10 places for nostalgic activities near Rockford, Illinois
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Looking for a blast from the past?
Within an hour of Rockford, you'll find a variety of spots offering classic activities like mini-golf, go-karts, skee ball, and retro arcade games.
Perfect for family outings, date nights, or reliving childhood memories, these destinations deliver timeless fun. Here are 10 places to check out.
Volcano Falls is a go-to for retro fun, featuring two 18-hole mini-golf courses with volcano and jungle themes, a high-speed go-kart track with single and double karts, and an indoor arcade packed with skee ball, air hockey, and classic video games.Address: 7602 Rock Valley Parkway, Loves Park
Tilted 10 blends nostalgia with modern flair, offering a glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course, bumper cars, and a large arcade with skee ball, pinball, and retro games like Pac-Man.Address: 7200 Harrison Ave. Cherry Valley
Henry Dorrbaker's, on Beloit's Ironworks Campus, is a nostalgic hotspot blending vintage charm with modern fun. Enjoy a 9-hole industrial-themed mini-golf course, skee ball, and classic arcade games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and pinball. There's also duckpin bowling—a retro twist on traditional bowling with smaller pins and balls—adds to the old-school vibe.Address: 605 Third St., Beloit
Sugar Grove Family Fun Center is a nostalgic haven with an 18-hole mini-golf course featuring quirky, retro-themed obstacles, a go-kart track with tight turns, and an arcade loaded with skee ball, pinball, and air hockey.Address: 9S825 IL-47, Sugar Grove
Enchanted Castle is a retro paradise with black-lit mini-golf, indoor go-karts, and a sprawling arcade featuring skee ball, pinball, and classics like Space Invaders. The laser tag arena and Dragon's Den restaurant add to the fun.Address: 1103 S Main St, Lombard
Safari Land offers a jungle-themed adventure with an arcade full of skee ball, air hockey, and vintage video games. Indoor go-karts, bumper cars, and a kid-friendly roller coaster add to the retro charm.Address: 701 W. North Ave., Villa Park
This spooky-themed park delivers nostalgic thrills with two 18-hole mini-golf courses, batting cages, go-karts on a twisting track, and an arcade packed with skee ball and retro games like Galaga.Address: 759 S Harlem Ave., Burbank
Kristof's boasts an arcade featuring skee ball, pinball, and classics like Mortal Kombat. The outdoor mini-golf course and go-kart track provide plenty of old-school fun.Address: 421 W Rollins Road, Round Lake Beach
Scene75 is a massive indoor complex with over 150 arcade games, including skee ball, air hockey, and retro favorites like Pac-Man. The indoor go-kart track, and black-lit mini-golf. There's also a laser tag arena.Address: 460 S. Weber Road, Romeoville
Astro Fun World glows with retro fun, featuring glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, indoor go-karts, and an arcade with skee ball, pinball, and classic games like Street Fighter. The futuristic vibe, combined with attractions like a ropes course, makes it a standout for nostalgic adventures.Address: 301 Illinois Route 59, Aurora
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Los Angeles Times
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Yahoo
6 hours ago
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10 music festivals in the Rockford, Illinois area for 2025
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Rockford, Illinois region is a vibrant hub for music festivals, blending country, rock, cultural performances, and local talent. These events combine live music with food, family activities, and community spirit. Here is a list of 10 music festivals in the Rockford area for 2025. Location: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, RockfordDate: Tuesdays, May 27–August 26, 2025Time: 5:45 p.m. opener, 6:30 p.m. headlinerDescription: A summer concert series held in the serene Anderson Japanese Gardens, featuring local, regional, and national acts in genres like folk, blues, and indie. Guests bring lawn chairs or blankets for a relaxed outdoor experience. Food and beverages are Headliners: Visit for a list of weekly headlinersCost: Free admission for Premium Garden members. Non-members:Adults $13, seniors $12, students and military, $11. Kids 5 & under free Location: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., RockfordDate: Tuesdays and Thursdays, June to AugustTime: 7 A free summer concert series at the historic Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, showcasing local and regional talent across rock, jazz, and soul. Headliners: .Cost: Tickets range from $5 to $25 Location: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., RockfordDate: June 19, 2025Description: Illinois' longest-running Juneteenth celebration. Organized by Rockford community activist Tommy Meeks, the festival honors Black history with live music and Free admission Location: Settlers Park, downtown RocktonDate: June 12–15, 2025Description: Hosted by the Rockton Lions, this four-day festival features carnival rides, food stalls, and a major country music lineup, drawing crowds to downtown Headliners: Priscilla Block with Greylan James, Kameron Marlowe with Dylan Schneider, Dylan Scott with Payton Smith and Chris Cagle with Lainie Tickets are $20–$35. General admission: $6–$10, kids 12 and under free. Location: Loves Park Festival Grounds, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves ParkDate: July 26, 2025 Time: 1-10 A free, all-day festival with live music, food trucks, a car show, vendors, and fireworks. It's family-friendly with a kids' activity area and a diverse lineup of Headliners: Nauti Nauti, Tennessee Whiskey (Chris Stapleton tribute), Petty Kings (Tom Petty tribute), Funky Monks (Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute)Details: Free admission Location: Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford, ILDate: June 29, 2025Time: 3-7 A celebration of Black culture with live music, food vendors, and community engagement, highlighting local artists in hip-hop, R&B, and Headliners: Just Fine (Mary J. Blige tribute)Details: Free admission Location: Boylan Catholic High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, RockfordDate: August 1–3, 2025Description: A three-day festival celebrating Italian heritage with bocce tournaments, carnival rides, and authentic Italian food. Music includes traditional Italian performances, rock, country and Headliners: Visit for lineup General admission, $8. Kids 7 and under are free. Location: Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 IL-76, BelvidereDate: Aug. 5–10, 2025Description: A major county fair with carnival rides, tractor pulls, 4-H exhibits, and grandstand concerts, focusing on country music. It's a regional favorite with fair food and Headliner: Justin Moore with Noah HicksCost: Check for ticket prices and bundles. Location: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., PecatonicaDate: Aug. 13–17, 2025Description: A historic fair since 1921, featuring livestock shows, carnival rides, and live music in the entertainment Headliners: TBD. Visit for $5-$15 admission Location: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 W. Walnut Road., FreeportDate: August 19–23, 2025 (based on regional fair scheduling)Description: A regional fair with pony rides, livestock competitions, tractor pulls, and live music on the grandstand and side Headliners: Check for Admission $11.30 single day, bundles and season passes available What did we miss? Let us know and we'll add it to the list. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.