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Family Fun & Events

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Spend time with the family enjoying fun events and activities throughout Davenport! 

Activity and event details are listed below!
Check back often as we are always updating the page as new events or activities are added.

YouthFest 2025

DAVENPORT PARKS AND RECREATION

New! Recess in the Parks!

Joins us every week during the after school hours as staff set up activities, games, and other fun experiences designed to give kids an open place to play independently and connect with friends after school putting a different spin on outdoor recreation! 
Each week will have a different theme - Sport, Arts & Crafts, Performing Arts, and Environmental Education

Mondays-Thursdays (excluding Labor Day) 9/8-11/5 | 4:30PM-6:30PM (weather and sunset dependent)
Locations:
• Mondays: Emeis Park (4500 W. Locust St.)
• Tuesdays: Herington Park (935 Brown St.)
• Wednesdays: Goose Creek Park (6000 Scott St.)
• Thursdays: Cork Hill Park (1100 Farnam St.)
All Ages
Free
Please note: while staff will provide activities, families should not consider this program formal childcare

Letters to the Pumpkin King

This fall, let your imagination take flight with Letters to the Pumpkin King!
Children (and the young at heart) are invited to send a letter to the mysterious Pumpkin King—guardian of the harvest season and keeper of autumn magic. In return, each participant will receive a personalized reply straight from the Pumpkin King’s desk!
Mail your letter between Tuesday, 9/15 through Thursday, 10/15!

How to Participate:

  1. Write your letter to the Pumpkin King
  2. Place it in an envelope and mail it to:
    Pumpkin King
    c/o Davenport Parks and Recreation
    700 W River Dr, Davenport, IA 52802
  3. Be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the Pumpkin King can send a reply!

Letters must be received by October 15, 2026 to ensure a response before the end of the season.
This heartwarming tradition encourages creativity, literacy, and a little seasonal wonder—perfect for families looking to celebrate the cozy magic of autumn!

Witches & Warlocks Ride

Get ready for a spellbinding day of fun at the Witches & Warlocks Ride! Join us as we pedal along the Riverfront Recreation Trail in downtown Davenport on Sunday, October 4 from 9a.m. to noon. This enchanting event takes place along the Mississippi River, where participants will don their most creative witch and warlock costumes while riding their brooms - err, bicycles- along the picturesque riverfront.

Join fellow bike enthusiasts for a fun-filled day of pedaling, laughter, and Halloween spirit. Decorate your ride and embrace the festive atmosphere as you explore the scenic route along Davenport. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, this event promises to be a delightful experience for all ages. Don’t miss out on this magical celebration—mark your calendar and prepare for a wickedly good time! No registration required.

Sunday, 10/4 | 9AM-12PM
Riverfront Recreational Trails
All Ages
Free

Monster Mash - Glow Skate Skate

Get ready for a monster-themed skating event! Join us at River’s Edge for a spooktacular night filled with creepy beats, fun treats, and eerie crafts with the Figure Skating Club of the Quad Cities. Skates on, dressed in your best skate-friendly costumes and ready to groove to undead tunes with your favorite monsters. Don’t miss the Monster Mash Glow Skate during public skating, glowing party lights, and plenty of frightful fun. Bring your spooky spirit and join us if you dare!

The River’s Edge | 700 W River Drive
Saturday, 10/24 | 2PM-4PM (during public skate)
Ages: All
Admission: $6 (plus tax) | Skate Rental: $3.50

Letters to the North Pole

From November 28 through December 13, kids of all ages can drop off Letters to the North Pole at The River’s Edge, Fejervary Learning Center and Vander Veer Conservatory. It’s as easy as writing a letter, dropping it off and watching your mailbox for a letter from one of Santa’s helpers.

Letters to the North Pole (Davenport Parks & Recreation) Letters can be dropped off Saturday, November 28 through Sunday, December 13 at the following locations:

Drop Off Locations:

  • The River’s Edge, 700 W. River Dr.
  • Fejervary Learning Center, 1800 W. 12th St.
  • Vander Veer Conservatory, 215 W. Central Park Ave.

Fejervary Holiday Lights 2026

Every night | Saturday, November 28 - Sunday, January 3, 2027  | 5-9:30PM
Shows last approximately 15 minutes. A new show starts every 30 minutes beginning at 5 PM with the last show starting at 9:30 PM. Parking and viewing areas can be found here.
Radio broadcast: Turn your radio to FM 107.5 to sync with the holiday lights’ music broadcast.

Please note:

  • This is a park and watch event, not a drive or walk through event. 
  • This show may potentially trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.

Swiftie Skate

Calling all the Swifties! Grab your groupies and have your own Eras Tour on the ice. We are in our skating era. All Taylor! All Night! Get your pic with Taylor! Play Taylor Swift lyric trivia! With a playlist catering to Taylor Swift fans, our session is designed to keep everyone moving and grooving. From beginners to seasoned skaters, our rink is open to all. Elevate your evening with a bracelet making and the perfect soundtrack. Enjoy two hours of skating with other Swifties with the uninterrupted best songs the iconic performer has to offer. The concessions will be offering a Swiftie Special inspired basket based on Taylor's favorites.

The River’s Edge | 700 W River Drive
Sunday, 12/13 | 2PM-4PM (during public skate)
Ages: All
Admission: $13 (plus tax) | Skate Rental: $3.50

Skate with Santa

The River’s Edge is hosting a special guest just in time for the holidays. Skate with Santa Claus during public skate, enjoy holiday treats at concessions, and make fun holiday crafts with the Figure Skating Club of the Quad Cities. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday attire (e.g., ugly holiday sweater, fun scarves and mittens, headbands or themed costume).

The River’s Edge | 700 W River Drive
Saturday, 12/19  | 2PM-4PM (during public skate)
Ages: All
Admission: $6 (plus tax) | Skate Rental: $3.50

Noon Year's Eve Glow Skate

Are you ready to party like it’s 2027? Can’t stay up ‘til midnight? We've got you covered! Countdown to Noon with a ball drop and noisemakers! Enjoy crafts and activities for all ages too with the Figure Skating Club of the Quad Cities! Don’t miss this family tradition as you ring in the New Year!

This festive event will be happening during public skate with a twist as we Ring in the New Year with The River’s Edge style with glow skating under the party lights! Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday attire.

The River’s Edge | 700 W River Drive
Thursday, 12/31  | 11AM-1PM (during public skate)
Ages: All
Admission: $6 (plus tax) | Skate Rental: $3.50

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Party in the Park
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