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Image for event: Little Explorers

Little Explorers

Land Exploration
2025-05-08 11:00:00 2025-05-08 12:00:00 America/Denver Little Explorers Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room

Thursday, May 08
11:00am - 12:00pm

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Roll into fun with cars, trucks, and land adventures! Please note: Little Explorers is moving to Fridays from 11-12 in June and July!

Little ones are invited to join us every Thursday as we explore different monthly themes through sensory play, STEM-focused activities, and stories! Tailored to children between the ages of 3-6.

AGE GROUP: | Children |

EVENT TYPE: | Hands-On | Educational |

TAGS: | STEM | little explorers |

Rapid City Public Library Downtown
Phone: 605-394-6139
Hours
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Rapid City Public Library Downtown

Mon, Jul 20 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Jul 21 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Jul 22 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Thu, Jul 23 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Fri, Jul 24 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Jul 25 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Jul 26 10:00AM to 6:00PM
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About the library

Upcoming events

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Monument Health Screenings - Fine Motor Skills for Children
Wed, Jul 22, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Conference Room
Monument Health joins the library to offer free motor skills screenings for young children. Stop by to learn about developmental milestones and interactive activities for the whole family.
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Jul 23, 9:30am - 10:00am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Summer Show - The Magic Bookcase
Thu, Jul 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Youth Services
Get ready for a magical adventure! Magician Byron Grey brings stories to life with amazing tricks, fun surprises, and plenty of chances for kids to join in the fun!
Little Explorers - Ice Cream Party
Fri, Jul 24, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Let's celebrate the United States' birthday with an ice cream party! Shake it up, sprinkle on toppings, and snack on a tasty treat.
Teen Book Bakes - Nailed It! Cupcake Challenge
Fri, Jul 24, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Throw on your gloves and aprons, grab your icing supplies, and create Summer-themed treats as we learn how to make backyard BBQ-worthy sweet burgers and hotdog cupcakes!
Books with Bernard
Sat, Jul 25, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Youth Services
Boost your reading skills and have a tail-wagging good time! Join Bernard, a certified therapy dog, for a fun and furry reading adventure.
Rushmore Music Festival Presents: Stories Without Words
Sat, Jul 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Rushmore Music Festival is back for the final show of their Summer Series at the library! Stop by for a calming morning of classical music and musical history to soothe your soul.
Donuts & Documentaries - The Pez Outlaw
Sun, Jul 26, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Steve Glew spent the 1990s smuggling rare Pez dispensers into the U.S. from Eastern Europe, making millions of dollars. It was all magical, until his arch-nemesis, the Pezident decided to destroy him.
Books and Blankets - at Storybook Island
Mon, Jul 27, 10:00am - 11:00am
Storybook Island
Join the library at Storybook Island for Monday story time! Reach your Summer Reading goals and stay afterwards to play at Storybook Island!
Kinder Scouts: Kindergarten Readiness Series - School Routines
Mon, Jul 27, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Explore school routines for emerging kindergarteners through skill-building and fine-motor development practice, plus a fun Pete the Cat story time!
Monday Craft - Snackable Sciences-Layers of the Badlands
Mon, Jul 27, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Learn how rock layers tell the story of Earth's history by making an edible model of the layered landscape of the Badlands!
Sit & Stitch Knitting Club
Mon, Jul 27, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Conference Room
Bring your needles, hooks, and yarn for an evening of fiber arts! Don't have equipment? The library has some that you can use for the class! Join us for camaraderie and snacks!
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Jul 28, 9:30am - 10:00am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Join in on the fun and listen to popular stories and songs with one of our library storytellers! Designed for preschoolers, but all are welcome!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Jul 28, 10:15am - 11:00am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club - Lincoln's Log Cabin STEM Challenge
Tue, Jul 28, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Learn about famous log cabins from United States history and build your own model-sized cabin using craft sticks!
Bring Your Own Book Club at the Alex Johnson
Tue, Jul 28, 5:15pm - 6:00pm
Starbucks at the Hotel Alex Johnson
Bring your current read to the Starbucks at the Alex Johnson Hotel for bookish conversation, librarian recommendations, and complimentary coffee!
Monument Health Screenings - Adult Depression
Wed, Jul 29, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Conference Room
Monument Health offers a brief, confidential depression screening and resource information to support your mental well-being.
