The Stateline 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 this year’s free or donation days for attractions in the Rockford area. Donation days mean that you can pay whatever amount you’re comfortable paying for admission.

Anderson Japanese Gardens
318 Spring Creek Rd., Rockford, IL

Donation Days are the third Thursday of every month.

  • April 23, 2026
  • May 21, 2026
  • June 18, 2026
  • July 16, 2026
  • August 20, 2026
  • September 17, 2026
  • October 15, 2026

Burpee Museum of Natural History
737 N. Main St., Rockford, IL

No donation days are listed for Burpee in 2026.

Burpee participates in Museums for All and offers discounted admission for $2 with qualifying documentation.

Discovery Center Museum
711 N. Main St., Rockford, IL

Donation Days are ONLY for Illinois residents. Wisconsin residents, and others, will be charged full price.

Discovery Center Museums publishes upcoming free days on their Facebook page.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
2715 S. Main St., Rockford, IL

No donation days are listed for Klehm in 2026.

Klehm participates in the Museums for All program and offers $4 admission with a state issued SNAP EBT card and valid photo ID (for up to 3 additional guests and cardholder).

Midway Village Museum
6799 Guilford Rd., Rockford, IL

Midway Village Museum lists all of thier free days on their calendar. Confirm on their website before going.

  • February 12, 2026
  • February 18, 2026
  • Febraury 24, 2026
  • March 4, 2026
  • March 5, 2026
  • March 10, 2026
  • March 18, 2026
  • March 24, 2026
  • April 2, 2026
  • April 7, 2026
  • April 8, 2026
  • April 15, 2026
  • April 16, 2026
  • May 12, 2026
  • May 13, 2026
  • May 20, 2026
  • May 21, 2026
  • June 3, 2026
  • June 4, 2026
  • June 9, 2026
  • June 17, 2026
  • June 24, 2026
  • September 2, 2026
  • September 16, 2026
  • September 30, 2026
  • October 6, 2026
  • October 15, 2026
  • October 20, 2026
  • October 28, 2026
  • November 4, 2026
  • November 5, 2026
  • November 11, 2026
  • November 17, 2026
  • November 18, 2026
  • December 2, 2026
  • December 3, 2026
  • December 9, 2026
  • December 10, 2026
  • December 15, 2026
  • December 17, 2026
  • December 22, 2026

Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, IL

Nicholas Conservatory does not offer donation or free days, but does offer a Tropical Tuesday discount of $5 for all every Tuesday.

Rockford Art Museum
711 N. Main St., Rockford, IL

Museum entry is free and open Thursdays through Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm.

Rotary Botanical Gardens
1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI

Rotary Botanical Gardens has not released their donation days for 2026 yet. There is usually one in April for Earth Day and one in June to celerbate their StoryWalk opening.

Rotary Gardens participates in the Museums for All program and offers $3 admission with a state issued SNAP EBT card and valid photo ID (for up to 3 additional guests and cardholder).

Tinker Swiss Cottage
411 Kent St., Rockford, IL

You must be an Illinois resident to visit Tinker for free.

  • January: 6, 7, 13, 14, 21, 27, 28
  • February: All Tuesdays & Wednesdays
  • March: All Tuesdays & Wednesdays
  • April: All Wednesdays
  • May: All Tuesdays
  • June: 3, 10
  • July: 1, 15
  • August: 12, 19
  • September: All Tuesdays
  • October: 7, 21
  • November: 4, 11
  • December: 1, 2, 8, 9