Family Weekend Itinerary in Rockford

Rockford is the perfect place to spend quality time with your family while exploring local art, history, and exciting attractions. Whether you're seeking hands-on museums, outdoor adventures, or unique dining spots, this family-friendly weekend itinerary will help you make the most of your visit.

Day 1: Friday – Arrival 

Kick off your Rockford adventure by downloading the Rockford Public Art Trail passport, a fun way for kids to spot murals, sculptures, and street art throughout the city.

For dinner and entertainment, head to Tilted 10 at CherryVale Mall. Enjoy comfort food before getting competitive with laser tag, bowling, arcade games, and bumper cars—a guaranteed hit with kids and parents alike.

If you're visiting during the summer, stop by the Children’s Garden at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, where kids can cool off at the splash pad and explore whimsical sculptures. In the evening, head to Shorewood Park to watch the Ski Broncs, Rockford’s nationally ranked water ski team, put on an exciting show.

For sports fans visiting in hockey season, wrap up the day with an IceHogs game at the BMO Center and cheer on Rockford’s AHL team.

Nancy Olson Children’s Garden at Klehm

Day 2: Saturday – Hands-On Exploration and Outdoor Fun

Start your day at Rockford’s Riverfront Museum Park, home to two must-visit museums for families.

• Discovery Center Museum offers interactive exhibits, allowing kids to engage in hands-on learning experiences in science, engineering, and technology.
• Burpee Museum of Natural History features Jane, the world’s most complete juvenile T. rex skeleton, and the Sprouts room for young explorers.

After a morning of discovery, grab lunch at The Olympic Tavern, a family-friendly neighborhood restaurant known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious menu.

Discovery Center Museum

Afternoon Activity Options

• Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Rockford (Seasonal Summer) provides thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools for kids of all ages. Renting inner tubes for a relaxing float is a great way to unwind.
• Volcano Falls Adventure Park (Seasonal Summer) is perfect for families looking for an exciting afternoon of mini golf, go-carts, or indoor arcade games. 
• Historic Auto Attractions in Roscoe, open April through December, houses a vast collection of presidential limousines, iconic movie cars like the Batmobile and Ghostbusters Ecto-1, and legendary dragsters.
• Rock Cut State Park is one of Norther Illinois' larger state parks, offers camping, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, horse and bike trails, cross country ski trails, ice skating, and concessions. Guests can rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, row boats, and fishing boats for use on Pierce Lake. Olson Lake includes beach access for swimming, beach volleyball, and hand-held boat landing docks.

For dinner, stop by Sweet Basil Café near Hurricane Harbor or Beef-a-Roo, a Rockford staple known for its burgers and cheddar fries.

Volcano Falls Adventure Park

Day 3: Sunday – A Sweet Send-Off

Begin your last morning in Rockford with a hearty breakfast at Stockholm Inn, a local favorite serving Swedish pancakes with lingonberries. Kids can count the dala horses and check out artwork by Swedish master Carl Larsson while waiting for their meal.

Before heading home, take a peaceful stroll through Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, where you’ll find lush tropical plants and scenic views of the Rock River. Step outside for a walk along the Rock River Recreation Path and snap a fun family photo with the Rock Guardians of Rockford, a whimsical sculpture of four mighty figures.

End the day with a treat from Zammuto's, a beloved Rockford ice cream spot serving delicious Italian ice and other sweet treats since 1925.

Zammuto's

Plan Your Family Getaway to Rockford

With its mix of interactive museums, exciting outdoor adventures, and unique dining experiences, Rockford is the perfect destination for a family-friendly weekend getaway. Start planning your trip today and explore lodging options for a stay the whole family will love.