Free & Cheap Things to Do in Peoria

Parks & Nature

A beloved mid-size zoo inside Glen Oak Park on the bluffs above Peoria, home to over 100 species including giraffes, African lions, sea lions, and a popular African Journey exhibit. Affordable, walkable, and consistently well-maintained — one of the best value zoos in the Midwest.

Address: 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603

Tip: The African Journey exhibit and the sea lion area are the highlights — check the daily schedule for feeding times. Parking is free. The adjacent Glen Oak Park has free playgrounds, picnic areas, and the botanical garden, so combine it all into a half-day.

Parks & Nature

A beautiful free botanical garden inside Glen Oak Park with outdoor display gardens, a working greenhouse, and seasonal floral exhibits that bloom throughout the year. The conservatory houses tropical and desert plant collections alongside rotating seasonal displays. Peaceful, well-maintained, and completely free — a genuine hidden gem in central Illinois.

Address: 2520 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603

Tip: Open 10am–5pm daily (gates close at 4:30pm). Spring and summer are the best times to visit when the outdoor gardens are in full bloom. Sits directly next to the Peoria Zoo inside Glen Oak Park — easy to combine both in one visit.

Parks & Nature

A sprawling 2,000-acre nature park just west of Peoria where over 150 native Illinois animals roam in large, naturalistic habitats — bison, black bears, wolves, elk, cougars, and river otters among them. The park also has a vintage train ride, pioneer homestead, fishing ponds, and miles of walking trails through restored tallgrass prairie. A full half-day adventure that feels nothing like a typical zoo.

Address: 3826 N Taylor Rd, Hanna City, IL 61536

Tip: Budget at least 3–4 hours — the park is much larger than expected and worth exploring fully. The train ride ($6 all-day pass) loops through the bison and elk habitats and is a highlight for all ages. Located 8 miles west of downtown Peoria — bring a car.