.

Edgar's Ol' Fashioned Soda Fountain
107 E. Main Street
Elk Point, SD   57025
605-356-3336

Are you in need of an afternoon full of good old fashioned fun - and tasty fun at that? Consider heading down to Edgar's Ol' Fashioned Soda Fountain, located conveniently in the heart of the Midwest. This locale conjures up the images and tastes of the yesteryear – and what delicious images and tastes those are!

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