We’re celebrating 50 years of Storybook Land in 2026, meaning this year’s Storybook Land Festival will be a must-attend family event.

Storybook Land Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, July 17 and 18, 2026 in Storybook Land in Wylie Park, Aberdeen, SD.

There is no admission charge for this festival that features entertainment and hands-on arts and crafts activities for children and adults of all ages.

Storybook Land is South Dakota’s premier park that brings fairytales and nursery rhymes to life. Start planning your South Dakota vacation today.

Come out for the day or the weekend and enjoy the park, stories, music, art, food and fun for all! It’s the ultimate family vacation!

Friday July 17th*

• 4-8 p.m.: $15 Unlimited Ride bracelets.
• 6:30 p.m.: Storybook Land Theatre performance.

Saturday July 18th*

• Join us for crafts, inflatables, music, games, costumed characters, magicians, foam blaster and much more!!

*Schedule has yet to be finalized

Information from Aberdeen Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.

The festival is designed as a free family event where visitors can spend a few hours or an entire weekend enjoying the attractions of Storybook Land, the Land of Oz, entertainment, food, and activities. Expect additional details and performer announcements to be released as the festival approaches.

Storybook Land opened in 1976, making 2026 its 50th anniversary season. Festival organizers are promoting the event as a major celebration of five decades of family memories and imagination. The festival itself began in 2006 during Aberdeen’s 125th anniversary celebration and has grown into one of the city’s signature summer events.

Storybook Land and the Land of Oz are open daily (weather permitting)

Spring/Fall Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Summer Hours – Memorial Day (Friday) Weekend – Labor Day (Monday) Weekend: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (closing hours vary Mid August)

There are 7 rides in Storybook Land and the Land of Oz.  

Storybook Land Rides include the Storybook Land Express, Rio Grande Mini Train, Teacup Ride, and Humpty Dumpty Great Fall Rollercoaster.

Land of Oz Rides include the Carousel, Wizard’s Balloon Ride and Bob’s Barnyard Ride.

Ride tickets and punch cards are good for all rides.

10 Ride Punch Card – $25.00
Single Ride Tickets – $3.00

Guests under two ride free with a paying adult.

No, Ride Ticket and Ride Punch Cards never expire!

There is no height limit on the Storybook Land Express, Carousel and Mini Train. However two and under must ride with an adult.

For the Teacup ride you must ride with an adult if under 36 inches tall, but for those of you over 36 inches you are can experience the twists and turns all by yourself.

You must be at least 36 inches tall to ride the roller coaster, Balloon ride and Barnyard ride. If you are between 36 and 42 inches you must ride with an adult and those over 42 are free to experience the thrills all by yourself!

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy in Storybook Land and the Land of Oz.

No pets are not allowed inside of Storybook Land and the Land of Oz.

Service animals are allowed, however emotional support animals are not allowed.

Aberdeen and Storybook Land are the perfect family road trip for families in the Upper Midwest. We’re a short drive from Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown and Minot in North Dakota and St. Cloud, the Twin Cities and Marshall in Minnesota. We welcome our fellow South Dakotans from Brookings and Sioux Falls.

Your preschool age or toddler children will love Aberdeen.

Prep for your trip by drawing and doodling storybook characters. Have a creative and messy time exploring books, science and bubbles activity.