24 Fun And Interesting Things to do in Aberdeen, SD
Located 125 miles (201 km) northwest of Pierre, the city of Aberdeen in Brown County, South Dakota is home to a population of 28,495 people as at the 2020 census. It is the third most populated city in South Dakota after Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
It is pretty interesting to know that the Sioux Indians were the first inhabitants of the city of Aberdeen from aproximately 1700 to 1879 before European settlements came. It was officially plotted as a tyown site on January 3, 1881, by Charles Prior.
The city is vibrant, developed, and stacked full of things to do and places to visit. It is a beautiful reminder of the wonder of modern civilization.
There are a variety of great choices for exploration and recreational spots to have a fun time. Here are the top things to do in Aberdeen, SD.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Aberdeen, SD?
The best time to visit Aberdeen, SD, will depend on what your interests are. Here is a tabular list of what to expect in Aberdeen, SD, at different times of the year:
| Season | Ideal Months | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm Weather & Outdoor Activities | May – September | Warm Weather | Outdoor Activities |
| Pleasant Weather & Fewer Crowds | April – May & October – November | Pleasant Weather | Fewer Crowds |
| Budget-Friendly Travel & Winter Activities | December – March | Budget-Friendly Travel | Winter Activities |
1. Golden Ticket Cinema
Address:3315 6th Ave SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
Spending time at the Golden Ticket Cinema is an excellent way to sit back and relax in the city of Aberdeen. Of course, it’s up to you to decide what to watch.
A movie is always an excellent way to spend time with loved ones and family members, and the cinema makes that possible.
This is one of the cool things to do in Aberdeen, SD, with the kids. The cinema is open to the public. There is also a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance for the physically challenged.
You could get some food and snacks while seeing a movie at the cinema as there’s food available for purchase. This makes seeing a movie much better.
It’s a friendly environment for adults and kids to have fun. If nothing stops you from paying a visit to the cinema, then come right down to the Golden Ticket Cinema!
2. Central Park
Address: 315 2nd Ave SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
The central park is an excellent choice for fun things to do in Aberdeen, SD, as it completely covers a lot of activities for parents and kids.
You can visit with your friends and take a walk in the Park or drop your kids off at the playground, which is just around the corner.
The park is beautiful to behold as its lush green grass makes a picnic pretty wholesome. You wouldn’t have to worry about ants ruining your picnic.
You can also set up a barbecue stand and share a meal with your friends at the park. It’s open to anyone who wants to eat out with friends.
The park also has many benches to sit on if you get tired or just want to enjoy the scenery. There is enough room for everyone.
It’s also an excellent place for horseback riding. You can get a go at horseback riding while at the park and feel the breeze blow against your skin.
The park awaits! Visit sometime!
3. Big Fella’s Bar and Grill
Address: 5759 US-12 E, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
Who doesn’t like grilled food with some good drink to wash it down? The Big fella bar and grill have got you covered.
The restaurant has very great taste in its choice of food as it has delicious meals and a variety of drinks to choose from.
This place has outstanding customer service and a considerably good interior look. You’ll feel right arm home at the Bar and Grill.
There is an excellent variety of meals to choose from at the restaurant. They have steak, burger, fries, and Chilli, to mention a few.
This is a perfect place to visit with family or with friends. You could just drop by for a meal or take one for the road.
It promises to be worthwhile and an excellent experience for its visitors. So if good food is what you are looking for in Aberdeen, Come over to Big Fella’s Bar and Grill!
4. Aberdeen Karting Club Track
Address: 24th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
Here’s a place where adults and kids alike can get to live their dreams of being professional race-car drivers. The go-cart rides are available for everyone.
The Aberdeen karting club track is a great place as it doesn’t just have a go-kart racing experience. The place has great snack stands close by if you ever get hungry.
The customer service is impeccable at the facility. They let you in on all you need to know before going on a go-kart ride.
The guides also teach you safety measures to prevent you from getting hurt during your racing experience.
The facility makes sure you are fully kitted and ready for the race. It’s impressive how they have their equipment in optimum performance and good condition.
