Let's Play!

Both adults and kids alike will enjoy Peoria’s award-winning parks. The Peoria Park District is a unique system of regional trails that are ideal for bicycling, walking and hiking. As a three-time winner of the National Recreation and Park Association’s Gold Medal Award, the Peoria Park District is an accredited Distinguished Park District. From fabulous golf courses to wildlife parks, you’ll find it in the Peoria area.

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

For a unique zoological park, visit Wildlife Prairie Park home to such diverse animals as wolves, bison, black bears, cougars and more. One of the nation’s premiere wildlife parks, it cover 1,850 acres of grazing land, lakes and forests. You can easily picture life in the early 1800s by visiting the one-room schoolhouse, log cabin and multitude of farm animals.

Be a kid again at Apple Blossom Farm

For some family fun, visit the Apple Blossom Farm where there’s a country market, petting zoo, a 10-acre corn maze and even hayrack rides! Pick your own apples and pumpkins too.

Glen Oak Zoo, more fun than you’ve had in years

Featuring exotic animals, a reptile and primate house and over 250 animals, visiting the Glen Oak Zoo is always a good time. Designed by legendary gardener, Oscar F. Dubuis, Glen Oak Park was dedicated in 1896 and is now home to the Peoria Park Headquarters.

Stay the course, the BMX course that is

At Detweiler Park, you can ride your bike on the BMX course and enjoy the soccer fields, picnic shelters and play areas.

From seniors to infants, Eastside Centre has something for everyone

A facility full of state-of-the-art equipment, a water park, fitness center, softball and baseball complex, senior center and more.

Comprising over 500 acres of Illinois State Nature Preserve land, Forest Park Nature Center is a favorite of Peoria residents. With seven miles of hiking trails, a natural history museum and a bird-watching room, “it has the unique distinction of being the gateway to the local natural areas,” according to Peoria Progress Plays, Volume 2, 2006.

Bradley Park was named for its benefactor, Lydia Moss Bradley, who helped establish the first park system in Illinois. She was a philanthropist and founder of Bradley University. The park, which was completed by 1910, has two sections – the lower park containing baseball diamonds and a spacious picnic area and the upper a popular sledding spot in winter.

Once an abandoned railroad, Rock Island State Trail is now a peaceful haven for hikers, cyclists, and cross-country skiers – a slender oasis of woodlands and prairies covering over 29 miles. The park offers many natural and architectural attractions where prairie grass and wildflowers exist providing a step back into time to allow visitors to see Illinois the way the early settlers saw it.

Developed by the Girl Scouts in 1967, Pimiteoui Trail is a 10-mile trail from Eckwood Park to Detweiler Park with about five miles paved for maximum comfort of leisure bicycling, hiking and jogging.

Jubilee College State Park is 3200 acres of hardwood forests, creeks and abundant wildlife. Featuring exposed slate, sandstone, limestone and coal, the bedrock is a fascinating study of primitive geology. With a year-round campground, 25 miles of horseback riding trails, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, Jubilee is an outdoor lover’s wonderland.

As you can see there’s plenty to do here in Peoria. The idea is to get out there and have some fun! For more recreational ideas, visit our Peoria Sports and Recreation page.

Is your family moving to Peoria? Make sure your children know all about the many sports options available. Contact us and we will make sure you have the information you need to get your kids plugged into their favorite sport!