Winter Fun At Burpee
10 AM – 4:30 PM
Join us at Rockford’s fossil-packed Burpee Museum for a day filled with unique holiday fun and Ice Age exploration. From 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., enjoy one-of-a-kind activities designed for all ages—perfect for families and curious minds alike!
Step Back in Time to the Ice Age!
Discover the fascinating world of the Holocene epoch and learn how glaciers, mammoths, and Ice Age people shaped our planet. “Holocene Holiday will showcase the wonders of the Ice Age, from extinct giants like the Columbian Mammoth and Smilodon to animals and plants that survived and still thrive today! See how glaciers carved Illinois and changed the Earth forever!
Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
Activities and Attractions
Educational Booths
- Ice Age Europe invites you to step into the role of a prehistoric artist! Learn how Ice Age people created cave paintings using natural pigments, then make your own artwork inspired by the bison, horses, and handprints that once decorated ancient cave walls.
- Ice Age Kitchen invites visitors to step back in time and discover what was on the Neanderthal menu. From sizzling mammoth “steaks” to wild mushrooms, berries, and roasted roots, this exhibit explores how early humans hunted, gathered, and cooked in the frozen world of the Ice Age
- Dire Wolves explores the powerful predators of the Ice Age through a close look at their skulls. Compare the massive jaws of the extinct dire wolf with those of modern wolves to discover how these ancient hunters lived, evolved, and eventually disappeared.
- Ice Age Survivors highlights the remarkable animals that endured the end of the Ice Age. This unmanned display features the black bear and the wolf—two resilient species that adapted, survived, and still roam our world today.
- Crafts & Prizes: Enjoy themed crafts, explore rare collection items, and visit all the special locations to win a prizes.
Arts, Crafts, and Interactive Exhibits
Join us for Holocene Holiday, a day of fun, education, and celebration, as we honor the incredible history and natural resources that shape our community!