The Peoria PlayHouse, Peoria Travel Guide

4.6 (635)

Sparking curiosity and creativity in children through hands-on exhibits and play-based learning in Peoria's Glen Oak Park. A destination for families!

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The Peoria PlayHouse

The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum, located in Glen Oak Park, offers a vibrant and interactive space for children to explore, create, and learn through play. With hands-on exhibits and diverse programs, it's a destination designed to spark curiosity and imagination in kids aged 0-8.

A brief summary to The Peoria PlayHouse

2218 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, Illinois, 61603, US
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Tuesday 9 am-12 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Friday 9 am-4 pm
Saturday 9 am-4 pm
Sunday 12 pm-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Peoria PlayHouse.

Check the PlayHouse website for details on daily programs and events, as they offer a wide variety of activities for different age groups.
Consider becoming a member if you plan to visit frequently, as it pays for itself in just a few visits and offers additional benefits.
Take advantage of the Explorer Program if you qualify for low-income assistance, as it provides discounted admission and membership options.
If you have accessibility needs, the PlayHouse offers accessible parking, entry ramps, family restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible exhibits.
Note that strollers are not allowed inside the museum, but a safe stroller parking area is available on the front porch.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Explore The Peoria PlayHouse on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Peoria PlayHouse, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum is located within Glen Oak Park at 2218 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL. From I-74, take Exit 92A (Knoxville I-40) and head north. Turn right on McClure Avenue and follow it into Glen Oak Park, then stay right on the ring road. The Abington Street entrance is closed in winter; use McClure and Prospect year-round. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the PlayHouse, with additional free parking near the Tri-Centennial Playground. Parking is limited, especially during peak hours. Expect to pay around $1-2 per hour at nearby garages if the PlayHouse lot is full. Metered street parking is also available, enforced Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm.
Public Transport

The PlayHouse can be accessed by the #12 (Peoria Heights) CityLink bus. Check the CityLink website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. A single ride fare is $1.00, or you can purchase a day pass for $3.00 for unlimited rides. Show your bus pass or ticket at the PlayHouse admission desk during the month of June for free general entry.
Walking

If you are already in Glen Oak Park, follow the park's ring road to the Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum. The PlayHouse is located near the Peoria Zoo and Luthy Botanical Garden. From the zoo, follow the paved path west towards the Glen Oak Park Pavilion, where the PlayHouse is located. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No additional costs are involved.

Discover more about The Peoria PlayHouse

The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum is more than just a museum; it's a dynamic learning environment where children can engage in open-ended play and discovery. Opened in June 2015, the PlayHouse is the result of a collaboration between the Junior League of Peoria, the Peoria Zoological Society, and the Peoria Park District, with the mission to provide young individuals with the tools and inspiration they need to become explorers and creators of the world.The museum features six permanent exhibit areas, each designed to stimulate imagination and creativity. Exhibits like the 'Family Farm' and 'By Your River, Gently Flowing, Illinois' draw on Peoria and Central Illinois, celebrating the region's past, present and future. Children can splash in a water table, mold kinetic sand, send balls through wind tubes, and invent and build in the 'Real Tools' area. The museum also includes three toddler areas with toys, books, and soft spaces for crawling, ensuring that even the youngest visitors have a stimulating and safe environment.The Peoria PlayHouse is committed to welcoming all children, regardless of background or ability. They offer various accessibility initiatives, including the Explorer Program, which provides low-cost options for families with WIC and LINK cards. The museum also provides sensory kits, noise-canceling headphones, and social stories to support children with sensory sensitivities.Regular visits to the PlayHouse foster curiosity and a love of learning, engaging children in play that stimulates healthy brain and body development. With its hands-on exhibits, commitment to accessibility, and focus on celebrating the local community, the Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum is a must-visit destination for families in Central Illinois and beyond.