Skip To Content

Menu

Family Fun & Events

family fun and events banner

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

Tails and Trails Club

Are you and your dog up for the challenge? Join the club the Tails & Trails Club! This pet-friendly non-competitive club allows you and your canine the goal of completing as many miles on the Davenport Trails as you can between the Tails & Trails Walk in May and the Santa Paws Walk in December.

Register online. Download the checklist. Look up trails, monitor your progress, earn badges, and even keep track of your accomplishments on qctrails.org. No time limit applies, so walkers can take as long as they wish to complete walks. Walk 20 of the 34 participating parks from the checklist to earn your bragging-rights. Complete your checklist at the Santa Paws Walk in December for a certificate of completion the opportunity for additional prizes. Email in your checklist to [email protected] to receive a certificate of completion. 

Davenport Recreation Trails | Various Locations
Saturday, May 16 through Saturday, December 12
Ages: All
Admission: Free
Tails and Trails Checklist

Fairmount Family Fun Nights

Enjoy a evening of free-play family fun at Fairmount Community Center. Plenty of games and activities to choose from both indoors and outdoors! Light refreshments will be provided.

Fairmount Community Center | 2980 North Fairmount St
Every 4th Thursday, April-October | 6PM-8PM
5/28, 6/25, 7/23, 8/27, 9/24, 10/22

Ages: All
Admission: Free
Learn more

 

Itty Bitty Beach Party

Preschoolers age 5 and under and parents are invited to attend an "Itty Bitty Beach Party" at Annie Wittenmyer Aquatic Center on select Fridays from 10am-12pm. Enjoy the use of the pool without the "big kids" splashing!! Water toys will be available. The concession stand will be open. 

Annie Wittenmyer Aquatic Center | 2828 Eastern Ave
Fridays, 6/12, 6/26, 7/10, 7/24, 8/7 | 10AM-12PM
Ages: 0-5
Admission: $5/person


Teen Takeover: Pool Party

Calling all high school students! Dive into the fun at our second annual Teen Takeover on select Fridays! Swim with friend and enjoy a variety of relay races, giant lawn games, music, and more, all with no little kids or adults.

Fejervary Aquatic Center | 1900 Telegraph Rd
Fridays, 6/12, 6/26, 7/10, 7/24, 8/7 | 6PM-8PM
Ages: 13-19
Admission: $5/person

Take Me Out to the Ballgame Skate

The River’s Edge is hosting area special guests from around the area. During public skate, enjoy local favorites at the concessions and make fun crafts with the Figure Skating Club of the Quad Cities all before heading to the ballpark to take in a baseball game. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite sports team attire. 

The River’s Edge | 700 W River Drive
Saturday, June 20 | 2PM-4PM (during public skate)
Ages: All
Admission: $6 (plus tax) | Skate Rental: $3.50

Father's Day Fiesta

Come celebrate Father's Day with a splash! Help Dad enjoy his day by cooling off at the pool! Dads swim free! 

Fejervary Aquatic Center | 1900 Telegraph Rd
Annie Wittenmyer Aquatic Center | 2828 Eastern Ave

Sunday, June 21 | 1PM-7PM
Admission: $5

YouthFest 2026

Explore the natural play features while enjoying music and visiting with over 30 vendors promoting fun-filled summer activities! YouthFest is a yearly celebration sponsored by Davenport Parks and Recreation and Davenport Community Schools to encourage youth involvement in constructive summer activities. Participants will enjoy hands-on games, activities, and interactive displays. End the day cooling off at Fejervary Pool - general admission prices apply for the pool.

Lunch to be served by Davenport Community Schools for all youth under 18.

Fejervary Learning Center & Fejervary Park |1800 W 12th Street
Wednesday, June 24 | 8:30AM-12:30PM
Admission: Free

 

 

4th of July - Aquatic Center Celebration

Join us as we celebrate the birth of our nation! $10 pays for the family (maximum 5 people per family)

Fejervary Aquatic Center | 1900 Telegraph Rd
Annie Wittenmyer Aquatic Center | 2828 Eastern Ave

Saturday, July 4 | 1PM-7PM
Admission: $10 for family up to 5 people

 

Try It Thursdays!

Try it out, before you sign up! Apply to work where you play. There is something for everyone in the family. Come to this monthly event to learn what Davenport Parks and Recreation has to offer. There will be activities, games, and information tables. On-site registration. And much, more! July—August in conjunction with Party in the Park

Locations
:

  • Thursday, July 9 | 5:30—7:30 PM | Emeis Park
  • Thursday, July 16 | 5:30—7:30 PM  | Lindsay Park
  • Thursday, July 30 | 5:30—7:30 PM  | Duck Creek Park
  • Thursday, August 13 | 5:30—7:30 PM  | Northwest Park

All Ages
Admission: Free

City of Davenport Nights with Quad Cities River Bandits

Davenport citizens can get FREE general admission vouchers at The River’s Edge or Davenport Parks and Recreation community events. Must redeem vouchers for tickets at the Modern Woodmen Box Office prior to game.

Friday, 7/10 | 6:30PM: River Bandits v Peoria Chiefs 
Friday, 8/28| 6:30PM: River Bandits v Beloit Sky Carp 

 

Puppy Cool Down

What dog doesn't like to play in water on a hot day? Bring your dog out to play with other dog friends and in a little bit of water at Centennial Dog Park with Davenport Parks and Recreation. This meet-and-greet atmosphere during a dog-friendly event brings dog families together with fun activities your pets will enjoy. Visits from vendors and demonstrations are also expected.

Centennial Park & Dog Park | 315 S Marquette Street
Saturday, 7/18 | 12PM-2PM
Ages: All
Admission: Free

Back to School Skate

Come show off your best Back to School outfit and shake of the back-to-school blues at The River’s Edge. During public skate, enjoy local favorites at the concessions, take last chance selfies before your summer glow fades, and make fun crafts with the Figure Skating Club of the Quad Cities.

The River’s Edge | 700 W River Drive
Saturday, 8/22 | 2PM-4PM (during public skate)
Ages: All
Admission: $6 (plus tax) | Skate Rental: $3.50

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!

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

staff sit outside library van
DAVENPORT PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Party in the Park
CITY EVENTS

Red, White and BOOM!

Back to light up the summer! Celebrate America’s birthday on the Mississippi riverfront Friday, July 3, during Red White & Boom! The festival features a magnificent fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. shot from a barge over the Mississippi in the middle of the Quad Cities along with family events on the Davenport, Iowa, and Rock Island, Illinois, downtown riverfronts. There are tons of activities to put you in the patriotic mood. Check out the schedule to save your seat!

LeClaire Park | 400 Beiderbecke Dr,
Friday, 7/3 | 6PM-9PM
Admission: Free

Party in the Park

Join the City of Davenport this summer for Party in the Park! The two-hour events run from 5:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. on select Thursdays throughout the summer.

Learn more: click here.

Party in the Park attendees can enjoy food, entertainment, and a variety of activities for the kids! These events are a great opportunity to meet fellow residents, learn more about surrounding neighborhoods, and engage with local elected officials. Members from city staff will be in attendance to discuss concerns and opportunities facing the community and how to can get involved in your neighborhood.