by Daria Yermashkevich Relationships are like fire that needs fuel to keep burning. New emotions and experiences are exactly the fuel that keeps relationships strong and healthy. That is why it is so crucial to make your dates special and attempt to avoid routine actions.
Keep exploring new places and new things. Dine at new restaurants and try new hobbies and workshops. If you need more romantic things to do in Peoria, reed below for our top 10 places and activities for any couple.
1. River cruise
What can be more relaxing than the waves of the river and a river cruise? If you want to find the things to do in Peoria for couples, unwind together during a romantic river cruise on board the Spirit of Peoria. An authentic paddlewheel driven vessel will take you back in time. The whole voyage up and down the Illinois River and Mississippi River takes about 90 mins. You can sit on the outside deck and just enjoy the views or listen to the commentaries of the guide. There is also a snack bar to get a bite.
Good for: couples, cruise lovers
Address: 100 Water Street Peoria, IL 61602
Phone: +1 309-637-8000
Website: spiritofpeoria.com
2. Hands-on hot glass workshop
Looking for fun things for couples to do in Peoria, you should try a hands-on hot glass workshop. This is a totally amazing and great experience that your honey will appreciate. The staff will guide and encourage you, as well as keep reminding you about the heat of the glass. So no worries! You will be safe and sound. In addition to the photos, you can take your masterpieces home and decorate your house. This self-made decor will remind you and your sweetheart about the strength of your feelings.
Good for: couples, art lovers
Address: 929 N Sheridan Rd Suite 2A, Peoria, IL 61606-1975
Phone: +1 309-339-6244
Website: jdraperglass.com
3. Forest Park Nature Center
Forest Park will be one of the most romantic places in Peoria for all nature lovers and all those who want to recharge their batteries after a long week. Scenic trails that lead through dense forest, streams, and dramatic hillsides; this place is something. Enjoy strolling surrounded by the natural beauty and vivid wildlife and don’t forget to check the room for bird-watching. If you like hiking, Forest Park is a must-visit place and a good date idea. Even in winter, the park looks marvelous.
Good for: couples, nature lovers
Address: 5809 N Forest Park Dr, Peoria, IL 61616-3506
Phone: +1 309-686-3360
Website: peoriaparks.org
4. Dozer Park
Are you a baseball fan? Even if you are not, watching a game on the Dozer Park stadium is very entertaining and worth a place in your list of fun things to do in Peoria on a date. You can not only see the next generation of MLB stars but also have a lot of pleasure and unwind. Check the night game tickets that include the firework shop — it is amazing! There are plenty of places to buy refreshments but beware that there are no ATMs.
Good for: сouples, sport fans
Address: 730 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL 61605-3901
Phone: +1 309-680-4000
Website: www.milb.com
5. Luthy Botanical Garden
The botanical garden is a must-visit if you are searching for romantic places in Peoria. It is not large (like any botanical garden) but it is very scenic and ideally suits a date. You can walk around the theme gardens and enjoy chit-chatting on a bench. There is also a dancing fountain and a picturesque pond. Take a lunch with you and enjoy a great and intimate date in a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere.
Good for: couples, romantics, nature lovers
Address: 2520 N Prospect Rd (turn at the corner of Prospect & Gift), Peoria, IL 61603-2129
Phone: +1 309-686-3362
Website: peoriaparks.org
6. Peoria Riverfront Museum
To make your date different from all the dates you had before, why not add some science to it? Though a visit to the museum can seem not the best choice out of all the things to do in Peoria for couples, this museum has something for all the adventurers and truth seekers. If you like art, science, history, or just admire learning something new, this place will be a great spot for a date. You can check the permanent collection and visit interactive galleries. Traveling exhibits are also superb (for example, why not look at the works of the genius Da Vinci?) And you should definitely check the Planetarium — a date under the stars is so romantic.
Good for: couples, romantics, science lovers
Address: 222 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602-2500
Phone: +1 309-686-7000
Website: www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org
7. Giant Oak Park
As one of the most interesting things for couples to do in Peoria, we suggest a picnic in the tiniest park of the city. Actually, the park includes only one very old tree and a couple of benches. This bur oak saw over 300 years of people’s stories and witnessed thousands of couples. Many couples like to sit under the tree and stroll near the Historic Easton Fountain that is located closely.
Good for: couples, romantics, nature lovers
Address: 426 W High St, Peoria, IL 61606-1921
Website: peoriaparks.org
8. Peoria Zoo
If you like animals and nature, plan a date with your bae in the Peoria Zoo. All the animals are well-kept there, and you can even adopt an animal with your honey if you like. No worries! You won’t have to take a wild beast home, but you will contribute to their everyday care at the Zoo and get your personal certificate. So, if your feelings are strong, you can make your connection even stronger by adopting a llama or a lemur. Take a relaxing stroll around the Zoo and feed Giraffe or Budgie. The Zoo can be one of the very interesting things to do in Peoria on a date.
Good for: couples, romantics, nature lovers
Working hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Address: 2320 N. Prospect Rd. Peoria, IL 61603
Phone: 309-686-3365
Website: www.peoriazoo.org
9. Grand View Drive
A scenic Grand View drive is surely one of the top romantic things to do in Peoria. The route goes along 3210 Grand View Drive either from Prospect Road in Peoria Heights, near Tower Park, or from Route 29, near the Route 150 Interchange. You can go on foot or drive all the way. Grab some sandwiches and stop at one of the picnic spots to enjoy the views and have a relaxing time sitting on one of the benches and chit-chatting.
Good for: сouples, romantics, nature lovers
Website: peoriaparks.org
Route: 3210 Grand View Drive Accessible from Prospect Road in Peoria Heights, near Tower Park or from Route 29, near the Route 150 Interchange, Peoria, IL
10. Basta at East Port
Basta East Port is a family-owned Italian restaurant with outstanding service and delicious food.
Italian cuisine is famous for tasty and healthy dishes, fresh ingredients, and great wines. This restaurant won’t disappoint you and your bae, so don’t hesitate to invite your honey to one of the very romantic places in Peoria. This small and cozy spot will become a superb place for your date. Try the seafood casino — it is definitely something.
Good for: couples, Italian food lovers
Address: 2517 N. Main Street, East Peoria, IL 61611
Phone: (309) 699-8792
Website: bastaeastport.com
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With ten new Peoria date ideas, you can call your honey right now and plan a perfect date.
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