Fun Summer Things to do in Rockford IL

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If Rockford IL sounds familiar, you just might be a Midwesterner. Or you might be a fan of the Rockford Peaches, one of the most successful teams in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. (Anyone else suddenly feeling a need to re-watch A League Of Their Own?) Although Rockford is justifiably proud of their place in baseball history, this town (located less than 90 miles from Chicago) is a great place to visit even for non-fans. Also within easy driving distance of Madison, Dubuque, and St Louis, Rockford offers a ton of fun in the summer months. Texas Traveling Mom Jill recently visited the home of the Peaches shares this list of fun summer things to do in Rockford IL.

Put the Discovery Center Museum on your list of fun summer things to do in Rockford IL — The Discovery Center is just one of the fun summer things to do in Rockford IL. Kids and adults alike will love the interactive exhibits (and the rest of the fun the city has to offer!) Photo credit: City of Rockford IL

If you’re looking for an awesome Midwest destination with some serious summer fun, definitely give Rockford, IL a look. It’s an easy drive from Chicago and many other Midwest cities. If you’re planning a trip to the Windy City this summer, think about scheduling a few extra days to visit Rockford and the surrounding area – it’s so worth it! I’ve found lots of fun summer things to do in Rockford, IL. Check out my list and you’re sure to find something to pique your interest for summer fun in the Midwest!

1. Anderson Japanese Gardens

The Anderson Japanese Gardens is seriously the most zen place I’ve been in a long time. I know a Japanese Garden in the Midwest might sound a little weird but it’s really such a beautiful space. When Rockford businessman John Anderson was inspired by a visit to a Japanese Garden in Portland, OR, he decided to transform his swampy backyard along Rockford’s Spring Creek into a peaceful, Japanese-style landscape.

Add Anderson Japanese Gardens to your list of fun summer things to do in Rockford IL — There are many peaceful waterfalls and places to sit and relax at the Anderson Japanese Garden. Photo Credit: Jill Robbins, Texas TMOM

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The Anderson Japanese Gardens are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. M-F and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Check their website for admission prices.

In addition to the gardens, there’s a really sweet shop that contains some fun and unique garden and gift items and an absolutely wonderful restaurant. I’d describe “Fresco at the Gardens” as a casual upscale places to get breakfast, lunch or brunch with an amazing view. Fresco has a strong commitment to locally sourced fresh food and that made me feel good about eating there. I can wholeheartedly recommend the raspberry mimosa (which was like a little slice of heaven) and the crab cake sandwich.

Eating at Fresco is one of the fun summer things to do in Rockford IL — Lunch or brunch at Fresco is a don’t miss. Photo credit: Jill Robbins, Texas TMOM

2. Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens

Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens brings the tropics to the Midwest. This experience includes a 11,000 indoor plant display complete with water features, sculptures and seating areas. The beauty continues outdoors with Eclipse Lagoon and Sinissippi Rose Gardens.

The Nicholas Gardens and Conservatory are one of your must-do fun summer things to do in Rockford IL — The Nicholas Gardens and Conservatory are a lot of fun. There’s also great opportunities to bike and walk along the river. Photo credit: Jill Robbins, Texas TMOM

The Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens is located along the banks of the Rock River, which is a lovely spot for walking and biking. Check out the “Lime Bikes” located in front of the Conservatory and other places around Rockford…this is a great way for visitors to be able to explore the city on the back of a bike without having to lug your bicycle along.

The Nicholas Gardens and Conservatory is one of the fun summer things to do in Rockford IL — The Nicholas Gardens and Conservatory is an oasis just outside of downtown Rockford IL. Photo credit: City of Rockford

3. Rockford City Market

Check out Rockford City Market on Friday nights from mid-May through the end of September (check their website for exact dates and hours). The Rockford City Market is the place to be in Rockford on Friday afternoons and evenings. You can eat delicious food, sample local craft beer, listen to music, shop, stroll along the riverfront and let your kids enjoy cooling off in one of the many splash pads.

