Hiking in the QC with family
When it’s time for your kids to burn off their energy, try hiking! Getting outside, into nature, and adding some steps isn’t bad for the adults either. You can just let the kids roam (within reason, of course) and it gets them tired out. They can learn a lot about nature with just a little bit of research before you head out to the trail. Also bring the water and some easy snacks because no one wants grumpy, hangry kids.
Some of my favorite family-friendly hiking places in the QC include:
Scott County Park in Long Grove, Iowa, has so many miles of different trails. If you park on the North side of the park at the Pioneer Village, you can explore some cool old buildings and they even have a Soda Fountain you can belly up to and have a soda!
Another favorite of mine is the Wapsi Environmental Center in Dixon, Iowa. The family can enjoy so many things here! They have some amazing family-friendly events from birdhouse making to maple syruping and a fantastic education center. There is even a cabin for rent if you want to make an overnight out of it and do some hiking! They also have a huge scope you can look through to check out the beautiful, starry, night sky.
If you are looking for just some straight up hiking and maybe packing a picnic, I would definitely suggest Dorrance Park in Port Byron, Illinois. It’s a beautiful park with lots of different trail systems. This park has lots of birds and other small wildlife.
One of my all-time favorite places with so many different trail systems and terrain is Loud Thunder Forest Preserve in Illinois City, Illinois. No matter the time of year, it’s a fantastic place to pack a picnic and pull up a tree stump half way through your hike and eat some lunch.
The memories made will be endless, never forgotten, and hopefully create a love of the outdoors and nature in general that you can enjoy for the rest of your life.
“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” - Edward Abbey
Kelly Daugherty lives in Davenport with her husband, Sean, and pooch, Adekes. Kelly and Sean are both avid recreational cyclists. Kelly is the event ride coordinator of River Benders Cycling Group, and also sits on the Board of Tour de Brew, a charitable bike ride benefiting local cancer organizations, and on the Committee of the Quad Cities Tweed Ride. Kelly is the former events coordinator of the Quad Cities Women's Outdoor Club, and still an active member. When not on her bike, you can often find her leading group exercise for friends in an outdoor circuit setting, hiking, kayaking, or walking the hills of the beautiful Village or East Davenport.