FAMILY ADVENTURES IN BELOIT
FAMILY FUN BEGINS IN BELOIT
Beloit isn’t just for the adults, it’s a playground for the kids, too! From exciting events and outdoor adventures to museums and tasty treats, there’s no shortage of fun for the whole family. Below is some inspo for all the must-visit family-friendly attractions, events, and activities.
PARKS
Just got into Beloit and need a place for the kids to run wild? Head straight to Riverside Park! This scenic spot along the Rock River is full of family fun. The newly upgraded Turtle Island Playground is a blast, as it features swings, slides, a merry-go-round, and even a water stream that runs through the park. It’s open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is ADA accessible, so everyone can join the fun.
Want even more adventure? Rent a tandem bike, paddleboat, or kayak at the Harry Moore Pavilion and explore the water on the lagoon for affordable family fun. Concessions are available for purchase if you are craving an ice cream treat after your outing.
Visiting Beloit in the summer? Don’t miss Music at Harry’s Place, a popular outdoor concert series held at the Harry Moore Pavilion. For nearly 30 years, this weekly event has brought Friday night entertainment to visitors and locals with live performances from top regional bands, delicious food from food trucks and vendors, and a beer tent. Catch the fun every Friday evening from 7-9 p.m., June through August.
nature centers
Add a bit of learning and outdoor adventure to your Beloit visit by exploring our local nature centers. Welty Environmental Center, located in Big Hill Park, offers year-round environmental education with a variety of fun programs, day camps, and events. Check their website for details.
Just across the state line in South Beloit, IL, is Nature at The Confluence. Surrounded by the Rock River, Turtle Creek, and Kelly Creek, this scenic spot hosts little to no cost events and activities throughout the week. Browse their event schedule and connect with nature while learning something new.
HISTORIC SITES & MUSEUMS
Just a quick 8-minute drive from Beloit, across the Wisconsin Border into Roscoe, IL, you’ll find Historic Attractions – a unique museum that’s perfect for a family day trip and full of history! With over 80,000 square feet of exhibits, make sure you have plenty of time to explore the Batmobile, Bigfoot monster trucks, speed boats, NASA gear, Presidential limousines and wax figures, Egyptian artifacts, and so much more. Family day passes are available, with free admission for children 6 and under.
Step back in time at Beckman Mill Park, a historic gem dating back to the late 1800s and proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With more than 50 scenic acres, the park features a beautifully restored 1868 grist mill, along with a dam, mill pond, fish ladder, foot bridge, and walking trails. From May through October, enjoy guided tours every Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. Don’t miss the live corn grinding and blacksmith demonstrations on the first Saturday of the month. The mill, museum, and gift shop are open during tour hours.
SPORTS
Flock to the ABC Supply Stadium and cheer on the Beloit Sky Carp, a High-A Affiliate of the Miami Marlins! From April through September, the ballpark is packed with exciting baseball games, great food, and plenty of entertainment for all ages. Kids will love Sunday Family Fun Days, where they can run the bases after the game, along with plenty of fun activities as they watch all the action. Saturday nights are a special night, as the stadium lights up with a spectacular fireworks display. Be sure to check out all the theme nights, including fan favorites like Dino Night and Princess Night. Purchase tickets and view the schedule for major-league fun at minor-league prices.
Don’t forget to stop by the Beloit letters on the concourse, snap a picture, and share it on social media by tagging @VisitBeloit and using #VisitBeloit. You’ll be entered into a giveaway to win a pair of tickets. One winner will be drawn after each homestand.
events
Family-friendly events happen all year long in Beloit, but a summer favorite for kids is the Beloit Dirty Dash. Held every August at Big Hill Park, this annual mud run is open to kids ages 4-18. It’s the perfect chance for them to run wild, get muddy, and tackle exciting obstacle courses designed for all skill levels. Learn more and register for the Beloit Dirty Dash here.
more adventures
Classic Cinemas
Pearl Lake in South Beloit, IL, offers endless fun and relaxation for all ages, as it’s a beach, RV resort, and scuba diving area all in one. Enjoy soft, groomed sand, crystal-clear waters with up to 70 feet of visibility, and an inflatable water park. Rent paddleboards or kayaks, or relax with food and drinks from the newly renovated clubhouse or local food trucks on select days. The beach is open Memorial Day weekend and closes after Labor Day. Purchase beach passes for the family online or at the clubhouse when you arrive.
Gather the whole family for a movie night at Classic Cinemas in Beloit. Kick back in cozy, heated reclining seats and enjoy free refills on popcorn, soda, and slushies. Don’t forget that admission is just $6 every Tuesday, so you can catch films on the big screen at a great price.
Let the good times roll at Henry Dorrbaker’s, Beloit’s newest Pub & Play! Located in the Ironworks Campus along the Rock River, the hangout spot blends nostalgic vibes with modern entertainment. The venue features duckpin bowling – a fun twist on traditional bowling with smaller balls, pins, and lanes – mini golf, vintage arcade games, racing simulators, delicious food and drinks, an outdoor patio with yard games, and more. Families are welcome to play during the day, and after 8 p.m., it turns into a 21+ venue.
beloit & beyond loved by locals passport trail
Before planning your family-friendly itinerary in Beloit, don’t miss out on the Beloit & Beyond Loved by Locals Passport Trail! This free passport will take you on a self-guided adventure through Beloit and the Stateline Area – perfect for families looking to explore like locals.
The trail includes kid-approved spots for ice cream, pizza, tacos, coffee shops for parents, and fun places to play. Just sign up for free, check in at participating locations, and you’ll be on your way to earning a cozy Beloit blanket – great for picnics, outdoor events, or your next family outing!
PLAN YOUR FAMILY GETAWAY
While visiting Beloit, families will love exploring our jam-packed calendar of events, outdoor fun, cool museums, and plenty of sweet treats. Find more inspiration on how to plan your trip to Beloit for families on our website.
