Youth Programs
NEW! Kids Camp
Join us to play in the park and participate on the ninja course for prizes! Snacks and nature craft included in registration.
Location: Read Park Pavilion
Lil’ Kickers
Lil’ Kickers is a newly revitalized instructional program. This 4-week session will focus on the basic fundamentals of soccer. Participants will learn dribbling, passing, shooting, defense, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Team shirts included.
Location: Read Park Multi-Purpose Field
M/W
Junior Group Golf Lessons
Junior Group Golf Lessons include the basics and fundamentals of the golf swing. Location: Park Hills Golf Course
Private Golf Lessons
All golf lessons are taught by PGA Professional, Jeff Hartman. Call the Pro Shop at 815-235-3611 to set up a lesson time.
Location: Park Hills Golf Course
Youth - ½ hour lesson - $20 - ½ hour lesson (x4) - $60
Adult - ½ hour lesson - $30 - ½ hour lesson (x4) - $100
Tot Time
Bring your little ones to the park for a fun-filled hour with the Freeport Public Library and Park District. Program includes: crafting, playtime, storytelling, games, and a thrilling group parachute activity to top it all off. Please note each date requires a separate registration.
Location: Krape Park, Flagstaff Playground Shelter
NEW! Music and Movement
This new program gets kids up and moving through fun, music-filled activities. Simple instruments and lively music keep kids engaged while they stay active.
Location: Koenig Amphitheater, Krape Park
3-10 M/W 12:00-1:00P 6/1-6/10/26 5/27/26 $20/25 201021-01
3-10 M/W 12:00-1:00P 6/15-6/24/26 6/10/26 $20/25 201021-02
3-10 M/W 12:00-1:00P 7/6-7/15/26 7/1/26 $20/25 201021-03
3-10 M/W 12:00-1:00P 7/20-7/29/26 7/15/26 $20/25 201021-04
Youth Pickleball
Pickleball is a popular paddle sport that can be enjoyed by all! It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. The rules are simple, and the game is easy to learn. Paddles and balls will be provided.
Location: Krape Park Pickleball Courts
Sports Sampler
This exciting instructional class will introduce your child to a different sport every class including soccer, t-ball, tennis, football, volleyball, and golf. You will receive a schedule with class locations when registering. Location: Multiple Facilities
NEW! Total Sports Jam
This exciting instructional class will introduce your child to a different sport every class including ninja warrior course/circuits, basketball, baseball, soccer, pickleball, and golf. You will receive a schedule with class locations when registering. Location: Multiple Facilities
6:00-7:00P 7/7-7/23/26 7/3/26
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Outdoor Education
NEW! Nature Night
Bring the family out to make a nature picture frame, hike, and sit by the fire!
Location: Oakdale Nature Preserve Park
S’more to Love
Come to Oakdale and celebrate having S’more to Love with the seasons! Enjoy a short hike, s’mores by the fire, storytelling, and rock painting! Each participant must register. Kids four and under must attend with a registered adult. Location: Oakdale Nature Preserve Park
Be sure to dress the kids in play clothes and sneakers, and toss a water bottle in their bag!
NEW! Totes Sustainability
Design and paint a reusable tote, make art out of recycled materials, and learn about how you can make the world a greener place.
Location: Gunkel Shelter, Krape Park
Crafternoon and Exploring
Kids will explore, get messy, and make a nature-based craft that parallels our seasonal learning session! Each session will have a theme: all about bugs, animal tracks, seeds, and hibernation. Oakdale Nature Preserve, Oakdale Shelter
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Special Recreation
Northlands Association for Special Recreation (NASR) is a cooperative partnership between the Rockford, Freeport and Belvidere Park Districts (referred to as a member district). NASR programs are open to any individual with disability-related needs such as physical, mental and developmental disabilities and persons with mental illness, behavior disorders, and visual and hearing impairments.
Member district residents are invited to participate in specialty/ therapeutic (TR) programs offered through any member district at the resident rate. For participation in Inclusion Services at a member district other than your own member district, you must pay the non-resident rate for that program.
Freeport Park District
Special Recreation Department www.freeportparkdistrict.org 815-235-6114
Rockford Park District
Therapeutic Recreation Department www.rockfordparkdistrict.org 815-987-8800
Belvidere Park District
Special Recreation Department www.belviderepark.org 815-547-5711
Spring Fling Dance
Dust off your dancing shoes because an unforgettable night awaits! We invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening filled with music, dancing and an egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt. Get ready for a night of fun and surprises!
Location: Read Park Pavilion
NASR’s Got Talent!
Calling all dancers, actors, singers, magicians, jugglers, joke-tellers - the possibilities are endless. Participate in NASR’s Got Talent for prizes, awards, and a chance to be a star. Judges will vote for their favorite acts to determine who will be this year’s most talented star. Transportation is NOT provided. There will be a dress rehearsal on 5/11/26 at 5:30 PM.
