Wondering what to do to get a bit of sun this summer?
From walking around an arboretum to lounging by the pool or lake, the Aberdeen area has plenty of options to help you get outside. Just remember to hydrate and take the sunblock.
Here are eight fun options in and around town.
On the south side of Aberdeen along Moccasin Creek, walking around Kuhnert Arboretum makes a great activity for families and people of all ages.
Visitors can stop at the educational center where they can learn about various plants and ecosystems or they can check out the rose garden. There is no admission charge.
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About 15 miles northwest of Sisseton, there’s plenty to see at Sica Hollow. With more than 8 miles of trails, Sica Hollow is the perfect place for beginners. There are even some trails that horses can use.
Sica Hollow is also a great place to picnic and birdwatch. Just watch out for tics.
As is the case at other state parks, it costs $8 per vehicle to park at Sica Hollow for one day. A $36 annual pass can also be used that will get you into all of South Dakota’s state parks for the year.
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Sand Lake is open every day from sunrise to sunset, with its visitors center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. About 25 miles outside of Aberdeen, the nearly 22,000-acre wildlife refuge is a great place for nature enthusiasts.
Bird-watchers can see more than 200 species of birds, primarily consisting of wetland dependent migratory species. There are also five different areas to go fishing around the lake. Deer, ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse and gray partridge can be hunted on the refuge in season.
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The Aberdeen Aquatic Center makes for a great family-friendly activity. Visitors can float down the lazy river, swim laps or use the water slides.
Daily entry to the aquatic center is $8 for adults, $6 for those between 2 and 17 and $7 for seniors. Season passes are also available.
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The Mina Lake Recreation Area has room for many different types of water activities. Visitors can go boating, fishing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing and paddle-boarding. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and water mats are all available to rent.
Standard state park admission applies, and there’s an extra charge for camping or rentals.
There’s plenty to do at Wylie Park. Families can learn about different children’s stories and characters at Storybook Land, while mini golfing and go-karting are popular activities at Thunder Road.
Thunder Road is open from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, noon through 9:30 p.m. on Friday and noon through 10 p.m. on Saturday.
It’s free to visit the popular city park and Storybook Land, though there are charges for concessions, rides and camping. Or just pack a picnic.
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Once per month during summer, there is free live music downtown Aberdeen. The next concert is July 14. The final one is Aug. 26 as part of the Sizzlin’ Summer Nights car and bike show.
Make a night of it as vendors and food trucks will offer food and beverages, including beer and wine. All of the action is at Malchow Plaza, 506 S. Main St.
Less than 10 miles outside of Aberdeen, Richmond Lake Recreation Area is a great place for hikers, campers, disc golfers and beachgoers. As with other state parks, daily or an annual pass is required.
Visitors can bike or hike the trails, while kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are available to rent. Don’t forget your beach chair and towel to relax and swim.