Labor Day Activities for Seniors in Peoria, IL

Situated along the Illinois River is Peoria, IL, a city that welcomes newcomers and residents on Labor Day weekend. Seniors can celebrate the holiday as they see fit, with meaningful Labor Day activities that are both fun and educational, fostering a strong sense of community.

Although crowded events are a staple on holiday weekends, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the day without worrying about noise and high-energy events. This means seniors can relax while safely spending holidays like July 4th and Labor Day with loved ones.

From local museums to restaurants with delicious local cuisine, seniors in Peoria can spend the day relaxing while enjoying the town.

Watch a Movie With Friends

If you're interested in holiday safety for seniors, then a movie is a great way to spend Labor Day. You'll be inside, protected from the sun's harmful rays and the risk of dehydration. You'll also be with friends, which is much safer than traveling alone.

At GQT Willow Knolls 14, there are plenty of movies and available showtimes for seniors to enjoy. You might even make it a double-feature!

Treat yourself to a light snack, being mindful of sodium intake, especially in popcorn. Instead, opt for it plain without salt and butter.

Be sure to drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. A few snacks can easily dehydrate you, so stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day.

Enjoy a Trip to the Bowling Alley

Another great way to spend Labor Day is at Landmark Lanes, a local favorite. This bowling alley adds a perfect touch to seasonal activities for older adults, offering a cool, relaxed atmosphere on a hectic day like Labor Day. Seniors can sit and relax when they need a break, watching others bowl.

You can pair bowling with a movie, making it a perfect afternoon with plenty of senior recreation ideas!

Peoria Riverfront Museum

The Peoria Riverfront Museum has an abundance of incredible exhibits to keep seniors engaged, not just on Labor Day, but any time they want to learn something new.

Here are some exhibitions to check out:

Preston Jackson's Bronzeville to Harlem: An American Story
The Center for American Decoys
Golden Voice Studio Wall of Albums
Peoria Holocaust Memorial
Richard Pryor Photographs
Sculpture Garden
World's Largest Dinosaurs
Duryea: America's First Car Company
Solitude: The Necessity of Art
Strangers/Kin: The Lens of Alfred Conteh

Museums pave the way for intergenerational activities and events. Seniors can teach younger generations something new, exploring a piece of history together.

Visit Some Local Restaurants

This is ideal for anyone looking for a low-key Labor Day with great food and even better company. Invite friends and family to lunch or dinner, and spend quality time chatting and reconnecting.

Some wonderful eateries include:

The Neon Bison
Thyme Kitchen and Craft Beer
Saffron Social
Connected
The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern

After lunch (or dinner), grab ice cream at a local shop. It's a perfect way to cool down. Just be sure there is plenty of seating for seniors.

Check out any of these ice cream shops:

Ice Cream Shack
Theo's Ice Cream
Yeni's Palarte Mexican Ice Cream
Emo's Dairy Mart
The Daily Scoop

If seniors are tired and want to go home, consider taking the ice cream to go. Summer safety is about knowing limitations and not pushing yourself.

Have a Picnic in the Park

Are you looking for a traditional Labor Day? Host a picnic in the park and invite all your loved ones. Be mindful of summer safety for seniors and pack a few essentials for added comfort.

This includes:

Blankets and chairs
Umbrellas
Sunscreen
Bugspray
Plenty of water
Snacks
Hats
Sunglasses

You'll also want to wear lightweight, breathable clothing made from materials such as cotton. This keeps you cooler when compared to synthetic fabrics that trap heat.

Here are some ideal parks to visit:

Glen Oak Park
Detweiller Park
Laura Bradley Park
Forest Park Nature Center
Fon Du Lac Farm Park

Before your picnic, you might want to get in a little exercise. Walk around some local park trails and birdwatch or practice your nature photography until the festivities begin!

Invite Friends and Family for a Barbecue

When you host a backyard barbecue, it tends to be more intimate than something in a public park. You also have the comfort and convenience of your home, including easy access to a bathroomand indoor space to rest and relax in the cool air if it's hot out.

When planning a backyard barbecue, safety is key. If you tire easily or have mobility issues, consider asking someone else to tend the grill. This helps prevent accidents such as burns.

Next, pay careful attention to food. Food-borne illness is common at barbecues because:

Items sit out in the sun
There is cross-contamination, especially with meat
The meat is undercooked

To prevent foodborne illness, you may want to avoid certain foods, such as those containing mayonnaise. This eliminates many side salads, but it's better to err on the side of caution.

At barbecues or any type of outdoor activity, seniors may become dehydrated. This is when you need to have plenty of water available for everyone to drink. Keep coolers stocked with water and ice for optimal hydration.

Take frequent sips of water all day, even if you're not thirsty. Dehydration can sneak up on you.

Just because you're hosting a party doesn't mean you should ignore your body. If you're tired, relax. Additionally, provide plenty of shady spots for guests to escape the sun.