Discovery Center Museum in Rockford, IL

We love Discovery museum. Lots of fun hands on things to do, and not too expensive. I definitely recommend it!

We went there a few years ago when visiting relatives and my son loved it. Lots of hands on exhibits and activities to keep your little ones busy. If I lived in the area I know I would definitely frequent the Discovery Center. I live about 3 hours away. Check it out, it's worth it!

Yes it is a fun place to go. We've stopped by there a number of times on the way to WI to see the in-laws. It's great fun for the kids and adults. They have a great outdoor area, so get there before it gets too cold. It's almost like a combo of the DuPage CM and Aurora's Sci-Tech Hand's-On Museum. It's cool!

Yes, we go & it's great. Definitely try to play outside a bit too. There's even a section out there where the kids can dig in sand to look for dinosaur fossils. Jane the Dinosaur is at the Burpee Museum, which is attached to the Discovery Center, but requires another admission charge. Wednesdays are free at the Burpee though, they just ask for your zip code for their own data. (doesn't matter where you live, still free) So I always go on Wednesdays, and we run in and take a peak at Jane, and then go to Discovery. One tip... Discovery Center has two levels, plus the outside area which is off the main level. To get to the second level, there are stairs or an old cargo type elevator. Often, the elevator doesn't work, because whoever used it last forgot to hold the button to shut the doors on the other level. This can be frustrating, because you have to find someone to run up or down to fix the problem, as you're standing there with your stroller. The stairs are circular, and not an option if you bring a stroller. Just thought I'd warn you. I thought I was nuts once that I couldn't get the elevator to work, but then was told what the problem was, and that it happens all the time. Other than that... it's really a great place. Have fun!

Great place. Thursday afternoons after 1 are free admission. We had a membership for a couple years. It has lapsed now but I plan to renew again. It is a good deal if you have 3 or more kids and plan to return for another visit.

Yep... we went there when our daughter was a little over a year, and she loved it!! I was an elementary school teacher for 7 years prior to having her, and I was thinking that it would have been an awesome place for a field trip as well. So, what I'm trying to say is that they have things that will interest all age groups, and it is very educational. We're definitley planning on going back!

Yes! it's a "play" museum and has plenty of stuff for your age kids! Very interactive and fun. TheBurpee museumisa perfect "intro" museum when your kids get a little older. Its not overwhelming like someof the Chicago museums yet very informative!

I live in Rockford and get a family pass every year. LOVE the Museum. Your kids will love it. They have a tot area upstairs that the 4 and 2 year old will love. And if you go on a warm day they have a great playground you can enjoy too. It's definitely age appropriate for your kids. Make the trip!!!

we went with our kids when they were 5 and 8 I think. They had a great time. The museum is part of the association of children's museums so if you get a membership you will be able to go to lots of other children's museums over the next year. Here is the list of those. http://www.childrensmuseums.org/visit/us_members.htm#illi...

Yes-it is a great place. There is a great outdoor area, so go in good weather. Very hands on, but may be a little old for your daughter. There is a tot area that is great for younger kids.
We actually spent the night there with our Girl Scout troop, and it was great.

J.,

I used to live out there (4 years ago), and went there quite abit. It's an awesome place for kids, both younger & older. They have an amazing "learning playground" which I've never seen anything like it. I think it's a great place & worth the drive. You could make a day out of it & go over to Sinssippi Park afterwards for a picnic lunch & feed the ducks. Cool place! Have fun!

I was there years back and loved it, hope to go again soon.
D.

Absolutely a great place for all ages up through Junior High. They do have somethings for the high school age but unless you are going with a large group of older students I would say it is more for preschool thru 8th grade. When my son was little he loved the kids room and the idea you could go up and down stairs through holes in the floor. He also loved the big bubble area, where you stand in the middle and pull a string and a hola hoop would come up. It was like you were inside a big bubble. He also loved the flash room and the static balls.
I remember we went there once years ago and they had an insect fest. You had to pay extra to go in and see the exhibit but it was worth it. I would check it out, especially if you are a home school mom.

S.