Just because it's an expensive season doesn't mean that you can't have a fun one, whether it be with the family or with friends.

There are a bunch of free events happening this summer, from outdoor movies to concerts, and even bowling. But if you're trying to plan your weekend and you don't see any events coming up that interest you, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to spend your weekend in the QC.

I rounded up things you can do in the QC for less than $30. Whether you're outdoorsy, a foodie, artsy, or all of the above, there's stuff for you to do.

Ride the Channel Cat

All-day fare for an adult on Channel Cat is $8. Kids 2-10 are $4, kids 2 and under with an adult are free. You can also bring bicycles on the Channel Cat if you want! It docks at some places you can walk and explore like John Deere Commons, the Village of East Davenport, Isle Casino Hotel, and Riverbend Commons in Moline.

Hike or Walk a QC Trail

QC Trails is a great outlet to find some of the walking trails and hikes around the Quad Cities. You can choose them based on difficulty and terrain. I've strolled down Sylvan Island trails and the path along the Mississippi River on the Iowa side. You can also bike if you're more coordinated and active than I am. Credit Island is a great spot to check out too.

If you really want hiking vibes, Starved Rock State Park is about an hour and a half from Davenport and has beautiful waterfalls.

Go Swimming

In Rock Island, Whitewater Junction is open with admission going for $3 for people 9 and older, and kids 2 and under get in free with a paid adult. Details on rates for Whitewater Junction are here.

In Davenport, Fejervary & Annie Wittenmyer Aquatic Centers both have public swim times that are $5/person. On Saturdays, public swim is at Fejervary from 1:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. On Sundays, public swim is at Annie Wittenmyer from the same times.

Have A Drink & Tour A Distillery

In LeClaire, you can tour the Mississippi River Distilling Company for about $5, which you can reserve at this link. Downtown LeClaire is cute too, that's worth a stroll. If you don't feel like going out to LeClaire you can relax with cocktails at any number of downtown QC restaurants, including Up Skybar in Davenport if you want a view of the river.

Brunch + Art Stroll

Just because we live here doesn't mean we should forget about the Figge Art Museum. It's got a beautiful array of art, with adult general admission being $10 and kids 4-12 being $4. Before you head out there, you can grab breakfast at a local spot like Toasted in Davenport.