The Washington Pavilion in downtown Sioux Falls is about to undergo a big change, along with getting a new traveling exhibit for the summer months.

Starting Friday, (April 28) The Kirby Science Discovery Center on the fourth floor of the Pavilion will play home to "The Building Buddies" exhibit.

The latest addition to the Pavilion will be around throughout the summer months and according to Dakota News Now, will focus on STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). It will feature various learning opportunities designed to promote social interaction between visitors, fostering teamwork and sharing.

Get our free mobile app

Young guests will be able to help the Walton family who is in the process of moving into a new home finish a few projects around the home before being able to move in. Some of the things that need to be completed include painting, arranging flowers and laying a garden path, laying tile in the bathroom, tightening leaky pipes, building a dog house, etc.

The exhibit will help teach young guests the proper steps for each project to help ensure all of the work is done correctly.

The biggest change planned at the Pavilion...

Is the temporary closing of the Wells Fargo CineDome. That is slated to happen on Monday, (May 1).

As Dakota News Now reports, the CineDome will be undergoing a series of renovations to make way for the installation of a new planetarium technology.

The brand-new world-class planetarium will be opening to the public late this summer and will feature:

A Digistar 7 high-resolution (nearly 7K) projector, producing incredible visuals and effects.
A new NanoSeam dome screen, making seams invisible for better viewing
An AstroFX Audio Advanced 5.1 surround system, creating an immersive experience
New lighting

Once completed the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium will be used as a theater and a planetarium and be one of the most advanced planetariums in the entire United States.

Madelyn Grogan, director of education, programming, and exhibits for the Washington Pavilion told Dakota News Now, “Late this summer we will again offer our educational films with drastically improved sound and picture quality. In addition, we are excited to add planetarium films and programming to our daily lineup. These additions will certainly create opportunities for new experiences in our theater.”

Pavilion guests can learn all about the Building Buddies traveling exhibit and the exciting new Sweetman Planetarium here.

Source: Dakota News Now

15 Free Things to Do with Kids in Sioux Falls

"What are we gonna do with these kids?" A question every parent askes, especially in the summer. And it's always better if what you do with the kids is free.

Sioux Falls is a small city full of big fun for all ages, and a lot of it is free. We have world-class parks, museums, live music and so much more. Here's a handy list of 15 free things for you and the kids to do in Sioux Falls.

32 Things to Do in Sioux Falls This Summer That Are Absolutely Free!

Sure, there are tons of things to do in the Sioux Empire every summer, but if your entertainment budget is small (or zero), we have the solution - actually, we have lots of solutions.

Here is a list of family-friendly (and some, just adult-friendly) events happening this summer in the Sioux Falls area that you should check out. Oh, the best part, everything on this list is FREE.