Want to take a trip that the whole family will enjoy? It’s not necessary to look any farther than Peoria, Illinois. Visitors to this picturesque city will have a hard time deciding what to do with themselves for all the time they’ll be here.
This city offers something for everyone, whether it’s learning about the past at one of the many excellent museums, taking a stroll through one of the many lovely parks, or going on a hike to see some of the local animals.
This city has everything an adult might want on a vacation—great food, great shopping, and fascinating history, to boot. In addition, there are a variety of things to do here. Let’s have a good time on vacation by checking out all the exciting places in Peoria, Illinois.
Explore the Vast Peoria Zoo
In Peoria, Illinois, the Peoria Park District owns and manages the zoo on North Prospect Road. When herds of elk were given to the Park District in the late 1800s, the zoo’s original name was Glen Oak Zoo.
The Peoria Zoological Park is a large animal preserve that hosts several fascinating activities every day. Enjoy a walk around these manicured gardens or stop to see the giraffes being fed once a day or chat with George the Aldabra tortoise. Take advantage of the zoo’s offerings, such as the Behind-the-Scenes Tours (which cost US$26) and the animal encounters.
The “Zoomobile,” a mobile zoo that travels to events like birthday parties and classrooms, is just one example of the unique community engagements offered by this zoo’s passionate staff. The local Peoria Recreation and Parks department hosts this exciting event every year with a variety of animals from Africa and Australia.
Discover the Secrets of Escape 60
Here’s a treat for all you daredevils and escapists out there! It’s true that Peoria doesn’t lack fun and entertainment options, but Gone in 60 Escape Games stands out even among the many exciting options available.
The clock is ticking; the issue is, can you get out of here in 60 seconds? At “Gone In 60” Escape Games, you and a group of other players are imprisoned in a room for 60 minutes and tasked with escaping the area by solving a series of puzzles.
Once inside, you’ll be immersed in the plot and will need to use your wits, interpersonal skills [1], and cooperation with other players to find a way out.
To make the most of your time, you need to perform at a high level. There are two equally luxurious rooms for your selection. You may have a unique experience with your significant other, family, friends, or coworkers at each one of these establishments since each one has its own narrative and engaging concept.
Spend Some Time With Your Kids at the Peoria Playhouse Museum
The Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum is a must-see for families in the area. This museum was created by the Junior League of Peoria to promote youth education via a wide range of engaging programs. Any kid, no matter their family’s situation, may join.
The Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum is a wonderful location for kids of all ages to let their creativity flourish. This museum is operated by the District and is a constant source of entertainment. Explore the indoor sand patio, visit the family farm, or participate in some kid-friendly yoga.
A makers program is now being offered as part of the special summer programming, with the goal of inspiring visitors to build things using resources they would not have access to otherwise. Peoria Playhouse is a guaranteed enjoyable day activity, regardless of the weather.
Check Out the Peoria Area Civic Chorale
Having a good song to listen to may really help you feel better. Also, if you’re a music fan, you’ll like this. Top-notch concerts are provided twice yearly by the Peoria Area Civic Chorale, which features a collection of central Illinois’s greatest vocal artists.
The Chorale’s members are held together by a common goal of excellence in choral music and a commitment to nothing less than magnificent choral performances. As a result of our outreach efforts and public shows in Peoria, we are able to do this.
Those interested in singing have a place to go to hone their skills and become integral figures in cultural life in Peoria via the Chorale. Choral-orchestral works such as Beethoven’s Ninth, Faure’s Requiem, and Carmina Burana feature them as the preferred collaborators of the Peoria Symphonie and Heartland Festival Orchestras.
Also, every December, the Five Points Washington Theater puts on “An American Family Christmas,” which is always the most popular show of the season.
Find Out More About Wildlife at the Forest Park Nature Center
Visit the Forest Park Center in Peoria, Illinois, and take in the sights and sounds of nature over more than 500 acres (202.3 hectares). The paths, bird observatory, natural history museum, and events make this a great destination for individuals who prefer a more peaceful way of life. While pets are not permitted, the facility does provide some accessible rooms for those with mobility issues. Forest Park Wildlife Center is a great place to relax, so bring a picnic.
It is possible to reach the Nature Center through public transportation by using City Link’s route #2. For those who live in Peoria and want to take advantage of the city’s many parks and recreation opportunities at a reduced cost, a membership is the best option.
The Forest Park Wildlife Center in Peoria, Illinois, has about 500 acres (202.3 ha) of green area. It’s a great place for anyone who wants to get away from the stress of everyday life, with its paths, bird observatory, natural museum, and events. Though pets are not permitted, the facility does provide some accessible rooms for those who use wheelchairs. Do something relaxing like taking a picnic at the Forest Park Nature Park.
Metro Link route #2 provides public transportation service to the Nature Center. With a membership to any of Peoria’s parks and recreation facilities, you may save money on activities and programs.
