Ready to embrace winter? New outdoor fun is ahead

It’s the beginning of January, and it’s likely you’re feeling a little cooped up from the holiday festivities and a lot like your clothes are snug, also from the holiday festivities.

What better way to get outside, exercise and begin to enjoy the South Dakota winter? The Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation Department makes it easy to find something fun to do with your friends or family as an alternative to endless scrolling and hot chocolate.

The ice rinks are the first step. They are open 4 to 8 p.m. weekdays and 1 to 8 p.m. on the weekend.

Next, the 35th annual Frosty Frolics kicks off  Friday with an event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the outdoor ice rink at Memorial Park. There will be free skate rentals, entertainment and a fire pit. The weekend continues with a 5K and 10K fun run and walk, storytime, ice fishing and a snowman hunt. Skate rentals are free at all outdoor rinks during Frosty Frolics.

“We are excited to bring back Frosty Frolics for a 35th year with a new twist,” said Jackie Nelson, recreation manager for the Parks & Recreation Department. “To help celebrate, individuals who attend five out of eight Frosty Frolics events will receive an official Frosty Frolics winter beanie.”

Find the full schedule of events at siouxfalls.org/parks/frosty-frolics. 

And this year, the department has added new hikes. They are:

• Jan. 21: Trails & Tails at Spencer Park.
• Jan. 29: Hikin’ in a Winter Wonderland.
• Feb. 9: Moonlit Snowshoe Date Night at Terrace Park.
• Feb. 11: Senior Snowshoe at Morningside Park.

Registration is required, and some events have a fee.

Residents also can cross-country ski on groomed trails throughout the community, including at the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum, the Outdoor Campus and Great Bear Ski Valley. Plus, there are groomed trails at Spencer Park.

“Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation offers a variety of outdoor activities throughout the winter season. From ice skating and ice fishing to the Snowshoe Glowshoe, Milk Jug Bowling and the Backyard Bird Count, to name a few, individuals and families can select from an assortment of fun-filled programs throughout the city,” Nelson said.

You can find more on the city’s website, including a downloadable winter activity guide.