Outside of Illinois, Rockford is probably most famously known as the home of the Rockford Peaches from the 1992 movie A League of Their Own. But there is so much more to this kid-friendly city. About 90 miles from Chicago, Rockford awaits with sporting events, museums and outdoor activities. While you don’t need to stay overnight, a couple days would give you more time to jam-pack your schedule (trust us, there’s a lot you’ll want to do!) Without further ado, here are some of our favorite Rockford, IL activities for families.
Discovery Center Museum
1. Little scientists will love the hands-on Discovery Center Museum, home to more than 300 exhibits. When the weather is nice be sure to visit the Rock River Discovery Park, a giant outdoor science park complete with a dinosaur dig pit and secret garden.
2. On a rainy or blustery day—or for a birthday party—let the kids run, jump and play at Monkey Joe’s inflatable indoor playground. Jumpers three and under have a separate playground for safe play.
3. Referred to as Rockford’s Living Museum, the dog-friendly Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden is the perfect relaxing outing. Kids will especially love the maze in the children’s garden and the fountain garden.
4. Get some exercise and culture by doing the Art Walk along the Rock River Rec Path.
Magic Waters Waterpark
5. When temperatures are up, grab your towel and head for Magic Waters Waterpark. Part of the Rockford Park District, this summer destination has water adventures to please everyone, from thrilling waterslides to a splash pad and shallow pool for the smallest tots.
6. If it’s not raining, bring a spray bottle to uncover some Rockford Rain Art. This sidewalk art throughout the city is visible only when the concrete gets wet. Check out the website for a map of locations.
7. Strap on your roller skates for some old school fun at Skateland, which has public family skating on the weekends.
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens.
8. Have a mini history buff? Step back in time in the 19th century Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens. While walking the grounds be sure to check out the pre-Columbian Native American Mound
9. After your trip to Switzerland at the Tinker Swiss Cottage, stop by Sweden and grab some pancakes with lingonberries at the Stockholm Inn. Don’t leave without peeking at all of the magical murals in the Carl Larsson rooms.
10. During hockey season, catch a Chicago Blackhawk affiliate Icehogs game and watch some future stars of the NHL.
11. Take your adrenaline junkies to a Kids Night at the Rockford Speedway, where those 11 and under are free.
Burpee Museum of Natural History
12. Get a glimpse at what Rockford looked like millions of years ago at the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Budding anthropologists will be in awe of the dinosaur bone collection and the prehistoric coal forest.
13. Time for lunch? Grab a burger and fries at the 50-year-old burger chain Beefaroo, a true Rockford institution.
14. Alpine Hills Adventure Park is a blast all year along. A true winter playground, the Snow Park at Alpine Hills has something for every skier, snowboarder or tuber. In the warm months, visit for ziplining and a five-hole golf course.
Midway Village Museum
15. Rebel girls will love the Rockville Peaches exhibit at the Midway Village Museum. This history museum also features a Victorian-era village in addition to its 15,000-square-feet of exhibition space.
16. Aimed to gets kids out from behind their screens and involved in nature, The Grove playscape at the Severson Dells lets kids run around, climb massive logs, build tents and make music.
17. In the fall, fill up your bucket apple picking and enjoying autumnal fun at any of the many orchards in the Rockford area.
Sapora Playworld
18. Located in the Carlson Ice Arena in Love’s Park, you’ll find the three-story Sapora Playworld indoor playground. Its slides and climbing structures are built especially for ages three to 12.
19. Indulge your sweet tooth (or popcorn craving) for some homemade chocolate at the Little Chocolatier.
20. Play a round of mini golf on two courses, ride go-carts, run around playing lazer tag and hit the batting cages at Volcano Falls Adventure Park, located in Loves Park.
