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Lockwood Park Activities Opening Day
May 3 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
LOCKWOOD PARK SATURDAY ACTIVITIES OPEN FOR THE SEASON MAY 3, 2025 – Rockford Park District’s Lockwood Park invites the community out to the country for its opening day of the season, Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10 am to 4 pm to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors in fresh air and nature while engaging in unique activities and making memories at 5201 Safford Rd. in northwest Rockford.
May 3 is also Kentucky Derby day, so wearing fancy hats is encouraged! Free activities include visiting the Sarver Children’s Farm barn, a petting zoo, meeting oxen and basic commands demonstrations (11 am-1 pm and 2-4 pm), meeting a baby calf, and more.
Scheduled paid activities include:
Discounted wagon rides
Discounted Pony Experience sessions – 10 am-2 pm, 10-minute sessions
Horseback trail rides – 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm – pre-registration required at https://lockwoodpark.com/rides, or at 815-987-8809
Pony races (riderless) – Decorating,1:15 and 3:15 pm; races at 1:45 and 3:45 pm – decorate and enter one of the park’s ponies for a race; $5 per person; pre-registration available online, or on site (subject to availability). See website for details and requirements. Spectators are welcome to watch for free; donations are welcomed and appreciated to support the care of the park’s animals and programs.
For a list of opening day activities (paid as well as free), as well as prices and advance ticket purchase for fee-based activities, go to https://lockwoodpark.com/special-events; admission to the park is free.
Visitors are welcome to picnic at the park. The park, its facilities, and some programs are wheelchair accessible. For more information about the park and its activities, group lessons, events, facility rentals, and horse boarding services, visit https://lockwoodpark.com/ or call 815-987-8809. Information on accessibility and adapted equipment for park visitors with disabilities is available at 815-987-8800.
