Family events in Winnebago County, IL

A volunteer docent leads a walking tour of the outdoor gardens at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, highlighting native and exotic plants, examples of sun and shade lovers, and memorable stories from NCG and Sinnissippi history. The tour begins in the Nicholas Conservatory lobby and lasts about one to one and a half hours. Attendees should prepare for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water. This program is free, and advance registration is required due to limited capacity.

Lincoln and Liberty returns, welcoming the public and featuring a new group of reenactors on site. More details will be shared soon. Admission is $5 in advance and $8 at the gate.

Costumed dogs take the spotlight at a Halloween themed contest at Anderson Kia on Perryville. A photo booth will be available for snapshots, and participants can enter the Best Costume competition. The winner receives a year of BOMBoxes from @BarkonMulford, and four runners up will also receive BOMBoxes. Enjoy treats, photo opportunities, and prizes. Optional Kia test drives will be offered.

Capture the season with quick fall mini sessions at Rock Cut State Park in the Pierce Lake area. Each appointment lasts 20 minutes. The cost is $75 and includes 15 to 20 edited images. Sessions are available on two dates, and booking is available.

Kids Spot transforms into a festive Halloween playground with activities for kids and families. A child’s ticket includes open gym time for ages 0 to 17, face painting, a themed photo booth, a spooky scavenger hunt, a Halloween movie, and creative crafts. Costumes are encouraged, and there is also a free trunk or treat outside that does not require a ticket. Tickets are $17 per child when purchased in advance or $20 at the door. Families save 15 percent on each additional child from the same family, which comes to $14.45 in advance or $17.00 at the door. Children under 2 and parents receive free admission. Each purchased ticket also counts as one entry in a drawing for a $50 Kids Spot gift card.

This relaxed automotive gathering welcomes every make and model, as well as any type of vehicle. Attendance is free for both participants and spectators, and on-site registration is complimentary. To keep the event safe and enjoyable, attendees are asked to avoid burnouts and excessive revving and to leave the area clean. Vendors are not part of this event, and there is no registration fee. Additional details are to be determined.

Atwood staff present Halloween festivities that highlight nocturnal wildlife and how senses can adjust in the dark. Participants will stroll a lit path with a variety of stations offering educational and sensory activities, and there will be candy along the way, so bring a bag for treats and come in costume. Meet at the Atwood Center to begin. The fee is $5 per child for ages 18 and under, and ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Celebrate the unforgettable scores behind some of Hollywood’s favorite films. This program spotlights the music of John Williams, moving from pulse-quickening adventure and sweeping romance to scenes filled with awe and curiosity that have helped define the moviegoing experience for decades. Revisit the themes you know by heart in a family friendly evening that brings cinematic excitement to life.

This weekly Pokémon League centers on Standard format play. Regular sessions have a $9 entry. On the last Sunday of each month, the League Challenge offers a more competitive experience, a $15 entry, and expanded prizing. Prize packs are given to all participants when available, and prizes include booster packs from the latest Standard set.

Newfoundland enthusiasts from the Midwest and beyond gather at Midway Village in Rockford for a dog-friendly day filled with activity. Highlights include playful canine games, a FastCAT fun run, a Fit Walk, friendly contests, and chances to win prizes. Browse vendor offerings and enjoy food while taking in informative sessions. All proceeds support Newfoundland rescue.

An energetic storytime featuring read-aloud tales, sing-along songs, and lively dancing that gets everyone moving.

Mix up a bubbling batch of spooky slime in a cauldron. Enjoy holiday treats as part of the fun.

Walter Graham Post 332 of the American Legion in Rockton presents a competitive puzzle race for teams of up to four people, open to ages 12 and older. The entry fee is $5 per person. The top three teams will receive larger prizes, and teams near the bottom will still take home a small prize. Participation is capped at 15 teams, and pre-registration is offered.