The Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum sparks curiosity and creativity in all children. As a unique resource for the greater Peoria area, we foster next-generation problem solvers who will fundamentally change our community and our world.
Real Tools
The Real Tools Space is a workshop for open-ended creation. This space is designed for creators and explorers!
Tinker, draw, sculpt, or engineer something new. Upon entering Real Tools, you are invited to explore the bins and tables for materials and art supplies. You may find soft textiles, bendy wire, and a large variety of objects that promote reuse and sustainability in creative ways. In this space children have created everything from a life-sized flamingo to musical instruments to doll furniture.
At our practice station and workbenches, children have the opportunity to learn how to use wood and hand tools, with a PlayHouse staff member. Tools may include screwdrivers, drills, hammers, and sometimes even saws!
Grown-up supervision is required in the Real Tools space, and protective gear must be worn at all times.
We can’t wait to see what you make!
Real Tools Summer Hours: TUES: 9:00a-12:00p | WED – SAT: 10:00a-4:00p | SUN: 12:00-5:00p
Peoria PlayHouse Summer Maker Program (2025)
• Dates: Tuesday, June 3rd Through Sunday, July 27th.
• The Maker Map is filled with (25) Awesome Challenges – View/Download Maker Map PDF here
How It Works:
We hope this program encourages you to try out different types of tools and inspires you to make fun projects all summer long!
Throughout the summer, complete projects in Real Tools (or bring your projects/pictures of projects from home) to get an official stamp on your Maker Map.
• No more than Five (5) squares can be completed during a single visit to the Playhouse.
• Real Tools staff reserve the right to further limit the number of squares a child can complete during a single visit.
• Please keep in mind that while we love littles collaborating with their adults, most of the work should be done by the little, with minimal assistance, in order to count.
Maker Challenge Prizes:
• Receive a small prize for every Five (5) stamps collected!
• GRAND PRIZE DRAWING: Complete Twenty (20) or more spaces to be entered into drawing.
o 1st Name Drawn: Receives a FREE Crafternoon for a family of Four (4)
o 2nd Name Drawn: Receives a $20 PlayHouse Gift Shop Coupon!
o 3rd Name Drawn: Receives a FREE PlayHouse T-Shirt!
Happy Making!
If you have additional questions about the program, contact:
Rebecca Mueller, Real Tools Lead Or Kylan Butler, Education Manager
We absolutely loved the sculpture lab! Amelia was completely engaged the entire time. I was too! There was a pretty wide variety of ages; it was amazing to me that the teacher picked activities that each kid could do at their own level. Amelia wants to go to all of the Maker Workshops now! –Johanna C.
Maker Programs
Through PlayHouse Maker Programs, kids and families have the opportunity to experiment with different types of making and think creatively in PlayHouse Maker Workshops.
PlayHouse Maker Programs are:
- Open-ended and process-based. We do not tell children what to make; figuring out what to make is part of the learning process. We are teaching children to identify problems as well as solve them.
- Tool-based. We teach children how to use tools safely, and how to select the best tool for the job. This helps children learn that there are a wide range of tools available, and how to use tools to their full advantage.
- Rooted in Exploration. Making is a way to identify and address changes children want to see in a designed world. This type of making prepares children to become transformers in their community as adults.
These workshops occur monthly, and advance registration is required!
