Weather in the Quad Cities will be perfect this weekend to be outdoors. If you're pressed for time here are four parks close by to spend some time with family, friends or even by yourself.

Stephens Park is a little more than a mile from downtown Moline. It's a nice little refuge if you need to spend some time in nature but don’t have the time to go very far.

There are ball diamonds and playground equipment, but also 1.25 miles of trail waiting for you in Stephens Park; just long enough to get some 'me' time.

Crow Creek Park in Bettendorf has a wonderful dog park where the canines can run free. Don’t worry if your pup is small, because there’s a section just for smaller dogs too.

While you’re there, you should head down the way from the dog park to the quarry, where you can do some fishing, look for turtles, or just enjoy the  scenery.

You’ll find softball, baseball, and soccer fields, DekHockey, skate and bike parks, playground equipment, a walking path, and a cross country trail in addition to the picnic shelters.

Just outside southeast Silvis, Phipps Prairie Park starts out as a  little park with a small playground and a  picnic shelter. But if you keep walking past these, you’ll discover 2 different woodland nature trails that meet in the middle of a wonderful tall grass prairie.

Here you can watch bees and butterflies flit from wildflower to wildflower as hummingbirds zoom by.

Indian Springs is a simple green space with shade next to the Village of East Davenport. If you walk in far enough, you’ll enjoy a special view of elevated railroad tracks.

There is space enough for kids to play if they want to throw a ball, but this is also a nice spot for adults to visit. You can relax in the shade and have a picnic with friends, or take a few minutes to sit and meditate.

Take some time this weekend and explore these little park gems. You'll be glad you did.

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