Looking for adventure this summer? Yankton has a lot to offer, including several FREE kid-friendly activities and events. Adventure is all around you. Below, find 65 free kid-friendly things to do in Yankton this summer. List is in no particular order. Enjoy your next adventure!
1. Bookwalk on the Meridian
The
Yankton Community Library has placed storybook pages along the Meridain walking bridge. Read a page and move on to the next one and enjoy a story as you stroll in the fresh air.
2. Bird Watching at Westside Park
Westside Park is known to attract ducks and geese, making it fun to watch their comings and goings. They may even appreciate a little corn feed.
3. Outdoor Church Service
There are outdoor church services offered during the summer months. What a fun experience to share in faith with community in the great outdoors. One outdoor service we know about so far is: June 3 at 10:30 AM
Here. We will update this post as we hear of others.
4. Royals Pass It On Baseball Clinic
The Kansas City Royals are coming back to Yankton. Former Royals players return to Bob Tereshinski Stadium at Riverside Field this June 5th from 9 AM to 12 for a
free baseball clinic called Pass It On.
5. Sprays at Meridian
Small fountains at the foot of the Meridian walking bridge offer a fun summer delight. Bring your suits and let the kids get really wet or dip your toes in for a quick cool down.
6. Walk Through Rows of Flags
During the 4th of July week, flags line the pathways at
Fantle Memorial park. It is a beautiful site and a fun one. Be sure to check it out with the kids.
7. Bragging Rights Car Show
Check out the car show special Thursday nights throughout the summer.
Dates & Times here.
8. Little Free Library
Take a Book, Return a Book is the story behind Little Free Library. There are several locations throughout the Yankton area. Grab a book that your child is finished with and find a Little Free Library location nearby, leave your book and grab a different one. Look for locations
here and
here.
9. Movie at the Meridian
Enjoy a movie outdoors with the family this summer. Offered free to the community, you can head to the Meridian on
June 2,
July 7 and
Aug 4 to watch different movies each month. Bring a chair or blanket and cozy up for some unique fun.
10. Attend Lake Yankton Outdoor Festival
The
Lake Yankton Outdoor Festival and Homestead Day is on June 9. Find family friendly fun activities such as a Archery, Disc Golf, a Kayak clinic, Fishing, Boat Safety, Making ice cream, Dutch kettle cooking, live music and more.
11. Play at the Area Playgrounds
There are several playgrounds in Yankton to enjoy with the kids. Start your search with the
Yankton Parks list. How many will you check off the list this summer? Also, keep in mind that the schools offer wonderful playgrounds as well.
12. Bike Trails
Lots of adventures await on over
40 miles of trails within city limits and out to the Lewis & Clark area. Pack a water bottle and a snack and head out for a short or long ride or walk.
13. Fire Department Musuem
This artifact museum is located at Yankton Fire Station #2. A restored 1937 Luverne fire truck that was purchased brand new by the City of Yankton is on display along with a piece of steel from one of the towers at the World Trade Center that fell in New York City during the attacks on 9/11/01 and other artifacts. Although the museum is not open specific hours, you can contact the
Yankton Volunteer Fire Department at 605-668-5228 to set up a time to visit.
14. Attend the Habitat for Humanity Build A Thon
15. Volunteer
Giving of your time is a great way to experience a new adventure. Need ideas on kid-friendly volunteer opportunities in the Yankton area, check out
this list to get you started.
16. Storytime at the Library
Catch story time at the
Yankton Community Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 AM, starting June 5th through July 26th.
17. Take a Picture with an Airplane
Did you know that near the Yankton Airport, sets
Aviation Park? Look for the airplane statue and you have found the park. Take a picture with the airplane and possibly watch a plane take off from the airport up close.
18. Look for Painted Rocks
There are happy painters in the area who share a bit of joy by painting rocks and "hiding" them for others to find at different locations throughout Yankton. Keep your eyes open while you are out and about. Find out more information about this fun craze at
Yankton Rocks, maybe you will be inspired to paint and hide your own rocks!