Dinosaur Trivia
Wed, Jul 29, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Who was the fastest dinosaur of all time? Were Pterosaurs truly dinos? Can we tell dino skin color from fossils? Read up and test your dinosaur knowledge for chances to win fun prizes!
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Jul 30, 9:30am - 10:00am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Chapter Chat Book Club - The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon
Thu, Jul 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Conference Room
From America's favorite government teacher, a heartfelt, inspiring portrait of twelve ordinary Americans whose courage formed the character of our country.
Little Explorers - Red, White, & Build
Fri, Jul 31, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Put your engineering skills to the test with building challenges designed to spark curiosity and problem-solving.
Teen Crafternoon - Decoden Heart Box
Fri, Jul 31, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Whip up some faux icing and create a personalized cake box that?ll last forever. So good you could almost eat it (but please don?t)!
Computer-Aided Design Club - Mini Frisbees
Sat, Aug 01, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Conference Room
Learn the basics of computer-aided design (CAD) while creating fun, hands-on digital projects.
Kinder Scouts: Kindergarten Readiness Series - Ready to Follow Directions
Sat, Aug 01, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Practice following directions and using supplies responsibly as you cut, glue, and build a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom coconut tree with your name letters!
Creation Station - Stuffed Animal Taxidermy
Sun, Aug 02, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Create a unique faux-taxidermy wall mount featuring a teddy bear!
Kinder Scouts: Kindergarten Readiness Series - Managing Big Emotions
Mon, Aug 03, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Hoyt Room
Paint a handprint keepsake while learning about going to school without grownups, handwashing, and cleanup with The Kissing Hand.
Gentle Chair Yoga - with Sol Yoga Collective
Mon, Aug 03, 10:30am - 11:15am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Restore your mind and invigorate your body with Sol Yoga Collective at the library! In this safe and comfortable environment, you'll be guided through beginner's yoga poses and stretches.
First Tuesday Storytime with the Rapid City Fire Department
Tue, Aug 04, 9:30am - 10:00am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Join the Rapid City Fire Department for a fun morning of stories, then explore a real firetruck afterwards in front of the library!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Aug 04, 10:15am - 11:00am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club - Lego Club
Tue, Aug 04, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Free-build your own design or complete the librarian's challenge for a small prize!
Bring Your Own Book Club at the Alex Johnson
Tue, Aug 04, 5:15pm - 6:00pm
Starbucks at the Hotel Alex Johnson
Bring your current read to the Starbucks at the Alex Johnson Hotel for bookish conversation, librarian recommendations, and complimentary coffee!
The Write Stuff - Children's Creative Writing Group
Wed, Aug 05, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Calling all young writers! Sharpen your pencils for a creative writing workshop designed for children ages 8-12 this summer.
Hunger Games Book Club - Mockingjay
Wed, Aug 05, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Revisit Panem before the new Sunrise on the Reaping movie this November! Join us as we continue our monthly journey through the Hunger Games series with book three, Mockingjay.
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Aug 06, 9:30am - 10:00am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Little Explorers - Nature Sensory Play
Thu, Aug 06, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Dig, squish, listen, and discover with hands-on sensory activities inspired by nature.
Teen Crafternoon - Styrofoam Block Printing
Fri, Aug 07, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Create custom stamps using some Styrofoam and pencils! An easy craft that you can use over and over again!
Kinder Scouts: Kindergarten Readiness Series - Caring for Our Belongings
Sat, Aug 08, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Let's read If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, then build backpack skills and practice caring for classroom supplies through a craft!
Books with Bernard
Sat, Aug 08, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Youth Services
Boost your reading skills and have a tail-wagging good time! Join Bernard, a certified therapy dog, for a fun and furry reading adventure.
Beaded Forever Plants
Sun, Aug 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Craft a beautiful, beaded plant to display all year long- no green thumb or watering required!
Kinder Scouts: Kindergarten Readiness Series - Listening and Self-Control
Mon, Aug 10, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Color, cut, and glue while practicing listening skills and thinking before we act with Pigeon (just don?t let him drive the bus!).
RCPL Board Meeting
Mon, Aug 10, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Hoyt Room
RCPL Monthly Board Meeting
Sit & Stitch Knitting Club
Mon, Aug 10, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Conference Room
Bring your needles, hooks, and yarn for an evening of fiber arts! Don't have equipment? The library has some that you can use for the class! Join us for camaraderie and snacks!
