With summer coming fast, you will want to find fun things to do with your family, friends, or even by yourself! Many fun activities can be found right here in Pekin!

Pekin Park is a hot spot during the summer. They have activities that do cost money and some that are free while still being exciting. On those warm days, Dragon Land is a great place to cool off in the pool. If swimming isn’t your thing, you can also go to the lagoon and ride paddle boats while getting a great view of the town. 

Many people aren’t aware of all the opportunities that Pekin Park offers in the summer. Pekin Park includes resources such as: mini golf course, swimming pool, softball and baseball fields, sand volleyball, basketball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, a playground, paddleboat rides, and much more. 

Pekin Park District board member, Kyle Cain, mentions some of the most popular activities that they offer: ”Paddle boats on the lagoon, mini golf, DragonLand, the farmer’s market, and now the events at the new Performing Arts Venue (PAV)!”

As mentioned, one of the highlights Pekin offers in the summer is their live musical events. Cain states that “the grand opening of the PAV is set for June 7, and another free concert—’Party at the PAV’—is scheduled for July 25. I’m especially looking forward to the PAV events because they’ll take place at the brand-new facility and add more opportunities for families to enjoy all that the Pekin Park District (PPD) has to offer!”

Along with Pekin Park, downtown Pekin also has some exciting events throughout the summer as well; such events include: car shows, concerts on the weekends, Boat club events, and more. Pekin is filled with events and activities that should be on your calendar this summer!

Personally, I enjoy going downtown and listening to the different live musicians that are a part of the exciting atmosphere. Pekin has so much to offer that a lot of people do not know about, but there are some amazing things that our community puts on.

Even just driving around Pekin is fun in the summer. We asked Pekin Community High School Seniors Hannah Gutierrez and Madi Plue what they enjoy doing during their summer nights, and they said “[they] love driving around blasting music at night during the summer. It’s so peaceful and we get to sing our hearts out.”

Overall there are so many events and activities to get out and be involved in. Be sure to check out what Pekin Park District and downtown has to offer this summer!