Trying to keep kids busy all summer without spending a fortune? Same.
The good news: Peoria has plenty of free and budget-friendly family fun, from parks and playgrounds to library programs, splash pads, outdoor concerts, local trails, and easy no-spend adventures.
If you’re looking for free things to do with kids in Peoria, cheap summer activities for families, or budget-friendly places to take kids near Peoria, our 2026 guide is a great place to start.
Here are 50 free and cheap things to do with kids in Peoria this summer.
- FREE = Free
- ($) = Cost but cheap
More Summer Fun in Peoria
- Browse our full Summer Fun Guide (coming soon)
- Get a free printable summer fun bucket list
- Find camps in our Summer Camp Guide
- See what’s happening this week on our Events Calendar
Outdoor Adventures
- Visit Bicycle Safety Town for an easy afternoon outside. | FREE
- Take a hike at one of Peoria's local hiking spots or try one of your family’s favorite walking spots. | FREE
- Roll down the sled hill at Detweiller Park | FREE
- Get active and take a walk, and end it with a story at Communication Junction's Stroll and Sign | ($)
- Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at on Grandview Drive. | FREE
- Plan a Peoria playground tour and visit a few playgrounds and at least one new-to-you park. Check out our Playground Guide. | FREE
- Explore Tower Park in Peoria Heights. Play at the playground and take in the views at the top of the Observation Tower. | ($)
- Go birdwatching, bug hunting, or nature spotting at Forest Park Nature Center. | FREE
- Take family photos at one of Peoria's awesome murals. | FREE
- Fly a kite in the open space at Donovan Park (BONUS: check out the sculptures too!) | FREE
- Go a Sculpture Walk downtown. | FREE
- Throw the disc around at one of our many Frisbee Golf Disc Courses | FREE
- Have a geocaching adventure | FREE
- Take a Bison Trek - Don't forget your camera! | FREE
- Smell the roses (and other flowers) at Luthy Botanical Garden | FREE
Water Fun
16. Cool off at a local splash pad. | FREE
17. Cruise around the Lagoon in a Paddle Boat. | ($)
18. Spend the day fishing at Charter Oak Park. | FREE
19. Skip rocks, search for shells, or look for beach glass at Shore Acres Park. | FREE
20. Check out the toddler swim times at Shore Acres Pool and Morton Pool. | ($)
21. Cast a line on FREE Family Fishing Days at Hooked on Fishing (Sundays from Noon – 4 pm)
22. Take a sunset walk near Stone Water Park. | FREE
23. Wade and swim in one of many creeks. | FREE
24. Try a free swim lesson at Aqua-Tots Peoria
25. Set up backyard water play with sprinklers, buckets, or water balloons. | FREE
Events & Entertainment in Peoria
26. Sing and dance at Friday Night Heights at Tower Park. | FREE
27. Enjoy live music in the park at the Levee Park Stage (1st + 3rd Thursdays) | FREE
28. Catch a $2 movie at Willow Knolls + VIP Cinemas in Morton | ($)
29. $3 Summer Movie Camp at AMC Theaters (Grand Prairie, Pekin, Sunnyland) | ($)
30. Worth the drive: watch a family flick outside on the big screen at Harvest Moon Drive In - Movie Theater ($)
31. Craft around with the Summer Craft Crew at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie | FREE
32. Enjoy a family-fun evening with Parks on Tap | ($)
33. Explore First Fridays at the Peoria Art Guild | FREE
34. Browse a local Farmer's Market and let kids pick one small treat or snack. | ($)
35. Free Courtyard Play Group at Heritage Square. | FREE
36. Free craft times at Home Depot and Lowe's | FREE
37. Browse our full list of family-friendly events in Peoria.
Quick win for this week: New free and cheap events are added all the time. Check the Macaroni KID Peoria calendar before the weekend so you don’t miss something easy, fun, and close to home.
Library & Learning Fun
38. Visit one of our many Peoria Public Libraries for story times, special events, and air conditioning. | FREE
39. Learn some new signs and enjoy a story with Communication Junction's Sign + Sing Story Time | ($)
40. Register for a Summer Reading Program. | FREE
41. Get wild with nature and animal fun at the Playhouse with Wild Encounters | ($)
42. Have fun at a Saturday Story Time with Communication Junction | ($)
43. FREE Admission Days at the Peoria Riverfront Museum | FREE
44. Use your Library Card to Explore More Illinois. | FREE
45. Have fun with stories, STEAM activities, and more at Nature Ninos. | ($)
46. Play board games at Just for Fun | FREE
47. Visit the Caterpillar Visitors Center (kids 12 and under FREE)
Cheap Places to Take Kids in Peoria
48. Visit Wheels O' Time Museum. | ($)
49. Feed the animals at the Fondulac Farm Park (Free on Tuesdays) | ($)
50. Ride bumper cars, dune buggies, or bumper boats at Kartville. | ($)
51. Take a Day trip on the Illinois River Road. | FREE
52. Enjoy screen free imaginative play at Main Street Play Cafe | ($)
53. Walk around and discover at Bass Pro Shops. | FREE
54. Cool off at the Indoor Play Place at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie. | FREE
55. Hit up ROC Ice Cream and Mini Golf for a cool treat and mini golf. | ($)
56. Go bowl at Potter's Alley - check out their summer specials. | ($)
57. Use a family membership to the Zoo to make repeat visits cheaper. | ($)
58. Try a new to you treat at a local ice cream spot. | ($)
59. Skate around at the Morton Roller Rink. | ($)
60. Imagine and play at the Peoria PlayHouse Museum | ($)
61. Snuggle with kitties at River Kitty Cafe. | ($)
62. Ride the train and see the wildlife at Wildlife Prairie Park. | ($)
63. Jump at Elevate on a discount day. | ($)
Easy Anytime Fun
64. STEAM Fun: Make Giant Bubbles In Your Backyard. | FREE
65. Take photos at So Chic Boutique's Photo Booth. | FREE
66. Host a lemonade stand | FREE
67. FREE slushies at Casey's every Friday (with the rewards app) | FREE
68. Make a backyard picnic dinner just for fun. | FREE
69. Create chalk art or a chalk obstacle course. | FREE
70. Build a fairy house using sticks, leaves, bark, and stones. | FREE
72. Have a no-spend “yes day” with your kids | FREE
73. Go on a neighborhood color hunt | FREE
74. Paint rocks and place them around your neighborhood | FREE
75. Roll the dice to create a silly picture | FREE
76. Volunteer with your family | FREE
77. Take a trash bag on a walk and clean up a local park or trail — how many pounds can you collect? | FREE
Before You Go
Prices, hours, deals, and free offerings can change, so it’s always smart to double-check details before heading out.
Don’t Lose This List!
Bookmark this page and check back throughout the summer. New free events, cheap activities, and family-friendly ideas pop up all season long in Peoria.
Better yet, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter so you don’t miss a thing this summer. We’re always adding new events, free activities, local guides, and family-friendly ideas for Peoria families.
