Sept/Oct 2025 by 'hood Magazine

‘hood

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

529

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the CollegeAccess 529 plan before investing. This and other important information is in the Plan Disclosure Statement, available at www.CollegeAccess529.com. Read the Plan Disclosure Statement carefully before investing. Before investing, you should consider whether your state of residency, or your intended beneficiary’s state of residency, offers a state tax deduction or any other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in that state’s 529 savings program.

The CollegeAccess 529 Plan is issued by the South Dakota Higher Education Savings Trust. The Program Manager and Underwriter for the CollegeAccess 529 Plan is VP Distributors, LLC, One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103, 800-243-4361. Certain of the investment management firms that manage underlying mutual Funds in the Program, including Virtus Investment Advisers, LLC, are affiliated with the Program Manager.

Only South Dakota residents and Account Owners who designate a South Dakota resident as Beneficiary can invest directly in the CollegeAccess 529 Plan. Certain Portfolios are not available to those who invest directly. Residents of states other than South Dakota can invest in the CollegeAccess 529 Plan only through a financial professional. Additional fees apply for investments made through a financial professional. Please see the Plan Disclosure Statement for details. State taxes may apply for residents of states other than South Dakota.

Notice: CollegeAccess 529 Plan accounts are not insured by any state, and neither the principal deposited nor any investment return is guaranteed by any state. No gift is greater than an education. To learn how to start saving today visit www.collegeaccess529.com.

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LASIK AT SANFORD HEALTH

Sanford Eye Center & Optica l | 1621 S. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls

Your Guide

to Fall Fun

(AND A LITTLE REAL LIFE, TOO)

It’s hard to believe the backpacks are packed, the school buses are rolling, and fall is officially here. If you’re anything like me, you’re still squeezing in those last warm evenings outside, trying to soak it all in before the cold comes rolling in.

The good news? Fall is packed with family fun, and this issue is your go-to resource for making the most of it. From pumpkin patches and apple orchards to corn mazes and fall festivals, we’ve rounded up all the seasonal favorites to help you plan your perfect fall weekend.

Inside this issue, you’ll meet our cover family. Bridget shares with us their journey with adoption and foster care. We’re also excited to introduce a brand-new column from Sarah, who will be sharing practical tips on how to raise money-smart kids. Teaching your kids about money in age-appropriate and practical ways is a lifelong gift.

So, grab your flannel, pour a warm cider, and head out to explore all that fall has to offer. We’re so glad you’re here.

Steffanie Holtrop Publisher

President & Publisher

Steffanie Holtrop

605-366-1479

steff@thehoodmagazine.com

Editor

Sarah Parker

Art & Design Director

Ally Chase

Digital Media Director

Jaclyn Small

Client Relations

Jennifer Fleming admin@thehoodmagazine.com

Calendar

Abby Kyle

Circulation

Ben Graff and Laura Kattenberg

Contributing Photos

Solis Photography

Cover shoot location

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

Reproduction or use of the contents of this magazine is prohibited.

‘Hood Magazine is published 7 times a year by Hoodlum Productions, LLC and strives to publish only accurate information; however, Hoodlum Productions, LLC cannot be held responsible for consequences resulting from errors or omissions. All material in this magazine is the property of Hoodlum Productions, LLC and cannot be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

‘hood

FEATURED EVENTS

The Sioux Falls Area is full of events for the whole family! Check out some of our favorite upcoming events below.

62nd Annual Sidewalk Arts Festival

The Washington Pavilion

Enjoy live art, vendors, and more downtown on the 4th.

Halloween Spooktacular Weekend

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

Have a spooktacular weekend celebrating Halloween at Yogi Bear! Enjoy our magic pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, and tons more!

Pumpkin Festival

Riverview Christmas Tree Farm

Dive into fall fun at the Pumpkin Festival. Pick pumpkins, blast the pumpkin and apple cannons, mine for rocks, dive in the corn pit, visit farm animals, and more.

27 SEPT

T.S. Dance Party

The Birdcage

Get ready to dance the night away at the T.S. Dance Party. Whether you’re a Swiftie or just love a good beat, this family-friendly party is the place to be.

