Spring seems to be a forgotten season because it’s still a bit chilly and the memories of summer are still out of reach. But spring is the perfect time to be outside because all of the beautiful flowers are beginning to bloom and animals are emerging from hibernation!
Get Outside
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- Speaking of blooming flowers, visit one of these 10+ QCA Gardens for inspiration on starting that raised garden you promised yourself to do this year
- A great way to experience spring in the Quad Cities is by dusting off your bikes and taking them for a spin on one of our many awesome bike trails
- If 4 wheels are more your thing, check out this list of outdoor skateparks around the Quad Cities Area
- Fresh produce and local goods are a great way to kick those winter blues – check out these annual Farmers’ Markets
- Other ways to shop local are at Makers’ Markets & Craft Shows, and there are TONS going on this spring
- If you’re more into thrifting, mark your calendars for a list of Community Garage Sales
Go On a Vacay
There are tons of great places to visit within a few hours of the Quad Cities. Below is a list of our favorite towns/cities to road trip to for a fun weekend getaway!
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- The windy city of Chicago is only a 2.5-hour drive away from us and has so much to offer for families including several museums, zoos, gardens and more!
- Home of the Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO offers families tons of activities such as ziplining, action, adventure, and amusement parks!
- Madison, WI is also only a 2.5-hour drive from the QC and boasts a wide variety of family fun like mural hunting, hiking trails, breweries, water cruises and so much more!
- Much like the other cities on this list, Milwaukee, WI has tons of museums, zoos, and parks to experience.
- An Iowan hidden gem, Decorah, IA, is a great place to relax and appreciate the beautiful outdoors with all of its amazing waterfalls.
- If staying local is more your vibe, visit one of our amazing wineries or check out one of our awesome hotels for a family STAYcation!
QCA State Parks
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- Open on April 15th, 2023, Maquoketa Caves State Park, offers a six-mile trail system linking the caves and scenic overlooks, and reservable campgrounds
- Take a Waterfall & Canyon Trolley Tour at Starved Rock State Park. During April and May, see spring come to life through a guided walk to three spectacular waterfalls and canyons
- At Wildcat Den State Park, visit the Pine Creek Grist Mill and sandstone bluffs with natural formations such as “Steamboat Rock,” and the “Devil’s Punch Bowl” at the most photographed Iowa state park
- If you’ve already been to the state parks above, check out this extensive list of 16 state parks, all within a few hours of the Quad Cities
Go, See, Explore QCA
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- One of the most popular tourist attractions in the Quad Cities is the John Deere Pavillion. Best of all, it’s FREE!
- Another fun, free, and educational place to visit in the QC is the Nahant Marsh Education Center. Take a walk through the 382-acre preserve – trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset
- Dyersville, IA is home to The Field of Dreams movie set. You can rent the famous house and field or just take a tour. (Open April 1, 2023)
- Beginning Memorial Day, (May 29, 2023) the Channel Cat Water Taxi operates a staple Quad Citizen adventure on our beloved Mississippi River with four local landing locations in both Iowa and Illinois
- Niabi Zoo – In addition to general admission, tickets are available for purchase to memorable experiences such as train rides with a course throughout the zoo, carousel rides, and animal feeding including giraffes, koi, and domestic animals. (Opening day is April 17th, 2023)
Quad Cities Parks
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- Fejervary Park has a playground that is open year-round and the learning center is open from May – September and offers a dinosaur dig sandbox, interactive water wall, spider web climber, harmony music area, and more.
- Schweibert Riverfront Park is located on the Mississippi River and includes a digital playground that encourages children to explore and discover their environment as well as a splash pad that opens Memorial Day weekend!
- Vander Veer Park Conservatory is located in the heart of Davenport. This park is special because it has an all-inclusive playground as well as a botanical garden that is great for viewing in the spring (but also in the winter). There are also lots of parks and recreation activities that happen here.
- One of Davenport’s most popular trails is at Duck Creek Park & Golf Course. It’s the perfect place to teach your new rider how to ride their bike!
- Scott County Park is located in Eldridge and offers 1200+ acres – the perfect spot for a family picnic! Located within the park is Pioneer Village, a little historical spot as well as an aquatic center.
Stay Indoors
Since spring is full of rainy days, we’ve put together some ideas for you to keep your kids and yourself sane until those bright sunny days emerge.
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- Our local libraries supply endless indoor entertainment. Whether it’s storytime for littles, clubs for teens, or crafts for all the in-betweens. Check out our calendar for all our local library events
- We have 15+ museums in and around the Quad Cities. If you haven’t been to one yet or you have a favorite, they are the perfect educational, indoor activity
- Indoor attractions such as Elevate Trampoline Park, Fun Station, and Chuck-E-Cheese are classic ways to stay dry and create memories
- Spring cleaning is a great way to organize your home after bunkering in it for months! Listen to this podcast from City Mom Collective for Tips to Declutter Your Home and Life
- If you’re a dollar-tree crafty kinda mom, check out our Pinterest for some fun spring ideas
- Don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Indoor Activity Directory!
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