Aside from riding the go-carts, watching the go-cart races is an exciting sight to behold. It’s all a fun-filled experience! Visit!
5. Odde Ice Arena
Address: 400 24th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
Odde Ice Arena, home to the Aberdeen Wings of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) is a hockey facility well known as one of the best in South Dakota.
Aside from hosting the home games for the Wings, the facility is the abode for the Aberdeen Youth Hockey Association.
After the 2013 to 2023 season, an expansion was carried out on the south wall, which has two levels. The upper level has eight corporate deluxe suites, which can house almost 190 fans.
The lower level features NHL -designed locker rooms used by the Wings, TVs, showers, restrooms, and a live video feed.
There are coaching staff offices, a training room, a skate sharpener, an equipment room, and a top-class training facility with quality weights.
6. Spurs Therapeutic Riding Center
Address: 1006 130th St, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
SPURS, an acronym for Special People Using Riding Skills, was founded in 1992. It is part of the biggest and oldest therapeutic centers for horse riding in South Dakota.
Spurs Therapeutic Riding Center was founded by some generous members of the community. It was established as a non-profit devoted to helping people with disabilities.
The people involved in creating this Center were horse owners Pat and Jim Bishop and Vi Stoia, then Jack Thompson joined a short while later when the planning started.
SPURS offers children and adults a vast selection of special needs like sensory integration disorder, learning disabilities, mental health issues, behavior challenges, traumatic brain injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and others.
The Center is open to everyone regardless of age. In addition, SPURS Therapeutic Riding Center has an excellent staff that is super friendly and passionate about horses.
7. Storybook Land and Land of Oz
Address: 2300 24th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401-8803
Many children are fascinated by fairytales, and they have a beautiful glitter of joy that comes to their faces as they get to see their fairytale characters and stories come to life.
The Storybook Land and Land of Oz make kids’ dreams come true as they get to see a lot of their animated characters practically come to life in the amusement park. The park contains a castle, as well as a train that takes visitors through the park. there are two barns which contain petting zoos. Humpty Dumpty’s Great Fall Roller Coaster was added to the park, summer 2015.
This doesn’t mean that parents get left behind, as there are many great games on rides that both kids and parents can take on.
If you’re looking for a great place to have fun with your friends, loved ones, and family, the Storybook Land and Land of Oz is just the place to go.
The Storybook Land and Land of Oz also has various restaurants if the need to get something to eat arises. They also have plenty of shops to get cool stuff from.
Since the Land of Oz is part of the location’s name, you can meet Dorathy with her friends and even the wizard of Oz. It’s a great location to visit.
8. Wylie Park
Address: near Wylie Park, US-281, Aberdeen, SD, USA
This is a place for those who love the outdoors and are just content with a peaceful walk, a picnic, or even a date. Wylie Park is an excellent place to visit with family and loved ones.
Wylie Park Recreation area is a small man-made lake open in the summer months for swimming, lying on the beach, and paddle boating. It is connected to Storybook Land.
The park has a great play area for kids and a basketball court for the sport-loving teenagers and adults who visit. You can also find a duck pond at the park.
As much as mentioned, the fun doesn’t end there for those looking for things to do in Aberdeen, as the park also has a list of other cool stuff.
There are go-carts for both kids and those who feel young at heart to ride in. The place also has biking trails for others who seek a heart-pumping sport.
Parents can also swing at the miniature golf course and test theirgolf playing skills. Of course, kids are also welcome to use the miniature golf course!
So with all that’s been written, it is a perfect idea to start packing up for a fun trip to the Wylie park whenever you are in Aberdeen.
9. Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center
Address: 225 3rd Ave SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
Aberdeen recreation and cultural center is an excellent choice for fun things to do in Aberdeen, SD. There are loads of fun activities at the cultural center.
The recreation and cultural center has art galleries where families can visit and appreciate the great artistic expressions of various artists.
It’s a place that has something to do for everyone. Kids and adults can have fun and find a section of interest for themselves at the recreation and cultural center.
The place isn’t that popular, but it has a lot of fun things to do. Kids can upgrade their dancing skills with dancing classes at the Cultural Center.
