The Rockford area has some fantastic museums and gardens! If you want to visit these gems with your kids, you don’t have to break the bank. Here’s a list of 2020’s free or donation days for attractions in the Rockford area.
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Donation days have not yet been announced, but are typically in the summer. We will add as soon as we receive them.
Burpee Museum of Natural History
January 6, 14, 22, 27 and 30
February 3, 14, 18, and 26
March 3, 11, 19, 25, and 31
April 6, 14, 22, and 30
May 6, 12, 18, and 26
June 3, 17, and 29
July 6, and 21
August 3, 11, 19 and 27
September 2, 8, 14, 17, 22, and 30
October 6, 12, 20, and 28
November 3, 11, 19, and 27
December 1, 7, 15, and 23
Discovery Center
Free for IL residents only.
The Discovery Center does not publicize donation days. Call the museum at 815-963-6769 to ask about upcoming donation days.
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
First Tuesday of every month.
Midway Village
January 8, 15, 22, and 29
February 5, 12, 19 and 26
March 4, 11, 18 and 25
April 1, 8, 15, and 22
May 6, 13, 20 and 27
June 3, 10, 17, and 24
July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
August 5, 12, 19 and 26
September 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
October 7, 14, 21 and 28
November 4, 11, 18 and 25
December 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
Nicholas Conservatory does not offer donation or free days, but does offer a Tropical Tuesday discount $4 for Rockford residents, $5 for non-residents.
Rockford Art Museum
Museum entry is free every day until January 26th.
Every Tuesday from 10 am – 5 pm
Rotary Botanical Gardens
Rotary Botanical Gardens holds a Community Appreciation Day each summer. We will add the date as soon as it’s published.
Tinker Swiss Cottage
Donation days have not yet been announced. We will add as soon as we receive them.