Family Activities in Peoria, IL
Peoria is the largest city on the Illinois River and hosts a number of parks, shopping venues and entertainment options. Peoria has a varied climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters, allowing for a wide range of activities. Some family-friendly activities in Peoria include visiting the zoo, museums and a local racetrack.
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Glen Oak Zoo
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Glen Oak Zoo (peoriazoo.org) is owned and operated by the Peoria Park District. The zoo offers various live exhibits including mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles. The Africa! exhibit was completed in 2009 and is a major attraction at the zoo. Its simulation of African grasslands features six species including the White Rhino and a 17-foot-tall giraffe. Red River hogs and endangered monkeys dwell in the lush forest section of this exhibit. The zoo camps for kids in kindergarten to grade 8, classes for kids up to age 8 and Zoo Snooze for families who wish to stay overnight in the summer and fall. Kids may also enjoy the Tree Top Classroom, overlooking the Africa! exhibit, where they can observe a giraffe barn through a viewing window.
Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences
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Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences (lakeview-museum.org) offers families a variety of exhibits and shows. The Midwestern Folk Art Gallery has over 600 works of art spanning three centuries. The Discovery Center is one of the most popular areas of the museum and was specifically designed for children of all ages. This area features over 30 permanent and traveling interactive exhibits, including the shadow walls, pin wall and mineral house. Lakeview Museum's permanent collections hold historic significance and include objects such as paintings, sculptures, furniture, works of folk art, Native American art and various rocks and minerals. The planetarium features daily scheduled shows and laser light shows.
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Apple Blossom Farm
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The Apple Blossom Farm (appleblossomfarm.com) is open to the public from the beginning of September to the end of December. The Giant Corn Maze operates throughout September and October, and visitors can take a free hayride to pick their pumpkins. Children may enjoy the petting zoo and the Goat Skywalk, where goats walk up a large set of stairs to an overhead platform. On the weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can take a ride in a monster truck. In addition to these activities, a wide variety of food items are available at Blossom Bakery and Applewood Grill, including homemade fudge, pies, cider donuts, kettle corn and cider. The Harvest Barn features gifts, decorations and snacks.
Peoria Speedway
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Peoria Speedway (peoriaspeedway.com) hosts a variety of nightly and weekly races, featuring late models, limited late models, street stocks, modified cars and Hornets. Special events include the All-Star National Flat Track Series for short track motorcycles. Races start at 6 p.m. and typically finish by 10:30 p.m., with an 11 p.m. curfew. Handicap parking is available within 10 yards of the grandstand entrance and additional parking is located within 100 yards of the entrance.
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