5 fall family fun escapes in or within a quick road trip of Sioux Falls

This paid piece is sponsored by Travel South Dakota.

Pick pumpkins, tackle a corn maze and enjoy the colors of fall all within an easy day trip from Sioux Falls.

The free digital Travel South Dakota passport will guide you to hidden-gem destinations and special attractions throughout the state. Check it out if you’re looking for a fun staycation, a weekend escape or a longer road trip.

Here’s a look at five fun fall destination you can stop by easily within a quick ride of Sioux Falls.

Mazing Acres Pumpkin Patch

30851 433rd Ave., Yankton

There really is a little something for everyone at Mazing Acres Pumpkin Patch in Yankton.

Molly Nedved of Mazing Acres calls it “the perfect destination for all ages.”

The 20-acre property has a range of attractions – from giant slides and paintball to special events such as a Mum Fest and Pumpkin Fest.

“The farm brings together classic fall fun with unique, hands-on experiences,” Nedved said “Families love the open spaces, beautiful scenery and photo opportunities. It’s a place where memories are made together.”

Guests can pick their own pumpkins, explore more than 30 attractions or enjoy seasonal treats. Visits can include a bounce pillow for kids, craft beer and wine slushies for adults, live music, the cozy pumpkin village, play areas and farm animals.

And, of course, there’s the maze, where “each twist brings new surprises,” Nedved said.

And it’s all photo-friendly – with massive pumpkin houses, giant chairs, swings and frames that are perfect for family pictures.

“Whether you’re posing in a field of flowers and pumpkins or enjoying one of the many other themed spots, these giant, creative setups make for unforgettable snapshots of your visit,” Nedved said.

There are hayrides, a barrel train, an obstacle course and more.

“There’s something truly special about witnessing the excitement of children discovering their perfect pumpkin or laughing with friends and family as they enjoy the farm,” Nedved said. “The crisp fall air, the stunning autumn colors and the energy that surrounds Mazing Acres make this time of year magical for everyone who visits!”

The farm is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Download and save: Enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free pumpkin coupon when you download and check in with the South Dakota — Family Fun Escapes Passport.

Heartland Country Corn Maze

27455 SD Highway 11, Harrisburg

For 25 years, families have been coming to explore the 11-acre Heartland Country Corn Maze in Harrisburg.

“We have families that have been coming for all or most of these years,” co-owner Karen Sproul said. “Their children that were younger now are bringing their children. Many families and groups call this their favorite tradition.”

The maze has been the site of family gatherings, church events, team-building outings for business and even marriage proposals, she said.

“It’s also a great date night.”

Sproul said that when guests arrive, they receive a card with 10 questions and a map of the maze. The trick is to find the answers to those questions – and a bonus checkpoint that grants you a free concession item.

It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete the maze, she said. Looking for an extra twist? Try it at night – and don’t forget a flashlight.

“It’s great to have a place like this that people can have fun and enjoy themselves and make memories,” Sproul said.

The maze is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. It’s open through Oct. 20.

Great Plains Zoo

805 S. Kiwanis Ave., Sioux Falls

It might surprise you to know that many of the animals at the Great Plains Zoo love fall – the cooler weather invites them to be more active.

“We have a lot of species that are from northern climates and enjoy playing in the snow,” said Denise DePaolo, director of marketing and public relations. “Fall is one of my favorite times at the zoo.”

She said the zoo is a little quieter in the fall, and on colder days, there are plenty of indoor spaces to see animals.

Right now is a great time to visit the Pallas’s cats.

“They are from mountainous deserts that get cold at night, and they do well with us in the fall and winter,” DePaolo said. “We have a new kitten who was born at the end of July, and he’s starting to explore the outdoor habitat a lot more, so we have had guests catch a glimpse of him. He’s adorable. He looks like he could be a pet cat, but he is definitely not that.”

And if you love cats, then you’re definitely going to want to visit the lions – the newest members of the Great Plains Zoo. Simba and Amahle joined the zoo earlier this year. Right now, they still prefer to be separate, but they both have outdoor areas to enjoy.