Put going to the Friday night market on your list of fun summer things to do in Rockford IL — The Rockford City Market has something for everyone. Photo credit: Jill Robbins, Texas TMOM

Visitors and locals alike will really feel the Rockford vibe at the Rockford City Market. This attraction is popular with people of all ages and truly has something for everyone.

Going to Rockford City Market is one of the fun summer things to do in Rockford IL — And, of course you can buy fresh peaches! Photo credit: Jill Robbins Texas TMOM

4. Friday Night Flix

If you’re in Rockford on the first Friday of June, July, or August, check out the Friday night Flix in Davis Park (easily walkable from the Rockford City Market.) This is a completely free event. Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs and enjoy a movie (see website for details) in a fun, family-friendly setting.

Put Friday Night Flix on your list of fun summer things to do in Rockford IL — A free movie in the park? Yes, please! Photo credit: Jill Robbins, Texas TMOM

You can bring your own drinks and snacks in (no alcohol). There are also concessions available. If you want a cotton candy twice the size of your head, this is your place.

5. Museums

If you want to escape the summer heat and humidity, Rockford’s three museums are all located together. The Burpee Museum of Natural History, The Rockford Art Museum and the Discovery Center Museum all share a parking lot on North Main Street in downtown Rockford. The Rockford Museum of Art gives you a taste of local art with exhibits that change on a regular basis.

Put the Rockford Museum of Art on your list of fun summer things to do in Rockford IL — Art lovers will enjoy the different exhibits at the Rockford Museum of Art. Photo credit: City of Rockford

The Burpee Museum of Natural History gives insights into how the terrain in Rockford and the surrounding area has changed over time, to include some really awesome dinosaur exhibits. If your kids love Dinosaurs as much as mine do, this is a must-stop.

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Put the Burpee Museum of Natural History on your list of fun summer things to do in Rockford IL — We caption this picture “Kid giving mom sass and the mom not having any of it.” Photo credit: City of Rockford IL

The Discovery Center Museum is a hands-on place for kids to play and learn. No shame in your game if you enjoy this more than your kids! There is also a really cool outdoor playground in back of the Discovery Center. Check their website in advance of your visit to see what special events might be going on. Summer time brings lots of fun activities to the Discovery Center.

Put the Discovery Center on your list of fun summer things to do in Rockford IL — There is so much to do, see, and experience at the Discovery Center in Rockford IL. Photo credit: City of Rockford

6. Immerse Yourself in Baseball History

Rockford is home to the Peaches, one of the teams in the All American Girls Baseball League that existed from 1943 to 1954. If you’ve seen the 1992 movie A League of their Own then you are familiar with the fictionalized account of how the Rockford Peaches came to be. And, if you haven’t seen A League of their Own your movie education is seriously lacking and you should go watch it right now.

Put a visit to Beyer Stadium on your list of fun summer things to do in Rockford IL — Remodeled Beyer Stadium is home to the Rockford Starfire Women’s Baseball Team but the original ticket booth still stands. Photo credit: Jill Robbins, Texas TMOM

In Rockford, you can visit Beyer Stadium where the Peaches once played. The ball field as been completely refurbished but the original ticket booth still stands. The International Women’s Baseball Center is currently planning to build a $7M facility dedicated to the advancement of girls and women in baseball…not softball, baseball.

A visit to Beyer Stadium is a must-do on your list of fun summer things to do in Rockford IL — There’s more to Rockford than baseball history but the legacy of the Peaches is felt all over the city. Photo credit: Jill Robbins, Texas TMOM

If you’d like to take things up a couple of notches, visit nearby Dyersville IA (movie site for Field of Dreams) and Freeport IL, which contains a miniature replica of Wrigley Field. If you’re all about the great American past time (or maybe just all about baseball movies) then this area, which is an easy jump from Chicago, just might be your dream destination.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you’re planning a trip to Rockford and want more info on all the things, contact the Rockford Visitor’s Bureau for a copy of their complimentary city guide. This comprehensive booklet contains everything about everything in Rockford. It will help you plan your trip and make you wish your trip was longer than you planned because this book will seriously amaze you with all Rockford has to offer.