The Greater Peoria area has something to offer everyone. From sporting events and outdoor recreation, to delicious eats and drinks, you can find something for every member of your party. Try something new while you’re visiting Peoria!
Get your group together and win big at black jack, throw some axes, or imbibe on some local libations.
8 Bit Arcade Bar {Peoria} // Take your group out to play with a night full of classic arcade games and skee-ball at 8 Bit. With a range of craft beers, those nostalgia-seekers are sure to enjoy a night out here.
Par-A-Dice Casino {East Peoria} // Experience a Las Vegas weekend getaway while you’re in town. Check out Par-A-Dice offers all the Las Vegas attractions and amenities in Central Illinois. Four decks provide an immense selection of games, including slots, table games, and many more! While in the casino, don’t be afraid to check out the five-star restaurants that also live at the Par-A-Dice Casino Hotel.
Your Pedal Party {Peoria Heights} // Tour different parts of Peoria Heights on a 14-passenger pub bus, whether that be on their tower tour, boozy tour, or couture tour. So grab your closest friends and start pedaling and drinking down the Peoria Heights strip!
Wineries {Mackinaw, Lewistown, Metamora, Canton, Manito, Washington} // Come explore the unique wineries Greater Peoria has to offer. From horse-drawn carriages to endless acres of captivating views, stop into these 7 wineries for tours and tastings, trivia nights, murder mystery dinners, concerts and live music or for a stroll through the grapevines to get away from the hustle and bustle of today’s hectic world.
Breweries {Peoria, Metamora, Peoria Heights} // Peoria may be the Whiskey City, but it’s also a great place for a beer! With 7 (soon to be 9) breweries in the region, they all offer tasty, sudsy brews—each with its own unique personality. Check out these beloved breweries and take a growler home with you.
Unleash your creativity! There are tons of businesses that offer you and your group the chance to use your creative juices and make a unique souvenir to commemorate your time in the Peoria area.
Art at the Bodega {Washington} or Leo’s Art Studio {Pekin} // The craft menus include everything from pottery decorating, Bob Ross painting classes, jewelry making, string art to glass and leather work.
Crafted DIY Studio & Bar {Peoria} // A unique experience where you and your party can craft a DIY project while enjoying handcrafted cocktails!
Generations Candle Company {Peoria Heights} // Personalize your own hand-poured candle or another fragranced product from start to finish by creating a unique blend of fragrances from 90 choices, choosing a vessel that matches your style and designing a label for the end product
Fired Up {Peoria Heights} or Peek in Pottery {Pekin} // With a wide array of paint colors and pottery options, artists can create core memories with family and friends. These studios have a huge selection of ready to paint pottery along with excellent color selection for all ages and abilities.
J. Draper Glass {Peoria}, Pumpkin Glass Gallery {Peoria}, or Touch of Glass {Pekin} // 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.
As we know, the weather is unpredictable! Luckily, greater Peoria has some excellent indoor options to keep you + your crew busy until the sun comes out.
21 Excellent Museums {Peoria, Chillicothe, Lewistown, Creve Coeur + Metamora} // The Greater Peoria area is home to some very well known museums and even more that are off the beaten path. Some are eccentric, some are quaint and many chart the history of local residents, businesses and ways of life. Some are seasonal or open by appointment only, so please check the museum’s website or call for hours and days of operation. Here are some local museums that are worth a look
Cheer on local sports teams {Peoria Civic Center & Dozer Park – Peoria} // Cheer on our Bradley University Braves basketball teams or the Peoria Rivermen hockey team at the Peoria Civic Center. Catch a Peoria Chiefs baseball game at Dozer Park. Availability of those games will depend on if they’re in season, but if they are, be sure to snag a ticket!
Elevate Trampoline Park {Peoria + East Peoria} // Who says there’s an age limit on trampolines? Channel your inner child and take a trip to a trampoline park with laser tag + pizza.
First Ascent Peoria {Peoria} // Whether you’re a solo climber or trying something new with your group, First Ascent Peoria offers world-class rock climbing terrain, yoga classes, fitness equipment, and so much more!
Gone Social {Peoria} // For those who are a little more adventurous, test your aim with Axe Throwing. If that isn’t your thing, try an exciting escape room or rage room.
