Sioux Falls Info, Please (Rapid City: where to stay, waterpark, hotels)

[sdfamily]

We are planning a weekend trip to SF in mid November. I am taking my mother (a young 56) and my three kids 9, 7 and 4 and we are coming from Rapid. Strangely enough, I have only been to SF once in my entire life, so I have no idea what there is to do or where to stay.

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice We were thinking about staying in the Ramkota because it has a good pool area for the kids, but someone said it is "old" Any opinions?

Also, good, kid friendly restaurants, maybe things we can't go to in Rapid? I don't really care too much about the cost, I just want the kids to have fun.

We are thinking about the butterfly thing, the Washington Pavillion, too? I was just hoping to ge some insider info before I start planning.

Thanks so much in advance!

[Snowbunny76]

We stayed at the Ramada Inn (near the airport) in June. They have an awesome indoor water park with a huge waterslide, pirate ship, etc. They have pictures on their website. They have something for every age. My twin nephews (age 2) were even in the water. I have never stayed at the Ramkota, so I can't give you any help there.

As far as kid friendly restaurants, we went to Fuddrucker's, Culver's, and Applebee's and were happy with all three.

The Sertoma Butterfly House is a must-see. I've never been to the Pavilion, but I've heard only great things about it! If you are interested in saving a few $$ on admission fees for these places, try to find a Sioux Falls visitor's guide. We stumbled upon one at a rest-stop on the intersate, and it had "buy one admission, get one free" for the butterfly house.

I'm sure someone else will come along here with more infor for you soon!

[DannyBanany]

Yay! Another Rapid Citian!!!

There is a new Brazilian restaurant near 41st I think. I hear it is very expensive though. Other than that, Rapid City has pretty much the same options as Sioux Falls as far as restaurants go. The only ones that we don't have are Granite City, Old Chicago, and Panera Bread. Panera is my favorite place to eat when I go to SooFoo! Try that one out!

As far as hotels, Ramada on Russell is probably the best for your kids. It does not compare to the WaTiki Waterpark in Rapid City, but their waterpark is pretty fun. The Sheraton is right across the street if you want something "classier: or maybe the Clubhouse.

Don't forget the zoo!!!

[Jammie]

This is probably late since I just got back from vacation, BUT I just want to second the things that were already said.

We went to the Ramada last year just for a little get away. It is very nice and the waterpark (and jacuzzis) are great. It's a very nice, clean hotel and you'll like it.

We also enjoyed the Sertoma butterfly house. We've never been to the Washington Pavilion either but have heard so much good about it. Maybe it's something we'll go to see this winter, too.

Let us know how you enjoyed your Sx. Falls trip and if you found anything else interesting there that you'd like to pass along.

[sdfamily]

Thanks for the great info! I will let you know how the trip goes! I wasn't sure about the zoo, since it will be so cold out...But I will check into it, I am sure the kids would love it! Thanks again!

[golfgal]

Your kids are the perfect ages for the Washington Pavilion. The zoo has a great indoor diorama display and unless it is bitterly cold, it isn't all that large outside so you could do that if you want. We loved going to the SF zoo when our kids were small because they could get so close to the animals.