27 SEPT

Health Connect Festival

Sioux Falls Arena

CINCH Playoffs The Battle for the Governor’s Cup 26,27,28

Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

The Richest Rodeo in South Dakota History, September 26th -28th at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. SEPT

This FREE event offers a free lunch, free flu shots (no co-pays), the opportunity to do a blood donation, a variety of health screenings, and family-friendly entertainment!

Pumpkin Fest

Mazing Acres

Enjoy over 30 attractions, pumpkins, photo ops, and more at this fall festival! Make sure to check out the 150ft Mega Slide and 5-acre corn maze.

WEEKENDS

September & October

Fall Festival

The Country Apple Orchard

With over 20 attractions, the Funny Farm Petting Zoo, the apple cannon range, food trucks and the Candy Apple Snack Concessions, the festival is truly a family fun day destination!

october

1-31

Downtown Pork Showdown

Downtown Sioux Falls

Participating downtown restaurants are bringing the competition for the annual Pork Showdown.

Fall Fest

The Clean Bean

We are so excited to hold our 4th Annual Fall Fest! With all things fall, local vendors, flights, raffles, and sweet treats.

4 OCT

BIG Event by Girl Scouts

Sioux Falls Convention Center

At the BIG Event, families will explore hands-on activities, exciting experiments, and interactive exhibits led by real scientists, engineers, and tech professionals. Tickets available online or at the door.

25th Annual Buddy Walk

Pasley Park

Join the New Directions Down Syndrome Association as they celebrate 25 years of the Buddy Walk.

17- OCT 18

ZooBoo

Great Plains Zoo

Celebrate Halloween with a trick-or-treat experience at the zoo! Explore the decorated campus while gathering treats and prizes from local vendors. Sensory Saturday is 10-11 am on 10/18.

Reach out to us to have YOUR event featured in our next issue or online calendar!

club ‘hood

Join The Birthday Club and get local free & discounted offers for Birthday Club Kids!

For children ages 16 or younger

how it works

Sign up for FREE on our website! birthday freebies and discounts special offers exclusive to birthday club members scan to join!

Special offers and discounts will be sent to your email 45 days prior to your child’s birthday to help plan their celebration. On the date of their birthday, coupons and/or offers from our partners will be emailed to you, redeemable for the specified time on each offer. Scan the QR code to join.

by Sarah Kurtenbach

Money Talks Start Early:

3 Simple Ways to Raise Financially Savvy Toddlers

A friend once told me, “My kids think I have a magic card that just buys everything—food, clothes, toys, you name it!” She was frustrated, but honestly? It’s not surprising. No one is born knowing how money works. It’s a skill we have to teach - and teaching it early is a massive win.

When our children turned two, my husband and I created a simple 3-step system to help build healthy money habits. Now that our kids are four and six, we’ve seen this approach lay a strong foundation for financial confidence.

Step 1

Money Comes From Work

Even toddlers can begin to grasp that money doesn’t come from a magic card or fall from the sky (thanks for the one-liners, Grandma!). We reinforce this through everyday moments, like saying:

“Do you know how we buy these shoes? Mommy and Daddy go to work to earn money!”

As they grow, we’ll introduce concepts like investing and compound growth. But for now, simply knowing that money is earned through work is a huge win.

Step 2

Use the 3-Jar System — Save, Spend, Give

When toddlers receive money (especially after helping out or completing a chore), we show them how to split it into three jars:

10%

Tip: Use clear jars so they can see their money grow. It’s a fun and visual way to introduce budgeting and the idea that not all money is for spending.

Step 3

Make It Real

Let them experience their money! Toddlers love hands-on learning, so try this:

• Take their “spend” money to the Dollar Store for a fun shopping trip.

• Visit the bank and let them hand their “save” money to the teller (bonus: open a high-yield savings account!).

• Let them drop their “give” money into the offering box at church or buy something kind for someone in need.

Real-life practice makes the concept of money more meaningful - and memorable.

Will this take effort and consistency? Absolutely. But raising kids who understand real-world money (instead of believing in “magic money cards”) is one of the greatest investments you can make. l

Sarah is a local mom of two who knows a thing or two about financial literacy. She is the founder of moveHER Money, where she teaches girls how to be financially savvy.

Preserving Apples All Fall Long

Fall is here! Many families are heading out to enjoy their local orchard to pick some apples. Preserving apples is a wonderful way for families to spend time together, create memories, and stock their pantry with delicious snacks. Here are some fun, family-friendly ways to preserve apples!