There is also a section for martial arts classes in the cultural center for kids fascinated by martial arts, plus courses on skills if you want to learn painting and drawing.
The Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center stands out as it is packed full of activities for everyone. It’s a place to visit whenever in Aberdeen!
10. The Village Bowl
Address: 1314 8th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
The village bowl is perfect for a great night out. They have one of the best pizzas in Aberdeen and delicious food at an affordable price.
If you love bowling alleys and a good arcade game, the village bowl is excellent for a night out. They have just what you need.
The staff is very welcoming, and they make a visit to the village bowl so much better in terms of helpful services.
This is an excellent place for a friendly competition with your friends and family members. You can bowl to your satisfaction and celebrate your wins with your friends.
The bowling alley has many lanes, so there wouldn’t be a need to wait in line, and the arcade is available just in case bowling gets boring.
There are lots of great things to do in the village bowl. Visit with your children and get to have a memorable night out!
11. Capitol Cinemas
Address: 415 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
Movies have become a significant part of society to which almost everyone can relate with. On this note, you can not visit Aberdeen without visiting the cinemas.
One suggestion of a good cinema for those looking for things to do in Aberdeen, SD, is the Capitol Cinema as it has a wide range of movies playing in theaters which you can choose from.
Located on Aberdeen’s main street, the Capitol Cinema is an excellent choice for a place to visit with your family, friends, and loved ones.
The cinema has its movies playing at all times, making it convenient to catch up on a film you once missed due to a tight schedule or something else that came up.
The Capitol Cinema is one of the most cost-effective places to visit as its management can prescribe discounts based on their customer’s consistency.
What is not to love about this place? So come along with family and friends, visit the Capitol Cinema, and have a blast!
12. Allevity Entertainment
Address: 130 Centennial St S, Aberdeen, SD 57401-5522
Allevity Entertainment is a place for many board games and arcade games. This place is perfect for entertainment of all sorts.
It’s a great place for everyone, and it has no age restrictions. So adults, teenagers, kids, married couples as well as those dating are welcome.
You can choose to hang out at any time at this great location as it has table games like foosball, pool, and air hockey.
There’s no harm in a friendly board game with your friends, whether an adult or a kid, and you get exclusive bragging rights!
You could also play at the arcade if the table games aren’t doing it for you. It’s an all-around fun environment at Allevity Entertainment.
So whether you are within or outside Aberdeen, Allevity Entertainment is an excellent choice for a visit. Come along to Allevity Entertainment on your next trip!
13. Dakotah Prairie Museum
Address: 21 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
What’s a trip without an educational and informative edge? The Dakotah Prairie Museum is that educational edge visitors to Aberdeen look forward to.
Museums are always a great place to learn something new about present-day and historical events. You can visit with your kids and learn a lot about Aberdeen.
The museum shows a lot of things that took place in Aberdeen, such as the period of the bison hunt by the native Americans and how they carried out farm production in those days.
The Dakotah Prairie Museum very well preserves Aberdeen’s history to ensure that the city’s cultural heritage isn’t lost.
The significant part is that you won’t only get to learn about the history of the city of Aberdeen but that you also get to see beautiful artworks in the museum.
So whether you’re a parent or just out with your friends, the Dakotah Prairie Museum is a great place to visit and have a look around.
14. Richmond Lake Recreation Area
Address: 12800 379th Ave, Aberdeen, SD, USA
The Richmond Lake Recreation Area is a perfect destination for all types of outdoor enthusiasts, it is open all year long. Campers stay in south unith, while the 200-acre Forest Drive Unit is a great place for wildlife viewing.
The lake is open for canoeing and fishing, and it’s a great way to get to spend some time with your friends or just be alone in the canoe. But, it takes patience to get a good catch of fish!
You could also take a walk on the lakeside or stretch out with a little jugging, and there’s also a biking trail for those who want to ride their bikes.
What’s great about the Richmond Lake recreational area is its campsites which are readily accessible to visitors. As many as seek a feel of the great outdoors can experience that at the campsite.
