Free Family Fun!
The Rockford Park District offers many free services and programs for your family to enjoy!
For more information on any of these programs or activities, call 815-987-8800 (TTY, 888-871-6171 ).
Time 2 Play Playgrounds
Held at ten sites around our community. Field trips, arts and crafts, planned activities, sports and games, semi-structured play and special events. A morning half-day site is held at Highland Park, and afternoon half-day sites are offered in seven neighborhoods, with all day programs held at Keye-Mallquist Park and Wantz Park.
Harkins Aquatic Center at Fair Grounds Park
Open to the public at no charge, and has been recently renovated with lots of water-play features! Swimming lessons are also offered free of charge at this location (for RPD residents only). Note: children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by someone 16 years or older at all pools and beaches.
Standfield Beach at Levings Park
Does not charge admission and has lifeguards. Open Saturday and Sunday, noon -7 p.m., and Thursday and Friday, 2 -7 p.m. Bring your shovel and bucket for a great day on the beach!
Lockwood Park Children's Farm
Across the covered bridge in Lockwood Park (the south side) is the Children's Farm. Friendly sheep, goats, pigs, and other farm animals await your small child. Children's Farm is open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Feeding of animals is prohibited, except when feed is available for purchase in the park. Please have your children wash their hands after coming in contact with the animals.
Music in the Park Concert Series
A Rockford tradition for families to attend together, Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m., June 10 through August 14, at the Music Shell in Sinnissippi Park. Come early and enjoy a picnic supper beneath towering oak trees.
Other free concert series are Charlotte's Web on Saturday evenings July 12, 19, and 26, and Sinnissippi Sundays, which are presented by the Rockford Area Arts Council on July 13, August 10, and September 14.
Imagination Station is a performance series which delights the young and the young-at-heart! Music, magic, juggling, drama, and comedy will involve and amaze all ages. These free shows are approximately 45 minutes long. Wednesdays, June 11 through August 6 at 1:30 p.m., Sinnissippi Music Shell.
Summer Talent Showcase
Features all varieties of talents, including singers, dancers, rappers, as well as a talent show and more great family entertainment. If you enjoy watching American Idol, you will love Summer Talent Showcase - according to organizer Harlan Jefferson, "it's just like the Apollo." Sundays, 3-7 p.m. at Levings Park. Dates are June 1, 15, 29; July 13, 27; August 17.
Sunday in the Park (Domingo en el Parque)
Presents the art and culture of Rockford's Latino community. Each free show features professional entertainment, as well as a talent show. Sundays June 22, July 20, and August 10; 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Levings Park.
Free Days at Rockford Park District Museums
One day a week, the museums are open free of charge for individuals or families to visit. Tuesday, Rockford Art Museum; Wednesday, Burpee and Tinker Cottage; Thursday, Discovery Center (after 1 p.m.), and also Midway Village & Museum Center. Donations on Free Day are greatly appreciated!
Sinnissippi Greenhouse
Varying seasonal hours, but is open most days 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and is always free of charge to visit. The new Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens will also be open free of charge when it opens in 2009.
Parks, playgrounds, and recreation paths
Yours to explore throughout every corner of our community. Try the giant wooden Playworks parks at Liberty Park, Harlem Community Center on Forest Hills Road, or The Getaway Teen Playground at Black Hawk Park. WOW! Even grown-ups can play! Alpine Park's Paulyground is a universal design playground for children of all abilities, including children using wheelchairs, and the indoor playground at CherryVale Mall invites you to "Come play with us!"
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