Enjoy the Fresh Air and Beautiful Flowers at the George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden
ThisMemorial Botanical Garden is a gorgeous spot to visit year-round, and it has a conservatory and a garden store in addition to its five acres (2.02 hectares) of space.
Everyone who visits the George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden, whether they came to learn about the numerous plants it houses or merely to take advantage of its stunning scenery, leaves feeling refreshed.
A great place to visit in every season, whether you’re seeking shelter from the elements in the Tropical Conservatory or are an adult looking to further your understanding of plants, is this beautiful botanical park. Experience a variety of flower shows throughout the year, from the Spring Show through the Orchid Show, the Chrysanthemum Show, and the Poinsettia Show.
Ice Skating at the Owens Center Is a Nice Thing to Do in Peoria
If you’re a sports fan and you’re in Peoria, you should definitely check out Owens Centre. It’s one of the best places to go ice skating in Peoria and one of the best tourist attractions in the city.
This indoor ice skating rink lives up to its billing as a top-tier establishment. There are two regulation-sized rinks, a pro shop, a concession stand, and a party area. Ice skating instruction, as well as hockey and figure skating programs, are available to the public at this facility. They are available year-round for children aged 3 and above.
Also, it’s a fantastic location for parties and other celebrations. Don’t miss out on the group rates they provide.
Attend an Event at the Peoria Civic Center
Providing citizens with a broad range of cultural events, the Peoria Civic Center is an essential part of the city’s cultural landscape. Enjoy some culture even while traveling across the Midwest at this theater, which is now staging a series of plays from Broadway. Comedian Tom Segura will also be performing, as will Brandi Carlisle, winner of many Grammy Awards, and the biggest display of life-size dinosaurs ever assembled in North America.
Peoria Civic Center is also the site of Peoria Rivermen contests and the March Madness basketball competition. Also, while you’re there, don’t miss out on the magnificent sculptures that decorate the grounds of Peoria Civic Center.
Stop by the Caterpillar Visitors Center to Check Out the Massive Tractors
The Caterpillar Visitors Center, was constructed to educate the public about the company’s rich history and diverse operations.
In 2012, Caterpillar created its Visitors Center, which serves as a hub for corporate knowledge for curious onlookers.
Since its founding in 1886, when Benjamin Holt constructed the first combination harvester, the firm has expanded across the world. Because of its success, this firm now produces a wide range of construction equipment, bulldozers, tractors, and agricultural tools.
Caterpillar is a well-known brand that has participated in or contributed to several initiatives throughout the world, including the successful Apollo 11 voyage to the moon thanks to the company’s contribution of GH in the form of equipment. If you’re going to Peoria, you should stop by this museum.
If you wish to visit more places in Illinois, see the things you can do in Bloomington, IL.
See a Show at the Corn Stock Theatre
The Corn Stock Theatre presents quality outdoor productions by established artists. Corn Stock, which takes place in a big-top tent during the summer, has five different performances.
Food from local restaurants is available for purchase inside the theater, making it convenient to spend an evening at Corn Stock.
For the duration of the colder months, the Corn Stock Movie theater for Kids relocates inside, where they continue to organize workshops and two shows every season. If you’re in Peoria, you shouldn’t miss this fantastic theatrical performance.
Check out the Blue Boutique
You should invest in some self-improvement products in Peoria. Here’s where your handy Blue Boutique comes in. Blue Boutique, with the tagline “Quality Goods for the Mindful Soul,” is one of the best places to go in Peoria because of the high caliber of the goods and services it offers.
They provide a wide variety of shoe and clothing labels. Choose from a wide variety of shirts, jeans, cardigans, sweaters, bottoms, coats, jumpsuits, and jackets, as well as fitness and yoga performance attire. Belts, purses, shawls, jewelry, and other adornments round out the selection.
You will discover all the trendy footwear and clothes you need to create a relaxed look ideal for sightseeing or lounging about.
Private shopping appointments may also be arranged. Here, you’ll get personalized help whether you’re trying to pack for a vacation, put together an outfit, or narrow down your wardrobe to a select few essentials. Everyone there will be happy to help you out whether you bring a buddy or not.
Check Out the Dozer Park
Dozer Park is home to a baseball diamond in the heart of downtown Peoria, near the end of SW Jefferson Avenue.
This stadium, formerly called O’Brien Field, is home to the Peoria Chiefs of the American Association.. Caterpillar Bulldozers, a corporation that donated to the park’s construction and launched it in 2002, inspired the present name. Currently, the facility also serves as the home field for the Bradley University collegiate baseball team.
The amusement park has facilities including twenty deluxe rooms and five snack bars. Caterpillar also has a two-bedroom suite for its most important visitors. Tours of the park are available for parties of all sizes, including those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc. This park is also available for special events.
Conclusion
Peoria is teeming with exciting and interesting places that will never fail to meet your high standards.
All of the tourist attractions, from museums to monuments to retail centers to parks, are first-rate. And of course, there are the museums, galleries, theaters, and golf courses that are well worth your time. Planning a trip to Peoria should begin immediately. Keep this article handy as a reference at all times.
