Here is a list of fun things to do for newcomers to the Peoria area!

This list was assembled by our amazing crew of Peoria.com Forum Members. :)

• If you don't have a fear of heights, you MUST go up to the top of the Peoria Heights Water Tower at the corner of Prospect & Glen.  Do so on a clear day and you can see for miles and miles!!  There used to be three of these in the US, but I believe this is the only one left.  There's on elevator to the top and its glass so great view going up as well.
  http://www.peoriaheights.org/about-us/our-village/211-tower-park
  
  
• Take a walk through Luthy Gardens. It's always beautiful there. It's off Prospect, near the zoo. It's free, but donations are accepted. https://www.peoriaparks.org/luthy-botanical-garden/
  
  
• If you're near the Heights Tower / Springdale Cemetery / Luthy Gardens/ the zoo, stop by Emo's (corner of War Memorial and Prospect) for lunch and/or ice cream. It's not the best food in the city, but it is a "Peoria thing". Just look for the giant clown sign.
  
  
• Bass Pro Shop in East Peoria offers a lot of kids and family events, most at no cost. Plus they have a cool aquarium and bowling alleys.
  
  
• If you have young kids old you ABSOLUTELY MUST go to the Playhouse. I'm a decades older kid who loves the Playhouse! https://www.peoriaplayhouse.org/plan-your-visit/
  
  
• The Metro Centre is a pretty cool shopping center. Most of the stores are independently owned (not chains). Fun Peoria fact: Metro Centre used to be owned by the family of Susan G. Komen. The local Race for the Cure still begins and ends there (the day before Mother's Day). There is a daily (except Sundays) farmers' market at Metro Centre. Metro Centre is off University, south of Glen Avenue.
  
  
• Be sure to try the ice cream (and other food) at the Spotted Cow. It's on Glen Ave. near Sheridan Rd., a short distance from the Metro Centre.
  
  
• Forest Park Nature Center: there are very short hikes on wide trails for families with small children to longer, more difficult ones. https://www.peoriaparks.org/forest-park-nature-center/
  
  
• Take a drive through Springdale Cemetery. It's the best kept secret in Peoria.
  
  
• A picnic on Grandview Drive.The scenery is amazing.
  
  
• A Peoria summer institution is Lou's Drive in on Knoxville Avenue. Lake Avenue is the closest cross street.
  
  
• Another cool little joint like this is in Pekin called Cranwills that makes their own root beer!
  
• Go on a riverboat! It's prettiest in the fall when the leaves change. There is a cost involved.  www.spiritofpeoria.com
  
  
• Drive High Street and Moss Avenue to see the mansions of the rich (and/or famous) in Peoria at the turn of the 20th century.  While on High Street, check out Giant Oak Park: https://www.peoriaparks.org/giant-oak-park/  
  
  
• Check out the oldest house in Peoria on Glen Oak Avenue:  http://www.peoriahistoricalsociety.org/House-Museums/John_C._Flanagan_House_Museum
  
  
• Wheels O' Time Museum - http://www.wheelsotime.org/
  
  
• Wildlife Prairie Park - http://wildlifeprairiepark.org/
  
  
• Peoria Municipal Band Concerts - http://peoriamunicipalband.com/
  
  
• Community Children's Theater - http://www.cctpeoria.org/
  
  
• The Riverfront Museum - https://www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org/
  
  
• Splashdown Water Park (East Peoria) - http://www.fondulacpark.com/facilities/splashdown-water-park/
  
  
• Lakeview Pool - https://www.peoriaparks.org/lakeview-aquatic-center/
  
  
• Check out what is going on down at the riverfront -- lots of events, festivals, and concerts.  http://www.visitdowntownpeoria.com/riverfront-district