Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau: Get Outta Dodge With These Great Summer Events and Packages in Rockford
Get Outta Dodge With These Great Summer Events and Packages in Rockford
Getting Outta Dodge has never been easier with the Summeriginal fun to be had in the Rockford Region! Need a kick-start to your summer getaway? Here are some events, attractions and deals to get you going. For more tips on taking a Rockford vacation, visit http://summer.gorockford.c
Imagination Station: Jim Gill
When: 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, July 1
What: Jim Gill is a musician and author, as well as a child development specialist with a graduate degree from the Erikson Institute of Chicago. Gill performs original songs and music that put the audience "on stage" and tickle the funny bone, creating fun for children of all ages and abilities. See why he’s a favorite with kids and parents alike! Bench seating is available, or you may bring a blanket. Presented by the Rockford Park District.
Cost: Free
Location: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford, IL
More information: 815.987.8800, http://rockfordparkdistric
Wonder What’s on Wednesday? Discovery Day
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 1
What: Celebrate the birthday of Forrest Edward Mars, the inventor of M & M’s, by discovering principals of geology using these colorful candies. Drop in anytime from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to make a cool project and learn a few fun facts!
Cost: Museum admission free, $3 per project
Location: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, IL
More information: 815.965.3433, http://burpee.org
Music in the Park: Moonlight Jazz Orchestra
When: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2
What: Enjoy the sounds of jazz, R&B and the oldies with Rockford's Moonlight Jazz Orchestra, now celebrating 35 years! Presented by the Rockford Park District.
Cost: Free
Location: Sinnissippi Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford, IL
Rain site: Guilford High School, 5620 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, IL
More information: 815.987.8800, http://rockfordparkdistric
Star Spangled Weekend / Kaboom! Family Friday
When: noon to 4:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, July 3, 4, and 5
What: Science and art join hands for this weekend celebration of all things patriotic, with spud guns, rockets, sparkles and flags. Add to the incendiary excitement with your own light and sound creations. See experiments with explosions, launch mini rockets and more! On July 4, leave your car parked at the museum and take the short walk to Rockford’s downtown to watch the parade and fireworks.
Cost: $6/adults; $5/children 2-17; free/Members and children under 2
Location: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, IL
More information: 815.963.6769, http://discoverycentermuse
Tinker Fourth of July Celebration
When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4
What: Come and enjoy the beautiful grounds of Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens and see the Rockford fireworks from the best vantage point in the city! Tours of the Cottage will be available at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. The day will also include a refreshment stand from 5 to 8:30 p.m., games and more! Be sure to stop in the gift shop located inside the Visitor Center, where you can find an assortment of items inspired by Rockford history and the Victorian era.
Cost: Free admission. Cottage tours are $6/adults, $5/seniors, $3/students ages 5–17 and free/museum members and children 4 and younger
Location: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford, IL
More information: 815.964.2424, http://tinkercottage.com
“Twilight at Tinker” with Jazz Pianist Wendel Werner
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 11
What: Enjoy the musical stylings of jazz pianist Wendel Werner of Knoxville, Tenn., accompanied by vocalist Alan Eleazer on the Tinker Swiss Cottage grounds. Werner, who is also a composer, director, recording artist and teacher, has performed as the featured entertainer for the Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies. Hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served.
Cost: $20/adults, $15/seniors and museum members.
Location: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford, IL
More information: 815.964.2424, http://tinkercottage.com
Other sites and activities to add to your Rockford itinerary
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Description: Ranked the top Japanese Garden in North America, Anderson Japanese Gardens is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Offering a traditional Japanese pond-strolling garden, as well as a more contemporary garden with a Japanese flair, it’s a site worth visiting year after year. Anderson Japanese Gardens’ Gift Shop and Restaurant inside the Visitor Center are open every day! Purchase unique tea sets, wind chimes and other Asian-inspired items in the Gift Shop. Plus, don’t miss the opportunity to experience a meal with the best view in town.
Location: 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, IL
Garden hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 15 minutes before sunset Fridays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays
Garden admission: $7/adults, $6/seniors 62 and older; $5/students, free/children 4 and younger
More information: 815.229.9390, http://andersongardens.org
Aldeen Golf Club and Practice Centre
Description: Considered a “must-play” course in the Midwest, Aldeen Golf Club was recently awarded another 1/2 star by Golf Digest’s “Places to Play Guide,” bumping it up to a total of 4 1/2 stars, alongside courses such as Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass and Spyglass Hill in Pebble Beach! And Golf Magazine ranks Aldeen as #38 in its “Thrifty 50″ list of the 50 best U.S. golf courses for $50 or less – one of only two with that designation in Illinois. Aldeen isn’t the only golf course available in the Rockford Region – visit summer.gorockford.com for a list of the other great courses to choose from!
Location: 1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford, IL
Hours: May-September: weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
More information: 888.425.3336, http://aldeengolfclub.com
Rockford Summeriginal Specials
Summeriginals CoCo Key Water Resort Package for just $159! The package includes:
• overnight stay at the Best Western Clock Tower Resort (up to 4 guests)
• (4) water park passes (valid for day of check-in and check-out)
• $20 restaurant credit at the Sun Dial Restaurant (on-site)
• (2) $10 arcade cards
• (4) vouchers for water resort day passes for a future visit (must be used before 9/30/2009)
• $20 off a future overnight stay (valid through 10/30/2009)
Call 815.398.6000 to book now. Must specify ”SUMMER” code when booking. Visit summer.gorockford.com for more information on CoCo Key Water Resort. Packages are based on availability thru September 7, 2009; black-out dates apply. This offer must be booked directly with the Clock Tower Resort and cannot be booked through Best Western Global Reservations. $20 voucher must be used on a future visit. All coupons and vouchers will be distributed upon check-in.
