Littles Need Room to Run Amok

There’s a specific age with toddlers when going to a movie or attending a structured program or play date isn’t an option. Sometimes they just need room to run around!   

Yes, there are more than 100 public parks in the immediate Quad Cities, and most offer playground equipment and all have ample running space.  However, in the colder months or on off-weather days, a park isn’t necessarily the best space.  Plus, it’s nice to be somewhere that can offer some recreation for adults as well.

Here are some all-weather options for your little one to burn off some energy, in spaces that won’t interfere with others.

Fair-Weather Options

The Tangled Wood in Bettendorf: 

This bar and restaurant features a large outdoor space with plenty of lawn to run amok. They host live music on the weekends during the summer, have yard games set up, and have an outdoor bar.  The broad space and ability to grab a drink make it a great meeting place for friends to get their kids together.  

COST: Whatever food and drinks you purchase 

Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley:  

This zoo is the perfect size and setup for young kids. There’s plenty to see and do without having to commit an entire day just to navigate through. The walkways are wide and the indoor exhibits are stroller-friendly. Plus, you don’t have to travel very far to get from one habitat to the next. They have more than 600 animals in a manageable space. 

COST: Adults admission is $9, kids from 3-12 are $6.50 and kids under 2 get in free.
Sign up for the QC Family Pass and you can a BOGO deal on children’s tickets. 

Freight House Farmer’s Market in Davenport:  

This one’s great for weekend mornings when you want to start running amok before naptime. There’s a playground with low-to-the-ground activities for toddlers and no stairs. Granted, there are a few stairs nearby that lead to a gathering space with a stage and picnic tables, but hopefully the kiddos are too distracted with the play space to notice. 

There are hundreds of vendors outside and some indoors as well, so when your little needs a break from the running, you can do a little shopping or grab a smoothie and some food truck tacos. Plus, this location is along the Mississippi River, set back from some train tracks, which offer great views and the chance to point out a “choo choo” here and there. 

Cost: FREE admittance, just pay for your own shopping 

BONUS – Sometimes the QC Toddler Zone is set up there. Oh, is this a treat. Kids 5 and under can enter a cushioned, contained play zone with age-appropriate activities like tunnels, a ball pit and a mini bounce house. The entire play center is shaded and gated in. Parents can climb in with the kids or watch nearby from outside the gates (easy to step in on a moment’s notice).  The QC Toddler Zone hosts pop-up play sites and recently became a permanent fixture inside NorthPark Mall.  Check out their Facebook page for hours and pricing.

River Bandits at Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport:  

Baseball games aren’t always the greatest option for kids who aren’t ready to sit in a seat for more than 30 seconds at a time. Luckily, Modern Woodmen Park has an area called “The Berm” which is essentially a sloped, grassy, open field where you can take up a little more space. Other young families tend to gravitate there, so there’s no side eye when it’s time to run amok. 

Cost: Find ticket info here

Mississippi Riverfront Path: 

The Quad Cities offers great walkways on both sides of the Mississippi River, allowing for some great views and photo opportunities while the little ones stretch their legs. Much of the path has barrier fencing but be mindful of the areas that don’t.   

Cost: FREE 

Cold and/or Rainy Day Options

John Deere Pavilion in Moline: 

This indoor space features real tractors and agriculture equipment that you can walk around and some are even open to climb up into. Not only is the space large enough to run amok, but it’s got kid-friendly activities like video games and a coloring table.  

Cost: FREE 

Family Museum in Bettendorf: 

This place will hold your kid’s attention for hours, and it seems like there’s always more to do. There are spaces for imaginary play, a water table, lifelike bridges for practicing walking up and down different levels, activities related to the STEM fields and much more.

COST: Kids under 1 year get in for free; anyone ages 1-59 cost $9 

Sign up for the QC Family Pass and you can get BOGO admission 

SouthPark Mall: 

This is a real insider’s tip because the mall isn’t necessarily made for kids to run amok, but it just so happens to be a perfect place for it. SouthPark Mall has a massive open space in the center between all the anchor stores. Much of it is carpeted and there are also a few kiddie rides: a horse, bull and car. There’s even a vending machine where you can grab a soda or water.  

Once your kiddo is ready to go, you may be able to browse a store or two on the way out. 

COST: FREE 

Got any other ideas? Send them to [email protected]  

Have fun running amok around the Quad Cities with your little one!