Accessibility
The PlayHouse is committed to giving every child the opportunity to be an explorer and creator of the world. We strive to make each visitor’s trip to the PlayHouse special and enjoyable.
Values
When we talk about diversity at the PlayHouse, we are talking about diversity of all kinds -- race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum values:
- Internal diversity: internal characteristics that a person is born into or identifies with; this includes race, ethnicity, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, and mental ability.
- External diversity: characteristics that are related to a person but aren’t characteristics that a person was born with; this includes personal interests, education, appearance, citizenship, religious belief, location, class/socioeconomic status, and life experiences.
- Worldview Diversity: factors that define how a person conceptualizes the world around them; this includes political beliefs, moral compass, and outlook on life.
The PlayHouse values the diversity described above because we believe that what makes us unique as individuals should be celebrated and embraced. The PlayHouse values the sharing of experiences and diverse perspectives because it provides opportunities for personal growth, fosters empathy, and promotes the public good. The PlayHouse is a place where children and adults can come to experience the richness of diversity through play and creativity.
Physical Accessibility
The PlayHouse is an accessible building. While we do have a no-stroller rule, we welcome families to use any mobility aids needed for accessibility purposes, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers required for this purpose.
Our building features:
- Handicapped parking. These parking spots are located on the east side of the PlayHouse. To access these spots, take the outer ring road. If these spots are not available, and visitors with accessibility issues park in the PlayHouse parking lot, please let staff know and they can open an alternate door for easy access.
- Entry ramp.
- Family restroom. Our family restroom is located on the main level in the Family Farm Area. Our lower-level bathrooms also include handicapped-accessible stalls.
- Wheelchair-accessible exhibits.
Cognitive and Sensory Accessibility
To accommodate our visitors with accessibility needs, we have a variety of resources to help a family prepare for a PlayHouse visit, as well as items on hand to make the visit easier.
Prepare for your visit by:
- Download a PDF of our PlayHouse Social Story
- Viewing our virtual tour
The following are now available at the PlayHouse admissions desk:
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Social Story (also available here as a PDF - PlayHouse Social Story)
- Schedule cards to plan the order of your visit
- Sensory toys
- Sunglasses
- Transition Guide card
If your child needs a quiet space, we recommend the following:
- If available, the Art Room can be used as a quiet, darker space as it had curtains that can be drawn.
- A small nook is also available on the third floor Reading Hayloft that can provide a smaller, quiet space for when a cozy break is needed.
Income Accessibility
Income should never be a barrier to play. The PlayHouse offers reduced-price admission and memberships for low-income families. Learn more here.
Interested in registering a child with special needs for a PlayHouse program? We will always do our best to accommodate children of all abilities and needs, with the help of our partner Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA). Simply let us know of any concerns or accommodations needed at registration.
If you have feedback or suggestions for how the PlayHouse may meet accessibility needs in other ways, please feel free to contact us at playhouse@peoriaparks.org.
