Sinnissippi Children’s Exploration Station, Rockford

Nature-themed playground made for the youngest adventurers

Address: 1480 N 2nd St, Rockford, IL

Description: Located off the Rock River Recreation path in Rockford, Kiwanis of Rockford Sinnissippi Children’s Exploration Station is a small nature-themed playground with a slide, music station, wiggle swing, balance beam, tunnel and a soft rubber floor.

Best for ages: 1-7

Features:

• Multiple areas of play – Slide, wiggle swing, climbing section with rock, balance beam and balancing steps, music station, and log tunnel
• Small stair structure leading to slide
• Twisting knobs
• Music station with bongo drums and chimes
• Forked balance beam that looks like a tree branch
• Log tunnel to crawl through or climb on
• Faux rock to climb on
• Balancing steps with rope assist
• Mushroom steps
• Triangle-shape swing that wiggles in place
• One short toddler-sized slide
• Bench and picnic tables in view of the playground
• Large grassy space
• Nearby river path
• Garbage cans

Sun protection: N, the entire playground is in full sun

Parking: Lot with 10-15 spaces

Playground structure materials: Metal, plastic

Ground/surface materials: Rubber flooring

Fenced in? Y, partially fenced with a decorative fence

Slides? Y, one slide

Swings? N

Picnic tables, benches or other seating? Y, three picnic tables and a bench in view of the playground

Walking path, sidewalk or bike path? Y, sidewalk around the park leads to river path

Stroller accessibility? Y

Bathrooms? N

Drinking fountain? N

Food and drink nearby? N

What makes it special or worth visiting?

The Children’s Exploration Station is a new playground, built in 2017, that’s the perfect size for toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners. There are a few balancing features, a small slide, a wiggle swing, music station, and a log tunnel to crawl through. The entire playground surface is covered in rubber flooring to prevent bumps and bruises. There are beautiful views of the river and easy access to the bike path leading to Nicholas Conservatory.

If you go, you may want to bring:

• Packed lunch – There are several picnic tables where you can eat
• Bikes, scooters, ride-ons – The playground is very close to the river path
• Sunscreen and hats – The playground is in full sun

**Note: During the summer, there is a food truck parked in the lot selling food, drinks, and treats.