Selecting Your Apples

When selecting apples, choose firm and crisp varieties. You can mix up the flavor by choosing sweet apples, tart apples, or a combination of both. Avoid apples that show signs of spoilage.

Preparing Your Apples

Always begin by washing your apples under cool, running water. Apples can discolor and darken when cut and exposed to air. Pre-treatments help prevent darkening. Ascorbic acid is an effective pre-treatment. It can be found in powdered or tablet form in grocery stores. Mix 1 teaspoon (or six tablets) in 2 cups of water and soak fruit for 3 to 5 minutes. Another popular way to pre-treat is to soak apple slices in a fruit juice high in vitamin C such as orange, pineapple, or lemon juice. Cover your apple slices in juice and soak for 3 to 5 minutes. The fruit juice may add its own color and flavor to the apple slices.

Applesauce

Applesauce is a simple recipe that is always a hit with kids! It can be made in a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or on the stove top. Add cinnamon for a fun twist! Store your applesauce in the refrigerator and eat within 7-10 days. You can freeze or can your applesauce to help it last longer. If you are canning your applesauce, choose a research-tested recipe to ensure proper processing and a safe food product.

» Kid-Friendly Tip: Let kids help wash apples. They can even mash the cooked apples with a potato masher!

Fruit Leathers

Homemade fruit leathers have little to no added sugar – making them a healthier option than store-bought fruit leathers. They are chewy, dried fruit rolls that make a tasty, kid-friendly snack. Simply use applesauce to make your fruit leather or any combination of pureed fruit! Pour your pureed fruit onto a flat tray for drying in your oven or a dehydrator. Two cups of pureed fruit will make one large (13”x15”) fruit leather. When fully dried, peel the fruit leather off the flat tray, slice, and roll.

» Kid-Friendly Tip: Let your children choose different fruit combinations.

Apple Chips

Apples are a great fruit to dry into “chips”! To get started, wash your apples. Peel (optional), core, and slice your apples. Cut into ¼-½ inch thick slices or rings. For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon on top of the slices. Dry at 135°F until pliable (6-12 hours).

» Kid-Friendly Tip: Kids can arrange apple slices on the trays and sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Freezing Apple Slices

Freezing is one of the easiest ways to preserve apple slices. To freeze plain apple slices, wash, peel, and core your apples. Slice them to your desired thickness. Freeze the slices on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a container or freezer bag.

» Kid-Friendly Tip: Children can lay apple slices on the tray before freezing. Count the apple slices for some math time fun!

Check our website for recipes, guides, videos, and resources to learn how to can your applesauce with confidence! extension.sdstate.edu

WHERE PROGRESS meets play

by Bridget Bennett

Beyond Expectations A Journey Through Adoption Foster Care &

We honestly thought this would be simple.

We’d already done this twice—so adoption would be just like adding one more. Right?

OOur son Landry was three and our daughter Lindley was just 7 months old when we started the process that would lead us to our son Levi. We’d talked about adoption since we were teenagers on a mission trip in inner-city Chicago. We saw kids growing up in painful, dangerous circumstances and knew we wanted to give a child love, safety, and the kind of stability every kid needs and deserves in order to reach their full potential.

While adoption had always been our plan and our passion, we had no idea what we were actually walking into.

First was the journey to meeting Levi; the nearly 3 years and two failed adoptions on the way to Levi were unexpected and heart-wrenching. But eventually, we made the life-long connection with his birth mom that changed all of our lives forever.

The love came instantly. That part really was exactly like we expected. From the moment we met him, we loved him. He felt like our precious baby boy from day one.

But right from the start it was clear—we were going to have to do things differently.

We discovered parenting Levi comes with its own rulebook and would stretch us in ways we didn’t see coming.

Around 8 months old, we started noticing some big differences. Levi needed movement. Constant motion. He was climbing furniture before he could walk. He needed deep pressure, heavy play, hours outside, and space to feel everything all at once. He’s a huge sensory seeker, impulsive, always testing gravity and limits—and sometimes our sanity.

But those same pieces of Levi also make him the most joyful little boy, the best storyteller, laugh-outloud funny, wildly creative and endlessly kind. He has no filter and zero chill—sometimes that looks like dodging random flying objects or bracing for a sneak-attack bear hug followed by a yelled: “Mommy, I just love you soooo much!”

