Fun Fall Family Activities in Central Illinois

Fall in central Illinois is a wonderful time. The area is beautiful as the leaves change and the weather is perfect for outdoor fun with the whole family. That’s why there are so many fun things to do throughout the season in the area. If you’re looking for a fun fall family activity in central Illinois, check out one of these great events happening this fall.

Morton Pumpkin Fest

September 11 to 14

Downtown Morton, 415 West Jefferson Street

This must-see fall family activity has been an integral part of the fall season in central Illinois for more than 50 years. Morton Pumpkin Fest has something for everyone on the family – an amazing craft fair, art shows, carnival rides, a pie eating contest, and all the pumpkin dishes you can eat.

Taste of the Heights

Sept. 12

This event is a great way to check out all the new restaurants in the Heights! Local Peoria Heights restaurants and vendors will fill the street. There will be live music and we hear parking won’t be a problem. You can see a full list of the food each restaurant will be serving up and the prices on the Facebook event page.

Peoria Oktoberfest

September 20 to 22

RiverFront Park, 200 NE Water Street, Peoria

Enjoy traditional German music, delicious food, and fun log-sawing contests at this annual Peoria tradition. Held at RiverFront Park Peoria Oktoberfest, has fun for the entire family, from educational events at the German Heritage Tent to the Lindenhof Puppet Theatre for the kids.

Peoria Fine Art Fair

September 27 to 29

RiverFront Festival Park, 200 NE Water Street, Peoria

The Peoria Art Guild is nationally recognized and one of the oldest art guilds in the nation. The Peoria Fine Arts Fair is their largest fundraising event of the year showcasing 130 nationally recognized artists who love Peoria! Original works of art will include jewelry, painting, ceramics, photography, digital art, printmaking, mixed media, metal, glass, wood, sculpture, fiber, leather, and wearable fiber. This event has plenty of hands-on activities for the entire family. Join in with others right here in Central Illinois by participating in the Community Mural and the Kids Art Festival.

Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Fall Festival

Oct 5-13

Enjoy a beautiful fall day with your family while you explore towns along the Spoon River in Fulton County, Illinois. This fall festival has been held each year during the first two full weekends of October since 1968. You can shop, eat, visit historic sites and spend the day seeing what makes Illinois such a wonderful place to live.

Big Picture Peoria 2019 Street Festival

Oct 12

If you are looking for a hands-on, family event, look no further. Big Picture Peoria 2019 Street Festival will be two blocks of fun for your family in the Peoria Warehouse District. It’s a one day event from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M with events like dance, chalk art competition, found objects costume parade and competition, community paint-by-number mural painting, and more! You can get all the details on the Facebook event page.

Chrysanthemum Show “The Great Pumpkin”

October 11-November 3

Luthy Botanical Garden, 2520 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603

Luthy Botanical Garden is beautiful in the fall. It’s filled with chrysanthemums and all the colors of fall. Kids can even spot the great pumpkin. It’s the perfect spot to hit when your family needs a break from the cold fall breezes.

Howl-Zoo-Ween

October 17 and 18

Peoria Zoo, 2320 N. Prospect Road, Peoria

Trick-or-treat on a haunted trail through Africa at this fun annual event at the Peoria Zoo. With a fun costume contest, magic shows, and tons of family fun, you’re sure to have a blast at Howl-Zoo-Ween. Tickets are $7 per person (children under 1 are free).

Wildlife Scary Park

Oct. 18-27

Wildlife Scary Park has been a fun fall tradition for families in Central Illinois for 33 years. Grab your tickets and enjoy an evening of trick-or-treating, hayrack rides, haunted train rides, animal encounters and more at this kid-friendly Halloween event.

Creatures of the Night

October 26

Forest Nature Center, 5809 North Forest Park Drive, Peoria Heights

Enjoy a night of outdoor fall fun at the Creatures of the Night event at Forest Nature Center. The event features a trick-or-treat trail through the forest, fun campfire activities, and other outdoor activities. Tickets are $4 in advance and $5 at the door.

The fun fall events are one of the reasons we love living and working in Central Illinois! Be sure you spend some time enjoying the beauty of the fall season with your family and friends.