10 Favorite Ways to Enjoy Family Fun in the Rockford Region

Here in the Rockford region we are all about having fun, especially when that means experiencing unforgettable adventures with the whole family. Whether it be seeking out a good thrill, relaxing in tranquility, taking a step back in time or trying something new, we have you covered. This is your chance to stay fully connected with one another while getting to know our region a bit better ...and why we love to call this place our home.

Take a look at 10 of our favorite ways to have fun with your family in the Rockford region.

1. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens brings the tropics to the Midwest. It’s situated along the banks of the beautiful Rock River in Sinnissippi Gardens and a great place to take the entire family to. This tropical setting includes an 11,000 square foot plant exhibition area complete with water features, seating areas, sculptures, special events and more.
   1354 N. 2nd St. | Rockford, IL 61107 | www.nicholasconservatory.com
    
2. Riverfront Museum Park is our arts and humanities complex housing Discovery Center Museum, Rockford Art Museum, Rockford Dance Company office and studios and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra offices. Connected to Burpee Museum of Natural History by a walkway tunnel. You could spend an entire day of family fun adventures here and never leave the campus. There are plenty of prehistoric to current exhibits, art shows, performances and both indoor and outdoor hands-on-fun for all ages to enjoy.
   711 N. Main St. | Rockford, IL 61103 | (815) 972-2800
    
3. Sapora Playworld is an exciting playground located inside Carlson Ice Arena, with three levels of fun. It is a perfect place to bring your children to play, explore, and exercise in a safe, secure, soft play structure designed for children ages 5-12. The Tiny Tots play space is a smaller version of Playworld...perfect for those little ones ages 4 and under.
   4150 N. Perryville Rd. | Loves Park, IL  61111 | www.saporaplayworld.com
    
4. Skateland is an exhilarating place to spend an afternoon of fun with friends and family while skating to your favorite tunes played by a live DJ. Skateland is a family-owned and operated, indoor roller-skating center offering climate-controlled enjoyment year-round. Take a break by enjoying a slushy, soft drink, or a snack in the concession area, and play redemption games to earn tickets for prizes.
   4843 Stenstrom Rd. | Rockford, IL  61109 | www.skatelandrocks.com
   
5. Volcano Falls Adventure Park gives you the chance to enjoy two 18-hole miniature golf courses, three different types of Go-Carts (Bridge Track, Slick Track and Kiddie Carts), Lazer Tag, The Vault Laser Maze, batting cages and an indoor arcade complete with a snack bar. It truly has a little something for everyone to get excited about.
   7602 Rock Valley Pkwy. | Loves Park, IL 61111 | www.volcanofalls.com
    
6. We have a variety of bowling centers throughout our region perfect for any type of bowler. Avid bowlers can even participate on leagues and little tyke bowlers can request bumpers and assist equipment to help them learn this fun sport for the very first time. There are other games, special events and extracurricular activities the entire family can participate in together.
   For more information about the bowling centers in the Rockford region visit: https://www.gorockford.com/things-to-do/sports/bowling-centers/

7. CRE8IV Mural Self-guided tours gives families an opportunity to get creative together and learn more about the artistic side of our community. CRE8IV (pronounced "Creative") is a community-building, arts-infused experience launched in 2019 as part of RACVB's placemaking and public art efforts.  Designed to enhance the region for residents and visitors, CRE8IV has grown to include more than 30 projects with more to come in 2023! Take a self-guided tour with your family, be sure to take selfies in front of the various murals and with sculptures around town and include #gorockford. You and your family could be featured in an upcoming social media post. Then pop into our local coffee shops, restaurants or shops to enrich your experience even more.  
   Pro Tip: It’s always fun to see everyone’s 815 pride so make a pit stop at Rockford Art Deli to get your swag to wear before you venture on the tour.
   For more details visit www.gorockford.com/cre8iv
   
8. Historic Auto Attractions is a unique and unexpected journey through time. This museum truly has something for everyone including an Old West area with vintage style stage coaches, a full size log cabin, and other interesting turn-of-the-century artifacts. It just re-opened for the season with new additions to the museum including the Hall of Christ room, a 911 Memorial room, an Egyptian Artifacts room, Antique Clocks room, NASA exhibit, a huge Animal Kingdom area, plus many more!
   13825 Metric Dr. | Roscoe, IL 61073 | www.historicautoattractions.com
    
9. Coronado Performing Arts Center has been named one of Illinois' 150 Great Places by the American Institute of Architects, Illinois Council. This ornate movie palace and vaudeville hall was built in 1927. It's a delightful example of an "atmospheric-style" theater with gilded Spanish castles, Italian villas and Chinese dragons in relief on the sides and a starry false sky. The Coronado is worth seeing just for its opulent interior, but it is also host to many performing arts groups and traveling shows.
   314 N. Main St. | Rockford, IL 61101| www.coronadopac.org
   
   
    
10. Rockford Speedway is a great way to experience Top-name NASCAR racing on a quarter-mile, high-banked track. From Kid's nights to monster trucks, fireworks, fantastic NASCAR racing action, you can guarantee an exciting night of affordable family fun at Rockford Speedway. Visit this unique racing venue during their “last lap” before they close their doors for good after the 2023 season.
    9572 Forest Hills Rd. | Loves Park, IL 61111| www.rockfordspeedway.com
    

Photo Credit: lyndseyamanda, tinsley_97, jaygrahamgs, riley_and_kalani, golden apple foundation