Experience · Davenport

Family Fun at Putnam Museum

Dive into the world of natural history and science with interactive exhibits at the Putnam Museum. Afterward, enjoy a family-friendly meal, then let the kids burn off some energy at a nearby park.

A 4-hour Davenport afternoon plan for families — Putnam Museum and Science Center, Steel Plow Burger Company, Café d'Marie.

Duration: 3h 45m
Cost: $50–$100
Stops: 3 stops
Walking: Light walking · Total 7.5-mile driving route
Best time: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Ideal for: Families · Kids · Solo

Start Plan

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The plan

1Putnam Museum and Science Center(2 hrs)→
2Steel Plow Burger Company(1 hr)→
3Café d'Marie(30 min)

Why this plan works

The stops span roughly 7.5 miles across Davenport, so plan on driving — the order below keeps that driving in one direction. Putnam Museum and Science Center is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Café d'Marie — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families, families with kids, and solo who want a planned Davenport outing without improvising between stops.

The story

Dive into the world of natural history and science with interactive exhibits at the Putnam Museum. Afterward, enjoy a family-friendly meal, then let the kids burn off some energy at a nearby park.

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
2 hrs
Putnam Museum and Science Center
Arts & Culture
Historic educational venue offers regional natural history & science exhibits, films & performances.
What to do — Explore the various exhibits, watch an educational film, and participate in any available hands-on activities. Allow plenty of time for kids to discover.
3.8 mi · 11 min drive
Then A short drive to Steel Plow Burger Company for lunch.
2
1 hr
Steel Plow Burger Company
Food & Drink
What to do — Grab a table and choose from a menu of family-friendly options like burgers and other American fare.
3.7 mi · 11 min drive
Then Short hop over to Café d'Marie.
3
Optional 30 min
Café d'Marie
Food & Drink
Lunch destination offering a homespun menu of specialty drinks, panini & sweets in a warm ambiance.
What to do — Everyone picks one small treat at Café d'Marie for the ride home.

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The route

On the map

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Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Davenport itinerary for families?: Yes. It's built for families, families with kids, and solo and runs about 3 hr 45 min across 3 stops, starting at Putnam Museum and Science Center.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 3 hr 45 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Davenport itinerary cost?: Roughly $50–$100 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?: Not entirely. The stops cover about 7.5 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
Do I need reservations?: No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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