Top 7 free kid activities to do this summer in the Rockford area.
07/14/2025
Summer is a time we all look forward to. School is out and parents are searching for fun activities. The trouble is, filling the summer with fun activities for the kids can put a significant strain on any budget. From the gas to go to the activity, to the tickets for everyone in the family, just one trip can easily cost over $150. One of the many wonderful things about living in the Rockford area is there are many exciting activities kids will enjoy right within reach. Some of these activities are even free, you just need to know where to look. If you are trying to find something to do with your kids this summer in the Rockford area, check out our top seven free things to do with kids in the Rockford area.
- The Discovery Center Museum Free Days
The Discovery Center located along the Rock River has free admission days throughout the summer and a special First-Time parent free membership program for children under 24 months. This museum offers over 300 interactive exhibits designed to fit each age group from babies to age 12.
- Splash Pads
Explore free splash pads all over Rockford and Loves Park perfect for kids on a hot summer’s day. See the full listing of Splash/Spray Pad locations on the Rockford Park District’s website.
- Rockton River Market
Take a stroll through a variety of local vendors, and pull out your favorite lawn chair for some free music at the Rockton River Market. This festive local event has multiple dates throughout the summer with new music acts each day.
- Severson Dells Nature Center
Enjoy free admission to this hidden gem and open up your child’s world to all that nature has to offer. Explore trails, butterfly gardens, and a Grove created to engage kids with the outdoors through fort building and more.
Visit Severson Dells Nature Center
- Winnebago Forest Preserve Passport
Get kids excited about the outdoors and learn along the way with the Winnebago Forest Preserve Passport app. Families can earn points together as they complete missions at each of the parks.
Preserve Passport | Winnebago Forest
- Summer Reading Challenge
The Rockford Public Library is always a great place to go for kids of all ages. The public library offers free access to a massive number of books to choose from, and they have an exciting summer reading challenge to keep kids and teens motivated to read over the summer. Help your kids reach summer reading goals and have fun while doing it!
- Financial Literacy Made Fun
Why not take advantage of the extra time during the summer to brush up on the money basics? MembersAlliance offers free financial games for kids (and adults too!) through Banzai! an interactive online site that makes learning about money fun.
Wellness Center [Financial Literacy Resources] | Banzai
There are numerous free activities for kids in the Rockford area so families can have fun and not break the budget in the process. For more budgeting help see our budget calculator or try a free Financial Counseling meeting to get a budget that works for you, fun kids activities and all.