Location: Peoria
Top Things to do in Peoria
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Peoria, Illinois (IL)
There is nothing average about the average American town of Peoria, where the diverse population and Midwestern vibe has long had entertainment promoters asking, "Will it play in Peoria?" If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere, or so the logic goes. Its scenic skyline, energetic nightlife, lively performing arts scene and miles of mountain bike trails will have you wondering why you would want to make it anywhere else. Will you play in Peoria? Yes, you will!
Restaurants in Peoria
1. Grand View Drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 278 reviews
Reviewed By Gsc52 - Peoria, United States
Multi use area you can just take the drive which takes 10 to 15 minutes and it’s beautiful or you can take your bicycle and bike the drive. You can walk the drive You can take your kids to the swing sets at the bottom of the drive you can have a picnic on the picnic tables over looking the river.I live near here I see kids taking wedding pictures families having a picnic and people walking their dogs just enjoying the beautiful view not much you can do for free but you can do it here and you are welcome
2. Dozer Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By monah544
We attended a Peoria Chiefs game at Dozer Park. The food, the contests, the staff always make the trip to the ball field an excellent experience! The seats are super comfortable and the family promotions are fun! Definitely worth attending over and over again all summer long!
3. Spirit of Peoria - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
The Spirit of Peoria is an authentic paddlewheel driven vessel. The Spirit has no props or thrusters, and is powered by twin Caterpillar 3412 diesel gensets, producing 700 kilowatts combined in 208 volt 3-phase voltage. The power is rectified using railroad-style rectifiers, probably from a GM GP38. The DC voltage goes to two traction engines, also from a GM locomotive, which drive the paddlewheel via two forty-foot-long by one-foot-wide chains. This allows the boat to be comparatively fast and efficient, burning approximately 15 gallons (57L) of diesel fuel an hour, with a top speed of over 15 mph (24 km/h). Its shallow draft of 4' enables the Spirit to land in just about any river town. Boarding is by 30' long boarding stages The boat is owned and captained by G. Alex Grieves, and co-captained by Alice Grady and Dylan Masonholder. It routinely travels up and down the Illinois River and Mississippi River.
4. Caterpillar Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 440 reviews
The Caterpillar Visitors Center is a fascinating look at the company, the iron and the people making sustainable progress possible around the world. From the humble beginnings of the first tractor to the company's present-day leadership in building infrastructure and powering the planet — it's all right here on Peoria's beautiful riverfront. We invite you to experience Caterpillar like never before and plan your visit today.
Reviewed By DallasTricia
We have two family members who work for CAT. Visited for the second time and found it even more interesting than before. There’s a fun LEGO/robotics room for kids and all of the machines on display were decked out in holiday lights and bows. Very festive. We had four children in our group from 2-8 years old. Every staff member was very welcoming. Loved the gift shop, too. They’ve thought of everything when it comes to branded gift items. Good quality and reasonable prices.
5. Forest Park Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
A Peoria Park District facility, Forest Park serves as the doorway to more than 500 acres designated as part of the Illinois State Nature Preserve. The center provides visitors with more than seven miles of trails that lead through dense forest, along trickling stream beds, and over dramatic hillsides. The A-frame trail head features a small natural history museum, nature store, and a room dedicated to bird-watching. Trails and museum are free and open to the public. NO PETS ALLOWED!
Reviewed By pfarrell20 - Chillicothe, United States
I love going to forest park and have been going with members of my family for years. It is one of the best hiking trails that I’ve ever been on!
6. Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum provides children with the tools and inspiration they need to be explorers and creators of the world. We do this in part through understanding, supporting, and promoting play in the fullest sense of the word, one that includes imagination and creativity.
7. Sculpture Walk Peoria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
A free and open exhibit beginning at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. 9 Sculptures on exhibit for one year. Free guided tours leave from the Peoria Riverfront Museum Lobby every Saturday at 10am and noon. Tours take place from Mid-May through October and resume in the Spring.
Reviewed By scaleguy
Interesting high quality sculpture art makes for a great walk around one of my favorite parts of the downtown area. I love the concept, I love that the sculptures change
8. Peoria Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 391 reviews
The Peoria Zoo is home to over 100 species of animals from around the world. From giraffes and rhinoceros to spider monkeys and sea lions, the Zoo is the wildest family place in town. The Peoria Zoo is open year round. Our Education Department offers programs for ages 2 and up. These include Home School classes, Zoo Tots, Jungle Jamboree, summer Zoo Camp and Zoo Teens volunteer program. During summer months we offer Giraffe Feeding in Africa and Budgie Feeding in the Aussie Walk About. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, scheduled Keeper Chats take place every day. Our two biggest events are the Easter Egg Hunt and Howl-Zoo-Ween. We offer a variety of birthday parties and Zoo Snoozes. Our Zambezi River Lodge is available for corporate events, wedding receptions, and special celebrations.
Reviewed By Samwagner - Washington, United States
Clean, convenient, easy for children and adults to view exhibits, good variety, friendly staff - a very interesting small zoo and well worth the time to enjoy
9. Peoria Civic Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 256 reviews
The Peoria Civic Center is an SMG-managed facility in Peoria, IL. We are home to Bradley Braves Men's Basketball, concerts, comedians, conventions, Broadway productions, family shows and more! The Peoria Civic Center is an SMG managed facility in Peoria, IL. The PCC houses an Arena, Theater, Ballroom, Exhibit Hall, Ballroom and flexible meeting space and is home to Bradley University Braves men's basketball, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and Peoria Ballet. The PCC is your place to be for live entertainment! The PCC hosts concerts, Broadway shows, comedians, family shows, sporting events, conventions, trade shows, meetings, banquets, private parties and more!
Reviewed By Lmirkes - Oswego, United States
Great venue, staff was very helpful, and very kind. We had 3rd row seats, pretty close to your neighbor, but doable. Nice venue, lots of bathrooms, lots of concession areas. Had an extremely intoxicated pain next to us, and security was on him when needed. I'd see another show here again
10. Luthy Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 69 reviews
Surround yourself with spectacular displays of spring blooming bulbs or the blazing color of autumn, the Garden offers a tranquil setting to enjoy the beauty of each passing season. Established in 1951, Luthy Botanical Garden encompasses five acres and offers over a dozen theme gardens, a Conservatory, a garden gift shop educational programming, numerous events, a rotating sculpture exhibit and magnificent floral displays.
