INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Caterpillar Visitors Center {Peoria} // The Caterpillar Visitors Center is a fascinating look at the company, the iron and the people making sustainability progress possible worldwide. You’ll find interactive displays and exhibits sure to engage and entertain visitors of all ages. Take home a tractor or a CAT hat!
Crafted DIY {Peoria} // Handcraft your own project from their list of 15+ projects. All tools and supplies are provided, all you have to do is choose your activity. Each project takes anywhere from 1-3 hours to complete.
Elevate Trampoline Park {Peoria} // Elevate Trampoline Park's 35,000-square-foot indoor activity center provides exciting and safe forms of entertainment and exercise for jumpers of all ages! They strive to provide the best high-energy adrenaline fix in Peoria. Come in, have fun and repeat!
First Ascent Climbing + Fitness {Peoria} // Built by climbers, for climbers of all ability levels. World-class rock climbing terrain, a full schedule of yoga classes, and state-of-the-art fitness equipment.
GKB Candle Co. {Peoria} // Create your own custom candle from start to finish. Select your jar and combine fragrances and oils to make your own unique scent or shop from their selection of pre-made candles.
Gone Social {Peoria} // Gone Social is great for family fun. Choose from their variety of escape rooms, axe throwing, rage room and pinball machines. Let Gone Social by your one-stop shop for entertainment.
J.Draper Glass {Peoria} // Explore a unique medium through exceptional instruction, hands-on opportunities, classes, tours, and team-building glass crafting workshops at J.Draper Glass. No experience required to partake in one of these unique glass classes. It’s a great way to explore glass sculpting and glass creation to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art of hand-blown glass.
Landmark Recreation Center {Peoria} // You can easily entertain yourself at Landmark for an entire day. Watch a movie. Take a fitness class. Play Esports and video games. Eat and drink. And yes, you can bowl on one of 50 lanes.
Peoria Riverfront Museum {Peoria} // The only multidisciplinary museum of its kind in the nation, the Peoria Riverfront Museum uses art, science, history and achievement to inspire confidence, lifelong learning, and talent. Since opening in 2012, the privately funded museum has provided more than one million experiences through major exhibitions, a permanent collection, interactive galleries, a dome planetarium, giant screen theater and educational programming including curricula-related student visits.
SHOPPING
Shop Local {Peoria} // If you’re the wandering type who aimlessly strolls through the aisles with an iced latte in hand and touching, well, almost everything, then look no further! From shopping centers and malls to local boutiques, you’re bound to find just the right thing!
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Gwynn Family Aquatic Center {Peoria} // Check out Gwynn Family Aquatic Center for outdoor swimming fun! Gwynn Family Aquatic Center offers a zero-depth pool, a water slide, a diving well, and a wet sand play area.
Kartville {West Peoria} // Kartville hosts go-karting, ATVs, bumper boats, mini golf, and even batting cages! There is a lot of fun for the whole family to enjoy.
Luthy Botanical Gardens {Peoria} // Conveniently situated adjacent to the Peoria Zoo in Glen Oak Park, Luthy is home to a tropical conservatory, a theme garden and seasonal botanical shows. The sprawling garden is also a beautiful background for weddings, showers and corporate events.
Mt. Hawley Castle Golf {Peoria} // Peoria’s 18 hole outdoor mini golf course. Grab your friends, choose a club and capture some great photos. This course is a fun challenge on a summer evening!
Peoria Zoo {Peoria} // The Zoo is home to more than 100 species of animals from around the world, including several which are endangered. They also have an Africa exhibit, an interpretation of the Zambezi River and an Australian exhibit where you can get up close and personal with the Wallabies and Emu's.
PARKS + RECREATION
Bradley Park {Peoria} // This large park, located adjacent to Bradley University, was established in the late 19th century. Filled with amenities that will appeal to dog lovers and sports fans alike, the park traverses a high-bluff woodland that grades down into the floodplain of Dry Run Creek. Along with numerous picnic sites, the park also features a beautiful Japanese bridge.
Detweiller Park {Peoria} // Detweiller is a popular multi-use destination for those who enjoy running/walking, soccer, volleyball, hiking, birding, and many other outdoor activities. Detweiller Drive, which runs through much of the park, features one of the finest, most diverse collections of oaks around. Nature lovers will love exploring one or more of the park’s 5+ miles of hiking trails traversing the Illinois River bluffs.
Donovan Park {Peoria} // Formerly a Peoria Park District golf course in the heart of the city, Donovan offers an observatory open to the public, a sculpture garden, fishing in three ponds, several picnic tables and Cyd’s in the Park—a locally owned gourmet restaurant.
