Looking for fun activities without breaking the bank? We’ve rounded up 15 things to do in the Peoria area for $15 or less, that prove you don’t need to spend big to have fun. Whether you’re a local or just here for the weekend, these affordable options offer something for everyone–from outdoor adventures to sweet treats. Explore what Peoria has to offer while keeping your wallet happy!
8 BIT ARCADE BAR – This unique spot combines the thrill of old-school gaming with a great selection of drinks. Dive into nostalgia at 8 Bit Arcade Bar, and enjoy your choice of over 150 different beers, creative cocktails, and free arcade games! Compete with your friends and see who can snag the high score on a lineup of classic arcade games.
BICYCLE SAFETY TOWN & SWEET CECE’S – Grab your helmets and go on a family bike ride at Bicycle Safety Town! Practice “driving” on over 4,000 feet of bicycle trails designed to look like you’re on a real road, with traffic signals, signs, overpasses and more. After working up an appetite, treat yourself to frozen yogurt topped with your favorite goodies at Sweet CeCe’s.
CATERPILLAR VISITOR CENTER – Explore Caterpillar’s groundbreaking innovations and milestones, while also looking ahead to the future of heavy machinery, autonomous technology, and sustainability, all while gaining insight into the people behind the iconic brand. You can even design your own Cat machine and test your skills on a simulator!
FOREST PARK NATURE CENTER – Explore seven miles of hiking trails and over 500 acres of dedicated Illinois State Nature Preserve at Forest Park. Keep an eye out for playful deer, colorful fungi, and over one hundred species of birds while you’re hiking. Stop into the Nature Center to learn more about what you might see on the trials and other local wildlife and vegetation.
HADDAD’S MARKET & LAURA BRADLEY PARK – Pick up fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from Haddad’s Market to craft a delicious charcuterie spread, then enjoy a relaxing meal surrounded by nature at Laura Bradley Park. Whether it's a romantic evening for two or a casual outing with friends, it's the ideal way to savor great food and great company.
JUST FOR FUN – Win or lose, you’re sure to have a good time at Just for Fun’s weekly Game Nights. At the largest hobby game store in the Peoria area, there’s always a new game to discover and enjoy. Bring your own, or choose from their impressive library of 500 games, and get ready to play with friends old and new!
KARTVILLE – Kartville is the ultimate go-kart racing destination in Central Illinois! But the fun doesn't stop there–enjoy dune buggies, bumper boats, mini-golf, and batting cages, making it the ideal place for an action-packed day with your family or friends!
LUTHY BOTANICAL GARDEN – Soak in the beauty of plants from all over the world, at Luthy Botanical Garden. Nestled in Glen Oak Park, this five-acre paradise features a lush tropical conservatory, themed gardens, and seasonal shows. that’ll make you feel like you're in a botanical paradise.
OWENS ICE CENTER – Everyone will have a blast skating at Owens Ice Center! With two full-size NHL rinks, public skate hours, and skate rentals available, it's the perfect spot for some cool fun on the ice. Grab your friends or family, and enjoy the excitement of indoor ice skating all year long!
PEORIA ART GUILD SCULPTURE WALK & ZION COFFEE BAR – Experience the creative side of Peoria with the Peoria Art Guild Sculpture Walk on Washington Street. Take a self-guided tour with a free app, or join a professionally led tour of the eight featured sculptures. Grab a coffee from Zion Coffee Bar, just down the street, to sip while you walk!
PEORIA RIVERFRONT MARKET – Spend your morning on Water Street at the lively Riverfront Market each Saturday from mid-May through September. Enjoy live music while browsing goods from local farmers and artists and grab something delicious from one of the food or coffee vendors while you’re there!
PEORIA RIVERFRONT MUSEUM – Catch a movie at the Giant Screen Theater at Peoria Riverfront Museum! Enjoy a variety of films—blockbusters, educational features, classics, and art films—on a massive five-by-seven-story screen. Plus, on second Sundays, take advantage of the Access for All days and explore the rest of the museum for free!
PEORIA ZOO – Visit the “Wildest Place in Town!” The Peoria Zoo is spread over 14 acres of land in the heart of Peoria and is home to 100 species from around the globe, Walk with the wallabies in the Australian Walk-About, come face-to-face with a tiger at the Asian Trail, and get up-close with a giraffe in the Africa! exhibit.
POUR BROS. TAPROOM – Grab a drink and kick back at Pour Bros. Taproom in Peoria Heights! With live music, a rotating lineup of craft beers, ciders, meads, and signature cocktails, it’s the perfect spot to try something adventurous or sip on a timeless favorite. Come for the vibes, stay for the drinks!
WILDLIFE PRAIRIE PARK – Embark on an exciting nature adventure! Hike through picturesque trails, fish in serene lakes, explore engaging exhibits, and get up close with native wildlife. With a range of activities, Wildlife Prairie Park is the perfect outdoor escape for all ages!
