If you’re looking for free things to do in Peoria, you’ve come to the right place. The Riverfront Museum, the Luthy Botanical Garden, and the Blue Boutique are among the many places to check out in Peoria. But there are also several other free activities that you can enjoy in the city, too. Keep reading to learn about them! We’ve included a list of them below, so you can start planning your trip to Peoria.
Peoria’s Riverfront Museum
Located on the city’s beautiful riverfront, Peoria’s Riverfront Museum blends art, science, achievement, and history in a unique way. The exhibits at the Riverfront Museum change regularly, according to the trends of the city. You can find exhibits on the Golden Age of Disney, the Ten Medial Inventions That Changed the World, and the Mona Lisa. You can also try your hand at the Brick Building Challenge, or simply relax under the stars.
Visitors can get in for free by presenting their EBT cards and presenting photo identification. In addition to EBT cards, visitors can also use general admission tickets at $3 per person. However, special exhibitions, the planetarium, and Giant Screen Theater films are still subject to charges. For families who are members of the Association of Science-Technology Centers, general admission to participating ASTC museums is free on certain days.
For families, children, and professionals, Peoria has plenty of hotels and motels that cater to the city’s diverse needs. The Mark Twain Hotel, a locally-owned boutique hotel, provides first-class service, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center. AmericInn by Wyndham Peoria offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast.
Another free activity in Peoria is taking a Segway tour of the city’s RiverFront. World on Wheels has tours for one and two-hour sessions. You can also opt to take a 30-minute Quadracycle bike tour. These tours include an informative history lesson and are a great way to spend the day with the family. In addition to exploring the RiverFront, World on Wheels also welcomes groups. For birthday parties, this is a great way to celebrate the occasion.
The Peoria Riverfront Museum has an impressive array of exhibits and activities, including the Underground Railroad, a natural history museum, and educational services. The Center’s Trailhead Nature Store sells environmentally-friendly and fair-trade items. Forest Park trails are open to the public year-round, and the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday. The Pettengill-Morron House, built in 1868, is one of two historic homes operated by the Peoria Historical Society. The Pettengill-Morron House features the original furnishings of the Morron and Pettengill families.
The Corn Stock Theatre is another free attraction in the city. Located adjacent to the Peoria Zoo, this outdoor theater is a great place to take children for a day. They also offer special events like Tot Time, where kids can participate in stories, workshops, and themed performances. Located on North Park Road, the Corn Stock Theatre also offers a beautiful location for special events.
The George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden is also free to do in Peoria. Located near the Peoria Zoo, this garden is 4.5 acres of beautiful landscaping and features 15 themed gardens. There is even a tropical conservatory for those who prefer exotic lilies and cacti. During the winter months, you can visit the Garden during PNC Winterfest to catch the Peoria Rivermen playing at a packed arena.
Peoria’s Luthy Botanical Garden
A visit to the Luthy Botanical Garden in Peoria, Arizona, can give you a sense of serenity and tranquility. The five-acre botanical garden is comprised of 15 themed gardens and a tropical conservatory near the entrance. Other garden highlights include the Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Flowering Shrub Garden, Hosta Glade, Wildlife Gardens, and Woodlands. Founded in 1951, this garden was named for a former mayor of Peoria and president of the Peoria Park District.
The garden is also home to the Peoria Chiefs, a minor-league baseball team. There is music every Friday night at the Contemporary Art Center, and the garden also offers rotating exhibits and classes like figure drawing. The botanical gardens also has an open mic night, so you can check out live music or learn the basics of salsa dancing. Once you’ve had your fill of dancing, you can enjoy a meal at the Riverfront Café.
The Riverfront Museum is another attraction to consider for free things to do in Peoria. Located on SW Washington Street, the museum features a planetarium, a sculpture museum, and a small movie theater with a faint screen. The museum has many rotating exhibits, and welcomes group tours. For a more memorable visit, rent the Riverfront Museum Bus, which can accommodate up to 28 people.
A visit to the Luthy Botanical Garden is a wonderful way to spend a day exploring nature in the heart of the city. With an abundance of beautiful city parks and open spaces, Peoria offers a variety of rewarding things to do. For the kids, there is the Caterpillar Visitors Center, Peoria PlayHouse, and Forest Park Nature Center.
If you don’t have much time to visit the Luthy Botanical Garden, visit the nearby Peoria Zoo. The zoo is accredited and features 15 themed gardens over five acres. There’s also a tropical conservatory and greenhouse filled with exotic plants. You’ll find a wide range of birds, reptiles, and other animals here. Kids will have fun at the Peoria Zoo as they explore the various exhibits, and adults will be entertained by daily displays.
Another free attraction in the area is the Corn Stock Theatre. Located near the Luthy Botanical Garden, it provides top quality stage performances. Featuring a diverse pool of talented performers, the Corn Stock Theatre is one of the most popular things to do in Peoria, IL. Guests can enjoy a variety of concerts, shows, and musicals, which are held under a large tent.
If you have children, why not take them to the Caterpillar Center, a world-renowned manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. You can learn more about the company’s history in the exhibits in the museum. The museum even offers a driving simulator and a 3D design technology application. The Peoria Area Civic Chorale offers two top-class performances throughout the year.
Peoria’s Blue Boutique
A visit to Peoria’s Blue Boutique will provide you with a great opportunity to explore a local artist’s work. This downtown shopping center is home to the Peoria Rivermen Hockey Club and plays host to many shows throughout the year. The building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and you’ll find interesting artwork and several large-screen televisions to watch a game.
The Blue Boutique offers fashionable clothing options to both men and women. Located in Grand Prairie Plaza, the boutique sells a variety of items ranging from jeans to winter coats to fitness wear. It was founded in Washington, Illinois, and is currently operated by local business owners. Visitors can shop for anything from a pair of shoes to a whole wardrobe at Blue Boutique.
For a more educational experience, head to the Riverfront Museum, a Smithsonian institution. The museum features traveling exhibits ranging from Da Vinci installations to bioluminescence lessons. There’s something for everyone at Peoria’s Riverfront Museum, and there are plenty of things to do in Peoria for all ages. It’s a great way to spend the day or evening with the family.
Visiting the Wheels O’ Time Museum is another fun and educational activity. It focuses on anything with wheels, from music instruments to vintage clothing. This museum also hosts regular entertainment, such as a miniature circus parade. This free thing to do in Peoria is also free. The museum is open to the public on weekends and holidays. There’s something for everyone, so make sure to visit during your visit!
Another free thing to do in Peoria is to take advantage of the Dream Center’s programs. They work with the Peoria Public Schools and other local nonprofits to offer a one-stop-shop for needy families. The Dream Center also provides free medical examinations and registration for school. For those looking for a new way to spend their time, the Dream Center has a free program called Backpack Peoria.
Another free thing to do in Peoria is to take a trip to the nearby Luthy Botanical Garden. This city’s zoo is home to numerous exotic animals and is accredited. The zoo’s tropical plants and orchids make the place a great place to visit. For families with small children, the Caterpillar Visitors Center and Peoria PlayHouse are also excellent places to take the kids.
A walk along the riverfront is another free thing to do in Peoria. It’s a great way to take in the city’s cultural heritage. You can also take in the art on display at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. The museum features fascinating permanent exhibits and many touring exhibitions. You can watch art exhibits, attend a baseball game, or even participate in an escape room. For art lovers, there’s also the RiverFront Market. On Saturday mornings, this outdoor market is the perfect way to grab a bite to eat and explore Peoria’s arts scene.