Forest Park Nature Center {Peoria} // This 500-acre Illinois Nature Preserve offers 7 miles of hiking trails with all ranges of difficulty. The center also features a natural history museum, spacious bird watching room, nature hikes, guided walks and a nature store.
GROUP DINING
Alexander’s Steakhouse {Peoria} // Alexander's Steakhouse has been a favorite of the Peoria area for 35 years, with the Best Salad Bar, a wide variety of USDA Choice Aged steaks, Chicken, Seafood, and the opportunity for those that want to cook their own just the way they like it. They specialize in providing great service and atmosphere for any size party, from 2 to 250.
Agatucci’s {Peoria} // One family, one location since 1926. Agatucci's business began as a grocery story, but the cravings of soldiers returning from service in Italy led to the introduction of pizza. Not much has changed in Agatucci’s decor or thin crust pizza over the years, making it a necessary stop for many returning to Peoria. Good thing the addictive tiger sauce (seasoned oil + vinegar) is available by the bottle!
Avanti’s Italian Restaurant {Peoria} // The famous Gondola sandwich—ham, salami, cheese and lettuce on fresh baked bread—has been feeding happy customers since 1966. Beyond sandwiches, the affordable quality of Avanti’s pizza and pasta has earned them many loyal customers. With a name that means “forward” in Italian, it’s likely Avanti’s will continue to offer dine-in, carry out, delivery and catering for years to come.
Double A’s {Peoria} // Before the game, after the game, visit Double A's Sports Bar & Grill. Known for their family friendly atmosphere, great wings, pizza, lunch buffet and tv's for every sporting event.
Fieldhouse Bar + Grill {Peoria} // A casual gathering place with great food and spirits in a sports-themed atmosphere. Relax, gather, eat and have fun at The Fieldhouse Bar & Grill in Campustown. Conveniently located across from Bradley University.
Kelleher’s Irish Pub + Eatery {Peoria} // Kelleher’s is located on Peoria’s historic downtown riverfront and is situated in one of its oldest warehouses. They offer traditional Irish fare as well as American-style pub food.
Obed + Issac’s Microbrewery and Eatery {Peoria} // This historic, family-friendly restaurant is set inside a restored 1889 church in Downtown Peoria. Their menu features treasured family recipes. Choose from their variety of burgers, flatbreads and more.
One World Cafe {Peoria} // This family-owned single business serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Along with your traditional entrees, they also serve vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. They make it a priority to satisfy all guests with their delicious offerings.
Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe {Peoria} // This funky, inviting space is an excellent option for flavorful healthy fare. Specializing in Cajun cuisine, Rhythm Kitchen uses a variety of natural ingredients, herbs, spices, and sauces to enhance lean seafoods and other healthy proteins. These Cajun and Creole dishes are highly seasoned, rather than just hot and spicy, and the menu offers bold tastes in a multitude of preferences: vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free to name a few. Check out Rhythm Kitchen for a guiltless dinner in a lively atmosphere.
Thyme Kitchen + Craft Beer {Peoria} // Thyme offers a variety of unique food items. They place a huge emphasis on sourcing the very best ingredients that are as local as possible. The end result? Some truly stunning menu items!
Weaver’s Fresh Food and Drink {Peoria} // Made from scratch pizza, sandwiches, famous chicken fingers, lemon shake ups, full bar and game room for kids! Convenient side door carryout counter, outdoor seating and 9 TV’s for your sports viewing pleasure!
SWEETS + TREATS
Emo’s Dairy Mart {Peoria} // Located at the corner of War Memorial and Prospect, this seasonal walk-up window ice cream and hot dog stand has been a community staple for over 50 years. Ask any local what they order from Emo’s and you’ll get a variety of answers—from banana splits to chili dogs to soft serve atop a generous mound of sprinkles—rest assured, a true Peorian will have a go-to favorite.
Las Delicias {Peoria} // Las Delicias is a Mexican ice cream shop offering all natural flavors. They make all of their own ice cream as well as sell fresh fruit and natural juices!
LeBakery {Peoria} // From classic pastries and breads to delectable pies and cakes, LeBakery has something on the menu for everyone. Their extensive menu is a testament to LeBakery’s commitment to help Peoria celebrate any and every occasion. Try their fresh croissants!
Sweet CeCe’s {Peoria} // Life sure is sweet with Sweet CeCe’s! There’s nothing better than self-serve frozen yogurt piled high with sweets of every kind. There’s no stopping that smile as you create your own delicious dessert. Kids love this fun and delicious activity, and you will too.
Voilà Macarons {Peoria} // Macarons in Paris are one of the city’s most prized delicacies because of their chic design and delectable taste—but now, you can experience these authentic treats in Central Illinois thanks to Voilà Macarons. Transport yourself to a small Parisian café with every bite of these authentic sophisticated French cookies.
