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Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum

Phone: (309) 323-6900

2218 North Prospect Road, Peoria, IL

The Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum provides children with the tools and inspiration they need to be explorers and creators of the world. We do this in part through understanding, supporting, and promoting play in the fullest sense of the word, one that includes imagination and creativity.

Whenever you choose to visit, the PlayHouse features six permanent exhibits and a wide variety of programs for children of all ages. The exhibits draw on Peoria and Central Illinois, celebrating the past, present, and future of our community.

Amenities

Rentals
Birthday Parties
Field Trips
Special Events
Memberships
Shopping

The Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum aims to help all children fulfill their natural needs for play, exploration, inspiration, and meaningful learning experiences. Please note, children visiting the PlayHouse must be accompanied by an adult (16 or older).

MUSEUM HOURS

2024 PlayHouse hours:

Mondays: Closed
Tuesdays: 9 am – 12 pm (members only)
Wednesday-Saturdays: 9 am – 4 pm
Sundays: 12 pm – 5 pm

Real Tools hours:

Friday: 12 pm – 4 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm

Closed On: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day

ADMISSION FEES

PlayHouse Members: Free
Children under 1: Free
Ages 1-64: $10
Active Military: $9
First Responders: $9
Seniors (65+): $9
Families with WIC or LINK cards: $3

Admission is good for a full day of play! Just keep your receipt for same-day re-entry.

Special Admission Programs Museum & Visitor Policies

FOSSILS ROCK

Become a paleontologist, paleoartist, or collections manager through digging, sorting, and drawing activities. Explore the three prehistoric eras and create your own prehistoric scenes. View and touch fossils from millions of years ago! Learn more about Fossils Rock here.

PEORIA, THEN AND NOW

Kids explore the past by exploring a town replete with the “hubcap house,” riding a train, and performing on vaudeville — then jumping to the present as scientists in our SciLab. “Will it play in Peoria?” – yes it will!

MOTION COMMOTION

Exploring momentum, gravity, speed, force, and distance is fun with balls that roll down ramps, travel through shoots, launch into nets and stand in air.

FAMILY FARM

By picking fruits and vegetables, gathering eggs, milking a cow, and more, kids gain an appreciation for our agricultural heritage.

BY YOUR RIVER GENTLY FLOWING, ILLINOIS

Children can pretend they are sailing along the Illinois River as they play with gently flowing water, imagine the lives of animals native to the state, and drive boats downstream.

ALL CONSTRUCTION GREAT AND SMALL

Kids don hard hats to manipulate a loader and dump truck and use real tools to build objects. A magical bridge triggers a musical surprise. Build things using real tools in the PlayHouse “Real Tools” maker space!

Regular visits to the PlayHouse foster curiosity and a love of learning, and engage children in play, which stimulates healthy brain and body development. A PlayHouse membership makes frequent visits possible: Membership pays for itself in just a few visits!

PlayHouse Membership

The PlayHouse is committed to giving every child the opportunity to be an explorer and creator of the world which is why we offer discounted memberships to ensure that the museum is accessible to all children and families, regardless of income. Learn more below.

Discounted Memberships

The PlayHouse features the following program types. Check our website for details, dates and times.

DROP IN PROGRAMS & EXPERIENCES
The Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum invites children to play and explore at the museum, and we also work with colleagues throughout the Park District to offer vibrant programming for children. Check our calendar on the PlayHouse website for more information on upcoming programs.

RENTALS & BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Enjoy our bright party rooms, fun and interactive workshops, and three floors of fun for you and your guests to explore!

FIELD TRIPS & SCOUT PROGRAMS
Schools and scout troops are invited to book specially designed programs at group rates.

ACCESS OFFERINGS
The PlayHouse is committed to welcoming all children and families. Our Explorer Program offers low-cost options for families with WIC and LINK. The PlayHouse also offers Sensory Kits that families can use during their visit to help meet every child’s needs.

Visit the PlayHouse Website Current Programs