You’re enjoying the perfect summer weather, then you blink and it’s August. The summer months always seem to fly by. The Rockford region offers a wide variety of activities to do at this time of year. You can still enjoy live music, outdoor activities, family fun, and so much more. There’s still time to end the season with a bang! Here are just some of the things we think belong on your bucket list.

Enjoy S'mores & Drinks at The Top

Summer= rooftop season. You can indulge on a classic summer treat on the outdoor patio at The Top. This must visit patio is located on top of the Embassy Suites hotel. Order a s’mores board and toast marshmallows over a personal “campfire”! Each order serves 2 people for $20 or 4 people for $30. To add to your experience, their delicious drinks are made even tastier when enjoyed with panoramic views of Downtown Rockford.

Drinks at The Top

Meet the Dinosaurs

Step into the prehistoric era when you visit Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens. The Dinosaurs of the Forgotten Forest Exhibit is an experience that feels like going back into time. It is running now through October 19th. With general admission, you can go visit the creatures as well as real plants from the Cretaceous Period!

Enjoy An Evening at Alchemy at Aldeen

Outdoor dining is one of the things that you have to take advantage of before the temperatures cool down. Alchemy offers delicious food with stunning golf course views. Head out to Alchemy on Wednesdays for the Alchemy at Aldeen's Live Music Summer Concert Series. Also, Thursdays are Pizza Night! Their menu includes several chef-inspired pizzas to try.

alchemy

Have a Unique Outdoor Adventure

Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a beautiful escape to nature that is more than a garden. Upon visiting, you can expect to find woodlands, paved paths, wooded trails, a children's garden, sculptures, and more! Klehm has summer fun for people of all ages. Kids can splash in the kid's creek, a widely loved feature, to beat the summer heat! Don't forget to check out the new Nancy Olsen Children's Garden. It is an interactive playground made out of natural materials. A visit here is sure to create a fun summer experience!

Get Active on Pierce Lake

Being out on the water is a great way to have fun and soak up those summer moments. Pierce Lake located inside Rock Cut State Park is the perfect place to do it! Visitors have a plethora of water activities to choose from. Stand up paddle boards, kayaks, peddle boats, and water trikes, are among the options available to rent. There is something for outdoor lovers of all skill levels! If you want to hone in on your skills, Rocktown Adventures offers classes for paddle boarding and kayaking!

paddle board rock cut

Visit a Farmer's Market

Locally grown produce, hand made items, delicious food... what's better? There are multiple farmer's markets in several locations across the Rockford region. There is still time to do some shopping before the season for markets has passed. They occur on several different days of the week, you can find the one that's right for you. Try multiple and pick your favorites! Most of the Farmer's Market extend into September and October, so plan your visit now.

edgebrook farmer's market

Summer may be flying by, but there’s still time to pack in a few more unforgettable moments. From rooftop s’mores and live music to paddling on the lake or strolling a farmers market, the Rockford region is full of ways to make these last weeks count. Soak up the sunshine and expereince something new before the leaves begin to fall.