Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum | Peoria

Overview

The Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum is a vibrant, interactive museum dedicated to hands-on learning and creative play for children and families. Located in Glen Oak Park in Peoria, Illinois, the museum provides an engaging environment where kids can explore science, art, engineering, and nature through a variety of exhibits and activities designed to stimulate imagination and curiosity.

Opened in June 2015, the museum has rapidly become a favorite destination for families in the Peoria area and attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually.

Location and Facilities

Address: 2218 North Prospect Road, Peoria, IL 61603

Situated within Glen Oak Park, the museum benefits from a scenic park setting, nearby playgrounds, and ample parking.

Accessible parking, including handicapped spots, is available close to the museum entrance.

The site is also reachable by public transportation (CityLink bus route #12).

Museum Layout and Exhibits

The museum spreads across three floors, with each level featuring unique, interactive exhibits and play spaces that encourage learning through discovery and fun.

Key exhibits include:

Real Tools: A workshop area where children can build and create with safe, kid-friendly tools, promoting STEM skills and hands-on craftsmanship.

Light Wall: An interactive wall that lets children experiment with prisms, mirrors, colors, and shadows to learn about light and optics.

Motion Commotion: A kinetic exhibit using tubes and rails where kids send balls flying to explore air pressure, gravity, and motion.

Water Table: A child-sized water play area with features like flowing rivers, rain clouds, and water wheels, fostering sensory and scientific exploration.

Tot Town: A miniature, interactive village where younger children engage in role-playing everyday scenarios like grocery shopping, doctor visits, or running a post office.

Family Farm: An exhibit replicating farm life, allowing children to learn about agriculture by milking a cow, collecting eggs, or running a farmer’s market.

Fossil Dig: A paleontology-themed dig site where kids can excavate replica fossils, encouraging interest in natural history and archaeology.

PlayHouse Theater: A small stage area where kids can perform, tell stories, and engage in dramatic play, fostering creativity and confidence.

Kinetic Sand: A sensory zone with moldable sand, encouraging tactile play and artistic expression.

Train Station: An imaginative play area centered around trains, designed to spark curiosity and storytelling.

Programs and Events

The museum hosts a wide range of educational programs and special events throughout the year to complement the exhibits:

Drop-in Activities: Regular hands-on workshops and themed activity days suitable for all ages.

Birthday Parties: Private party packages with access to museum exhibits and special party rooms, including themed activities tailored for kids.

Field Trips: Customized educational visits for school groups, incorporating guided tours and hands-on learning experiences aligned with curriculum standards.

Scout Programs: Badge-earning opportunities and activities designed specifically for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

Special Events: Seasonal celebrations, career expos (e.g., “Be Anything!” career exploration), and wildlife presentations that bring live animals and expert speakers to the museum.

Access Programs: Discounted admission for families with WIC or LINK benefits, and sensory-friendly kits and times for children with special needs, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors.

Admission and Membership

Admission Fees:

Adults and children (ages 1–64): $10.50

Seniors (65+), active military, and first responders: $9.50

Children under 1: Free

Families with WIC or LINK cards: $4.00

Members: Free with unlimited yearly access

Membership Options:

Family memberships start at $110 per year, covering two adults and all children in the household with benefits including unlimited entry, exclusive member hours, discounts on programs and events, and special member-only activities.

Grandparent memberships and discounted memberships are also available to meet diverse family needs.

Visitor Experience

The museum is designed to be fully hands-on, encouraging children to touch, build, explore, and experiment.

Friendly staff and volunteers support learning and play, guiding children and families through activities when needed.

The environment fosters social interaction, problem-solving, and creativity, making it ideal for family outings, educational visits, or birthday celebrations.

The location within Glen Oak Park allows visitors to combine their museum visit with outdoor activities such as playground time or picnicking.

Summary

Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum stands out as a premier destination for early childhood education and family fun in the Peoria area. Its combination of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and inclusive community initiatives makes it a valuable resource for nurturing children's development through play and discovery.