About This Playground
🌳 Falls Park is a beautiful park centered around the cascading waters of the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The park features playgrounds designed to complement the natural beauty of the falls, offering recreational opportunities for families visiting this iconic landmark.
Visitor Experience: Falls Park receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with visitors praising the integration of playgrounds within the natural setting of the falls. Families particularly appreciate having play areas where children can burn energy while parents enjoy the scenic views.>
More about this playground
Playground Type
Address
131 E Falls Park Dr, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
Phone
(605) 367-8222
+1 605-367-8222
Website
siouxfalls.gov/explorethefallsCoordinates
43.55697, -96.72193
Hours of Operation
Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.
Playground Features
Age Suitability
The playground areas are designed for children of various ages, with separate sections for toddlers (2-5 years) and older children (5-12 years).
Equipment Available
The park offers modern playground equipment including slides, swings, climbing structures, and interactive play panels. Some unique features include rock-climbing walls designed to reflect the natural quartzite formations of the area.
Shaded Areas
Limited natural shade is provided by scattered trees near the playground areas. During summer months, the lack of extensive shade can make the playgrounds hot during peak afternoon hours.
Seating For Parents
Multiple benches and seating areas are positioned around the playgrounds, allowing parents to supervise children while enjoying views of the falls.
Restroom Availability
Clean, well-maintained restroom facilities are available near the playground areas and throughout the park.
Drinking Fountains
Several drinking fountains can be found near the playground and along walking paths, with some offering bottle-filling stations.
Safety Accessibility
Fencing
Playgrounds are partially bordered by decorative fencing in areas near water features, though most play areas are open to the surrounding park.
Surface Material
Play areas feature rubber mulch and poured rubber surfaces for safety and fall protection.
Ada Accessibility
Playgrounds include accessible equipment and ADA-compliant paths leading to and through play areas.
Cleanliness Maintenance
The playgrounds are well-maintained and regularly cleaned as part of the city's commitment to keeping Falls Park as a premier attraction.
Additional Amenities
Nearby Parking
Ample free parking is available in designated lots throughout Falls Park, with the closest lot just a short walk from the playground areas.
Pet Policy
Dogs are welcome in Falls Park but must be leashed at all times. Pets are not permitted in playground areas for safety and hygiene reasons.
Bike Racks
Several bike rack stations are available throughout the park, including near playground areas, encouraging active transportation.
Nearby Food Options
Falls Overlook Café operates seasonally in a historic building offering light meals and refreshments. Food trucks occasionally visit the park during summer months and special events.
Sports Areas
While there are no formal sports courts within Falls Park itself, open green spaces are available for informal play.
Walking / Biking Trails Nearby
An extensive network of paved walking and biking paths connects the park to the city's larger trail system, including the Big Sioux River Recreation Trail.
Community Reviews
User Submitted Photos
Social media platforms feature numerous photos of children enjoying the playground equipment with the falls as a dramatic backdrop.
Recent Reviews
Recent visitors highlight the cleanliness of the playground areas and appreciate how the play spaces allow families to extend their visit to the falls.
Crowd Levels
Playgrounds can become busy during weekends and summer months, especially between 10am-4pm. Weekday mornings typically offer a less crowded experience.
Special Events
The park hosts seasonal events like Winter Wonderland and summer concerts, during which playground areas may see increased activity.
User Experience
Entrance Fee
Falls Park and all playground areas are completely free to visit and enjoy.
Space For Groups
The playground areas can accommodate small to medium-sized groups, though no formal reservation system exists for play equipment.
Nature Connection
The playgrounds are designed to complement the natural environment, with colors and themes that reflect the surrounding quartzite rock formations and waterfall setting.
Noise Level
Background noise from the rushing falls creates a pleasant natural sound barrier that masks typical playground sounds.
Aesthetic Design
The playground design incorporates elements reflecting local geology and the falls, creating a cohesive experience that fits with the park's natural beauty.
Safety Regulations
Security Presence
Park rangers and local police regularly patrol Falls Park, including playground areas, especially during peak visitor times.
Rules Restrictions
Standard playground rules apply, including adult supervision requirements for young children and prohibitions on roughhousing or misuse of equipment.
First Aid Availability
Park staff are trained in basic first aid, and the Falls Park Visitor Center maintains first aid supplies for minor injuries.
Community Interaction
Community Activities
The playground areas occasionally host organized activities for children as part of larger park events or city recreation programs.
Social Interaction
The playground design encourages cooperative play and social interaction among children, with multiple access points and play stations that accommodate several users simultaneously.
Sustainability Environment
Eco Friendly Practices
The playgrounds incorporate sustainable materials where possible, and the park practices environmentally responsible maintenance methods.
Renewable Energy
Some lighting around the playground areas is powered by solar panels, part of the city's commitment to renewable energy in public spaces.
Walkability Bike Access
Falls Park is well-connected to downtown Sioux Falls via walking paths and bike trails, making it accessible without a car for local residents.
Reviews
Mitch W
3 months ago
Falls Park in Sioux Falls, SD, is absolutely stunning and a must visit! The waterfalls are the main attraction and are truly breathtaking, offering beautiful views and plenty of photo opportunities. The park is well maintained, with clean pathways and plenty of open spaces to relax or enjoy a picnic. There’s also an observation tower that provides a great panoramic view of the entire area, including the falls and the surrounding city. The history of the area, highlighted by signs and the remnants of the old mill, adds a nice touch. Whether you’re here for a quick stop or to spend a few hours, Falls Park offers a peaceful and picturesque escape. Highly recommend it for anyone visiting Sioux Falls!
View on GoogleSylvia Valdez
2 months ago
Very beautiful decorated! Smelled like sewer a little, but we walked around and enjoyed the sites. Family-friendly and most definitely kid friendly. It's a drive-through, but as i said, we walked it to enjoy it.The cafe was a nice place for coffee and ice cream. The hot chocolate was Luke warm, though. The waterfall was beautiful to see with different color lights. We walked the park in 43* weather. Shopped and got t-shirts, postcards, and an ornament for our tree to show all our traveling ventures. Come on out and bring the family and enjoy a night out in this park. Bring your fur baby. I saw lots of people with their fur babies. I'm so glad to see most had covered their dogs with a shirt or little jacket and on a leash. Don't forget to be kind and pick up your dogs poop. Family time is always the best time. Hope you come see it but at night.
View on GooglePastor T. Aaron Richards, M.Th.
2 months ago
I love waterfalls and when I come there to visit, I just to come there. The ducks are a nice sight to see swimming around. I have been to all 48 lower states and looked at waterfalls. The best by far is the one in Yellowstone N.P.
View on GoogleHung Thai
5 months ago
Very nice park highlighting the Sioux Falls, which is also the focal point of the whole city. Lots of walking paths and green fields for families to enjoy. There's a lookout tower you can climb up though I'm not sure if you have to pay for access. Plenty of parking as well. The falls cascade multiple levels. We only stopped here in the morning but I think it would be pretty cool at night illuminated by colorful lights.
View on GoogleMack D
5 months ago
Beautiful waterway with small but slippery red quartz bluffs and greenery all around. They closed the previous entrance so everyone must go through camping and pay the fee. Trails have a lot of rocky terrain, including stairs; saw plenty of folks out with their kids and dogs. Lovely place to sit in the sun and cool breeze listening to water babble over the rocks. There is a bridge you can get great photos from that is completely wheelchair accessible, near the camping parking lot
View on Google