Father's Day in the Quad Cities: 8 Dad Types and How to Spend Your Day

By Rylee Clark, Destination Marketing Associate 

Every dad is different in their own way and each one loves to spend their free time in different ways. With Father’s Day right around the corner, it can sometimes be difficult to find the perfect activity to surprise your dad with for the day. We’re here to help with a list of fun events and activities happening that will thrill any dad within the Quad Cities.  

The History Buff Dad-

On the Saturday before Father’s Day, a walking tour with German American Heritage Center in Davenport will be going on. A two-hour tour on how German Immigrants lived their lives in the Quad Cities and the architecture built around us. Find more information on that here. If your dad is interested in the history behind John Deere, consider going to the John Deere Pavillion in Downtown Moline. While it may not be open on Sunday, this is a great option for those with younger children and a penchant for green and yellow. For a John Deere dad, consider joining the John Deere Trail. Participate in a self-guided tour on the best historical spaces the Deere & Co. has to offer. Learn more about the trail here. Also, for those with younger children, the Putnam Museum is open for Father’s Day. With multiple historical galleries as well as many other exhibits, this is sure to be a fun day with Dad.  

The Adventurer Dad-

If your dad is the kind who likes to get out into nature and explore, then a hike is what you need. If you’re looking for a half-walking, half-driving trail, the Buffalo Bill Cody trail would be a great place to start. Spanning twenty-five miles and through five communities, this legacy-built trail will have you breathing in fresh air. Blackhawk State Historic Site is a great option for a hike. Nestled right along the Rock River, you can either walk by the water or in the woods. You can also go boating in the river. If you’re looking for a walk with many different things to look at along the way, Longview Park is a great option. Along with a walking path, there’s also a conservatory, greenhouse, and playground equipment. And if Disc Golf is your dad’s thing, bring a frisbee and enjoy the course provided there. If you're still interested in the extensive trail system around the QC, check out the trail systems here. 

The Active Dad-

Does your dad love to get out and exercise or come home and watch his favorite sports team? These activities are for sports or exercise lovers. A River Bandits Game will be happening on the Saturday before Father’s Day and on the day itself. Get out and enjoy some baseball. This weekend is also a John Deere weekend, so if you or someone you know works there, present your badge at the box office for free tickets! Find more information on the games here. If your dad loves to walk and wants to go out and support charity, the Quad Cities Heart Walk is going on this Saturday. Take the next couple hours to walk for those with heart disease and enjoy the weather. Find more information on the walk here. On Father’s Day, the River Action and the Quad Cities Arsenal will be hosting Ride the Island. Bring your bikes out and enjoy a full day of festivities including riding, live music, food trucks, and activities for all! Find out more information on this bike ride here.  

The Foodie Dad-

No morning is complete without a delicious breakfast. Jimmy’s Pancake House in Bettendorf is the perfect place to stop for either breakfast or brunch. With an assortment of skillets, house specials, and, of course, pancakes, this is the perfect stop for a Father’s Day breakfast. If your dad loves fresh ingredients in his meals, then head down to the Freight House Farmer’s Market on Saturday. Located in Davenport, this is the best place to get fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, and many other goodies that could lead to a delicious home-cooked meal. Enjoy drinks, food, and trinkets as you walk around the beautiful space by the river. Find more information about the Farmer’s Market here. If you’re looking for a Father’s Day dinner spot, Fifth Avenue Syndicate has everything you need. From meat to seafood to salads and soup, there’s something for everyone. On the Saturday before Father’s Day, Fifth Avenue Syndicate will be hosting Bourbon & Bones. A five-course meal for the bourbon drinker in your life. If your dad loves a good time and good food, consider signing him up for a night of good food and good drinks. Find more information about that night here.  

The High Spirits Dad-

If your dad has a taste for delicious craft alcohol and a fun night out on the town, you may have a High Spirits Dad. Pies and Pints with Dad should be at the top of your Father’s Day list. Being hosted on Sunday, this is the perfect plan for anyone 21+ to bring their dad to. Hosted by the Ridge Social Drinkery along with Wolfe it Down Pizza, there will be both pizza and drink specials for the event. Find out more about this event here. If your dad also enjoys music, Sunday Funday will be happening at Mississippi River Distilling Company. Enjoy live music and cocktails out on the patio with those you love. Bring your dad out for a fun night and a great view of the river! Find out more about this event here. Stompbox brewery is also a great place to bring your dad in for a beer and a good meal. From ales to sours to stouts, there’s something for each dad with a specific palette to enjoy. There’s also a delicious food menu with options for everyone. If your dad wants the perfect brewery spots curated for him, consider joining the ale trail! The QC Ale Trail offers a variety of spots all around the QC with top-quality pints for all dads out there. Prizes are included for visiting so many breweries! Learn and sign up for the ale trail here. 

The Worn-Out Dad-

Does your dad always crave coffee in the morning? Then your dad might need a pick-me-up on their Father’s Day morning. On the Saturday before Father’s Day, Dead Poet’s Espresso will be hosting Cars and Coffee. A group of classic cars will be outside the coffee shop. Stop in and grab a coffee and then go outside to see some cool classic cars. Find out more about this event here. Cody Road Coffee is also a great option to grab a cup of coffee on Father’s Day morning. Whether your dad is a black coffee or an energy drink fan, there’s options for everyone on their extensive list of drinks. If you want to grab breakfast with your coffee, Vibrant Coffeehouse is another great spot to go. Along with coffee and energy drinks, they also have a delicious breakfast menu. With sandwiches, bagels, and cinnamon rolls, Vibrant is a great place to get your Father’s Day started. If your dad wants a curated coffee experience, consider joining the QC Coffee Trail! Go to the best coffee shops the QC has to offer while you grab a cup of joe and relax. Win prizes along the way with so many stops! Learn more and sign up for the QC Coffee Trail here.  

The Hobby Dad-

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is going on Friday, Saturday, and the Sunday of Father’s Day. So, if your dad has a love for the theater, this is a great place to spend your Father’s Day weekend. Go out and see either the evening or afternoon show. This is a family friendly event, and the show is a fun retelling of the Biblical story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. You can find out more about the musical here. If your dad is a fan of collectible toys and models, check out Thunder Road Hobbies in Milan. This hobby shop is great for picking up a gift or taking your dad in and letting him back out his own present. Thunder Road Hobbies has options for every car and train collector out there. Does your dad prefer a good read instead? The Brewed Book in Davenport is open on Father’s Day. Stop in and grab a coffee, a pastry to enjoy, and then sit down with a good book or a fun board game. If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for your dad, stop in and grab a present.  

The Musically Inclined Dad-

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a music loving dad, Co-Op Records is the place to go. Located in Moline, this one-stop music shop has everything your dad’s record player may need for Father’s Day. Grab a new record that will make your father’s collection complete. If your dad is more of a live music fan, take him out to Bally’s for Live Music on the Patio. This event takes place on Father’s Day and will have live music and signature cocktails to enjoy with a view of Wick’s Lake. The Tailfins will be performing that Sunday! Find out more about this event here. On the Saturday before Father’s Day at Olathea Creek Winery, there will also be live music. Enjoy some wine and bring your lawn chairs and blankets. The Jason and John Experience will be performing. Find out more about this event here.