As the warm weather returns throughout the state, families are gearing up for spring vacations and activities.
Visit Watertown shares five attractions that families can enjoy this spring in Watertown.
1. Bramble Park Zoo
The Bramble Park Zoo features 600 animals of 130 species, there is something for everyone and something unique to see at every turn.
Spread across 15 acres of land, Bramble Park Zoo is open for families to enjoy year-round.
Throughout the month of April, the zoo will be gearing up for summer with spring clean up, plants blooming, and birds migrating back home.
The littlest animal lovers are invited to come to learn with the Bramble Park Zoo and its staff. The education classes strive to open kids’ eyes to exotic animals and where they come from.
Sit down and enjoy tasty snacks from the concession stand, like hot dogs, chips, pretzels, Dinnpin’ Dots, drinks, and salty popcorn.
The Bramble Park Zoo offers playgrounds for kids to exert extra energy, a multitude of benches for adults to stop and enjoy the moment, and is handicap accessible.
As they say, you’re never too old or young for the zoo.
MORE INFO: BRAMBLEPARKZOO.COM+
Bramble Park Zoo Programs
Animal Encounter – Preschool to Grade 4
Zoo Detectives – Preschool to Grade 1
Rare Animals – Grades 3 to 8
Nocturnal Animals – Grades 1 to 6
Zoo Business – Grades 7 to 12
Scavenger Hunt – All Ages
Job Shadowing – Grades 9 to 12
2. Codington County Heritage Museum
Soak in education and history at the Codington County Heritage Museum. Housed in what used to be the Carnegie Free Public Library the museum welcomes visitors to embrace the past.
Since 1975, the institution has been collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history of Codington County to educate the community and stimulate an appreciation for the local history.
Adults and children can walk through and enjoy educational exhibits like, The Time Machine, My Community and the Railroad, and Researching Homesteading.
The Codington County Heritage Museum offers a multitude of hands-on opportunities for kids, as well as summer programs.
Guests can finish their visit with the gift shop to pick up state memorabilia, gifts, knick-knacks, and various memberships.
MORE INFO: CCHSMUSEUM.ORG+
3. The Painted Fox
Let your creativity flow at The Painted Fox. The open art studio offers a fun and unique activity for anyone of all ages to enjoy.
Children and adults can showcase their artistic skills through several art mediums such as painting pottery, wood sign painting, and canvas painting.
Customers can pick their own paint and brushes and choose from various pottery pieces like dinner wear, piggy banks, ornaments, animal figurines, and more.
While kids get their hands dirty, adults can sit back and join in on painting their own creations or have the opportunity for glass fusing.
Soak in a sneak peek of summer with seasonal pottery options making their way onto the shelves.
The Painted Fox offers the perfect family outing during the week or on the weekends.
MORE INFO: PAINTEDFOX.COM+
4. Joy Ranch
Joy Ranch was established in 1989 to give people of all ages and disabilities a taste of the Wild West. The 126-acre western playground is dedicated to the majestic bond between horses and humans.
This slice of the state offers accessible, fun-filled activities with plenty of chances to explore.
Saddle up to partake in Equine Activities with riding lessons, guided scenic trail rides, carriage rides, and when snow falls, sleigh rides.
Take a dip and cool off in Lake Lyle which features an accessible dock to enjoy fishing, pontoon rides, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming.
Watch the spectacular sunsets as a family and stay the night at Coyote Campground. The 11 campsites are paired with electricity pedestals, water hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables.
The hiking trails are the perfect opportunity to experience the upcoming spring weather.
Families can be transported back in time by strolling along Joy Ranch’s 1880s Town. The western main street offers Wild Bill’s Game Room for family fun games, a sports court, and a playground for outdoor fun. While the day winds down, cozy up next to one of 13 fireplaces throughout the property.
MORE INFO: JOYRANCHOFSD.ORG+
5. Redlin Art Center
The Redlin Art Center came as a gift to Watertown from artist Terry Redlin. The family-friendly art center is open year-round and features 167 of Redlin’s original oil paintings of wildlife and America.
Take a stroll through the art gallery as Redlin invites his guests to reminisce and reconnect with family, friends, and communities. He encourages his guests to talk and walk down memory lane while immersing themselves in the nostalgia of life’s simple pleasures.
For young art enthusiasts, the Redlin Art Center offers complimentary gallery game cards
Guests can finish their visit by browsing through three gift shops carrying Redlin’s artwork, apparel, books, stationary items, gifts, home décor, privately labeled wine featuring Redlin’s art, and more.
MORE INFO: RELINART.COM+
*All photos for 6 Things are submitted by the event or its promoter unless otherwise noted.
For more information, visit VISITWATERTOWNSD.COM+
