13 Things to Do with Kids in Peoria, Illinois

Peoria, Illinois is such a family friendly town and we’ve been loving exploring everything! As a mom of three kids 5 and under, it’s so important to find activities that are enjoyable for our whole family. I’ve rounded up my top list of family friendly things to do in Peoria, Illinois. Have a favorite I didn’t mention? Drop it in the comments!

1. Caterpillar Visitor’s Center-situated on the riverfront in downtown Peoria, it’s an absolute must-see if your child loves construction trucks. The interactive displays and infographics make it entertaining for kids and educational for adults. They periodically hold community free days, so keep an eye out on their website. Children 12 and under are free and adults are $7 ($6 for military + veterans). Parking in the parking structure is free (shared parking garage with the Riverfront Museum).
2. Wheels O’Time Museum-located in Dunlap, Illinois, the Wheels O’Time Museum boasts an extensive collection of antique vehicles including firetrucks, tractors, and even railway cars. With 6 buildings to go between, this is a fantastic place to spend time with your vehicle obsessed child. All three of my kids LOVE it. They even have vehicles the kids can sit in, although my kids’ personal favorite is the train! Note that this museum is only open May 1-October 31, Wednesday through Sunday. They offer memberships ($60 for the whole family) and free entry to active duty service members + 5 immediate family members.
3. Peoria Riverfront Museum-right next to the Caterpillar Visitors Center on the riverfront, this museum is the perfect outing for the whole family. With different exhibits throughout the year ( Dinosaurs is currently happening through September 2025!), daily shows in the planetarium, and different movies on their theater screen, there is something for everyone. They also put on a variety of events throughout the year. Every second Sunday of the month, the museum has free admission to the public.
4. The Peoria Playhouse-hands down my children’s favorite spot! An interactive children’s museum, it has everything for children of all ages. Train table, water table, kitchen, dino digging pit, and more! An annual family membership is incredibly priced, starting at $110. They have additional events and sensory friendly hours as well. The playhouse has reciprocal membership with other science museums and children’s museums across the country (so free or reduced entry!).
5. Peoria Zoo-located in the same area as the Peoria Playhouse, another family favorite. It’s the perfect sized zoo for young children and the membership is another wonderful value ($100 for two adults and their children under 18). The membership has several benefits, including reciprocal admission to zoos and aquariums across the country (either free or 50% off!), 10% off in the gift shop, early admission during Member Mornings, and more. It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours in the morning. The seasonal Glow nights are also a favorite.
6. Luthy Botanical Gardens-looking for something free to do with kids in Peoria, Illinois? Adjacent to the zoo and situated within Glen Oak Park (with the zoo and the Peoria Playhouse), Luthy Botanical Gardens is an absolute gem! Free admission and beautiful year round. In the fall, the trees change colors beautifully. In the spring and summer, different flowers bloom. The Children’s Garden is just darling and my kids love seeing Peter Rabbit. The greenhouse is also beautiful. Since it is enclosed, it’s wonderful to let kids walk around in without worrying about cars. The gardens are meticulously kept and are a treasure in Peoria!
7. Fon du Lac Farm Park-open in the spring, summer, and fall in East Peoria, the farm park is perfect for kids 9 and younger. A small petting zoo that is sure to delight your toddlers (they can feed the animals!) and young children and can be enjoyed in about an hour or less. Once you’re done here, the accessible playground next to it is amazing.
8. Tri-Centennial Playground at Glen Oak Park-as as mom of a child with special needs, finding a playground ALL three of my children can enjoy can be a challenge. Tri-Centennial playground is truly inclusive and accessible to all and is a wonderful free thing to do with kids in Peoria, Illinois! Located in Glen Oak park (with the zoo and Peoria Playhouse), the fence gives parents peace of mind and there is a variety of activities.
9. Local library-both for storytime and the children’s area, the libraries in Peoria are incredible! My kids love all of them for different reasons (especially the Morton and Fondulac branches!) and they are all well-maintained.
10. Bicycle Safety Town-located at 6518 N Sheridan Road, bicycle safety town is a place for your children to ride their bikes, while simulating real roads and traffic signs.
11. Wildlife Prairie Park-located in Peoria County in Hanna City, Illinois, this safari style park is a must for your animal lover. They offer a train ride through the park, kayaking, laser tag, and a hayrack option to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the park and animals.
12. Trefzger’s Bakery-not necessarily an activity, but a favorite of my kids! Located in the Heights, Central Illinois’s oldest bakery has plenty of seating inside and has pastries and baked goods that can tempt anyone (very limited gluten-free options, but they have 1 or 2). We love grabbing a treat here and then walking the trail next to it.
13. Donovan Park-a beautiful, sprawling park with a sand pit, picnic tables and walking trails, this is a local favorite. It’s also home to Cyd’s in the Park, which has cafe-style fare and a patio that overlooks the park.

I hope you found this list of activities to do with kids in Peoria, Illinois helpful! There really is quite a bit to do and I hope you’ll try some of them! If you’re looking for a Peoria, Illinois newborn and family photographer, I’d love to hear from you.