Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Peoria, Illinois (IL)

April 28, 2022 Jana Sager

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

3210 Grand View Drive Accessible from Prospect Road in Peoria Heights, near Tower Park or from Route 29, near the Route 150 Interchange, Peoria, IL 686-3375 http://www.peoriaparks.org/grand-view-drive/
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 278 reviews

Grand View Drive

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

730 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL 61605-3901 +1 309-680-4000 [email protected] http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20081202&content_id=41469002&sid=t443&vkey=team1
Excellent
65%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 187 reviews

Dozer Park

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. Caterpillar Visitors Center

110 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602-2501 +1 309-675-0606 [email protected] http://www.caterpillar.com/en/company/visitors-center.html
Excellent
56%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 440 reviews

Caterpillar Visitors Center

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.

4. Forest Park Nature Center

5809 N Forest Park Dr, Peoria, IL 61616-3506 +1 309-686-3360 [email protected] http://peoriaparks.org/places/fpnc/
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 75 reviews

Forest Park Nature Center

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!

5. John S. Rhodell Brewing

100 Walnut St Suite 111, Peoria, IL 61602-1552 +1 309-674-7267 http://www.rhodells.com/index.shtml
Excellent
56%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 32 reviews

John S. Rhodell Brewing

6. Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum

2218 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603-2126 +1 309-323-6900 http://www.peoriaplayhouse.org
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 84 reviews

Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum

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

Washington Street, Peoria, IL 61602 +1 309-676-2787 [email protected] http://www.artspartners.net/swp/
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

Sculpture Walk Peoria

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

2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603-2196 +1 309-686-3365 [email protected] http://www.peoriazoo.org
Excellent
42%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 391 reviews

Peoria Zoo

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

201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL 61602-1448 +1 309-680-3500 [email protected] http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com
Excellent
45%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 256 reviews

Peoria Civic Center

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

2520 N Prospect Rd (turn at the corner of Prospect & Gift), Peoria, IL 61603-2129 +1 309-686-3362 [email protected] http://www.peoriaparks.org/luthy-botanical-garden
Excellent
42%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 69 reviews

Luthy Botanical Garden

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.

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