Summer is here and if your children attend school, you’re likely looking for activities to fill the days! I’ve rounded up my favorite activities for kids in Peoria (many of them are free!) and included some of my own go-to activities for my children.

UPick Strawberries

1. Braffet Berry Farm-located near Bloomington/Normal, Illinois, Braffet Berry Farm offers upick for strawberries (June), blueberries (end of June), and apples (September).
2. Crooked Row Farm-located in Chillicothe, Crooked Row Farm has strawberry and blueberry upick. Make sure to follow their Facebook page to stay up-to-date on upick openings, as they frequently close and reopen when crops ripen. Looking for local produce? Crooked Row also offers a CSA box!

Splash Pads

1. Lakeview Park-Peoria, Il
2. Logan Park-Peoria, Il
3. Santa Fe Park-Chillicothe, Il
4. Harry LaHood Park-Washington, Il
5. Proctor Recreational Center-Peoria, Il

Other Activities

1. Peoria Heights Library-summer reading programs bring back fond memories for me and I’m thrilled my kids are old enough to participate this year. The Peoria Heights branch is having special family events and shows (foam party! mobile zoo!) throughout the summer, in addition to their workshops.
2. The Shoppes at Grand Prairie-every Friday from 2-4, the new Summer Craft Crew will be hosting free crafts and snacks. They will even be having two visits from the Wildlife Prairie Park Expedition
3. Yoga with Mollie-for moms, not the kids! Also at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie, enjoy free yoga once a week through July 29th!
4. Yoga in the Park-another option for you moms is Yoga in the Park, hosted by Peoria Parks. Free to all through the end of September

At Home

1. Water painting-this is as easy as it sounds! Get a tub of water, a paintbrush, get to the backyard or a sidewalk and let your kids paint away.
2. Themed water table-the water table is a favorite in our house and I love to switch it up for my kids. Filling it with bubbles and adding toy cars instantly makes it a car wash. Adding plastic animal figurines and some round tuppers makes it hide and seek time. I usually browse Dollar Tree for some fun novelty items. Gems or the smooth rocks in the flower section are also entertaining.
3. Seasonal painting from Dollar Tree-they always have little kids that come complete with the paint and paintbrush. It makes for an easy afternoon activity and my kids love picking out a new one.
4. Seasonal playdoh. Walmart and Dollar Tree typically have seasonal cookie cutters and I always grab a bag when I see them. I rotate out the cookie cutters by season to keep it fresh.
5. Make ice cream or popsicles. Ice cream is a great activity with older kids, as the kicking/shaking required entertains them (if you do it the old fashioned way!)

I hope you remember that summer does not need to be a time of extravagant trips and activities. Enjoying simple things with your kids is okay too!