He keeps us on our toes to say the least. But combined with his brother and sister, the Bennett babes are a force to be reckoned with. They are a perfect little pack—loving each other fiercely, fighting like crazy, and making the kind of wild, beautiful memories you dream of for your kids.

it wrecked us— and reshaped us. It opened our eyes to the urgent need for more families to say yes. Not just to adoption, but to fostering.

Loving him has always been easy—for all of us, including the extended family he’s also added to our pack.

We have a very open adoption, which means a new set of aunties, grandmas, cousins, siblings and birth parents. To us, they’re all a piece of him—and we love every single part of him. A love that helped us open our hearts and our home to more of his family.

When he was about 2 years old, we were asked to foster one of his teenage relatives. Honestly? We were scared. We’d never parented a teen. But we said yes.

Adoption

was not at all what we expected.

And we wouldn’t trade a single part of it.

It was one of the hardest things we’ve ever done—and one of the most lifechanging. We got to see up close the reality of what kids in foster care are carrying. Trauma that runs deep. Trust broken by so many. Coping mechanisms just to survive. And all of it, through no fault of their own.

It wrecked us—and reshaped us.

It opened our eyes to the urgent need for more families to say yes. Not just to adoption, but to fostering. To showing up for kids who are so often passed around and left behind. It opened our hearts to other foster parents too—the ones who keep saying yes when it’s hard, who keep making space, who keep loving kids they didn’t bring into the world, but would do anything to help heal.

Organizations like The Foster Network, The Abbott House, The Gathering Well and more have helped us build relationships and find volunteer work that’s taught us so much. Not just about foster care and adoption, but about how to be the kind of parents Levi needs us to be as he is still growing, still asking

questions, testing boundaries, and figuring out where he fits in this world.

He doesn’t look like us. He doesn’t think like us. He’s entirely his own person.

And we love every piece of him, without hesitation.

We’ve learned not to parent Levi toward some version of “normal”—we’re parenting him toward the full version of himself. Toward who he was made to be. And we get to be there to delight in every step of it.

Protecting Your Circle Through Seasonal Vaccines

As the summer winds down, it is important to take steps to keep your family safe and your community healthy. One of the most effective ways to do that is to talk with your provider about which seasonal vaccines are recommended for you to ensure you and your family are fully protected every year.

Seasonal vaccines protect against serious illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These illnesses can spread quickly, especially in close-knit communities and among people who spend time indoors together during cooler months. When you choose to get vaccinated, you are not just protecting yourself. You are also helping to protect infants, older adults, and others who may be more vulnerable to severe illness.

This idea is called community immunity. When most people in a community are vaccinated, it becomes harder for diseases to spread. That protects everyone, including those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. It is a simple but powerful way to care for one another.

What can families do this season?

• Review your vaccination records. The flu vaccine is recommended every year for everyone

six months and older. Updated COVID-19 vaccines and RSV immunizations may also be recommended, depending on your age and health conditions. Ask your medical provider if you’re unsure.

• Plan ahead. It takes about two weeks for vaccines to offer full protection. Getting vaccinated early in the season provides the best defense before viruses start spreading more widely. Be sure to receive your seasonal vaccines by October 31 to ensure you’re fully protected.

• Stay on track with routine immunizations. Fall is a good time to ensure everyone is caught up on all recommended vaccines.

Take time this season to protect your inner circle. Talk to your health care provider, make a plan to get vaccinated, and encourage others in your life to do the same. When more people are protected, everyone benefits.

Jump into Fall Fun:

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

Just east of Sioux Falls, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park has helped families create amazing memories for over 30 years. This local family-owned park works hard to offer the best family camping and entertainment in the Sioux Falls Area. Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying the weekend, fall is a perfect time to experience everything the park has to offer.

Fall

Fun Awaits!

• Corn Maze

• Jumping Pillow

• Mini Golf

• Heated Outdoor Pool (Closing Mid-September)

• Rec Center

• Sand Volleyball

• Playgrounds

• Basketball

• Gaga Ball

“We’ve always focused on providing the best experience we can for our guests,” says owner Bruce Aljets. “Providing an excellent experience involves great

“We’re really set up for a full day of fun out here,” Aljets said. “We’ve really developed the corn maze experience to offer the same great fun that our campground guests are used to. It’s a great opportunity for people in the community to experience the park without having to stay.”