Location: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, Rockford
NASR Bowling Tournament
Strike it big at NASR’s 16th Annual Bowling Tournament! Bowlers will compete in 2 games and be placed on lanes based on bowling average and age. If you are not a regular bowler, please indicate skill level when registering and let us know if you will utilize a ramp to bowl. Pizza, awards, door prizes, bowling shoes, and tons of fun are included in the fee. Transportation is NOT provided.
Location: The Cherry Bowl, Rockford
NEW! Van Trip: Henry Vilas Zoo
Come with us as we explore Henry Vilas Zoo and their variety of animals from five different continents. Registration includes a tour, lunch at the Glacier Grille and transportation. Participants must be able to manage their own money and belongings. Space is limited.
Location: Madison, WI (meet at Administration Center)
Bowling Buddies
It’s not just about strikes and spares! Bowling Buddies invites you to join us for fun and friendship. Whether you’re fine-tuning your skills for the Special Olympics season or seeking a fantastic time, this is your perfect lane to play.
Location: 4 Seasons Bowling Center
Fit With Friends
Join our active community where we participate in a variety of fun fitness exercises in multiple formats. We strive to help create a healthy lifestyle and build lifelong habits. All activity levels are welcome!
Location: Krape Park Community Building
NEW! The Step Squad: Walking Club
Are you looking to join our active community that walks and talks for fun? If so, this is the squad to join! We aim to support the development of a healthy lifestyle and lasting habits. All activity levels are welcome!
Location: Various Parks
Picnic and Outdoor Games
Celebrate summer by escaping to Read Park to enjoy the great outdoors for laughter, food, yard games, and the company of friends. Your perfect picnic awaits! Location: Read Park Pavilion
Guys Night!
Special Recreation
Hey fellas! It’s time to put on your game face and get ready for a night out with the guys – no girls allowed. From playing board games to watching movies, this is the perfect opportunity to bond with your best buds. Dinner and refreshments included in registration. Location: Read Park Pavilion
Pickleball Pals
Whether you’re eager to master the basics or ready for some spirited competition, we’re here to serve up a good time! Rally your friends, and let the pickleball adventure begin. Equipment will be provided.
Location: Krape Park Pickleball Courts
Special Olympics
SO Softball
Step up to the plate and knock it out of the park! Athletes must have a current Special Olympics profile on the Center of Excellence portal and an athlete registration form valid through September 2026. Uniform required: Jersey, shorts, baseball hat Location: Read Park Ball Fields
*No practice 7/2/26
SO Bowling
Join us for an exciting opportunity to improve your bowling skills and compete in the upcoming Special Olympics Bowling Tournament! To participate, you must bowl at least 12 games at practice. Athletes must have a current Special Olympics profile on the Center of Excellence portal and an athlete registration form valid through December 2026. Uniform Required: Shorts, T-shirt.
Location: 4 Seasons Bowling Center
SO Volleyball
Bump, Set, Spike! Our volleyball team is ready for an incredible season, and we want you on the court! Athletes must have a current Special Olympics profile on the Center of Excellence portal and an athlete registration form valid through October 2026. Uniform required: jersey, shorts.
Location: Park Hills Church Gym
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Special Olympics Team Uniforms All Special Olympic athletes must obtain a team uniform as required for each sport. Uniform requirements are included in the program description. Contact the Administration Center in Read Park for order forms or to inquire about uniform purchases. Uniform fees apply and are subject to change.
*PLEASE NOTE: Participation in state tournaments is not guaranteed and is dependent upon staff availability. Additional participation fees up to $50 may apply. All athletes must have a valid Special Olympics Illinois account (or create one) through the Center of Excellence at https://portals.specialolympics. org. Athletes must complete the Health History Form and Athlete Acknowledgement Form, and accounts must be renewed annually to be eligible to participate.
Stephenson County Historical Society Museum
1440 S . Carroll Avenue • 815-232-8419 • www .stephcohs .org
Stephenson County Historical Society has something engaging for anyone interested in local history. It is a destination well worth discovering.
Perennial Plant Sale
Thursday-Saturday
May 14-16, 2026
9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Saturday 3:00 pm)
A beautiful 3-acre arboreum with gardens to stroll through.
Admission: Full tour $8 adults; $4 children (6-12 years)
Ice Cream Social
June 21, 2026, 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Spirits of Yesteryear
October 24, 2026
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Taylor House or Toy Museum only: $6 adults; $3 children (6-12 years). Free to Historical Society Members.
Holiday Craft & Gift Show
November 20-22, 2026
Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Meaningful Work
Since 2006, The Freeport Parks Foundation has had a focused mission – to support the Freeport Park District in achieving its goals for improving the quality of life in our community by encouraging philanthropy and volunteer services.
Every Contribution Makes A Difference
Working side by side with Freeport Park District we help make our network of parks relevant and special to our community. Through your support we can do great things to preserve, protect and enhance them.
