Take a drive down I-74 and spend a day playing in Peoria

Big trucks, a great children’s museum, a zoo (with giraffes!) and some great food to be found, too

We give a lot of love to the day trip concept here at Chambanamoms, because we are nestled among so many great adventures throughout Central Illinois that really aren’t a very far drive at all. And while Bloomington-Normal clocks in just under an hour fron Champaign-Urbana, if you continue down Interstate 74 west just a little bit further, you arrive in Peoria. Peoria has some truly unique attractions, beautiful riverfront views and delicious food to be found, too.

Peoria Attractions

Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum

This children’s museum features an extension farm play area and a lower level water-play zone. There’s even a room that feels like a sunroom to us that is full of fossil play. The Playhouse sits on the same property as the Peoria Zoo, as well as more park/playground space, making this particular area of Peoria a spot you can spend an entire day easily.

Peoria Zoo

There are a number of zoos scattered throughout Central Illinois and each one is unique in its own way. The Peoria Zoo stands out because there are giraffes here, and you can even feed them. You’ll also find zebras, lions or monkeys, making this one of the best places to spot some larger animals without having to drive very far from Champaign-Urbana.

Peoria Riverfront Museum

This large museum sits along the river and has a planetarium in addition to a giant screen theater on site. You’ll find exhibits that rotate through that might catch the interest of your crew; check out the website to see if there’s enough happening to engage your family for a few hours. This museum is not necessarily geared towards young children, but of course kids of all ages are welcome at the museum!

Caterpillar Visitors Center

One of the distinctly unique attractions you’ll find in Peoria, this is a must stop if you have a kid who loves trucks. Get an up-close look at the Caterpillar line, including some vintage trucks, too. Kids can climb into some of the equipment, stand in the tires and so much more. Adult supervision required here for obvious reasons, and maybe even have two adults so one can climb aboard with the kids while the other snaps some photos.

Wildlife Prairie Park

Another on the “unique attraction” list, this destination is just about 20 minutes further away from C-U than many of our other Peoria area recommendations. Take a nostalgic train ride through the prairie, go fishing or play a round of laser tag, too. The real highlights here are the animals. Bison, black bears, cougars, in addition to a long list of amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates and reptiles, too, all live at Wildlife Prairie Park. This is another spot you can fill an entire day with adventure all on its own.

Bass Pro Shops

The nearest Bass Pro to Champaign-Urbana, this East Peoria store is so much more than a place to get some fishing gear. Go bowling, play in the arcade, greet Santa during the holiday months and see some aquarium-level fish tanks. Kids of all ages can find something to enjoy at Bass Pro Shops, and this is a FREE way to spend some time in Peoria.

Peoria Dining

Peoria is full of dining options for your visit, with varying price points. While you may find yourself in Peoria for a night out for a concert or show, or just in conjunction with your family day trip including some of the attractions above, these are some of our favorites (in no particular order): One World Cafe (Elvis waffle pictured below), Blue Duck BBQ (right on the river) and Cyd’s in the Park (open seasonally).

How to get to Peoria

We are aware there are a number of reasons someone could visit Peoria other than a fun family day trip. OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria sees a number of families from Illinois, Missouri, Iowa and more throughout the year for both appointments and longer stays. Regardless of your “why” in visiting Peoria, we want to make it as easy as possible to plan your time there.

Driving directions will vary based on your exact destination, but these are general instructions for driving to Peoria.

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