The Quad Cities and surrounding towns offer many great opportunities for free family fun. Browse the list for a new location or a favorite place to make memories together.
Eagle Point Park
3900 North 3rd Street, Clinton, IA
A park with bluffs overlooking the river, plus a historic lodge and castle turret open for stair climbs. Perfect for outdoor family outing where hiking is enjoyed.
Centennial Park Skatepark
905 West River Drive, Davenport, IA
Centennial Park is a beautiful riverfront in downtown Davenport. Enjoy the spraypark, skatepark, basketball courts, soccer fields, and a riverfront bike path.
Empire Park
Great River Trail, East Moline, IL
Visit scenic Empire Park on the banks of the Mississippi River. Climb on a giant, wooden jungle gym that will amuse kids and adults for hours.
Galesburg Railroad Museum
211 S. Seminary Street, Galesburg, IL
This local museum provides tours of cars outside, weather permitting. The building is wheelchair accessible but the cars outside are not. The collection of railroad cars includes CB&Q 4-6-4 3006, a Pullman Meath car, Railway Express RPO Combination Mail & Baggage Car, CB&Q Burlington Route Way Car. A museum building houses a large collection of railroad history in pictures and on paper. Some additional items were donated to the museum by railroad workers and their families.
Geneseo Historical Museum
205 S. State Street, Geneseo, IL
Enjoy an excellent small-town museum with documented and strong ties to the Underground Railroad. This local gem has a good collection of artifacts dating from 1836 until present that are attractively displayed. History buffs are guaranteed to enjoy this visit!
Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
28616 Sauk Trail Road, Kewanee, IL
This state park is on 1,365 acres in Henry County and has a 58-acre lake with various types of fish. The lake has boat rentals and a maximum depth of 21 feet. The park has many trails, and a campground. Ryan’s Round Barn is a scenic 3-acre pond that is a great place to hike to together.
Mississippi River Distilling Company
303 North Cody Road, LeClaire, IA
In the heart of the corn belt, see vodka, gin and bourbon whiskey handmade from local grains. Spirits are made from corn and wheat that is all grown within 25 miles of the distillery. Come see the care and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle while they grind the grain, cook the grain, ferment it and then distill it into your favorite liquors. It’s all under one roof of the majestic shores of the Mississippi.
John Deere Pavilion
1400 River Drive, Moline, IL
Serves as a visitor center for John Deere. Touch the machines. Climb in the cab. Learn. From the vintage machines to today’s agricultural and construction equipment, the past and future are yours to discover. See how these products help change lives around the world.
Schwiebert Riverfront Park
100 17th Street, Rock Island, IL
The park features digital playgrounds and outdoor playground to get kids back outside and playing. The new playgrounds do not come with instructions so kids are encouraged to explore the system and discover all of its innovative features on their own. It offers up close views of the river and some of the best views of the bridges and Arsenal Island
The fountain is at ground level with water sprays that are fun for all!
Mississippi Palisades State Park
16327A Il Route 84, Savanna, IL
This is a national natural landmark and is a partially conserved section of the Mississippi Palisades. The area contains many caves and large cliffs along the Mississippi River at the mouth of the Apple River in the Driftless Area of far northwestern Illinois.