6 Local Places to Take Your Toddler

 

If you're looking for something fun to do with your little one, read on! 

 

If you have toddlers at home, you know as well as I do that they need to get out of the house! My kids have been bouncing off the walls and gave a whole new meaning to the phrase stir crazy! I've found so many fun toddler activities to do locally. Most of these are in Clinton since that's where we live, but I'd love to hear more ideas in the Quad Cities if you have them!

Check out this list of toddler-specific programs I put together, all geared toward getting your toddler to think, play, socialize, and learn!    

  • Discovery Center (Clinton, IA)
    Funtime Fridays are every Friday from 10:00-11:00AM. The kids can learn and play, read stories, and have a blast! Discovery Center members get in free, otherwise admission is $4 per person (children under 2 are free). If you haven't been here before, it's definitely worth exploring! There is so much for kids to do; both of my boys love it! 
     
  • Sawmill Museum (Clinton, IA)
    An early childhood play group gets together here on Thursdays from 10:00-11:00Am to play, sing, craft, and have fun! It's free from 10-11, and if you'd like admission to the museum it's only $4 for adults, $3 for children 4-12 and kids 3 and under are free. This program goes through the end of May, so you still have another month to play before they take a break for the Summer. 
     
  • Clinton Public Library (Clinton, IA)
    Story time for toddlers is on Tuesdays from 10:00-11:00AM, they're on a short break but will be back in June. We love books in our family so this is a really awesome program for us! They're not strict at all, the kids can listen to the stories or wander and explore. And another perk, it's free! 
     
  • YWCA Swimming Pool (Clinton, IA)
    Toddler Time is from 10:30-11:30AM on Wednesdays & Thursdays through June! Dates/times may change with the Summer hours and I'm not sure yet what they'll be. Members are free or you can pick up a day pass for $5 per day per person, $15 per family, 3yrs and under are free.
     
  • Niabi Zoo (Coal Valley, IL) -
    Zoo Tots is typically on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 9:30-10:30AM. The price is $12 per adult/child pair (or $6 for members) and includes admission to the zoo! This fun, one hour program is for children ages 2 to 4 and their caregivers. At each Zoo Tots session, you'll make a craft, do fun learning activities, and get up close with an animal. I haven't personally attended this one yet, but I may be more excited to go than the kids are!
     
  • Family Museum (Bettendorf, IA)
    The Family museum is so much fun! They have several drop-in classes throughout the week, such as Music in Motion & open playtime (Monday/Thursday 9:15-11:00AM), Tiny Tot Clay art class (Tuesday 9:30-10:30AM), and Listen and Learn Playtime (Wednesday 9:30-11:00AM). The price is $8 for admission, children under 2 and members are free. I definitely recommend checking out their website for even more awesome activities to keep your littles busy!   

So as you can see, there are tons of things to do out of the house for these little humans to keep busy. It's been a long Winter and with the nice weather comes the added benefit of outdoor entertainment, parks, and sunshine! But for those unavoidable rainy days ahead, keep some of these great local options in mind.