Exhibits
Permanent Exhibits
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.
Wondering what there is for a 2-year-old or a 10-year old to enjoy? See our list of suggestions by age!
FOSSILS ROCK
Become a paleontologist, paleoartist, or a 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 jump 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 on 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!
Signing through our Museum
We know that language happens everywhere, even when you’re playing in our museum! The PlayHouse is a great place to practice communication skills. That is why the PlayHouse and Communication Junction teamed up to show you FIVE signs to try out on your next trip!
Use these signs at the Peoria PlayHouse, during playtime, or around your town and throughout your day!
FOSSILS ROCK
Kids love playing in the sand! Use the sign for "dinosaur" at the fossil rocks exhibit or other times you play with or see dinos.
PEORIA, THEN AND NOW
Little ones love things that go! Use the sign for "train" or "choo choo" when playing with trains or if you see a train outside.
MOTION COMMOTION
Use this sign when talking about or playing with balls. Add color signs and prepositions to expand vocabulary.
FAMILY FARM
Use the sign for cow every time you see a cow. Also sign "cow" when making the sound, "moo".
"Cows on the farm go moo, moo, moo..."
BY YOUR RIVER GENTLY FLOWING, ILLINOIS
Water is a great sensory activity for all ages. Use this sign when playing with water, drinking water, or during bath time.
Learn more about Communication Junction.