There are also places close to the recreational area where visitors can lodge for the night if you wish to have a great experience of the recreational area from the early hours of the day.
So if canoeing and fishing aren’t doing it for you, you could try the biking trails and the campsites. There’s a load of fun stuff to do in the recreational area.
15. Downtown Summer Concert Series
Address: Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Aberdeen
Summer is an excellent time to visit Aberdeen as it has a series of concerts during summer. The shows start on Thursday evenings with various artists, and it continues till summer ends.
You are also sure to enjoy great meals at restaurants around there and their great drinks at the bars throughout the summer period.
If you’re looking for things to do in Aberdeen, SD, the concert series will be just the right amount of fun you are looking for.
There are many great things to do at concerts aside from getting the autograph of your favorite artists. Of course, you can take great pictures at the show too.
These concerts are family-friendly, and you can bring your kids along to join in on the fun of the experience. They could get inspired to become artists themselves!
So if you’re in or around Aberdeen or are planning to visit during the summer, rest assured it’s a great time and place to stay!
16. Fort Sisseton State Historic Park
Address: 11907 434th Ave, Lake City, SD 57247, United States
There are a lot of places that show a great deal of South Dakota’s past, and the Forth Sisseton Historic Park is one of them.
If you’re thinking of things to do in Aberdeen, SD, visit the Fort Sisseton Historical Park and get to learn fascinating things about South Dakota.
There are many fun things to see in the Fort Sisseton Historic Park, like cannon firing and the great re-enactments of historical events.
The historic park also has fascinating wildlife, which visitors can get to see as they take a tour through the historic park.
The Historic Park also has a guided tour, making it possible for visitors to take excellent pictures without getting lost in the park.
When it comes to wildlife and a tour through the memory lane of South Dakota, the Fort Sisseton State Historic Park is an excellent destination.
17. Bramble Park Zoo
Address: Terry Redlin Environmental Center / Discovery Center, 800 10th St NW, Watertown, SD 57201, United States
One of the best things to do in Aberdeen, SD, is a visit to Bramble Park Zoo .
The zoo is an excellent place to visit with family and friends and take great pictures. Seeing wildlife is always an impressive feat.
If you need to take a tour around the Bramble Park Zoo, they have vehicles with about four to five seating capacity, and it costs about sixty dollars for a ride.
The zoo houses about five hundred animals with about a hundred and thirty species, among which are adorable creatures.
The zoo allows a guided interaction with the animals in the zoo, making it a memorable experience for its visitors, especially kids.
The Bramble Park Zoo is not too far from Aberdeen, and you can drive there by Kayak or make reservations for a vehicle.
18. Revive Day Spa
Address:301 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
This place is perfect for a settled relaxation with a manicure and pedicure after a stressful your around Aberdeen.
The Revive Day Spa has a way of “reviving” you after a hectic day with its splendid services and its variety of physical therapy for your body.
You get to pamper yourself at the Revive Day Spa with not just a manicure and pedicure but a nice back massage as well.
A visit to the spa will leave you feeling and looking younger than before. Relaxation is good for the health, making the spa a great place to unwind.
It’s possible to have a hazy mind throughout the day, and you may find it challenging to face the day’s activities and have fun visiting great locations.
To solve that problem, pay a visit to the Revive Day Spa, get a good and relaxing experience, and clear your mind from all the stress!
19. Aberdeen Murals
Murals are artistic drawings and paintings drawn or made on walls. Aberdeen has a lot of beautiful murals, which serve as a tourist attraction.
You’ll get to see amazing murals throughout the town, each one telling a story or expressing the artist’s ideas in its fullest potential.
It’s possible to get a little glimpse of the history of Aberdeen just by going through the murals in the city. The whole city is filled with them!
You could rack up plenty of likes and followers on your social media handles just by taking pictures of the murals in Aberdeen.
They are so relatable, and people can easily blend into the murals while taking a picture or two. This is also something you can do with the family.
You can decide to take a walk through the streets of Aberdeen with your friends, siblings, or loved ones and take pictures while enjoying the beautiful artwork.