We also offer many ways to recognize important milestones through Memorial Commemorations for births, anniversaries, retirements or the loss of a loved one. We can assist you to honor these moments with the lasting gift of a park bench or a tree replacement where it’s needed. Learn More. Join Us. Donate Online. Visit our website: www.freeportparksfoundation.org Email us: foundation@freeportparkdistrict.org
Facilities & Park Rules
Facility Rental/Reservation Policies
A $100 deposit is required for all indoor facility rentals and is due at time of reservation purchase. Your deposit will be forfeited if you do not return the key, if there is any damage, or if excessive cleanup is required.
Reservations can only be made within each calendar year. A $50 surcharge will be added to your rental fee for all reservations outside the current calendar year up to 1 year in advance. An additional fee of $100 will be charged to groups of 150 or more utilizing a Park District facility.
Non-profit organizations planning to conduct fundraisers on Freeport Park District property must apply for a permit at the Administration Center in Read Park. If the organization is not renting a facility or paying a user fee, the organization will pay a flat rate of $50. For further details about these policies, contact the Administration Center in Read Park, (815) 235-6114.
Facility Rental/Cancellation Policies
If your group must cancel a reservation, the following policy is in effect:
Less than 4 weeks notice No refund
4-5 weeks notice 25% refund
6-7 weeks notice 50% refund
8 weeks notice 75% refund
Park Usage Rules
The complete Park District rules, regulation and ordinances, which govern public usage of Park property and facilities, are available at the Administration Center or online at www.freeportparkdistrict.org/ information/additional-informationresources/. Tickets may be issued for violating regulations. Penalties vary. Park fines are determined by violation classifications: (A), (B), (C), and (D). Maximum fine is $500.
• Park Sites shall be open to the public from dawn until dusk, or as posted (Class C).
• Pedestrians and bicyclists always have the right of way over motor vehicles. (B)
• Park patrons may feed the white domesticated ducks in Krape Park. Feeding wild ducks and geese or any other wild animal is prohibited. (D)
• Under no circumstances are temporary signs, balloons or any other items to be pinned, stapled or otherwise attached or placed on any tree, park sign or along the roadway. This action will be considered littering. (C)
• Motor vehicles are restricted to roadways, parking lots or designated parking areas only. Vehicles are not permitted on park walkways or trails at any time. This prohibition includes loading and unloading purposes. (B)
• Fires are only allowed in designated metal fireplaces that are provided by the District. Use of all privately owned grills (gas or charcoal) is not permitted without prior approval from the District. Use of gas grills will require a certificate of insurance from your homeowner insurance carrier naming the Park District as additionally insured. (A)
• Tents, nets or canopy structures are not permitted without prior approval from the Administration Office. (B)
• Picnics and events utilizing third party suppliers (tent rental, caterers, etc.) must be approved by the Park District in advance and may require the purchase of a liability insurance policy naming the Park District as additionally insured for the duration of the event including setup and breakdown dates. The use of all third-party suppliers require at least 30 days advance notice to the event.
• The use of amplified sound (public address systems, radios, boom box, musical instruments) is prohibited unless authorized in writing by the Executive Director. Groups seeking authorization should consider use of the Koenig Amphitheater. (B)
• The use of profane, abusive or loud, boisterous language or conducting oneself in a disorderly manner is prohibited. (A)
• Activities that damage or disturb any natural or man-made feature are prohibited. (A)
• Possession or consumption of alcohol, cannabis, and/or illegal drugs is prohibited. (A)
• The possession or discharge of firearms, fireworks or explosives is prohibited. (A)
• Wading or swimming in all district creeks and ponds is prohibited. (D)
• Minors under 10 years of age shall at all times be under the direct supervision and control of a parent, guardian or responsible adult custodian. The applicant/user is responsible for monitoring the conduct of their guests or invitees. (D)
• All dogs and pets must be on a leash, no longer than 10 feet, at all times. Hitching or tying an animal to a tree, bush or shrub is prohibited. The owner is responsible for the conduct of the animal and shall carry equipment and supplies for removing feces and shall place feces deposited by the dog or pet in an appropriate receptacle Continuously barking dogs and/or animals displaying overly aggressive behavior will not be permitted in any park. (D)
• All waste and trash must be deposited in proper garbage receptacles. (A)
Enjoy FREEPORT PARKS
Krape Park
1799 S. Park Blvd.
Read Park 1200 Park Lane Dr.
Taylor Park
900 E. Stephenson St.
Oakdale Nature Preserve Park
4433 S. Cranes Grove Rd.
Park Hills Golf Course
3240 W. Stephenson St.
Winter Park
2023 Bedford Rd.
Wetlands Preserve 830 IL 26
Bidwell Park 1124 W. Pleasant St.
Wilbur Park
545 Brewster St.
Deacon Davis Courts 315 E. Jackson St.
Knowlton Square
S. Locust Ave. at W. Broadway St.
S. Carroll Ave.
