Peoria, Illinois, became a chartered town in 1844, and it has been growing ever since. Nestled on the Illinois River, Peoria is one of the largest cities in the state and offers tons for families to experience. Whether you’re out-of-towners or long-term residents, your family can select from a number of educational and entertaining activities. And when booking a room at one of the Choice Hotels in Peoria, you can feel at home in relaxing rooms with a wide variety of amenities. Start with the Peoria Zoo at Glen Oak Park, which features an array of invertebrates, mammals, amphibians, birds, fish and reptiles. The “Africa!” show permits guests to experience plant and animal species of the grasslands. Large mammals, like a white rhinoceros, giraffe, and lion, wander the region, yet smaller creatures can also be seen, including hissing cockroaches, giant Zambian mole-rats and Madagascar tree boas. The “Australia!” and “Asia!” shows include animals native to those regions.
The Riverfront Museum has plenty of assortments to interest all members of your family. There are hands-on shows for little children that associate recreation with learning. The Illinois River Encounter comprises of a 400-gallon aquarium filled to the brim with native fish and includes over 14,000 years of river history. The assortments include folk art, natural science and fine art. There’s even a movie house with a screen approximately five stories high, and a planetarium. If you’re in town for the winter season, check out the Peoria Santa Claus Parade, the country’s longest-running seasonal parade. Parading through the downtown district, it’s traditionally held the day after Thanksgiving. East Peoria features a Festival of Lights event that includes a parade consisting of well-lit floats and a Winter Wonderland drive-through opportunity.
Additional attractions surrounding our Peoria hotels include the Spirit of Peoria, which offers multiple and single day excursions on a Mississippi River boat. Traveling along the Mississippi or Illinois River, you and your family can view the sites, listen to music and storytelling. There are also themed cruises, like Father’s and Mother’s Day excursions.With multiple hotels in Peoria, IL and the surrounding areas, you can find the Choice hotel that meets your travel needs. Enjoy our warm hospitality, friendly service and great value. Scroll through the options listed below and book your stay online today!