Club for dads, kids celebrates first year of building community

A club that brings dads and their children together every month will celebrate its first anniversary with a family affair.

When the Sioux Falls Stroll Club first met in April 2025, it was Elliot Nathan and his two sons and a friend of his with his children. At the most recent gathering, more than 50 fathers and their children gathered.

“It’s meant to build community through friendships and relationships,” Nathan said. “Almost immediately, I had dads come up to me, saying ‘I don’t know anyone else, and it’s so great to get out of house and meet some new dads.’”

For what the Stroll Club is calling its birthday bash, families will meet at the Historic Tuthill House in Upper Tuthill Park at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 25. The two-hour event will include a free catered lunch, Flyboy Donuts, coffee from The Human Bean and gear from Commondad. Little Social Soft Play Rentals will supply inflatables, and GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness will offer kids’ activities. AARP South Dakota will host the traditional nature walk, the activity that started it all.

Nathan is the father of Beckett, who turns 6 in May, and Hayes, 2 1/2 years old. He has lived in Sioux Falls since 2012, but marriage and fatherhood changed his focus. Moms have multiple opportunities to gather, he decided, but dads, not so many.

He decided to change that by organizing monthly walks so fathers could get to know each other in a casual yet active setting and enjoy time with their kids.

“Parenting is hard and isolating, early on especially when you’re in the trenches and staying up all night,” Nathan said.

He also wanted to change the TV trope of the “doofus dad” — think Homer Simpson — and the notion that fathers taking care of their kids is babysitting.

Other dads feel the same.

“Last month, I talked to a dad who is going through a divorce, and he said to get out with his  son and come to this event is special,” Nathan said. “Comments like that have impacted me. I’m feeling emotional on how this has impacted others. The responses of dads has been great overall.”

Wes Vis and Joey Braaten and their children have taken part in the walks. Vis has two daughter, Braaten two sons.

“Sioux Falls Stroll Club is being a part of a community of dads going through similar stages of life. For me, having a space to build meaningful friendships with other dads has been a lot of fun,” Vis said. “What stands out about this group is how each dad genuinely cares about becoming the best father he can be.

“Sharing the journey of fatherhood with other dads is something every father needs in their life, and I can’t wait to see the impact this club will have on our community.”

Added Braaten: “Fatherhood is a rewarding journey, but it’s easy to feel like you’re navigating it solo. The Stroll Club has been an incredible outlet, providing a space where we can be honest about the challenges of being a dad and husband while our kids stay active.”

From last April to the fall, dads and kids met to walk for about an hour in spaces such as Jacobson Plaza and Yankton Trail Park. Flyboy Donuts provides snacks for each gathering.

In months with colder weather, Nathan scheduled indoor pop-up events. He looks for unique events. Earlier this month, he had 30 dads sign up for Braids and Brews, an opportunity for fathers to practice hair braiding on mannequins, supervised by hair stylists.

It’s his way to give back to a community that welcomed him when he first arrived from Minneapolis to take a job at KELO-TV. Nathan met his wife, a Platte native, in Sioux Falls, and he now considers the state home.

“It’s a way I can build something that will last a long time in Sioux Falls,” Nathan said. “It’s not about me, it’s something that might be beyond my time.”

“It’s more than just a walk — it’s about building a genuine support system with men who truly understand the experience,” Braaten said.

Nathan posts upcoming Sioux Falls Stroll Club events on Facebook and Instagram. Atomic Wings will cater the event. The birthday bash is free, but registration is requested.