Let’s Roll: Bowling + Beyond in Greater Peoria {Peoria, Washington, Morton, Pekin, East Peoria, Eureka} // Have some ‘spare’ time? Give bowling a try! Even if bowling isn’t your sport of choice, you’ll find a variety of activities at these local establishments.
Morton Roller Rink {Morton} or Skateland Canton {Canton} // Even if you’re the most uncoordinated person on the planet, roller skating can bring your group together by pushing you out of your comfort zone.
Owens Center {Peoria} // This ice skating rink features two full-size indoor rinks year-round. Lace up your skates and hit the ice anytime!
The Barn III {Goodfield} // Want to get out of Peoria but want a truly unique experience? Check out the Barn III, which is a dinner theater that will keep you entertained and coming back for more! With a rotating schedule, there are always new shows and musicals for you to see.
When the great outdoors are calling, you have to answer! Breathe in the wild air at any of the locations below.
Greater Peoria Festivals {Peoria, Elmwood, Morton, Pekin, Chillicothe} // Enjoy live rock, folk, country, bluegrass, and jazz music. Shop for one-of-a-kind Illinois-made products. Taste a variety of local fare like pumpkin pancakes, cheesecake, strawberry pie, fresh hot pretzels, tenderloin sandwiches, barbecue, craft beers, and wine. Classic cars, the Illinois River, and seasonal agriculture are some of Greater Peoria’s favorite festival themes.
Dickson Mounds State Museum {Lewistown} // The Dickson Mounds were previously a Native American settlement site and burial ground. If you find yourself constantly fascinated by history, the Dickson Mounds should be a must on your to-do list! If you’re looking for an outdoor museum that’s filled with history, check out
Kartville {West Peoria} // Kartville hosts go-karting, ATVs, bumper boats, mini golf, and even batting cages!
Mt. Hawley Castle Golf and Bowl {Peoria} // This is the perfect activity for groups with a more competitive side with 18 holes of mini golf and 24 indoor bowling lanes.
Peoria Zoo {Peoria} // Stop monkeying around and go on safari at the Peoria Zoo! Visit all the amazing animals as you walk through the Africa exhibit or discover the Asian Trail. This destination is the perfect balance of sun and shade.
Rock Island Trail State Park {Alta to Toulon through Greater Peoria} // Escape the city traffic and experience the natural and architectural attractions of Rock Island Trail State Park, a 26-mile-long trail that stretches from Alta to Toulon, passing through Peoria and its surrounding areas. The trail earned its name because it runs along the old train lines of the Rock Island Railroad Company trains that once ran passengers through our region.
Rocky Glen Park {Peoria} // Who can say no to hiking, beautiful views and the chance to spot wildlife? Rocky Glen offers steep hills and views of streams and the forest. This local treasure is filled with scenery and packed with history. It was once a coal-mining destination and now features an abandoned mine as well as many rock features.
Wildlife Prairie Park {Hanna City} // Listed as a top 10 destination to visit in Illinois, Wildlife Prairie Park is known not only for being a hidden gem in our area, but also as a great destination for family fun. You will feel wild and free exploring the 60 different species and 150 animals at Wildlife Prairie Park.
Whether you have a couple hours or a weekend to fill, the Greater Peoria Area has loads of fun things to do with kids!
Farm Adventures {Peoria, Elmwood, Metamora, Canton, Chillicothe, Morton, Lewistown} // Check out these local U-Pick orchards + farms for seasonal fun! From strawberries and raspberries in the summer to apples and pumpkins in the fall.
The Peoria Playhouse {Peoria} // The Peoria Playhouse encourages children to become explorers and explore the world around them by promoting play through exhibits and special programs. Bring your little ones and inspire them to get their hands dirty at this hands-on, interactive children’s museum.
Rough and Tumbled {Wyoming} // The unique store is home to jewelry-making classes as well as rock and gemstone jewelry, decorations, and geodes that would make the perfect gift for geology lovers. Kids will love the real life experience of sluicing for gemstones in the “mine-like” atmosphere.
Riverplex {Peoria} // Check out our indoor AquaPlex, featuring a two-story water-slide, lazy river, zero depth pool and splash equipment. During the summer there is an outdoor play area available, too!