Family-Friendly Halloween Fun Around the Sioux Empire

October means Halloween, and Halloween means CANDY! We call it 'trick or treating', but it's more about the treats than the tricks. Whoopee cushions can't hold a candle to free Reese’s cups.

Trick or treating is a central part of Halloween nowadays. It was definitely a highlight of my year as a kid. While the phrase 'trick or treat' is a largely 20th-century North American invention, the roots of the custom go back centuries.

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The History Behind Trick-or-Treating

Going from door to door and asking for things or doing things has been a part of lots of different activities since ancient times. The most direct precursor to our Halloween trick or treating is likely a practice from Scotland and Ireland called guising. Going back at least to the 1500s, the tradition involved kids getting dressed up in masks and costumes and going around town asking for treats.

A similar custom from medieval times was called Souling. People would visit homes during Allhallowtide (October 31 through November 2) to receive soul-cakes in return for praying for the souls of the dead.

The practice likely came to North America with Irish and Scottish immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. It grew in popularity in the first half of the century, but really exploded after World War II.

Trick-or-Treat Events in Sioux Falls

Trick or treat events are planned all over the Sioux Empire this month. That means you don't have to wait until Halloween itself to get the kids dressed up and trick-or-treat. These events are especially good for younger kids. They usually take place before dark, are well organized, and are designed to emphasize the fun of this time of year rather than the scary.

Halloween At Lake Lorraine - October 11, 1:00-3:00 PM. A fun and free trick-or-treat event. Follow the lake walk and you’ll see treat stations, photo opportunities, and characters to visit along the way. Come in costume and bring a bag to carry your treats. 

Not-So-Scary Trail Or Treat At Jacobson Plaza - October 11, 5:30-8:30 PM, at the Jacobson Plaza Skate Ribbon, 810 N. Phillips Ave. Put on your best costume and come out to the treat trail through the skate ribbon. Visit local businesses along the park path for treats, games, a photo shoot, apple cider, hot cocoa, and crafts while listening to Halloween music. Dress up your furry friends and bring them along to receive treats and goods just for them.

Zoo Boo - October 17 and 18, at the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls. Trick-or-treat while exploring the zoo and see hundreds of painted, carved, and lit pumpkins. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged. 

Family-Friendly Halloween Fun Across the Sioux Empire

Trick Or Treat Trails At Big Sioux Recreation Area - October 25, 6:30 PM. Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume and trick or treat in the campground. Halloween fun for all ages. A valid South Dakota state park entrance license is required. 

Trick Or Treat Trail Run - October 25 at 10:00 AM at Pasley Park on the bike path along the Big Sioux River, 2521 S. Southeastern Ave. A 5K run/walk, 10K run, and a .5 mile Candy Dash for kids 3-10 years old. Each finisher receives a goodie bag and event shirt. There will also be a costume contest with prizes. This year’s event supports the Special Olympics of South Dakota.

Trunk Or Treat - October 25, 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance on West Russell Street in the parking lot. It's a free event for children of all ages. 

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Spooky Seas - October 25 from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. The Great Plains Zoo transforms its aquatic world into a Halloween wonderland featuring a special appearance by the Little Mermaid, treat bags, a haunted photo scavenger hunt, a haunted shipwreck exploration, and more. Come in costume. The event is included with admission or membership.

Downtown Sioux Falls Trick Or Treat - October 26, 1:00-3:00 PM at participating businesses throughout downtown Sioux Falls. Family-friendly, free, and open to everyone. It's a safe, fun, and festive afternoon. Costumes are encouraged. Free candy and treats. Explore downtown businesses in a family-friendly environment.