20 Quick And Cheap Vacation Ideas Close To The Quad Cities

We are still enjoying summer, as we enter the second half. The kids are still done with school, and it's time to spend some time with the family. If you're looking for a last-second vacation, we have you covered.

We have spots in the Quad Cities, and all-around within a four-hour drive for you to have the best weekend yet.

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Spots Under An Hour Away:

Fireworks

Since it's the fourth I have to put this one down. The Quad Cities has so many great displays for you this weekend. We have the times, locations, and more all right here.

Parades 

Another one you saw coming, why not hit up a parade before leaving the town for vacation? We have parking, times, and locations for all the parades in the QCA too. You can find that here. 

A Ride On The River

From river taxis to a celebration on the Belle, a ride on the Mississippi is a great way to stay cool, have fun, and of course stay in the Quad Cities this weekend. If you want to avoid all that driving, this is the perfect event. Learn more about the Celebration Belle here.

Rhythm City Casino Resort

This one is for the adults obviously, but it's quick and fun. A perfect trip for you and that special someone. Rhythm City Casino Resort is a casino and resort located in Davenport, Iowa. It's basically right down the road! This makes for a great weekend getaway.

Wild Rose Casino & Hotel 

Another one for the adults, but a great getaway for all of those who work, and deserve some time off. Learn more here, and go win some money in Clinton.

Isle Casino Hotel

Just going to throw in this casino as well, that way you know you have options. You can learn more here.

The Play Station

Located on 14th Ave in Eldridge Iowa this spot has been adding new attractions since its opening. 2022 has already seen some of these new additions, but more are on the way. It is a great spot for kids and has some awesome 4th of July Specials. You can learn more here.

Tiki Tavern

Only 30 minutes away. It's a  freakin floating tiki bar that you can rent, that sounds so fun. You can learn more about this wild experience here. 

Spots About An Hour Away:

Off Shore Hotel & Resort

Everyone has been talking about this one after it blew up online. Just over an hour away from the QCA, you can find it nestled right on the Mississippi River in Bellevue Iowa. Altogether it's a hotel, bar and grill, event center, and campsite. You can learn more here. 

Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort

Just under an hour and a half from Davenport, this waterpark is also a quick drive from the QCA. When you look up great waterparks near the Quad Cities, this one almost always shows up. According to best waterparks.org, this is one of the best spots to bring the family. In fact, it's also in our top three of the best (See Below)

Field Of Dreams

Everyone has been talking about it, why not go see it? The field of dreams is located In Dyersville Iowa. Only an hour and a half away from the QCA.

Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

Just over an hour away from Davenport, this spot should be less than an hour and a half for almost anywhere in the Quad Cities. Located at 350 Bell Street, Dubuque, IA 52001. This spot is a 25,000-square-foot indoor waterpark that offers a great time for the kids, and family alike. It's also one of the best Water Parks near the QCA! (See Below)

Drive-In Theaters

These theaters have seen a boom since 2020, and give a lot for how cheap they are. Three locations near the Quad Cities are,

Blue Grass Drive-In: Located at 774 W Mayne St, Blue Grass, IA 52726.

61 Drive-In Theater: Located at 1228 US-61, Delmar, IA 52037. 

The Midway Drive-In: Located at 91 Palmyra Road Sterling, Illinois 61021. 

You can learn more here. 

Spots Under 2 Hours Away:

Galena Illinois

This one is for the history buffs wanting to make a pretty quick drive over to a well-known spot. You can eat great food, walk with goats, AND check out the home of Ulysses S. Grant! (Union general, and president of the USA)

Lost Island Waterpark

From my exact location in Davenport, this spot is 3 minutes under 2 hours away. For some, it may be a bit over 2 hours, but this spot is amazing. Located at 2225 E Shaulis Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701. It is one of the best waterparks in the Midwest. (See Below) This spot also now has a fully functional theme park that adds more fun for your weekend!

Still Close, But A Bit Further:

Adventureland

Just over two hours away in Altoona Iowa, Adventureland is much more than just a day trip, with a theme park, and waterpark it's the perfect place to spend two days, and right next to the park in their Adventureland hotel. There is also a casino nearby as well.

Chicago

I'm sure you saw this one coming. Not too bad of a drive, and the fireworks are sure to be amazing! You can learn more here. These are a few well-priced spots you can stay at as well.

Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown

Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop

Hyatt Place Chicago Midway Airport

Wisconsin Dells

Let's get the obvious one out of the way first! We all know about the Dells, but this spot is perfect for a week-long trip, or just a quick weekend stop. It has countless different indoor activities, and many of the parks offer great deals for families. Here are a few:

Mt. Olympus

Kalahari Resorts

Chula Vista

Wilderness Resort

Lake Geneva Wisconsin

This spot is just over three hours away, but it's considered one of the most beautiful spots in America. It's the closest spot to the QCA that is on the list of most beautiful locations in America. You can see that list and information here. 

Best Water Parks:

Last month we took a look at the three best water parks. Those three were:

1. Lost Island Waterpark: 

The numbers back up this ranking too. They actually ranked number two in the nation when it comes to outdoor waterparks.

We are honored to be voted #2 in USA Today's 10 Best Outdoor Waterparks in the US for 2022!! Thank you to all who voted for us! We look forward to another season of making memories with your families!

So great to see!

2. Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort

A lot of fun to be had here!

Whether you crave adventure or tranquility, our indoor water park is the perfect family getaway in in Utica, IL. When water park time is over, splash in to Wave Cave for concession style eats and treats including pizza by the slice, Nathan's famous all-beef hot dogs, nachos and adult beverages.

3.  Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

This spot works perfectly when it comes to a quick vacation since it's a waterpark inside of a hotel. Room pricing starts at just over $200. You can learn more here.

a variety of rides and attractions for teenagers, kids, pint-sized toddlers and the young at heart.

As you can see there is so much to do this weekend with the family. Have fun, and stay safe out there Quad Cities!