Quadsville

    The topic came up recently on Quadsville about how to find out about free stuff to do with your family.  I read the Times every day...the old fashioned way.  I love the feel of newsprint between my fingers as I enjoy my morning cup of joe.  I also read blogs and articles online and it seems that more people are heading to the computer in the morning and may be missing out on what is in the print addition. 

    I have a pretty good Mommy network, and working at the Y helps me stay on top of what there is to do for families in the area.  Having kids in school where information is sent home through their teachers helps me too.  As a girl scout leader I'm always looking for free things to do with my troop.    So welcome to the new group and I hope the information is useful and that you and your families go out and explore all that the QCA has to offer! 

    The Family Museum in Bettendorf  is hosting free admission times from 5-8 p.m. on the first Mondays of the month.  The dates are Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 2, April 16, May 4, and June 1.  This is sponsored by Target...so go spend some money there moms as a thank you.  I know you will anyway!

    Bald Eagle Days are here from Jan. 9-11 at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island.  They are open 4 -8 p.m. on Friday, 10- 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 10-5 p.m. on Sunday.  The cost for admission is reasonable. $4 for adults, and $1 for kids.  Niabi Zoo is bringing animals and there will be lumberjack demos.  Go to qccaexpocenter.com for more info.

    The Davenport Public Library is hosting several programs families might be interested in.  After school craft programs, baby sign language classes, Wii gaming, Anime club, and story times.  You can contact the library at 326-7893 for more information...and everything is FREE.   Just a side note about the baby signing....I've seen kids at the Y who do it and it really helps them verbalize their needs.  When you aren't around a child 24/7 you can't understand their speech.  I bought the book in 1999 and of course never used it.  Did my kids progress?  Yes, but given that my sons spent their two years of toddlerhood not being understood by anyone outside the family I think it would have helped them communicate.

    Area restaurants have always offered kids eat free deals or reduced meals on weekdays, usually on Tuesdays.  I've notice more places are offering free kids meals with the purchase of an adult meal on Sundays for kids 10 and under.  This is great since most families have more free time on the weekends to eat out then perhaps during the week.  So if you are looking to head out to eat on a Sunday you can visit Qdoba, Dickey's, or Steak and Shake and your kids can eat for free.  It's a one for one deal...so if you have lots of kids bring some extra adults! :)  I'm not ashamed to admit this works as a great "incentive" to get good behavior out of our children during church services.  I'd like to think they are being quiet because they are listening to the beautiful music, or what Father is saying, but I know they are just looking forward to getting to eat out afterwards.