19. Geocaching
The
geocaching site lists geocaches around Yankton. Head out and explore. Learn more about geocaching in South Dakota
here.
20. Skateboarding
Take a roll on a skateboard at
Westside Park's skate park.
21. Take A Picture With a Large Fish
Head down near the Meridian and find local artist's
"Fish Wish" statue. Take a picture and enjoy the fresh air near.
22. Market at the Meridian
Each Saturday this summer head down to The Lawn just off the Meridian Bridge and browse the local area farmers and artists booths at the
Market at the Meridian. There is live music and often entertainment available as well. Purchasing local grown items is a bonus!
Visit the Gavins Point
23. Dog Park
24. Bowling
Kids Bowl Free offers 2 free bowling games each day of the summer program. Yankton Bowl is a participating location.
Sign up here.
25. Library
You can visit the
Yankton Library for free. They offer a kid's section and chairs to sit and read books to the kids. If you are a Yankton resident and register for a library card, you can check out books for free.
26. 4th of July Fireworks Display
Yankton's
Riverside Park is beautifully lit up with a fireworks display at dark on the 4th of July. Bring a chair or blanket and sit along the River's bank for a unique firework display.
27. Random Act of Kindness
Doing something nice and spreading kindness doesn't have to cost anything. Look up when walking by and smile at someone, stop a moment and hold a door for someone, offer to take someone's cart back to the store for them when they are finished, mow the lawn for a neighbor, etc! Get creative with the kids and see what fun ideas they have. Help spread kindness throughout the Yankton area!
28. Riverboat Days Parade
Grab some chairs and the family and check out the 2018
Riverboat Days Parade on August 18th at 9:30 AM. The parade typically lasts over an hour. Don't forget some cold water to keep you hydrated during this hot month of the year.
29. National Fish Hatchery
30. Kid's Art Club
31. Join LEGO Robotics
32. Puppet Show
33. Bible Camps
Many area churches offer Bible camps during the summer. Some offer their camps for free or a small fee. Check out a list of area Bible camps
here.
34. Meet Buddy from SD Public TV
This Riverboat Days,
SD Public Broadcasting will have a booth with free activities for the kids and a chance to meet Buddy.
35. Take a Guided Dam Tour
Have you ever wondered what the inside of the
Gavins Point Dam looks like or wanted to learn more information about it? You can join in free tours of the dam each weekend at designated times.
36. Wading Pool
The wading pool located at Fantle Memorial Park is free admittance daily, during
regular pool hours.
37. Check out Music at the Meridian
Different musical performances will take place starting in July on Thursday evenings.
Dates and Times will be posted soon. Stay tuned, as they also mentioned a possible event to get kids involved in the musical performance!
38. Libraries Rock Reading Program
Add some fun to summer reading with the Yankton Community Library's summer reading program called "Libraries Rock". Get
signed up here and check out the
Kick Off Party on June 4.
39. Celebrate Christmas in July
At
Chief White Crane Recreation area you will get in the Christmas spirit (in July?) with caroling, bike parade, hayride and more. Note park entrance may be necessary for this event.
40. Lunch at the School
The
Yankton School District welcomes kids to a free lunch at select schools during the summer, through July 27th. Parents can also grab a meal for a small fee.
41. Enjoy Marine Life
The
Gavin's Point Aquarium is open for free daily 10 AM - 5 PM. Find area fish, turtles and more!
42. Show off Your Talents
The
Yankton Community Library is hosting a family-friendly Talent Show! Whether you have a talent to show off (contact the library) or you just want to see all the talent Yankton has to offer, you can join in the fun at the Dakota Theatre on July 23rd.
43. Listen to Patriotic Tunes
Join Just Cuz at the
AME to help you get into the holiday spirit on June 23rd, ahead of Independence Day.
44. Watch The Greatest Showman & other movies
Head to the
Yankton Community Library on June 8th for a showing of
The Greatest Showman at 2 PM. Attend other movies on Fridays throughout summer.
