If you’re in Sioux Falls, visit the Kirby Science Discovery Center with its over 100 interactive and hands-on exhibits. Plus there’s 50% off admission every day after 3pm!
We are big fans of science museums in our house! I find that having something fun to do indoors during the afternoon heat in the summer is important for our family. We recently visited Sioux Falls, South Dakota and our entire family was impressed by the Kirby Science Discovery Center!
Our entire family visited the Kirby Science Discovery Center one afternoon to beat the heat outdoors. All of my kiddos (ages 9, 7 and 4) had an amazing time in the museum. There are over 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits at this science center! The play opportunities are endless and include large motor playgrounds, water play, interesting facts about South Dakota, dinosaur fossils, a quarry dig and so much more.
We immediately checked out the Prehistoric Adventure Climber– it’s basically a gigantic playground inside with slides, rope climbers and a climbing wall. This was a great way for my kids to burn off some energy since it was too hot outdoors!
Our favorite area of the museum was the third floor– massive dinosaurs greet you as your enter, you’re invited to dig for dinosaur bones, ride in a Jurassic Jeep, play interactive games and more in the Dinosaur Discovery Area. We also had a great time learning more about South Dakota and my kids loved the tornado simulator!
Rounding out the third floor is the Quarry Dig where you can learn all about the process of mining stones for building materials and Grow It, where you can explore agriculture-themed exhibits.
Another big favorite was the H2O Workshop. It reminded me of a larger version of the Sprouts water area at the Minnesota Children’s Museum. Imagine a giant room dedicated entirely to water play, engineering and exploring! Kids get to witness how water travels through aqueducts, conveyors, faucets, river channels, squirt guns, whirlpools, fountains and more. It was interactive and fun, my kids probably could have stayed in this area for the entire afternoon if we didn’t have more to explore!
In addition to all the interactive exhibits, they also have a Mission Patch Quest. Complete 3 activities to earn your mission patch! Activities change monthly and are run by amazing employees. While we were there, my kids got to learn about the important of spacesuits, make their own craters and build a solar system bracelet. The missions only take a few minutes, but really added to my kiddos experience and they were very excited to earn their own mission patches!
The Kirby Science Discovery Center is located in the Washington Pavilion in downtown Sioux Falls at 301 S. Main Ave. Parking is not free, but there is a large parking ramp across the street and street parking is free on Sundays. The hours are Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday: 12–5 p.m.
Admission is $16.25 for adults, $13.50 for youth ages 3-17, $14 for seniors 65+, $14 for military and children 2 and under are free. Please note every day there is 50% off admission starting at 3pm!
The Kirby Science Discovery Center is also a member of the ASTC Passport Program, which means if you are members at the Minnesota Science Museum, you can visit the Kirby Science Discovery Center for FREE with proof of your membership!
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Hannah is a married mom of 3 kiddos in the Twin Cities. Born and raised here in MN, she loves finding deals and special events to share with others.
Hannah enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading books, going on road trips up north, singing along with the radio and finding new thrift stores to shop! Hannah is also a fierce advocate for people with disabilities and is always on the lookout for more sensory friendly opportunities in the Twin Cities.
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