We’re all just out here trying to give our kids those classic '90s summers and make some core memories along the way! ☀️ But let’s be real—sometimes the price tag on an outing totally kills the vibe. I get it—especially when you’ve got more than one kiddo in tow.
That’s exactly why I put this list together. Because family fun shouldn't break the bank. Sometimes it just takes a little creativity (and a good snack stash 😅). There's so much more you can do beyond what’s listed here, but I hope this gives you a solid starting point and some fresh inspiration for summer fun.
Keep scrolling to find 52 free or low-cost things to do with your kiddos this summer! Activities marked with a ($) mean there’s a small cost—but they’re still budget-friendly!
P.S. If you try something from the list, I’d love to hear about it! Tag @macaronikidpeoria or shoot me a message—your ideas and moments might inspire another local family too. 💛 Let’s make this the best summer yet!
- Go on a family adventure of taking a drive down the Illinois River Road Scenic Byway 🛣️
- Visit a new playground (Check out our Playground Guide) 🛝
- Take photos at So Chic Boutique's Photo Booth 📸
- Jump around at one of Jump Start Pluses FUNtastic Events or Open Gyms 🤸♀️($)
- Shop in peace with The Wink House's drop and shop program 🛍️
- Learn some new signs and enjoy a story with Communication Junction's Sign + Sing Story Time 🤟
- Attend a FREE art class with the Peoria Art Guild 🎨
- FREE slushies at Casey's every Friday (with the rewards app) 🍧
- Explore the nature trails at one of our many Peoria Area Hiking Spots🌳
- Feed the animals at the Fondulac Farm Park (Free on Tuesdays) 🐐
- Catch a $2 movie at Willow Knolls + VIP Cinemas in Morton 🎬 ($)
- $3 Summer Movie Camp at AMC Theaters (Grand Prairie, Pekin, Sunnyland) 🎥 ($)
- Register for a Summer Reading Program 📚
- Throw the disc around at one of our many Frisbee Golf Disc Courses
- Have fun at a Saturday Story Time with Communication Junction 🤟($)
- Enjoy Live Music at Rove and Ramble 🎶
- Put your bicycle skills to the test at Bicycle Safety Town 🚲
- Attend one or all of the camps at Camp So Chic 🎨($)
- Go on a Mural Walk with the Peoria Art Guild 🖼️
- Splash around at a Splash Pad 💦
- Craft around with the Summer Craft Crew at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie 🎨
- Get active and take a walk, and end it with a story at Communication Junction's Stroll and Sign 🤟($)
- Smell the flowers at Luthy Botanical Gardens 🌺
- Explore the park after hours at Wildlife Prairies Park's Wild Nights 🌃 ($)
- Visit the Caterpillar Visitors Center (kids 12 and under FREE) 🚜
- Go Geocaching 👀
- Enjoy a fun and Free story time or event at the Library 📚
- Paint rocks and place them around your neighborhood 🪨
- Relax, splash, or tube in a local creek 🌊
- Get the wiggles out at Midwest Children's Therapy Open Gym 🤸♂️($)
- Burn off energy at an indoor play gym in a local fast food spot 🍔
- Try a new ice cream spot 🍦($)
- Free craft times at Home Depot and Lowe's 🛠️
- Ride bumper cars, dune buggies, or bumper boats at Kartville 🏎️ ($)
- FREE Admission Days at the Peoria Riverfront Museum 🦕
- Use your Library Card to Explore More Illinois ✈️
- Take the toddlers to cool off at Shore Acres Pool and Morton Pool 🏊 ($)
- Cool off at the Indoor Play Place at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie 🛝
- Have a picnic 🧺
- Enjoy a family-fun evening with Parks on Tap 🍻
- Explore First Fridays at the Peoria Art Guild 🖼️
- Visit a Farmer's Market 🍎
- Toddler Discount at Elevate 🤸♀️ ($)
- Watch a sunrise or a sunset 🌅
- Roll the dice to create a silly picture 😋
- Have fun with stories, STEAM activities, and more at Nature Ninos 🍄🟫 ($)
- Get wild with nature and animal fun at the Playhouse with Wild Encounters 🦓 ($)
- Volunteer with your family 💁♀️
- Play board games at Just For Fun ♟️
- Celebrate 200 years of Peoria County by going on the Bison Trek! 🦬
- Attend a local VBS
- Subscribe to Macaroni KID to find free and low-cost events all year long. 📩
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OR get your General Summer Bucketlist or a Blank One below!
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Hey there, friend! 👋 At Macaroni KID Peoria, our mission is to help families make the most of their time together—with less stress and more fun. We do the legwork so you don’t have to, curating a completely FREE calendar packed with local, kid-friendly events happening all around the Peoria area. Because let’s be real—figuring out what to do after snack time shouldn’t feel like rocket science. 😉 Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to my weekly e-newsletter and you’ll get local events, easy crafts (minimal mess, maximum fun), simple family-friendly recipes, and exclusive giveaways delivered right to your inbox. Bonus? I’m a local mom too—raising my own wild crew right here in the Peoria area. So when you read Macaroni KID, know it’s made with love (and probably coffee). If you run a family-friendly business and want to connect with local parents, reach out! I’d love to chat about how we can shine a spotlight on what you do.
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