How to Spend a Spring Day in the Quad Cities

With spring right around the corner, being outside is the only thing we can think about. This Visit Quad Cities itinerary helps to plan your perfect spring day to cherish the warmer weather!

Stop and smell the flowers

Take in the beauty of the new season at a curated garden.

Explore plants from around the world and even see butterflies at the Quad City Botanical Center.

Immerse yourself in the historic Vander Veer Botanical Park, offering an outdoor walking trail and indoor center.

Or grow your own garden. Wallace’s Garden Center offers a wide variety of florals and has all the tools needed to make your garden flourish.

Farm fresh eats

With spring in bloom, botanical gardens aren’t the only way to enjoy the season. Delight in delicious food straight from the farm to your table.

Dine on American dishes with a European touch in a home turned restaurant at Café d’Marie.

Savor African flavors made with only locally sourced and grown goods at I Love FuFu.

Mo Brady’s Steakhouse offers farm to table with gourmet taste. 

Or, find your farm fresh favorites at Freight House Farmers Market, with over 200 vendors offering baked goods, meats, plants, and other specialty items.

Hit the courts

The Quad Cities is full of places to play seasonal favorites like tennis and pickleball. Grab your racket or paddle and play ball.

Northwest Park offers an extensive set up for beginners and advanced players to enjoy.

Play into the night at Riverside Park, providing top notch illuminated pickleball and tennis courts.

Players of all levels can join the Quad Cities Pickleball Club or the Quad City Tennis Club for lessons, games, and connect with other players.

Enjoy the atmosphere

With the nights getting warmer, spend your evening outside. There are so many different ways to enjoy the outdoors, visit the Events page for our full list of activities.

Sit back and watch a game at Modern Woodmen Park, voted the best minor league baseball stadium in America.

Experience rare and exotic animals from around the world at Niabi Zoo.

Take a stroll and see beautiful public art installations around the Quad Cities with the QC Public Art Trail.

Bike along the Mississippi River on one of the Quad Cities’ numerous bike trails. No bike, no problem! Rent one free of charge at either Visit Quad Cities location.

Check out our “Things To Do” page for full inspiration.