A rocking chair includes a body frame supported by a ground support structure configured to maintain contact with a supporting surface during rocking motion. At least one elastic element is positioned between the body frame and the ground support structure to provide restoring forces that facilitate controlled rocking movement. A motion-control structure guides movement of the body frame along a predetermined path and may include features that limit excessive displacement during operation. In certain embodiments, the ground support structure includes a telescoping support member configured to extend during use to increase stability and retract to facilitate compact storage. The rocking chair may further include a folding mechanism configured to transition the chair between deployed and folded configurations. The described configuration provides controlled rocking motion, improved stability, and portability across a range of operating conditions.