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Image for event: Little Explorers

Little Explorers
2026-09-24 11:00:00 2026-09-24 12:00:00 America/Denver Little Explorers Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room

Thursday, September 24
11:00am - 12:00pm

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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 13 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Jul 14 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Jul 15 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Thu, Jul 16 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Fri, Jul 17 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Jul 18 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Jul 19 10:00AM to 6:00PM
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About the library

Upcoming events

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Baby Bumblebee Story Time
Thu, Jul 16, 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 - Celebrate & Create
Fri, Jul 17, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Step back in time and get creative with a week full of fun, discoveries, and a little old-fashioned butter making!
Level Up! - Teen Gaming Night: Mario Party
Fri, Jul 17, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Team up with your friends to defeat some classic villains or compete against your pals in head-to-head mini-games to see who comes out on top!
Beeswax Rolled Candles
Sat, Jul 18, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Learn to roll your own natural beeswax candle and take home a sustainable and scented creation!
Ultimate Dino Showdown
Sun, Jul 19, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Compare the three mighty dinosaurs in the library: Who had the sharpest teeth? The strongest defense? Who might win a dino showdown? Then build your own dinosaur from pasta and explain its powers!
Produce and Plant Swap
Sun, Jul 19, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Is your summer garden overflowing with abundance? Bring your harvest in to share with others, then pick up some new produce and seeds (and maybe a houseplant or two)!
Books and Blankets - at Storybook Island
Mon, Jul 20, 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!
Monday Craft - Dinosaur Dream Agamographs
Mon, Jul 20, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Explore paleo-art and create your own dinosaurs using fun optical illusions!
Little Owl Tuesday Story Time
Tue, Jul 21, 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 21, 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 - Ice Cream in a Bag
Tue, Jul 21, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Rapid City Public Library Downtown - Community Room
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day by making your own ice cream, using science!
Bring Your Own Book Club at the Alex Johnson
Tue, Jul 21, 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 - 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 humorous take on the classic hunting trophy, recycling beloved stuffed animals into custom displays to cherish forever!
Registration opens Sunday, July 19 2026 at 10:00am
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
See all events