Things to Do in Peoria in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Peoria
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect spring weather - daily highs around 20°C (68°F) ideal for riverfront walks and outdoor festivals without summer heat
- Caterpillar season begins - hundreds of earthmoving machines emerge along the riverfront as construction projects restart after winter
- Baseball season starts - Peoria Chiefs home games create electric downtown atmosphere with 7,000+ fans flowing through bars and restaurants
- Wildflower blooms peak in Forest Park Nature Center's 5 km (3.1 miles) of trails, creating Instagram-worthy prairie landscapes
Considerations
- Unpredictable spring weather - pack for both 6°C (43°F) mornings and potential 25°C (77°F) afternoons in the same day
- Mud season at outdoor attractions - some hiking trails and riverfront paths remain soggy from snowmelt through mid-April
- Tourist season hasn't started - some seasonal riverboat tours and outdoor attractions don't begin operations until May 1st
Best Activities in April
Illinois River Recreational Boating
April marks the return of recreational boating season as water temperatures rise and spring rains create ideal river conditions. The Illinois River flows perfectly for kayaking and pontoon tours, with minimal summer crowds and comfortable 20°C (68°F) afternoon temperatures. Wildlife viewing peaks as migratory birds return.
Peoria Riverfront Museum Cultural Tours
Perfect indoor-outdoor balance for April's variable weather. The museum's giant screen theater and planetarium provide rainy day backup, while rooftop exhibits and riverfront sculpture walk take advantage of pleasant spring afternoons. April features rotating science exhibits ideal for families.
Peoria Chiefs Baseball Experience
Minor League Baseball season launches in April with home games at Dozer Park creating authentic Midwest sports atmosphere. Cool evening games around 15°C (59°F) perfect for baseball weather without summer heat. Tailgating culture and local brewery partnerships make this uniquely Peoria.
Forest Park Nature Center Prairie Hiking
April showcases the emergence of native Illinois prairie wildflowers before summer crowds discover the trails. Cool mornings around 6°C (43°F) perfect for wildlife photography as animals are most active. The 5 km (3.1 miles) of interconnected trails offer varying difficulty levels.
Downtown Peoria Brewery District Walking
April's mild weather perfect for brewery hopping along Water Street and Main Street. Spring beer releases coincide with baseball season, creating festive atmosphere. Walkable distances between 6-8 craft breweries within 1.2 km (0.75 miles) of each other.
Illinois Central College Culinary Arts Restaurant
Student-run fine dining restaurant operates April-May before summer break, offering sophisticated cuisine at fraction of commercial prices. April menu features spring ingredients and wine pairings. Unique educational dining experience you can't find elsewhere.
April Events & Festivals
Peoria Chiefs Home Opener
Minor League Baseball season kicks off with ceremonial first pitch, local dignitaries, and pregame festivities. Creates significant downtown energy with 7,000+ fans, food vendors, and extended bar hours throughout the district.
Earth Day Festival at Forest Park
Annual environmental awareness event featuring native plant sales, sustainability workshops, and guided nature walks. Local environmental groups showcase prairie restoration efforts and wildlife conservation programs specific to Central Illinois.