Jump on a huge bed, crawl through doors, run through masses of bubbles, and throw dishes at a big dishwasher--all at the new Families On! Challenge taking place on Saturday, Oct. 11 at Credit Island. Take on the 2.5-mile course with friends, family, or co-workers and race at-your-own-pace through 16 over-the-top challenges like Nickelodean's TV show. www.familieson.com
Quad Cities Balloon Festival
Family fun and entertainment are all a part of the Quad Cities Hot Air Balloon Festival on September 26-28. Bring your camera for some wonderful photo opportunities! It all takes place takes place at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds, 4200 Archer Drive, East Moline, IL. The free event begins Friday with a balloon launch at 5:00 p.m. - watch the balloons inflate and fly. Then enjoy a Night Glow at 6:30 p.m. when the tethered balloons' colors light up in the night. You can come up close to these gentle giants, take pictures and talk to the pilots during the Glow. Come out Saturday morning to enjoy another flight at 7:00 a.m. On Saturday evening, the balloons again launch at 5:00 p.m. and then return to the field for a Night Glow at 6:30 p.m. Seeing a Night Glow is truly a unique experience! On Sunday morning, there is another launch at 7 a.m. Admission is free, and a non-perishable food item is appreciated. www.quadcitiesballoonfestival.
Pumpkin Fest
Pick out your favorite pumpkin at the Quad Cities Pumpkin Fest on September 27-28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at Adventure Quest, 3501 207th Street North in Port Byron, Ill. They also have a wide selection gourds, squash, popcorn, and Indian corn for harvest decorations. Take a hayrack ride or try the corn maze or spook maze. Activities also include zip line rides, panning for gems, inflatable games, entertainment, food, contests, and prizes. www.adventureqwest.com
Ghost Tales
Kick off the Halloween season as the Colonel Davenport Historical Foundation presents "Ghost Tales" with spooky stories told by local storytellers on the grounds of the Colonel Davenport House on Arsenal Island at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 27th.
Admission for this family-friendly event is $6 for adults; $4 seniors; and 12 and younger/active military are free. Enjoy the refreshments for sale. Don't forget to bring a lawn chair or blanket. (Rain location: nearby picnic pavilion just east of the house.) Come before the main event to get a complimentary guided tour of the Colonel Davenport House beginning at 5:30 p.m. www.davenporthouse.org
