Five Fun Family Attractions in Quad Cities

For those who may not know already, the Quad Cities is a metropolitan area that includes the Iowa cities of Davenport and Bettendorf and the Illinois cities of Rock Island and Moline. If you and your family plan to be in the Quad Cities area, you might be interested in visiting one or more of the following fun attractions.

Family Museum of Arts and Science

You and your family can have fun and make memories together at the Family Museum of Arts and Science. Located in Bettendorf, Iowa, this museum presents a great number of exciting, hands-on activities where you will have a ball learning about things like science, weather, music, dance and language. You can experience a simulated tornado, walk through a recreated human heart, create your own art and laugh at yourself in front of the wacky mirrors. Admission: $7.00 (ages 2-59), $4.00 (age 59+ and children 12-23 months), Free for children under age 1.

John Deere Pavilion

Don’t make the mistake of overlooking the John Deere Pavilion because you think it’s just a factory that makes tractors, or else you will be missing out on a fun-filled attraction that offers something for everyone in the family. Located in Moline, Illinois, the John Deere Pavilion offers several fascinating tours and exhibits. For one, you can tour the plant to get an idea of how the John Deere machinery is made. You and your children alike can see what it is like to operate John Deere tractors and other machines with simulated exhibits. You can also watch various machines at work such as bulldozers, combines and crawlers to see how they shape the land. There is also a collection of antique tractors and a children’s exhibit where they can learn about road building and farming. The best thing about visiting this attraction is that it is free!

Quad City Botanical Center

If you can spare an afternoon, a visit to the Quad City Botanical Center would be well worth your time. Located in Rock Island, Illinois, this huge complex features a wide variety of themed gardens such as the wildflower, perennial and butterfly gardens. There is also a garden designed especially for people with physical limitations. Even children can experience their own gardens like the alphabet garden or the secret garden where they can learn to grow their own plants and flowers, dig for treasures and construct their own buildings. You don’t want to miss the star of the Botanical Center, the stunning Sun Garden, which is a 6,000 square foot conservatory containing beautiful waterfalls, fish ponds and a plethora of flowers, plants and trees. You can see vibrant flowers like orchids and bird of paradise, plants such as vanilla and allspice and trees like banana and pineapple. Admisson: $6.00 Adults (16 years and older), $5.00 Seniors (60+) and Military, $4.00 Youth (ages 6 to 15), $2.00 Children (ages 2 to 5), Toddlers ages 2 and under free.

Putnam Museum

If you enjoy museums and wildlife, check out the Putnam Museum, which is located in Davenport, Iowa. Founded back in 1867, this wonderful museum houses numerous exhibits and more than 160,000 artifacts, fossils and other objects relating to the region’s history, science and ecosystem. In addition to engaging in various hands-on activities, you can also explore a cave and a giant aquarium packed with native species as well as watch a movie on the largest movie screen in Iowa. Admission: Free for members, $7 Adults Non-members, $6 Senior/Student/Military Non-member, $5 Youths Non-members

Adler Theatre

If you enjoy live performances, check out the Adler Theatre in Davenport, Iowa. At this beautifully restored, historic theatre of Art Deco design, you can awe over fine performances of symphony, dance and Broadway productions. For ticket information: Call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000.