Moonlight Maze

Select Saturday Nights: September 27th, October 4th, and October 11th

Enjoy the maze after dark!

Moonlight Maze Nights also offer:

• Silent Disco

• Campfires & S’mores Kits

Camping Options for Every Family

Planning a longer stay this fall? Jellystone Park offers flexible camping experiences, including:

• Full-service RV sites

• Tent sites

• Cabins and cottages

Each overnight stay includes access to the pool, corn maze, jumping pillow, playgrounds, mini golf, and more.

No overnight stay required this fall favorite is open to the public! Explore 7+ acres of twists and turns through Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park’s annual Corn Maze. Every maze ticket includes Free Mini Golf and Jumping Pillow Access!

Corn Maze Hours:

• Fridays: 5–9 PM

• Saturdays: 12–6 PM

• Sundays: 12–5 PM

Upgrade your visit

with optional activities like:

• Tie-dye t-shirts

• Paint-your-own ceramics

• Food Trucks on site

“Whether you’re pulling in with a camper or packing a suitcase for the weekend, we’ve got a space for you,” says Aljets. “Our accommodations work for all types of families.”

To learn more about Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park of Sioux Falls and the Sioux Falls Corn Maze, check out siouxfallscornmaze.com and jellystonesiouxfalls.com

36 Things to Do this Fall

Fall is finally here, bringing cooler weather, colorful leaves, and endless opportunities to get outside and enjoy the season. It’s a great time to get outside, breathe in the fresh air, and make the most of every moment with your family. This list of 36 family-friendly fall activities includes everything from outdoor adventures to cozy crafts and tasty recipes, giving you plenty of ways to create fun, fresh memories together all season long.

Geocaching: Go on a real-world treasure hunt using a GPS or smartphone to find hidden geocaches. It’s a fun way to explore the outdoors together as a family while enjoying the crisp fall air.

Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation siouxfalls.gov/guide

Ready for fall? Our Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Fall Activities Guide has everything you need to make the most of the season. Discover exciting youth programs, engaging classes, and events that bring our community together. Find your free guide at any facility or visit siouxfalls.gov/ guide to explore!

Give Back: Spend a day giving back to your community by volunteering, donating gently used items, or making care packages. It’s a great way to teach kids the importance of kindness and helping others.

Candle Making: Make your own fall-scented candles (like apple cinnamon or pumpkin spice) for cozy evenings.

Chili Cook-Off: Host a friendly competition where family and friends make their best chili recipes. Taste each one and vote for your favorite while enjoying all the delicious flavors of fall.

Outdoor Cooking: Build a campfire in the backyard or at a campsite and cook a meal outdoors. From foil packet dinners to roasted marshmallows, it’s a cozy and memorable fall experience.

Mini Pumpkin Bowling: Set up plastic bottles as pins and use mini pumpkins as bowling balls for a fun indoor or outdoor game.

Mazing Acres Pumpkin Patch mazingacres.com

Mazing Acres is a fall family destination near Yankton featuring over 30 attractions, including a massive corn maze, pumpkin patch, flower fields, farm animals, and unforgettable photo ops. Kids can slide, bounce, climb, and explore all day long— there’s something fun for every age! Open weekends September–October.

Apple Tasting: Host an apple tasting at home, trying different varieties of apples to discover your family’s favorites for snacking, baking, or cider-making. Visit a local apple orchard or farmers market to get several different apple varieties to try!

Cherry Rock Farm cherryrockfarms.com

Come make fall memories with us at the farm. We will have a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, petting zoo, and food trucks. Our on-site farm market will have all the fall veggies for your family to enjoy as well.

Harvest Decorations: Get the whole family involved for fall decorating! Collect fall foliage to make a beautiful wreath, carve pumpkins, or create a fall leaf garland. Make sure to focus less on how beautiful the final project is and focus more on creating memories with your family.

Children’s Museum of South Dakota prairieplay.org

Climb the clouds, harvest a field, and even fix a car! It’s always a new adventure at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, where imagination is as big as our skies. Our experience is open-ended and child-led, but be careful, grown-ups have just as much fun! Let’s play!

