Can You Say Splashpark? Big Changes Coming to Great Plains Zoo!

Not that the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum in Sioux Falls isn't always buzzing. But according to Pigeon 605, this year it is going to be even busier as they ramp up two major construction projects.

Thanks to a private donor the zoo is going to get an awesome Splash Pad just for kids! So, soon kids will be able to bring a swimsuit to the zoo and cool down on a hot summer day, in-between visiting all the animals.

The Splash Pad will have different areas for children ages zero to two, for toddlers, and for older kids too.

The zoo will add a family restroom with a "fee-based dryer, so kids can dry off after they splash." And will also "be available for birthday party rentals."

In other words, the Great Plains Zoo is becoming even more of a destination location for families in our area.

Construction is slated to begin in the fall with a target opening day of Memorial Day 2024. The Splash Pad will be located near the Face-to-Face Farm and Black Bear exhibits.

At the same time, work on the brand new lion exhibit will be getting underway, as well as a planned indoor-outdoor expansion of the current Meerkat area.

Beginning May 31st, the zoo will have new summer hours, staying open until 7 PM on Wednesday night with games, giraffe feedings, and cafe specials too.

So our incredible Great Plains Zoo continues to expand by leaps and bounds!

You can stay on top of everything happening in Sioux Falls by signing up for your own "information pigeon" at Pigeon 605.

Source: Pigeon 605

NEED TO KNOW: Sioux Falls Outdoor Public Pools And Spray Park

Summer in Sioux Falls is beautiful. But sometimes you need to cool off. Sioux Falls has some great outdoor public pools and a fun spray park in addition to the indoor Midco Aquatic Center.

Sioux Falls' outdoor public pools open for summer at the beginning of June (if the weather cooperates).

Sioux Falls public pools are open from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

Prices are $5 for ages 2 to 17, $6 for adults, seniors 55+ are $5, and children under 2 are free. The Spray Park and the wading pools at Frank Olson, Kuehn, and McKennan are free.

You can also get a Sioux Falls swim pass and swim all summer. You can buy a swim pass at the Midco Aquatic Center or at most of the outdoor pools all summer. For more about the Sioux Falls swim pass click here.