As the sun lingers long in the evening sky and the breeze blows southwestern warmth through Central Illinois, the call to activate yourself should be undeniable.

When the months of hibernation are over and animals go in search of food, their young also set out to explore their surroundings, taking in all their world has to offer. Although humans don’t hibernate in the winter (mileage may vary for some), during the warmer months we can all follow in the pawprints of our more dormant animal friends. 

East Peoria is fortunate to have miles of waterfront property stretching along the Illinois River. The eight-acre Riverfront Park is an inviting place to spend hours walking, letting the kids release their wiggles, or just sit and watch the waterborne traffic. 

More views can be grabbed at the Fondulac Drive Lookout Point or along the River Trail of Illinois, a five-mile paved path that winds between East Peoria and Morton.

An evening of community theater can be had at the Eastlight Theatre at 1400 East Washington Street. In a celebration of Bastille Day, the theatre will be performing “Les Misérables” from July 31st through August 8th. From September 4th through the 12th, they will perform the comedy “Hands on a Hard Body.” For tickets and showtimes, visit them at www.eastlighttheatre.com. 

For a unique hands-on farming experience, the Fon du lac Farm Park sits within Neumann Park at 305 Neumann Drive, offering children and adults alike a chance to interact with and feed live farm animals, enjoy the playground features, explore the country kitchen museum, or sample the concession stand. This and more to do can be found at www.fondulacpark.com. 

Living in the Midwest means dining al fresco is not always an option. But when the summer rolls around, eating outdoors is as much a part of the season as sunning, swimming, and swatting at mosquitoes.

For a tin cup and an ice cream cone, ROC Ice Cream and Mini-Golf is exactly what it says: a place to putt 18 holes, and stuff your own (mouth)hole with some delicious Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream.

The riverfront is home to a number of restaurants. Traveling from north to south along Main Street, Jonah’s Seafood House, Storm Shelter at Eastport, and Kuchie’s on the Water all offer views of the river and even seating just feet from the water’s edge.

Of course, summer is also prime barbecue season. Whether enjoying your own backyard or holding a bigger gathering in a park, there’s nothing quite like clicking your tongs, heating the coals, and putting on your most humorous, pun-laden apron for an afternoon or evening of delicious, mouth-watering barbecue. Don’t let the summer pass before firing up the grill at least once.

Yes, there are many days every summer, especially in Central Illinois, when the weather just won’t cooperate. Perhaps it feels hotter than the surface of the sun or the air is so humid it feels more akin to an equatorial jungle than the prairie of the Midwest. Nevertheless, a summer without activity is a summer truly wasted.

Even on those unbearable days, there are air-conditioned gyms like the Super Nutrition Fitness Center at 2707 North Main Street, the Illinois Central College Cougarplex Fitness Center at 1 College Drive, or the EastSide Centre at 1 Eastside Drive.

For some, retreating from the heat can feel like a betrayal of the season. Embracing the warmth but staying cool is why swimming pools are a thing. After all, a summer without fun in the water hardly feels like summer at all. A yard sprinkler or even a small wading pool can make all the difference when it comes to summer comfort. There are also a number of boat launches all along the Illinois River, should boating, fishing, or kayaking be more to your liking.

However, if something a bit grander than a sprinkler and a little less fishy than the river is more in order, East Peoria is close to options for swimming. The RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center is located just across the river at 600 Northeast Water Street. Peoria also has the Gwynn Family Aquatic Center at 809 West John H. Gwynn Jr. Avenue. The Morton Public Swimming Pool at 451 East Idlewood Street also features water slides, a kids’ pool area, and concession stands.

Should swinging a club – well, putter – be more your speed for the summer, the Putt Club offers two courses: one indoor, one outdoor. They also offer duckpin bowling, Krazy Darts, an arcade, and more. Located near the river at 1001 Bass Pro Drive, you can see what else they have to offer or book an outing at www.theputtclub.com. 

Of course, with increased sun and heat comes an increased risk of heat stroke, sunburn, and other weather-related health issues. When heading outdoors, most people check the forecast for rain or the thermometer for the temperature, but you should check the UV index, humidity level, and the pollen counts as well.

A high ultraviolet index will indicate an increased need for sunscreen (minimum SPF-30 rating). High pollen counts might negatively affect someone with asthma or other respiratory issues or exacerbate allergies. A high humidity level will make it feel a lot hotter than what the thermometer says and will make it harder for your body’s air conditioner – the sweat glands and skin – to work efficiently.

Above all, always stay hydrated, stay safe, and stay respectful of your fellow East Peorians who are sharing the summer and your great city with you. So, activate yourself this summer. Explore, experience, and enjoy!