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Aug 11, 9:30am - 10:00am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Join in on the fun and listen to popular stories and songs with one of our library storytellers! Designed for preschoolers, but all are welcome!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Aug 11, 10:15am - 11:00am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club - Sharpie Tie-Dye
Tue, Aug 11, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Make a colorful tie-dye bag using Sharpie markers!
Bring Your Own Book Club at the Alex Johnson
Tue, Aug 11, 5:15pm - 6:00pm
Starbucks at the Hotel Alex Johnson
Bring your current read to the Starbucks at the Alex Johnson Hotel for bookish conversation, librarian recommendations, and complimentary coffee!
Maker Mania for Upper Elementary - Shark Teeth
Wed, Aug 12, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Learn about the different types of shark teeth, what we can learn from fossilized shark teeth, and make your own tooth!
Registration opens Wednesday, July 29 2026 at 9:00am
Family Game Night
Wed, Aug 12, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Bring the whole family for a night of board games, beginner D&D, and friendly competition! Drop in, play together, and discover new favorites! All ages welcome.
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Aug 13, 9:30am - 10:00am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Little Explorers - National Parks
Thu, Aug 13, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Explore South Dakota's state and national parks through careful observations and creative projects!
Teen #FandomFriday - Mini Manga
Fri, Aug 14, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Fit wonderful worlds of art and action into a tiny lookalike! Fill up a mini bookshelf or turn them into keychains or earrings.
Custer State Park Present - Slimy and Scaly
Sat, Aug 15, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Hoyt Room
The ultimate chill spot designed just for teens! Watch anime, delve into your beloved fandoms with crafts, and enjoy tasty treats!
Kinder Scouts: Kindergarten Readiness Series - Perseverance through Practice
Sat, Aug 15, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Trace and build a very hungry caterpillar while practicing letters, tracing skills, and building perseverance!
Medieval Living History with the Shire of Schattentor
Sun, Aug 16, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Explore medieval life with the Shire of Schattentor through hands-on demonstrations, historical displays, and a chance to see traditional crafts and skills in action.
Big Feelings and New Beginnings Story Time - with Janette McIntyre
Mon, Aug 17, 9:30am - 10:00am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Join local author Janette McIntyre for a special storytime featuring The Bloom Children Move and exploring the big feelings that can come with moving and change.
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Aug 18, 9:30am - 10:00am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Join in on the fun and listen to popular stories and songs with one of our library storytellers! Designed for preschoolers, but all are welcome!
Storytime & Crafts with Jane
Tue, Aug 18, 10:15am - 11:00am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
4-H Youth Program Advisor Jane Amiotte shares stories that connect children to nature, followed by a craft.
Curiosity Club - Newspaper Forts
Tue, Aug 18, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Design and construct a stable, freestanding structure using only newspaper and tape!
Bring Your Own Book Club at the Alex Johnson
Tue, Aug 18, 5:15pm - 6:00pm
Starbucks at the Hotel Alex Johnson
Bring your current read to the Starbucks at the Alex Johnson Hotel for bookish conversation, librarian recommendations, and complimentary coffee!
Coffee and Coversations - Simple Nutrition Strategies for Healthy Aging
Wed, Aug 19, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Discover how simple nutrition habits can support healthy aging, boost energy, and promote lifelong wellness with Registered Dietitian Jessie Carpenter.
Library Dice Legion - Tabletop RPG Club
Wed, Aug 19, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Welcome to The Library, a place for adventuring parties to convene and take part in glorious battles. Everyone's invited to play, whether it's your first time playing or you're a seasoned adventurer.
Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Aug 20, 9:30am - 10:00am
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Join us for a story time specially curated for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Bring your little ones for an exciting experience filled with stories, movement, and fun!
Little Explorers - Camping
Thu, Aug 20, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Bring camping indoors as we play and learn about everything that makes camping fun!
An Unexpected Journey: A Memoir on Love and Loss - Author Talk with Kiersten Hall
Thu, Aug 20, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Join author Kiersten Hall for a discussion of her new book 'An Unexpected Journey', an inspiring story of resilience, hope, and finding purpose through life's unexpected turns.
Level Up! - Teen Gaming Night: VR Gaming
Fri, Aug 21, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Join us for a thrilling gaming night where teens can dive into the world of PSVR and experience exciting virtual reality games!
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