Anyone who has ever entertained houseguests has run into that moment when you’ve caught up on the latest news and gossip and admired how much the children have grown….and then there’s that dreaded silence and debate on what to do next….
Luckily, the Greater Peoria Area has no shortage of things to do, eat, and see. This list is composed of activities to try and places to explore with out-of-town guests. There's something for everyone, guaranteed to impress and create lasting memories.
1. Catch a movie at the historic Elmwood Palace Theatre, the Chillicothe Towne Theatre, or the Majestic Theatre of Canton
2. Get creative! We offer many artistic classes and unique experiences that get your hands dirty.
// Create a custom candle fragrance at Generations Candle Company in Peoria Heights
// Paint your own pottery at Fired Up in Peoria Heights or Peek in Pottery in Pekin
// Try making a unique glass project at Touch of Glass in Pekin, J.Draper Glass in Peoria, or Pumpkin Glass Gallery in Peoria
// Try your creativity with a step-by-step class at Leo’s Art Studio in Pekin, Art at the Bodega in Washington, or cooking classes at Lori’s Kitchen Store in Washington
// Enjoy an afternoon sluice experience where you can discover your own treasures at Rough and Tumbled Rocks in Wyoming
3. Our region has an active music scene! There’s always live music playing on any given day. Check out our calendar of events for the full list of live performances in the area.
4. For the adventurous type:
// Try indoor rock climbing at First Ascent Climbing in Peoria
// Check your aim or attempt an escape room at at Gone Social in Peoria
// Release some energy at Elevate Trampoline Park in East Peoria or Peoria
// Accept a mission at Galaxy Laser Tag in Peoria or East Peoria, Laser Ops Mobile Gaming in Morton, or Plaza Lanes in Washington
// Feel the rush at Pekin Paintball Park in Pekin, Area 52 Paintball in Mackinaw, Chilli Paintball in Chillicothe
5. Enjoy a friendly-competitive game night at 8 Bit Arcade Bar and grab a round of drinks while enjoying endless free retro arcade games
6. Check out one of our many local museums:
// Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Museum and Tomb {Peoria}
// Caterpillar Visitors Center {Peoria}
// Dome Planetarium {Peoria}
// John C. Flanagan House Museum {Peoria}
// Luthy Botanical Garden {Peoria}
// Peoria Art Guild {Peoria}
// Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum {Peoria}
// Peoria Riverfront Museum {Peoria}
// Pettengill-Morron House Museum {Peoria}
// Princeville Heritage Museum {Princeville}
// Ronald Reagan Museum {Eureka}
// Wheels 'O Time Museum {Dunlap}
7. Stop and smell the rosé at one of our many wineries and breweries. Events, tastings, and tours are available. Check out the full list of wineries here or breweries here
8. Feed the otters or take a selfie with the bison at Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City
9. Catch a Peoria Rivermen’s game at the Civic Center; a Bradley University Men’s or Women’s Basketball home game, or a Peoria Chiefs game at Dozer Park, and don’t forget to cheer on the Flying Carps at a Peoria City USL2 Soccer game at Shea Stadium
10. Check out the performances at the many local theaters
// Corn Stock Theatre {Peoria}
// Eastlight Theatre {East Peoria}
// Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center {East Peoria}
// Jukebox Comedy Club {Peoria}
// Penguin Project {Peoria}
// Peoria Ballet {Peoria}
// Peoria Civic Center {Peoria}
// Peoria Players Theatre {Peoria}
// Peoria Symphony Orchestra {Peoria}
// The Barn III {Goodfield}
11. Try your luck at the Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria
12. Whether it be ice or roller, choose your skate and check out these rinks: Morton Roller Rink, Skateland Canton, Owens Center in Peoria, or Veterans Memorial Arena in Pekin.
13. Have some 'spare' time? Give bowling a try! Here is a complete list of bowing alleys in Greater Peoria
14. Check out these Greater Peoria events—the seasonal calendar is packed. Bookmark our Calendar of Events. It's the largest collection of activities in the region