The Country Apple Orchard countryappleorchard.com

The Country Apple Orchard is 50 acres of fun for the whole family! With over 20 attractions, a petting zoo, food trucks, zip lines, apple cannons, corn pit, and so much more, you’ll have hours of fun together! And don’t forget to take a tractor ride to pick apples and pumpkins!

Spooky Science washingtonpavilion.org/event/ spooky-science-2025

Kirby Science Discovery Center – October 25 | 10 am–5 pm

All-day event filled with activities for all ages! Embrace the spooky season with creative crafts, seasonal science experiments and plenty of family-friendly fun. Costumes are encouraged but not required.

Family Gratitude Garland: Create a gratitude garland by writing what each family member is thankful for on colorful leaves, then string them together to display as a festive reminder of the season.

South Dakota Crunch Off extension.sdstate.edu/event/ south-dakota-crunch

The South Dakota Crunch Off is a statewide event celebrating local foods. Join us by taking a bite or “crunch” into a locally grown food between September 15 - October 31! Anyone can participate. Visit our website for kid-friendly activities and to register your “crunch” for the event.

Fall-themed Cookie Decorating: Bake sugar cookies in leaf, pumpkin, or acorn shapes and decorate them with festive fall colors.

The Outdoor Campus Sioux Falls gfp.sd.gov/toc-east

The Outdoor Campus is your connection for FREE, fall fun! With a variety of hands-on classes in hunting, fishing, outdoor skills, and conservation, the Campus has a class that is right for your family. Visitors can also enjoy our playscape and over 2 miles of trails.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park & Corn Maze

siouxfallscornmaze.com

The Corn Maze at Jellystone Park has over 7 acres of twists, turns and dead ends carved into corn stalks that reach over your head! Whether you solve the maze under blue skies, with flashlights, or the light of the moon on a starry night, you will experience a fun adventure.

Bake Pumpkin Bread: Spend an afternoon baking warm, spiced pumpkin bread. Check out our recipe for pumpkin bread online!

Washington Pavilion

WashingtonPavilion.org/Memberships

Spark creativity and curiosity this fall and all year long! With a Washington Pavilion membership, your family can explore science, art and more — anytime you want.

Fall Fishing Trip: Spend a crisp morning at a lake or river trying your luck at catching fish before the water freezes over.

Fall Crafts: Get crafty with fall-themed projects like making leaf prints, decorating pine cones, or creating a wreath with natural materials.

Outdoor Movie Night: Set up an outdoor movie night in your backyard with cozy blankets, popcorn, and a favorite fall film under the stars.

Fall Biking Adventure: Hop on your bikes and enjoy the Sioux Falls Bike Trail or head out to a quiet country road to enjoy the beautiful fall colors and cooler weather.

Fall Photo Shoot: Capture the beauty of the season with a family photo shoot among the colorful leaves. Visit nearby State Parks for the perfect fall photoshoot location.

DIY Halloween Costumes: Get creative with your family by making DIY Halloween costumes! Plan ahead so that you have the time to make a perfect costume come Halloween.

Siouxland Libraries siouxlandlib.org

Siouxland Libraries has welcoming spaces for your family to grow and connect. Discover new stories and spark conversations with your kids or make new friends at our fall-themed story times and programs. We are here to connect you to a world of information and ideas that enrich your life!

Jaycees Feargrounds

Kid’s Day jayceesfeargrounds.com

Kid’s Day is back at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, rain or shine, on October 12 from 2-4 p.m.! Enjoy games, inflatables, Mister Twister, princesses, reptiles, candy, and more. Families can also explore the full haunted maze with lights on—spooky fun for those who are brave, parent discretion advised.

Nature Scavenger Hunt: Organize a nature scavenger hunt, where kids can search for fall treasures like acorns, colorful leaves, and pinecones. Visit a nearby State Park or the Outdoor Campus for your scavenger hunt.

Trunk-or-Treats: Participate in a trunk-or-treat event, where kids can trick-or-treat from decorated car trunks in a safe, community setting. Visit our online calendar in October for many different Truckor-Treat options!

Bonfire Night: Gather around a backyard bonfire with friends and family, roasting marshmallows, telling stories, and enjoying the warmth on a chilly evening.

Corn Maze Adventures: Challenge yourself to navigate a corn maze, a fun outdoor activity that’s perfect for all ages. Many fall festivals have a corn maze.

