FAMILY FUN

Is it zooming down a slide at one of the nation's largest public water parks that trips your trigger? Well, if you measure fun in gallons, then the impressive 1 million gallons of water and pure fun at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor waterpark is the perfect summer spot for you and the kids.

Volcano Falls, featuring go-karts, laser tag, and miniature golf is every little kid's dream (and probably every Dad's dream, too!)  And if you have a need for speed, then head over to the Rockford Speedway, one of only two NASCAR-sanctioned tracks in Illinois. Their quarter-mile oval hosts crazily entertaining demolition derbies and other specially themed events throughout the year.

How about cheering on our championship water ski show team at a free performance? The Ski Broncs perform on the waters of the Rock River every Wednesday and Friday night in the summer.

Or, visit with Jane, a 65 million-year-old T. rex -- don't worry, she won't bite. She was found in the Badlands of Montana and is one of the most significant dinosaurs finds in the history of paleontology. All this and more is waiting for you and your family at the Burpee Museum of Natural History. The fun doesn't stop there, view our full list of things to do with kids in Rockford, IL and start planning your visit now!