Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
There's no shortage of fun activities to check out while you are in Rockford! Explore unique museums, enjoy delicious food, and hike in the great outdoors.
1. Explore a museum!
Take learning to the next level with our local museums that cater to kids and adults, alike! Uncover new and exciting exhibits, artifacts, and stories about our past, present, and new possibilities for the future of our region.
- Burpee Museum of Natural History
- Discovery Center Museum
- Rockford Art Museum
- Midway Village Museum
- Ethnic Heritage Museum
- Tinker Swiss Cottage
2. Let the kids play!
We have plenty of gyms and attractions that allow your kids to flip and have fun the whole day through!
- Alpine Hills Adventure Park
- FLOW Supreme Air Sports
- Urban Air Adventure Park
3. Eat Your Heart Out!
Whether you're in the mood for old-world Italian cuisine, some quick fast food, or hearty comfort food, the Rockford region's restaurants will satisfy your appetite with truly tasty options and original flare. Find the perfect restaurant for you and your family - Restaurants in Rockford IL | Rockford Dining Guide (gorockford.com).
4. Go gaming!
- Coral Cove Family Fun Center (South Beloit)
- Tilted 10
- NickelWorld
- Don Carter Lanes (Strikers Arcade)
- Volcano Falls(Opens in March)
- Victory Pickleball
- WyldSide Paintball
5. Get outside and have some fun!
Go hiking, biking, exploring, and seeking new adventures at our preserves, parks, and paths! The Rockford region is made up of more than 7,000 acres to recreate and explore! Don’t stay cooped up, stop by one of the following places for some outdoor fun:
- Rockford Public Art Trail- Take a selfie in front of these muralsthroughout the Rockford region
- Rock Cut State Park - hike, bike, kayak, paddle, fish and more
- The Trails at Alpine Hills– hiking, biking and running
- Severson Dells Nature Center - hiking, nature walks, educational workshops
- Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens Eclipse Lagoon – explore the indoor gardens and Secret Life of Butterflies display, see nature and water features along the outdoor Eclipse Lagoon and bike path
- Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden - walking and hiking
- Winnebago County Forest Preserve District – outdoor hiking
6. Treat Yourself to Something Sweet
Enjoy a pastry, tasty beverage, or sweet treat at any one of our bakeries, ice cream shops, or cafes!
- Banana Cherry Bakery
- By the Dozen Bakery
- Candy Cloud
- Dairyhaus(Rockton)
- Dee Dee’s Main Street Coffee (Rockton)
- Halo Bakeshop
- Inzombia Coffee
- Katie’s Cup
- Mary’s Market
- Meg’s Daily Grind
- My Café Amore (Cherry Valley)
- Quixotic Bakery
- Rockford RoastingCompany
- Sugar Jones
- Wired
- Wonderland Sweets
7. Attend an event!
Ourcalendar of events is the number one source for things to do and activities in the Rockford region. See what’s happening this weekend in the Rockford Region! Rockford Events | Festivals, Concerts, Special Events (gorockford.com)
- Ice Hogs (Oct. - Apr.)
8. Dive into our arts & culture scene!
Rockford's arts and culturescene is memorable in every way. Whether it's a trip to a small, upscale shop and gallery in downtown Rockford, a day spent at theRockford Art Museum, or a night at the theatre, Rockford has something for every taste.
- J.R. Kortman - Upscale shop and gallery in downtown Rockford
- Rockford Art Museum – more than 17,000 square feet of space for feature exhibitions and permanent collections, making it one of the largest art museums in Illinois outside of Chicago.
- Anderson Japanese Gardens - AJG is continually ranked as one of the top Japanese gardens in the United States and is designed so that the visitor becomes one with the garden. (Open Spring-Fall)
- Starlight Theatre - Rockford's home to musical theatre sits among the green, rolling hills on the campus of Rock Valley College. Closed for the season but worth the drive back!
- Coronado Theatre– Located in downtown Rockford, this historic theatre continues to wow audiences with its architecture just as much as the performers wow them with their acts. Since 1927 it is has been known as "Rockford's Wonder Theatre." View a full schedule of events HERE.
- Laurent House - Considered by Frank Lloyd Wright himself as one of his masterworks, the house was originally built for a disabled World War II veteran and you can tour this home. (Opens in April)
9. Shop Till You Drop!
In Rockford a unique variety of shops and specialty stores can make for a shopping experience like you have never had before. Here are some of our favorites..
- Urban Farmgirl
- Rockford Art Deli
- Toad Hall
- Culture Shock
- Edgebrook Shops
- CherryVale Mall
- B Jones
- Ground Floor Skateboards
- Rooted
- Maze Books
- B Jones
- Salvaged by Sonya
- Elora Home Interiors
- Nostalgic Dwellings
- Smiley's Vintage
For a full list of Rockford shops, visit -
10. Treat Yourself!
Relax and unwind with a tranquil massage at one of Rockford's spas, such asCircle of Wellness. Get your hair cut, colored, or styled for a special occasion atLucette Holistic Salon, or make a day out of it and get a manicure and pedicure as well! By the end of the day, you will feel rejuvenated!View a full list of spas -
Use thisas a handy tool for navigating your way andhave fun making the most of your time in the Rockford region!