45. Get Creative with LEGOS
47. Roll Down the Hill
The short hillside leading down to the
Morgen Park playground/grassy area is just right for a fun roll down the hill! Even kids at heart will enjoy this fun activity!
48. Fireworks Display for Riverboat Days
If you have never been, this fireworks display is one that tops most other area displays! Bring a blanket or chair and sit along the river bank and watch the beautiful display. There are sure to be a lot of "ooohhs and ahhhs". Friday of
Riverboat Days is August 17th, with the show starting at dark.
49. Be a Junior Ranger
Grab your
Junior Ranger booklet and complete activities to earn your Junior Ranger badge!
50. Riverboat Days
There are several free activities and entertainment at the Yankton Riverboat Days celebration in August. Stay tuned for the
upcoming schedule here.
51. Hit some Balls
Batting cages located at
Sertoma Park are available for use. Bring your bat, balls and batting tee.
52. Hike Smutty Bear Trail
A hidden gem off of Gavins Point Park entrance and a beautiful overlook once you have exerted some energy to get up the trail, a great reward! Take a four-legged friend, they will enjoy the adventure too! Note: Park entrance fee may be required.
53. Visit the Lewis & Clark Visitor Center
Although the
Lewis & Clark Visitor Center resides on the Nebraska side of the Dam it is a welcome center for the area. You will find great views of the Dam, a great video and history of the Dam and a fun area for the kids to look through, read and touch things from the area. If you haven't been in awhile, make this summer the time to check it out again.
54. Watch Juggling & Uni-cycling
The Hanson family will be performing at the
Yankton Community Library on June 11 with their talents. You are sure to be entertained.
55.
Explore the Lake Area
There are loads of things to do at the Lake from bike trails, swimming, archery and so much more. What haven't you tried yet? Here is a great website to get you started
here. Create a scavenger hunt list before you go and see what you find. Note: If driving in, park entrance may be necessary.
56. Play Disc Golf
Fantle Memorial Park houses an 18-hole disc golf course. You can also find area courses at
Gavins Point,
Cottonwood and
Pierson Ranch. And for a fun adventure in your backyard with the little ones, simply set up your own course using laundry baskets or buckets as your holes. Get the kids involved and have them set up the course.
57. Archery
All equipment is provided for kids 8+ to try out archery out at Lewis & Clark Recreation Area on June 23rd.
Registration is required.
58. America the Beautiful Bike Parade
Celebrate Independence Day with a bike parade through
Lewis & Clark Recreation Area on July 3rd. Bike decorating starts at 9:30 AM, with parade to follow at 10 AM. Note: If driving in, park entrance may be required.
59. Play Basketball, Tennis, Soccer, Softball
Grab a few of the kid's friends and head to one of the
Yankton Parks to play a game of ball together. You can find basketball court, tennis court, soccer fields or softball fields at area parks. Search for locations based on your game of choice.
60. Howl at the Moon Hike
Take an evening hike on July 27 and listen to the sounds of the night. Learn about sounds different SD critters make, habitats and patterns.
Check it out here.
61. Visit the Gavins Point Dam
Head out to the Dam and watch people fish, watch the water rush through when the spill gates are open, enjoy the surroundings. Lots to see and learn.
62. Explore Riverside Park
Boat dock, fishing deck, Dakota Territorial Capitol replica, the path through the park and all the greenery at
Riverside Park provide lots to wander and see.
63. Relay For Life
Join the
Relay For Life Yankton Area event on June 23rd at Pierson Ranch. Event is open to the public and free. You can help in the fight against cancer, if you feel inspired.
64. Catch the National Music Museum in Yankton
The National Music Museum will be in Yankton at the
Yankton Community Library for a Kids event on June 12th and a Teen event on June 25th.
65. Join Others in Board Games/Pokemon
Each Wednesday 11 AM to close,
Badlands Sports Cards offers up their tables for you to bring in your board games or Pokemon cards and play with others that show up. Call ahead to the store to reserve a spot and then call a few friends and meet them at Badlands Sports Cards.
