Hey there, Peoria families! With snowy days just around the corner, it’s time to dig out your warmest boots, coziest gloves, and favorite winter hats. Whether you’re bundling up for outdoor adventures or staying toasty inside, this is the season to embrace the magic of winter! Here are some fantastic snow-themed activities to make the most of the chilly season in and around Peoria!
Click below to check out each section!
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PLACE TO GO ICE SKATING
Ice skating during the winter is an enjoyable sport that challenges you to step beyond your comfort boundaries while enhancing your coordination skills.
Owens Center: Owens Center in Peoria has two expansive ice skating rinks, providing opportunities for public skating sessions and skating lessons.
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Veterans Memorial Arena, Pekin: They offer freestyle figure skating and stick and puck hockey for the public.
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Whether you're a kid reveling in the joy of snow days or an adult seeking a nostalgic escape, sledding is full laughter and unforgettable moments. Grab your sled, find the perfect hill, and let the snowy escapades begin! Here's your list of some of the best sled hills in the Peoria Area.
Peoria:
Detweiller Park
This sled hill near the Dogwood Shelter is the go-to sled hill in the Peoria area. It is a little steep for those little feet but once you make it to the top and have a turn going down, you'll want to do it all over again!
Bradley Park
Families will love sledding at Bradley park. Here you will find some smaller hills (lower part) perfect for the smallest sledders. There's also another steeper hill (near Farmington Rd.) for the more adventurous types!
Endres Park
I have heard great things about Endres park being a super family-friendly sledding area!
Trewyn Park
You'll enjoy the perfect day of sledding at Trewyn Park!
Iris Park
Multiple people have mentioned Iris Park as a nice (and quieter) place to sled!
(Toboggans are NOT allowed on Peoria Park District Properties)
Surrounding Towns
The Bartonville Park District brings extra winter fun to the community with its Little Free Sled Library! Located at Alpha Park, Lauterbach Park, and Zeller Park, these sled libraries let families borrow a sled for free, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the snow. Just grab a sled, hit the hills, and return it when you're done—it's that simple!
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McNaughton Park, Pekin,IL
If you are looking for a good time, the sledding at McNaughton is your ticket!
Mineral Springs Park, Pekin, IL
Northwood Park, Morton, IL
Everyone that has comment on Northwood Park has great things to say about the sledding there!
Wildlife Prairie Park, Edwards, IL
Come Sled with the Bison! I have heard they have some sleds to borrow. You will want to call first.
Dunlap Valley Middle School, Dunlap
I think this may be a little-known secret, but others have shared it, so I will too!
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SKIING, SNOWBOARDING, AND TUBING
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Peoria Ski Club: Did you know that Peoria has a ski club? That's right! They meet throughout the year for ski trips, monthly socials, and other gatherings. It's been around for 60+ years and is continuing to grow! They have single and family memberships available. Find out how to sign up today!
Snowstar: Snowstar is a family-friendly terrain park in Andalusia, IL. Complete with 15 skiing and snowboarding lanes and 11 snow tubing lanes. It's about an hour and a half drive from Peoria and the perfect place for a fun winter day-trip!
Alpine Hills Adventure Park: About 2 hours from Peoria, this 5-acre snow park is divided into separate tubing and terrain park sections designed to accommodate riders of all abilities.
Chestnut Mountain: Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, IL is a little more of a drive but still under 3 hours and the perfect place to enjoy some winter family fun!
Do you know of a sled hill or winter sport attraction in or around Peoria that isn't listed here? Please submit your event here and we will get it added!
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ACTIVITIES TO DO IN THE SNOW
Make Snow Ice Cream!
Yes really! The blog Gimme Some Oven offers a simple snow ice cream recipe. We tried it and it's amazing!
What you need:
- 8 cups clean snow
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt - this is optional
Directions: In a large bowl mix together milk sugar, vanilla, and salt until combined. Mix in snow until you reach the desired consistency. Top with sprinkles or other toppings!
Eat immediately as it will melt very quickly!
We got these next few ideas from Allison Tursi. She is the publisher of Macaroni KID Holbrook, The Ronkonkomas, Centereach, Coram, N.Y.
Turn water into jewels
These ice gems were a hit and so simple to make! All I needed were ice cube trays (you could also use a cupcake pan for bigger 'gems.'), water, and food coloring! I let our 'gems' freeze overnight and then popped them out in the snow to play with. If it's cold enough where you live, simply leave your 'gems' out overnight to freeze! These gems make excellent decorations for snow sculptures and snowpeople. It's also fun to have a treasure hunt — hide the gems around your yard and let the kids find them!
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Give that snow color
Squirt bottles are easy to find at discount stores, and completely reusable! Fill them with water, add food coloring, and they are ready! Kids can write their names in the snow, draw pictures, or decorate their snowman.
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BRING THE SNOW INSIDE
Paint a meltable masterpiece
An easy (and warm!) snow activity. Food coloring and water mixed together, paint brushes, and a pan or large bowl of snow are all you need for this fun indoor snow activity. No jackets required.
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Snow play!
A great activity for the little ones! All you need is a bowl filled with snow and some toys. You can also put down a towel or a plastic tablecloth to keep mess at a minimum. I have even used my water table in the kitchen filled with snow and let them play and have fun while staying warm. Gloves are a good idea for this activity!
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