20. The Flames
Address: 2 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
Flames restaurant is a vintage restaurant that serves various spicy and delicious meals. They are open from Mondays to Fridays.
This is a great place to get some steak and other delicious meals for an affordable price. A visit to the flames restaurant would make your day.
Everything about this place spells out delicious meals. From the great reception to the admirable services and politeness of the waitresses, the site proves to be worth the effort.
This place also has a lot of drinks available. From soft drinks to beer, to wine and some whiskey, they’ve got it. It’s a great way to spend the day.
Its a great place to visit with friends and family members and have a good feast before calling it a day. It’s an excellent choice for a good meal.
There are many restaurants in Aberdeen, but the Flames restaurant stands out. Great food awaits its guests!
21. Skate Away
Address: 721 Circle Dr, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
Skate Away is a great place to visit with family and friends as it has all that one would expect from a recreational area.
This is one of the top things to do in Aberdeen,SD, it is full of great fun games aside from skating on the ice.
It’s a great place to visit if you’re good at skating or looking to learn how to. Everyone is welcome there, and the friendly staff is there to prove it.
The skate rental and admission fee is about three dollars which is considerably cheap. There is also great music at Skate Away.
If you’re planning to pay a visit to Aberdeen, you should drop by Skate Away as it would be a great experience you wouldn’t want to miss.
Skate Away also makes provision for those seeking to throw a birthday party for a small token. It is sure to be a blast all the way!
22. Colorful Creations
Address: 207 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
Colorful Creations is a perfect place for art lovers. You don’t necessarily have to be a professional artist to appreciate the artwork or make some.
This place has no reservations, and its doors are open to all who seek to learn some aspect of art. You could either go for portrait paintings or pottery classes.
You can make your masterpiece at colorful Creations despite your artistic prowess being limited to stick figures!
The staff are so lovely and patient with its visitors. They are there to make sure they take you through a step-by-step process of creating great artworks and pots.
This place is perfect for kids and adults alike as it’s an excellent choice for those who want to spend some time with friends and family members.
There’s something for everyone to do at Colorful Creations, and it’s only a trip away! Visit if you’re close by!
23. Aberdeen Aquatic Center
Address: 1029 S Dakota St, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
If you’re a fan of water-related recreational activities, then the Aberdeen Aquatic Center is an excellent destination for a visit.
The aquatic center features excellent outdoor and indoor activities, such as an indoor and outdoor pool with diving boards for courageous or skilled swimmers.
It’s also an excellent place to work out as you take a swim. Children can also learn to swim with at the aquatic center.
Bringing your kids to the aquatic center is one of the top thing to do in Aberdeen, as they can have a great time playing in the water.
This place also has a water slide for both kids and adults alike. You can get a good adrenaline rush as you go down the water slides.
It’s all fun and games at the Aberdeen Aquatic Center! It’s a great place to visit with friends and family as you travel by Aberdeen.
24. Aberdeen Community Theater
Address: 417 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401, United States
This is a great place to visit with your family members and loved ones! The theatre offers a variety of great performances every season.
They offer musical shows and plays at the theater and top-tier entertainment for all its visitors. The theater has its play production as well.
The theater also has the everyday things you’d expect to see, like a popcorn stand and a photo booth. This doesn’t make it any less fun a place to visit.
One impeccable thing you’d notice is how well organized the performances are and the top-notch sets used for each performance.
Get to see live-action performances of well-loved shows and fairytales like “Shrek’s Musical” and “James and the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl, among many others.
So come along and pay a visit to the Aberdeen Community Theater! It promises to be fun and nostalgic to see the live performances of your favorite movies.
Now you have read this, also checkout: Things To Do In Rockwall: 20 Of The Best And Most Interesting Places To Visit
Wrapping Up
Aberdeen has a lot of potentially exceptional places to eat, drink, play games and relax. It’s a perfect place to visit or reside.
There are a lot of fun activities here, historical sites as well as beautiful artworks to see and take pictures with in Aberdeen, and it makes the city a fascinating place.
Start planning your trip to Aberdeen, SD, and have a fun one!
