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MuseumsFamily FavoriteRainy-Day Pick

Children's Museum of South Dakota

521 4th St · Brookings, SD

Why you should go…

The Children's Museum of South Dakota occupies a renovated elementary school in Brookings, about 50 miles north of Sioux Falls. Its 44,000 square foot building holds interactive, hands-on exhibits along with an animatronic T. rex named Mama and an indoor stickwork installation called Tangle Town. The nonprofit museum, founded in 2010, draws more than 100,000 visitors annually and includes an outdoor playground and cafe.

  • #museum
  • #family
  • #kids
  • #interactive
  • #hands-on

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Children's Museum of South Dakota, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Porter Sculpture Park

    Under $25

    Roadside prairie park with more than 60 giant metal sculptures made by self-taught artist Wayne Porter.

    49 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Siouxland Heritage Museums

    Free

    Two free Sioux Falls history museums: the Old Courthouse Museum and the Pettigrew Home and Museum.

    52 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Thunder Road Family Fun Park

    Under $25

    A Sioux Falls family entertainment park with go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats and an arcade.

    53 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Wild Water West Waterpark

    Under $25

    South Dakota's largest waterpark, with a wave pool, lazy river and a six-story waterslide.

    56 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor