Free Family Fun

Free Family Summer Fun Banner

Spend time with the family all summer long enjoying free events and activities throughout Davenport!
Do you have an event you want to add? Email Becca.Niles@davenportiowa.com

Davenport Parks and Recreation offers free theatre productions, family events with games and activities, garden and nature programs and themed education events.

If reading is more your style, check out the events, programs and self-guided activities hosted by the Davenport Library in parks around the city.

Want to enjoy an evening of music and movies? Then head on down to the Riverfront and La Claire Park for Music on the River and Movies on the Mississippi.

Don't forget to join your neighbors as the Quad Cities celebrates the nation for Red, White and Boom!
Looking for unique gifts, fresh produce and hand-made wares? Join the open air and farmers markets scheduled throughout the summer.

Activity and event details are listed below!

young girl at table of art supplies
DAVENPORT PARKS AND RECREATION

Summer Theme: Travel Colors Your World
All summer long, visit Vander Veer Botanical Park and travel through five countries getting to know a little about their culture, native plants, and rich history. Be sure to pick up the Travel Colors Your World brochure for fun activities inside.
Ages: All Ages
Every day, 6/1-8/31
Location: Vander Veer Botanical Park

Join us as we explore the pollinators that keep our green earth beautiful! There will be a pollinator menagerie to excite and amaze: You won’t believe all the colors, shapes, and sizes that pollinators come in with fun activities for young ones to explore in the conservatory as well as more in-depth information for older explorers to learn about the plants we have on display.
Tuesday-Sunday, 7/20 – 7/25 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Vander Veer Conservatory

Children will meet on the lawn by the playground two Wednesdays in June and July to experience the wonders of gardening and nature with hands-on activities. July's activity is making a bird feeder. No registration required.
Ages: Pre-K+ (All Ages)
Wednesday, 7/21 | 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Location: Vander Veer Botanical Park

Get your caffeine fix while you learn how to propagate a plant! Coffee will be provided for your enjoyment.
Tuesday, 8/3, 9/1 | 10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Vander Veer Conservatory - Education Room

Every third Saturday Fejervary Learning Center will host a free family activities. Each day will have a special theme to make each one different and unique. We will be hosting family activities, local vendors, nature crafts, and more!
Saturdays: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
8/21 | Back 2 School Bash
9/18 | Healthy Family Day
10/16 | Harvest Fest
Location: Fejervary Learning Center

staff sit outside library van
DAVENPORT PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Bring your yoga mat or a towel and join us near the playground. Afterwards we'll have a fun craft and selected items available for check out.
Thursdays, 6/10 - 7/29 | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Location: Vander Veer Botanical Park

The Library and the Parks Department have teamed up with other city organizations to provide fun summer activities. The Library will be visiting 8 parks each week providing story times, activities, and will have a large selection of items for check out.

If you are in the area, please stop by and say hello. Library staff are also available to issue Library cards and sign the whole family up for Summer Reading!

MORNINGS
Monday-Thursday, 7/6 - 8/13 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Mondays: Van Buren
Tuesdays: Goose Creek
Wednesdays: Cork Hill/Leclaire Heights
Thursdays: Roosevelt Community Center

AFTERNOONS
Monday-Thursday, 7/6 - 8/13 | 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Mondays: Jefferson Park
Tuesdays: Green Acres
Wednesdays: Tyler Park
Thursdays: Emeis Park

The Davenport Public Library and the Davenport Parks and Recreation have joined forces to provide Reader’s Trail for the second year! This program would not be possible without funding from the Bi-State Literacy Council. Visit any of the three locations to read a story while taking in the beautiful views of Davenport. Each location has a different story, visit all locations and make sure to tag the Davenport Public Library on social media.
Locations: Prairie Heights, Lindsay Park & Fejervary Learning Center

RIVERFRONT EVENTS

The Davenport Riverfront Improvement Commission and Regional Development Authority
Along with the Max D. Petersen Memorial Trust Fund
Celebrate local musical talent from the shore of the Mississippi River!
All concerts begin at 7 p.m.
Sunday, 7/18 | Orion Community Band
Sunday, 8/15 | Big River Brass Band
Wednesday, 8/25 | Central High School Marching Band
Sunday, 8/29 | Panic River Band
Location: Le Claire Park at Petersen Pavilion

Mercado en el Rio (Market on the River) hosts vibrant markets every second Saturday evening in the summer in Quinlan Court along the banks of the Mississippi River. The family-friendly events feature food trucks, mobile boutiques and retail vendors, children's activities, and live music and entertainment.
Saturdays, 8/14, 9/11, 10/9 | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Quinlan Court (River Drive and Brady Street)

The QC Empowerment Network's "Open Air Market" looks to make real change for Black owned businesses! This monthly event aims to create connections for business owners. Our commitment is to help Black business owners move forward and encourage everyone to support, in their own way. Whether you're a Black business owner or a shopper looking for Black-owned businesses to support - at the QC Empowerment Open Air Market - you're in the right place!
Sunday, 7/25, 8/29, 9/26 | 4 p.m. -7 p.m.
Location: Quinlan Court (River Drive and Brady Street)

Free, family entertainment with the Mighty Mississippi as our backdrop! So, grab your kids and a blanket and join us for some food and a free movie with a breathtaking riverfront view!
Friday, 8/6 The Lion King (1994)
6:30 p.m. Food/Vendors/Activities | 8:20 p.m. Approximate movie start time

Friday, 9/10 Jurassic Park
6:00 p.m. Food/Vendors/Activities | 7:25 p.m. Approximate movie start time

Friday, 10/8 Monster's Inc.
6:00 p.m. Food/Vendors/Activities | 7:25 p.m. Approximate movie start time
Location: LeClaire Park