When you’re little, spending the day playing outside is what it’s all about. That means playgrounds are the ultimate haven. And South Dakota’s playgrounds go far beyond just a swing set. These playgrounds offer beautiful scenery, art gardens, structures to climb on, and plenty of space to unleash a child’s imagination. Here are the 10 best!
Located in downtown Rapid City’s Memorial Park next to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, the Legacy Commons Playground is a unique and creative play area surrounded by a park with gardens, scenic lake, fitness features, meeting areas, and an amphitheater. The playground itself has features like a climbing area in an art garden, inclusive play area, a second nature climbing area, Black Hills and prairie gardens, an exclusive play area for children ages two to five, and an active play area in a sustainable landscape. Kids and parents alike will have a blast at this one-of-a-kind park and playground!
Pioneer Park is a community gathering place of Brookings that has amenities like a historical log cabin, concert area, basketball court, green space, picnic and event areas, a volleyball court, and a popular playground. The play area has plenty of space to romp around and equipment to climb and play on. This playground is a great place for kids and their parents to get some fresh air and exercise!
This park, part of the Outdoor Campus East, has so many interesting and fun activities stuffed into one convenient location. There are multiple play areas for children of different age groups and the park has plenty of scenic walking and biking trails, if playgrounds aren’t enough. Sertoma Park also offers picnic and event areas around the park. For a small fee, families can also visit the beautiful onsite Butterfly House. The Outdoor Campus East, as well as Sertoma Park, are completely free to visit making a trip here both exciting and easy on the wallet.
Canyon Lake Park is a centerpiece of the Rapid City community and is even one of the oldest established parks in town. On the park’s 29 acres, visitors can lounge in picnic areas, look for geese and ducks on the pond, learn about Rapid City history, and, of course, romp on the spacious playground. The park has plenty of scenic views and beautiful bodies of water, so you’re not going to want to miss this!
Brookings is known for their beautiful community spaces, and Larson Park is the crown jewel of this vibrant and lively community. The park, located off of 22nd Avenue offers amenities like a basketball court, biking and walking trails, disc golf course, plenty of parking, and two fun playground areas for children to have fun and enjoy a day in the sun!
Hot Springs has attracted tourists for decades through their relaxing hot springs, but the amazing city parks are another way to make a day in Hot Springs unforgettable! Upper Chautauqua Park has two outdoor seating and gathering areas, a shelter area with grills and picnic tables, restrooms, and a pristine bridge over Fall River. While parents can watch the tumbling falls, kids can play on the park’s playground area, which has a large selection of play options.
Dunham Park is the place to go to in Sioux Falls for an enjoyable day in the outdoors with family. There is an accessible walking trail, biking route, sand volleyball court, softball and baseball fields, picnic shelters, and a big playground for families. From slides to swings to climbing areas, there is something for everyone here to enjoy.
Sherman Park is a Sioux Falls park that is packed with history, dating all the way back to the early years of the 1900s. Not only is it full of history, but also full of fun! Visitors to this 205-acre prairie park can visit the Great Plains Zoo, Delbridge Museum of History, the U.S.S. South Dakota Battleship Memorial, the Indian Burial Mounds, the South Dakota Softball Hall of Fame, gazebo for events, plenty of picnic areas, skating and hockey rinks in the winter months, skateboarding areas, golf courses, and an impressive playground for children. The playground has tons of equipment, so there is nonstop family fun at Sherman Park!
Hillcrest Park is another of Brooking’s beautiful community parks. This park always has something going on, and there is so much to do here such as a pool and aquatic center, basketball court, biking and walking trail, pit to play horseshoes, sports fields, picnic areas, tennis court, and a children’s play area. Children and parents alike love this playground due all the equipment available and how nice and friendly the park is as a whole.
Robbinsdale Park is another large aspect of the Rapid City community. The park offers a walking path, bike path, baseball field, skating areas, and a play area for children. The colorful playground has all kinds of swings, slides, and equipment to climb and run around on. Kids and their families always have a blast at the Robbinsdale Park playground!