We're all going to have to get creative when it comes to planning family fun this summer. Sure, things are beginning to slowly reopen in the Rockford area, but many things are not, or they have major crowd restrictions to follow thanks to COVID-19.

The cancellations that I am struggling with the most right now are no shows at Starlight Theatre this summer, and no 4th of July festivities. We can't take our kids to parades or fireworks shows, and now we can't take them to enjoy the patriotic celebration that the Rockford Symphony Orchestra puts on every Independence Day weekend either.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking of heading north to celebrate the 4th of July this year, but honestly, the fate of those celebrations happening in surrounding states isn't looking to promising either.

What are your family's plans for Independance Day weekend this year? July 4th is on a Saturday, and I feel like it needs to be celebrated even bigger this year, but I need some help thinking outside of the box. Somehow lighting sparklers in our backyard and watching neighbors fire off fireworks all weekend long just feels disappointing. Having a cookout with family is always on the agenda, so what ideas do you have to spice things up a bit?  Just let us know by sending a message on the Q98.5 app!

Catch Lil Zim on ‘Q98.5 Mornings with Lil Zim & JB’ on Q98.5 from 6:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow her on TwitterInstagram, and Facebook

Coronavirus Pandemic: Which Tours and Festivals Are Canceled (and Not)?

More From Rockford's New Country Q98.5