Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
** There are probably LOTS of cool places missing from this list. If you know of some great family place to go, please click here (FYIQuadCities@gmail.com) to email it to me so I can get it added. Thanks for your help!! **
Click the city to start planning your fun:
Chicago area
Des Moines area
Wisconsin
St. Louis area
Kansas City area
Michigan
Minneapolis area
Chicago area
Des Moines area
Wisconsin
St. Louis area
Kansas City area
Michigan
Minneapolis area
IOWA CITY AREA:
Coralville Lake
Outside of Iowa City
Beach area, boating,camping, hiking
Coral Ridge Mall
1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville (outside of Iowa City)
Has indoor ice skating, GREAT Family Museum! (closed Mon)
Tanger Outlets
150 Tanger Drive, Williamsburg
Amana Colonies
Old Capitol Building
21 N Clinton Street, Iowa City
Lake MacBride
Solon, IA
DUBUQUE AREA:
*Dubuque youth can ride the city’s public transit system for free this summer. Any Dubuque youth in grades K - 12 wearing a "Free Way to Fun City" bracelet can ride any Jule fixed-route bus for free all summer! The program includes free rides throughout the city when wearing their bracelet. The bracelets can be picked up at the City’s Leisure Services Department at Bunker Hill Golf Course, The Jule offices, & Carnegie-Stout Public Library.
Grand Harbor Resort
Dubuque 866-690-4006
Hotel with indoor waterpark.
Mississippi River Museum
Dubuque 800-226-3369
Excellent museum and aquarium. A surprising amount of things to do there! Very interactive.
Overnight River Cruise
800-331-1467 From LeClaire to Dubuque and back for $329 (includes meals, snacks, transportation, and accommodations)
Quiet Walker Lodge
18132 Paradise Valley Trail, Durango 800-388-0942
Bed & Breakfast for couples--no children/pets--theme rooms
Fenelon Place Elevator
The world's shortest, steepest scenic railway
Other Places To Try:
Felix Adler Children's Discovery Center
501 11th Ave S, Clinton 563-243-3600
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
The Sawmill Museum
2231 Grant Street, Clinton 563-242-0343
Pzazz Fun City
3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington, IA 319-753-2223
Hotel w/waterpark, go karts, and other fun family activities
Wildlife Prairie Park
Peoria. IL off of I-74 309-676-0998
Bison, bears, and more in a natural setting
Lost World Water Park
2225 E. Shaulis Road Waterloo, Iowa 319-233-8414
Can purchase tickets online. Discounted tickets available through Bett Parks & Rec Office
Keosauqua State Park
Van Buren County/Keosauqua, Iowa
Bridges, canoeing, biking, fishing, camping
Shady Lakes Camping & Recreation
3355 75th Avenue, New Windsor IL 309-667-2709
rental trailers/cabins, boating, mini golf, and more
The Beach Ottumwa (IA)
101 Church St. 641-682-SURF
Indoor/Outdoor Water park, slides, beach area