Field Trips

If you are looking for a great facility for your group’s next camping outing, look no further!  Acquired from W.D. Boyce Council of the Scouts BSA of America, Camp Wokanda encompasses over 300 acres of woodland area with a lake for fishing and various camping amenities.  Whether you like to rough it or camp with a little more comfort, Camp Wokanda will fit the bill!  Within the Camp there is a dining hall, sleeping cabins, program buildings, and more.  The Camp also offers programming such as naturalist tours and environmental educations for interested groups.

Wokanda is a great location for a family reunion, wedding or simply a weekend unplugged.

Camp Wokanda Layout

Do you enjoy bird watching or hiking?  Forest Park Nature Center is for you!  Forest Park Nature Center offers seven miles of trails for hiking and nature enjoyment and is home to a gift shop that carries bird feeding and hiking necessities.  Interested in learning more about nature and all that it entails?  Forest Park Nature Center has classes for adults and children alike, covering topics from bats to bugs and everything in between.  Guided hiking tours are also available.

Forest Park Nature Center Layout

Whether you love to garden or just appreciate the beauty of various flora from around the globe, Luthy Botanical Garden is the spot for you.  Spread across over 5 acres in Glen Oak Park, Luthy is home to a tropical conservatory, a theme garden, and seasonal shows, including the Poinsettia Show throughout November and December.  The sprawling garden is also a beautiful background for weddings, showers, or your next corporate event!  Photographers are always welcome at the Gardens – for fees and other information contact [email protected].

Even when the weather outside isn’t frightful, the Peoria Park District offers indoor ice skating for people of all ages at Owens Recreation Center!  Owens Center features two full-size NHL rinks which are used for private rentals, classes, and public open skate times.  Public skate passes and skate rental are available!

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The Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum is a hands-on, interactive space featuring six exhibits allowing children to play, explore, imagine, and create. Splash in the water table, send balls through wind tubes, become a paleontologist, and more!  The PlayHouse was created in collaboration with the Junior League of Peoria and Peoria Zoological Society, and opened in 2015. It is located in historic Glen Oak Park, near Peoria Zoo and Luthy Botanical Garden, providing a full-day destination for families in our region.

Summer 2021 hours may be limited; learn more here.

To book a field trip during 2021, please email [email protected] for more information.

The Peoria Park District’s RiverPlex Recreation & Wellness Center is your one-stop shop for sports and fitness fun in Peoria!  Located right on the Peoria Riverfront, the RiverPlex boasts an indoor cycling studio, an indoor family aquatic center, rock climbing wall, 1/8 mile running track, a 15,900 square foot fitness floor, and more!  The RiverPlex also offers classes for all ages, preferences, and skill levels including water Zumba, Pilates, and personal training options.  With all its many amenities, the RiverPlex would be a great place your next class trip, youth group outing, or birthday party!

*Please note, the Aqua-Plex, the indoor family aquatic center, will be closed May 30-September for improvements. Remember, all RP members get access to the Greater Peoria Family YMCA, which includes their outdoor pool area.

Sommer Farm is a use-by-reservation/rental/special events/wedding facility with a focus on Living History & Environmental Education.  The 320-acre site offers private picnics and outings for groups of up to 1000, primarily April through November.  The park also features a teams course.

Sommer Farm Layout

The Tawny Oaks Field Station is the newest environmental facility in the Peoria Park District!  Tawny Oaks is comprised of a prairie restoration, ½ mile of handicap accessible gravel trail, a picnic area, and visitor center with restrooms.  Tawny Oaks is open seasonally and offers various workshops, educational walks, and bird watching events.