Best November Events for Kids in Quad Cities

November in the Quad Cities is packed with activities that families and kids will enjoy. From parades and light displays to holiday-themed events, there’s plenty to do. Key highlights include:

• Dia de Los Muertos Parade: Vibrant floats, music, and hands-on workshops for kids.
• Festival of Trees: Over 150 festive displays, a Holiday Parade, and kid-friendly activities like a teddy bear tea party at the Bettendorf Children's Museum.
• Lighting on the Commons: A free event with Santa, wagon rides, crafts, and a grand tree lighting ceremony.
• Holiday Light Displays: Stunning attractions like Winter Nights Winter Lights and Symphony of Lights.
• Ice Skating: Outdoor and indoor rinks for family fun.

These events offer a mix of free and ticketed options, making it easy to plan a fun-filled November. Arrive early, dress warmly, and enjoy the festive atmosphere!

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Dia de Los Muertos Parade

The Dia de Los Muertos Parade sets the tone for November's celebrations, honoring Mexican traditions in a lively and colorful way. The 2024 event ran from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, giving attendees plenty of time to soak in the festivities. Here’s a closer look at what made the parade so special.

What to Expect at the Parade

The parade dazzled with elaborately decorated floats, stunning altars, and horses adorned in festive attire. Performers dressed as Catrinas - the iconic skeleton figures - added a touch of elegance and tradition to the procession. Live music flowed through the streets, creating an electric atmosphere. One of the most exciting parts? The traditional second line, where spectators were invited to join in the celebration, making it a truly communal experience. After the parade, the party continued with food trucks serving delicious bites, retail vendors offering unique items, a beer garden, and traditional dance performances that kept the energy high.

What Kids Enjoy Most

For kids, the parade was a feast for the senses. The vibrant sugar skulls, painted with intricate designs, were a big hit. Children also loved the hands-on workshops, where they could try sugar skull painting, flower crafting, puppet making, and even festive makeup. These activities not only entertained but also gave kids a chance to connect with the holiday’s rich heritage. Add in the lively music and costumed performers, and it’s no wonder the little ones were captivated from start to finish.

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Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees turns the RiverCenter into a magical winter escape, complete with beautifully decorated trees, festive displays, and activities perfect for kids. Here’s a look at some of the top attractions for families.

Top Activities for Kids

One of the highlights for children is the Holiday Parade on November 22 at 10:00 AM. This free event features giant helium balloons of beloved characters like Santa Garfield, Blue Macaw, PJ Mask, Gingerbread Man, and Kung Fu Panda - guaranteed to delight kids and adults alike.

Inside the festival, kids can hop aboard the IMEG Festival Express, a holiday-themed train where they can even take the driver's seat of the engine. It’s an interactive experience that’s always a crowd favorite. Over at CenterStage, families can enjoy live performances by local dance groups, choirs, and bands, adding to the festive atmosphere. For a more personal experience, the Teddy Bears & Treats event on November 23 offers a charming kids' tea party. Featuring live entertainment by Mary Macaroni, each child also gets to take home a plush teddy bear. Tickets for this special gathering range from $30 to $35 per person. Another must-see is the Gingerbread Village, showcasing intricate and captivating gingerbread creations that spark wonder in visitors of all ages.

Dates, Times, and Admission

Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit:

• November 22 (Opening Day): 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• November 23: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• November 24–26: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Thanksgiving Day (November 27): Closed
• November 28–29: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• November 30 (Closing Day): 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Parking is available at the RiverCenter parking ramps, and there’s also two-hour street parking nearby. An accessible entrance is located on 2nd Street for added convenience. Don’t miss the on-site raffles, where families can win prizes like a John Deere Gator ride-on - perfect for adding some extra excitement to your visit!

Lighting on the Commons

Downtown Moline is hosting a free holiday lighting event on Saturday, November 23rd at the John Deere Commons. The celebration runs from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, ending with the lighting of a stunning 50-foot Norway Spruce adorned with around 40,000 twinkling lights. As the Vibrant Arena puts it, "The Lighting on the John Deere Commons is a free annual community event that kicks off the holiday season!". But that’s not all - there are plenty of festive activities to enjoy before the big moment.

Activities for Families

This event is packed with fun for everyone, especially families. Kids can have their holiday wishes heard and snap photos with Santa. Horse-drawn wagon rides through downtown Moline, provided by MidAmerican Energy, add a charming touch to the festivities. Little ones can also dive into holiday-themed crafts, while everyone can enjoy free cookies, hot cocoa, and cider to stay cozy.

Adding to the holiday cheer, live music fills the Commons, setting the perfect festive mood. Plus, families can swing by the Mix96 radio remote, hosted by Mark Manuel, for a chance to win exciting prizes, including tickets to upcoming Vibrant Arena shows like the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. And, of course, the 6,000-pound tree stands as the dazzling centerpiece of it all.

Event Schedule and Tips

Plan to arrive by 3:30 PM to beat the lines for popular attractions like wagon rides and Santa visits. The main event - the tree lighting - kicks off at 6:00 PM, followed by a spectacular fireworks display lighting up downtown Moline. For the best views, head to the John Deere Commons (1201 River Drive, Moline, IL) early to secure your spot.

Since most of the activities are outdoors, bundle up in layers to stay warm in the brisk November weather. Parking is available both at the Vibrant Arena and on nearby streets. Best of all? Every activity, from crafts to refreshments, is completely free for the community.

More November Activities

The Quad Cities has no shortage of ways to keep the whole family entertained as fall transitions into the holiday season. From gliding across ice rinks to marveling at stunning light displays, there are plenty of activities to enjoy that capture the festive spirit. These options are perfect for day trips or weekend outings. If you have questions about planning your visit, check out our frequently asked questions for more local travel tips.