Courtyard by Marriott Summeriginals Special: Visit http://summer.gorockford.c
Sensational Values Coupons: Visit http://summer.gorockford.c
Imagination Station: Jim Gill
When: 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, July 1
What: Jim Gill is a musician and author, as well as a child development specialist with a graduate degree from the Erikson Institute of Chicago. Gill performs original songs and music that put the audience "on stage" and tickle the funny bone, creating fun for children of all ages and abilities. See why he’s a favorite with kids and parents alike! Bench seating is available, or you may bring a blanket. Presented by the Rockford Park District.
Cost: Free
Location: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford, IL
More information: 815.987.8800, http://rockfordparkdistric
Wonder What’s on Wednesday? Discovery Day
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 1
What: Celebrate the birthday of Forrest Edward Mars, the inventor of M & M’s, by discovering principals of geology using these colorful candies. Drop in anytime from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to make a cool project and learn a few fun facts!
Cost: Museum admission free, $3 per project
Location: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, IL
More information: 815.965.3433, http://burpee.org
Music in the Park: Moonlight Jazz Orchestra
When: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2
What: Enjoy the sounds of jazz, R&B and the oldies with Rockford's Moonlight Jazz Orchestra, now celebrating 35 years! Presented by the Rockford Park District.
Cost: Free
Location: Sinnissippi Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford, IL
Rain site: Guilford High School, 5620 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, IL
More information: 815.987.8800, http://rockfordparkdistric
Star Spangled Weekend / Kaboom! Family Friday
When: noon to 4:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, July 3, 4, and 5
What: Science and art join hands for this weekend celebration of all things patriotic, with spud guns, rockets, sparkles and flags. Add to the incendiary excitement with your own light and sound creations. See experiments with explosions, launch mini rockets and more! On July 4, leave your car parked at the museum and take the short walk to Rockford’s downtown to watch the parade and fireworks.
Cost: $6/adults; $5/children 2-17; free/Members and children under 2
Location: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, IL
More information: 815.963.6769, http://discoverycentermuse
Tinker Fourth of July Celebration
When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4
What: Come and enjoy the beautiful grounds of Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens and see the Rockford fireworks from the best vantage point in the city! Tours of the Cottage will be available at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. The day will also include a refreshment stand from 5 to 8:30 p.m., games and more! Be sure to stop in the gift shop located inside the Visitor Center, where you can find an assortment of items inspired by Rockford history and the Victorian era.
Cost: Free admission. Cottage tours are $6/adults, $5/seniors, $3/students ages 5–17 and free/museum members and children 4 and younger
Location: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford, IL
More information: 815.964.2424, http://tinkercottage.com
“Twilight at Tinker” with Jazz Pianist Wendel Werner
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 11
What: Enjoy the musical stylings of jazz pianist Wendel Werner of Knoxville, Tenn., accompanied by vocalist Alan Eleazer on the Tinker Swiss Cottage grounds. Werner, who is also a composer, director, recording artist and teacher, has performed as the featured entertainer for the Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies. Hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served.
Cost: $20/adults, $15/seniors and museum members.
Location: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, 411 Kent St., Rockford, IL
More information: 815.964.2424, http://tinkercottage.com
Other sites and activities to add to your Rockford itinerary
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Description: Ranked the top Japanese Garden in North America, Anderson Japanese Gardens is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Offering a traditional Japanese pond-strolling garden, as well as a more contemporary garden with a Japanese flair, it’s a site worth visiting year after year. Anderson Japanese Gardens’ Gift Shop and Restaurant inside the Visitor Center are open every day! Purchase unique tea sets, wind chimes and other Asian-inspired items in the Gift Shop. Plus, don’t miss the opportunity to experience a meal with the best view in town.
Location: 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, IL
Garden hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 15 minutes before sunset Fridays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays
Garden admission: $7/adults, $6/seniors 62 and older; $5/students, free/children 4 and younger
More information: 815.229.9390, http://andersongardens.org
Aldeen Golf Club and Practice Centre
Description: Considered a “must-play” course in the Midwest, Aldeen Golf Club was recently awarded another 1/2 star by Golf Digest’s “Places to Play Guide,” bumping it up to a total of 4 1/2 stars, alongside courses such as Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass and Spyglass Hill in Pebble Beach! And Golf Magazine ranks Aldeen as #38 in its “Thrifty 50″ list of the 50 best U.S. golf courses for $50 or less – one of only two with that designation in Illinois. Aldeen isn’t the only golf course available in the Rockford Region – visit summer.gorockford.com for a list of the other great courses to choose from!
Location: 1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford, IL
Hours: May-September: weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
More information: 888.425.3336, http://aldeengolfclub.com
Rockford Summeriginal Specials
Summeriginals CoCo Key Water Resort Package for just $159! The package includes:
• overnight stay at the Best Western Clock Tower Resort (up to 4 guests)
• (4) water park passes (valid for day of check-in and check-out)
• $20 restaurant credit at the Sun Dial Restaurant (on-site)
• (2) $10 arcade cards
• (4) vouchers for water resort day passes for a future visit (must be used before 9/30/2009)
• $20 off a future overnight stay (valid through 10/30/2009)
Call 815.398.6000 to book now. Must specify ”SUMMER” code when booking. Visit summer.gorockford.com for more information on CoCo Key Water Resort. Packages are based on availability thru September 7, 2009; black-out dates apply. This offer must be booked directly with the Clock Tower Resort and cannot be booked through Best Western Global Reservations. $20 voucher must be used on a future visit. All coupons and vouchers will be distributed upon check-in.
Courtyard by Marriott Summeriginals Special: Visit http://summer.gorockford.c
Sensational Values Coupons: Visit http://summer.gorockford.c