“They are very content in their spaces, and they have outdoor heated patios where they like to lay in the sunshine,” DePaolo said.

She noted that both lions are doing well. Simba’s mane is gorgeous, and she calls Amahle a “powerhouse,” and an active and fun lion. “She has her own idea of what she likes to do.”

Another fun exhibit right now is the meerkat mob – which is new and includes five brothers. “They are young and very active,” DePaolo said. “They are constantly digging and running around and just being adorable.”

The meerkats and the lions are viewable from indoor spaces, too, perfect for cooler months.

Fall is full of events at the zoo – including Zoo Boo on Oct. 18-20. This year, it includes a Family Fun Boo Run – a half-mile course through the zoo to run or walk. There also will be a fire show on the primate lawn. “This is the first time we’ve ever done anything like that,” DePaolo said.

Guests are encouraged to bring a bag to trick-or-treat for Zoo Boo, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you would prefer a less-crowded visit, sensory hour is from 9 to 10 a.m. on the Saturday of Zoo Boo. “We have a limited number of tickets, and it will just be a little more chill and allow people to have that experience,” DePaolo said.

And, of course, there’s the Butterfly House & Aquarium, which is decorated for the “Spooky Seas” event Oct. 26, with photo-ops, a make-your-own treasure map craft and a visit with The Little Mermaid.

“The Butterfly House is a wonderful location,” DePaolo said. “Some of us don’t do well with the darker days and lower temps. It’s a great place to get that little moment of summer.”

You can find a list of all the events at the zoo here. Plus, save $2 on admission when you buy tickets online.

McCory Gardens

631 22nd Ave., Brookings

Every season is beautiful at McCrory Gardens in Brookings – the textures and desolation of winter, the bright green of spring, the explosion of color in the summer.

And autumn is no different.

“The trees are beginning to turn their gorgeous colors,” said Lori Puetz, venue sales and services coordinator. “Our blooms are still flourishing in the fall. It’s very pretty and lovely, and it’s a good chance to get out and enjoy a more formal garden arrangement with the fall colors that just glow.”

There are natural-element scarecrows placed throughout the gardens to admire – and this year, the South Dakota State University horticulture club and a sculpture class are helping build scarecrows.

“We like to use natural elements and incorporate those, and we create a scarecrow scavenger hunt,” Puetz said.

The gardens are open all year, and there’s an education and visitor center to enjoy. Puetz said guests will receive a map and can guide themselves through the gardens.

“A garden changes every single day, but many of the things are labeled, so you know what you’re looking at,” she said. “For those who might be thinking, ‘oh, we should plant a new tree,’ this is a good place to get ideas for that.”

One favorite area is the N.E. Hansen Garden.

“It doesn’t have colorful flowers, but it has wonderful textures,” Puetz said. “There are a variety of trees and birches. You don’t always see these trees with the peeled bark, and it has crabapples and apple trees, and everything has texture and fragrance.”

Others love the sensory garden and its rock formations. The garden includes an autumn blaze maple that turns a fiery red in the fall.

“It’s a beautiful experience, and a chance to appreciate nature and clear your head,” Puetz said of the gardens. “It’s just a peaceful sanctuary in the middle of town.”

Download and save: Enjoy buy-one-get-one admission with the South Dakota — Family Fun Escapes Passport.

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

272 Westshore Drive, North Sioux City

If you’re looking for a low-key way to spend a fall afternoon, Adams Homestead is the place.

Located near North Sioux City, the 1,500-acre park along the Missouri River is an ideal place to unwind. The flat trails are perfect for leisurely walks, a run or a bike ride. And visitors can stop at outlooks along the river or look for one of the more than 100 species of birds in the area.

The land was donated to the state in 1984 by Mary and Maud Adams, granddaughters of the original homesteader Stephen Searls Adams, according to the park website.

The 10 miles of limestone trails wind through prairie and forest and along the riverbank. There also are restored historical buildings, including Lamont Country School, Stavenger Lutheran Church and Brusseau Cabin. Tours are available by reservation. Keep an eye here for upcoming events.

Fish, camp, unwind with 5 S.D. waterfront recreation destinations