Ice Skating for Families

Ice skating is a classic way to embrace the cooler weather, and the Quad Cities has several rinks to choose from, each offering something special.

• The Landing Ice Rink in Bettendorf: This outdoor rink boasts over 11,000 square feet of ice, along with climate-controlled restrooms, warming areas, and outdoor firepits to keep everyone cozy.

• The River's Edge in Davenport: For an indoor option, this Olympic-sized rink is a great choice. Public skating sessions are offered regularly, with admission priced at $5.50 and skate rentals for $3.50. Make sure to check their monthly ice schedule, as times may vary due to hockey and freestyle sessions.

• Clinton Ice Skating Rink: Located in a parking lot across from Happy Joe's, this budget-friendly rink offers free public skating. Skate rentals are just $3, and hot chocolate is available for $1. They cater to a wide range of sizes, from youth 3 to adult 13.

• Riverside Park Lagoon in Moline: For a more natural experience, this lagoon opens for skating when the weather cooperates. It features a seasonal warming house and public restrooms, but it’s a good idea to check conditions before heading out.

Holiday Light Displays

As November progresses, the Quad Cities lights up with dazzling displays that are sure to enchant visitors of all ages.

• Winter Nights Winter Lights: Starting November 21, the QC Botanical Center in Rock Island transforms into a glowing wonderland with over 315,000 lights, a Neon Forest, and a Cocoa Room.

• Symphony of Lights: Opening November 23 or 27 at Eagle Point Park in Clinton, this 1.1-mile drive-through display features more than 500,000 lights and over 40 major installations.

• Fejervary Holiday Lights: Beginning November 29, Fejervary Park in Davenport hosts a free drive-in show synchronized to music on FM 107.5.

• Vander Veer Conservatory: This display combines thousands of poinsettias with festive indoor and outdoor light arrangements for a magical experience.

• iLLUMINATE by Crossroads: Located slightly outside the Quad Cities in Muscatine’s Weed Park, this event kicks off November 23 and showcases 40 professional light installations.

Whether you're skating under the stars or driving through a glowing tunnel of lights, these activities add a festive touch to November in the Quad Cities.

Planning Your Visit

Times, Parking, and Admission

Planning ahead can save you from parking headaches and long lines. The Festival of Trees at the RiverCenter (136 E. 3rd St., Davenport) runs from November 22–30, with daily hours from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Most visitors find that arriving right at 9:00 a.m. on general admission days helps avoid the busiest crowds. To make your visit smoother, purchase tickets online and take advantage of the FAST PASS lane, which lets you skip the lines. Keep in mind that admissions are cashless, so bring a credit card or digital payment option. If you're an IHMVCU member, don't miss the "Buy One, Get One" deal on general admission tickets. Another option? Volunteer for a shift and earn a free ticket for a future visit.

If you’re attending on November 22 during the Holiday Parade, parking will be tricky. From 3:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., parking is prohibited along the parade route, which includes 3rd Street, Pershing Avenue, Scott Street, 2nd Street, and Iowa Avenue. To grab a prime viewing spot for the giant helium balloons, arrive early at the 3rd Street and Pershing Avenue intersection before the parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m. The parade follows a route along 3rd Street to Scott Street and then to 2nd Street.

For those heading to Lighting on the Commons in downtown Moline on November 23, plan to arrive by 3:30 p.m. This gives kids time to enjoy fun activities like crafts and horse-drawn wagon rides before the lighting ceremony and fireworks begin at 6:00 p.m. Meanwhile, the Winter Lights at the QC Botanical Center opens at 5:00 p.m. starting November 21. Arriving right at opening ensures you have plenty of time to explore the gardens before the evening crowd settles in.

Once you've got your visit details squared away, consider exploring other nearby attractions to make the most of your trip.

Finding More Attractions with QC.LocalDayTrips.com

After handling the logistics, why not extend your adventure? The Quad Cities region in November is packed with family-friendly activities, and QC.LocalDayTrips.com is your go-to resource for discovering them. This handy site organizes attractions by type, distance, and features, so it’s easy to find fun destinations close to Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, and Rock Island. Whether you’re in the mood for scenic trails, offbeat museums, or quirky roadside stops, the platform has something for everyone. It even includes accessibility details and highlights local gems, making it simple to plan outings that suit your family’s interests. Perfect for both quick day trips and longer weekend getaways, this guide will help you uncover all the Quad Cities have to offer.

November in the Quad Cities: A Month of Festive Fun

November in the Quad Cities is brimming with celebrations and traditions that bring the community together. The Dia de Los Muertos Parade kicks things off with vibrant colors and cultural significance, while the Festival of Trees dazzles with over 150 decorated displays and a charming Gingerbread Village. For a magical evening, Lighting on the Commons on November 23 offers Santa visits, horse-drawn wagon rides, and a stunning fireworks display. And don’t miss Winter Lights, which transforms local gardens into sparkling wonderlands.

What’s great about these events? They’re designed to create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank. From the giant helium balloons at the Holiday Parade to festive displays scattered throughout November, there’s something for everyone - and most activities are free or budget-friendly.

To make the most of these experiences, a little planning goes a long way. Arrive early to avoid crowds, check parking rules, and see if tickets are available online to streamline your visit.

And remember, the Quad Cities offer more than just seasonal events. Scenic trails, quirky roadside attractions, and one-of-a-kind museums are waiting to be explored. So bundle up, soak in the festive vibes, and uncover even more family-friendly activities at QC.LocalDayTrips.com.

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