Riverview Christmas Tree Farm’s Pumpkin Festival riverviewtreefarm.com

Enjoy a fall day on the farm September 27-28, October 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19! Pick pumpkins, blast the pumpkin and apple cannons, mine for rocks, dive in the corn pit, visit farm animals, enjoy fall treats, live music, shopping, and more. Weekday field trips available, book today!

Fall or Halloween 5K: Participate in a fall or Halloween 5K run! The crisp fall air is perfect for a fun 5K with your family.

There is an abundance of fall fun and activities in the area, but it’s hard to find them all in one spot. That is where the “Things to Do” section on the ‘hood website comes in! Scan the QR code or find it at thehoodmagazine.com/siouxfallscalendar/

IT’S LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH!

Parents, as September rolls around, you’re likely experiencing new schedules with the beginning of another school year. While your family is finding its new rhythm, don’t overlook what might be the most valuable school supply: a library card! September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, and your nearby Siouxland Libraries Branch is ready to become your family’s most valuable partner in education and enrichment.

MORE THAN JUST BOOKS (But Plenty of Books!)

Your library card isn’t just about borrowing books; it’s a gateway to comprehensive academic support and endless enrichment, all at no cost.

DIGITAL LEARNING AT THEIR FINGERTIPS:

From eBooks and eAudiobooks for required reading to online magazines and streaming educational videos, your child can access a vast digital library from home with just a few clicks.

HOMEWORK HELP & RESEARCH SUPPORT:

Ditch the late-night homework battles! Librarians can guide your child to the best online research databases for school projects. These databases provide reliable, academic-level information often unavailable through a simple Google search.

TEST PREP & SKILL BUILDING:

Is your student prepping for the ACT, SAT, or an AP exam? Siouxland Libraries and the South Dakota State Library provide study guides, practice tests, and online courses to help them feel confident. Plus, discover platforms for learning new languages or mastering computer skills— all free with their card.

SPACE FOR FOCUS AND FUN

Let’s face it, home can be full of distractions. Siouxland Libraries provide a quiet, focused environment perfect for homework, studying for tests, or working on group projects. They offer free Wi-Fi and computers, ensuring your child has the tools they need to succeed.

YOUR FREE FAMILY RESOURCE

Siouxland Libraries cards are free for Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County residents (with the excepton of Dell Rapids) and represent an incredible investment in your child’s education and well-being. Stop by your nearest Siouxland Libraries branch today— we’re here to help your family have its most successful school year yet!

Beyond academics, the Siouxland Libraries are a hub for enrichment and creativity. Check out the calendar for free, engaging programs— from STEM workshops and crafting sessions to author visits and reading challenges. Your library card also gives you access to board games, video games, and sometimes even unique items like telescopes.

Ask the

Expert

Do you have a question for a Sioux Empire expert? ‘hood will be inviting area experts to weigh in and answer various questions from our readers.

Empowered Coaching, LLC

MollyW. Christianson Coach, Speaker, and Author

My teenage daughter constantly seeks validation from others. How can I help her develop a healthy sense of self-worth?

You can support her with these intentional strategies:

1. Encourage internal reflection. When she looks for approval, gently ask, “How do you feel about how you did?” to shift focus inward. If she feels good about her performance, you can say something like “You should feel so proud.”

2. Affirm her character. Praise qualities like resilience, kindness, or honesty—not just performance or appearance.

3. Limit comparison triggers. Create screen-free moments that promote authentic connection and self-discovery.

Self-worth is built when girls learn to value who they are, not just how others respond to them.

TheEmpoweredGirlsCoach.com & EmpoweredCoaching.com 605-360-1759

Sioux Falls

David Parker Campus Director

My child is interested in hunting, but I have never gone. Can the Outdoor Campus help? Yes! The Outdoor Campus offers a unique program called: Hunting 101. This program takes you through:

1. Learning how to purchase a license (Apprentice, Mentor, or Youth Deer Tag).

2. Time at the range learning safety.

3. Being mentored in the field by a Game, Fish and Parks staff or volunteer.

4. If a successful harvest, time processing the deer.

Do I need my own equipment? No, we will provide all the equipment needed for the program.

Is there a cost associated with this program?

The only cost associated with the program is your time and the cost of the tag.