Sioux Falls Celebrates Earth Month With Fun Family Events

As the weather continues to get nicer, there are lots of reasons to want to head outdoors these days, and the City of Sioux Falls has given us plenty of activities to get involved with to celebrate Earth Month all April long.

There is a series of community events aimed at environmental stewardship, education, outdoor recreation, and hands-on learning.

Kids Create: DIY Recycled Books - Wednesday, April 15th: 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM

Prairie West Branch

Siouxland Libraries will host a program where participants can learn about Earth’s resources and the importance of environmental care. Children will create recycled books and write about what they appreciate about the planet. The program is for children in grades K-5. To register, visit siouxlandlib.org.

Birdhouse Creations - Saturday, April 18th: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Westside Recreation Center

Birds are starting to return for the season, and attendees are invited to join a crafting session to build their own birdhouse using provided materials. All supplies will be available on site. Participants are encouraged to bring creativity and take home their finished birdhouse. The event is open to all ages. Registration is required by April 6 to reserve a spot. To register, visit siouxfalls.gov/activities-recreation/recreation/programs-classes.

Planet Pops and Jelly Drops - Wednesday, April 22nd: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Westside Recreation Center

Planet Pops and Jelly Drops is a hands-on program that combines eco-awareness with candy-themed activities. It includes games, crafts, and team challenges related to recycling, nature, and movement, along with Jelly Bean Day activities such as flavor guessing and sorting games.

Registration is required by April 15. The program is open to all ages. Participants must be passholders or purchase a daily pass to the Westside Recreation Center in addition to registering. To register, visit siouxfalls.gov/activities-recreation/recreation/programs-classes.

Branch Out! Earth Day and Arbor Day Festival - Friday, April 24th: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department will host the Branch Out! Earth Day and Arbor Day Festival, an event focused on trees and environmental activities. The festival will include planting opportunities, educational programs, and activities for all ages, from craft projects to outdoor exploration. For more information, visit siouxfalls.gov/activities-recreation/recreation/programs-classes.

Big Sioux River Greenway Cleanup - Saturday, April 25th: 10:00 AM - Noon

The Big Sioux River Greenway Cleanup is the largest litter-removal event in Sioux Falls and is supported by volunteers who help remove debris from the Big Sioux River Greenway. Participants collect litter along the river corridor to help protect wildlife, support water quality, and maintain parks and trails. Cleanup supplies are available at seven check-in stations located in city parks along the recreation trail. Each year, volunteers remove tons of trash from the greenway.

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Participants may check in, sign waivers, and receive supplies at one of the following sites:

• Falls Park (701 N. Weber Ave.)
• Beadle Greenway Park (824 E. 14th St.)
• Rotary Park (2408 E. 26th St.)
• Yankton Trail Park (3901 S. Minnesota Ave.)
• Sertoma Park (4300 S. Oxbow Ave.)
• Legacy Park (7001 W. 12th St.)
• Elmwood Park (2804 W. Bailey St.)

Register and learn more at siouxfalls.gov/greenway-cleanup.

Paint and Plant - Saturday, April 25th: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Arrowhead House

Children ages 2 to 5 can explore art and nature in the Paint and Plant program. Toddlers will decorate a flowerpot and learn how to plant and care for a seedling. The activity is designed to develop fine motor skills and introduce basic environmental concepts. Each participant will take home a decorated potted plant. Registration is required. The cost is $5 per child. To register, visit siouxfalls.gov/activities-recreation/recreation/programs-classes.

Plant and Grow - Saturday, April 25th: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Arrowhead House

Children ages 6 to 9 can learn how plants grow in a program that highlights the benefits of gardening, including increased responsibility, self-awareness, and a greater likelihood of choosing healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables. After an introduction to plant characteristics, participants will decorate a flowerpot and plant their own seedling to take home. Registration is required. The cost is $5 per child. To register, visit siouxfalls.gov/activities-recreation/recreation/programs-classes.

Party for the Planet - Sunday, April 26th: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sertoma Park

Friends of the Big Sioux River is inviting the community to participate in Party for the Planet, an environmental event held in partnership with The Outdoor Campus. The day will include the Big Sioux River Greenway Cleanup from 10 a.m. to noon, a book hike with Siouxland Libraries, activities from local conservation groups, open-house fishing at The Outdoor Campus, and additional cleanup opportunities at the Butterfly House & Aquarium. The event is open to all ages. For more information, visit friendsofthebigsiouxriver.org/party-for-the-planet.

Spring Sensory Play: Our Amazing Earth

Siouxland Libraries will host storytimes and hands-on activities for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers. The sensory storytime introduces children to Earth‑themed stories, movement, and tactile activities, along with basic information about caring for the environment. For dates and participating branches, visit siouxlandlib.org

Sustainable Community Grants - Applications close April 16th

Applications for the city’s Sustainable Community Grants are now open. The grant program, which began in 2016, partners with nonprofits to amplify communitywide sustainability efforts and help meet the city’s Sustainability Program goals. Grant dollars have supported waste reduction, water resource protection, food access, community vitality, and community education.

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