A Peoria Park District Facility

Hours and Admission

The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum aims to help all children fulfill their natural needs for play, exploration, inspiration, and meaningful learning experiences.

Please note, children visiting the PlayHouse must be accompanied by an adult (16 or older).

Learn more about the PlayHouse hours and admissions below!

Museum Hours

The PlayHouse's current hours are:

  • Mondays: Closed
  • Tuesdays: 9 am - 12 pm (members only)
  • Wednesday-Saturdays: 9 am - 4 pm
  • Sundays: 12 pm - 5 pm

Real Tools hours:

  • Friday: 12 pm - 4 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm
  • Sunday: 12 pm - 5 pm

Closed On: Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day 

Playhouse

Admission Prices

  • PlayHouse Members: Free
  • Children under 1: Free
  • Ages 1-64: $10.50
  • Active Military: $9.50
  • First Responders: $9.50
  • Seniors (65+): $9.50
  • Families with WIC or LINK cards: $3

Admission is good for a full day of play! Just keep your receipt for same-day re-entry.

Special Admission Programs

The PlayHouse is committed to serving ALL families, regardless of income, background, or ability. A variety of admission programs are available to meet the needs of all of our visitors:

  • Families who qualify as low-income receive discounted museum access through our Explorer Program.
  • Members of other children's museums may receive half-off admission through the reciprocal program of the Association of Children's Museums.
  • Members of a science center or museum approximately 90 miles away are eligible for free general admission.
  • We offer combo tickets with the zoo. Purchase them here.
  • PlayHouse memberships start at $100 for a full year.
  • Our Blue Star Museums initiative runs from late May until Labor Day. Through this program, free admission is available for those currently serving in the United States Military–including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard (including Reservists), National Guardsman (regardless of status), U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members!

Museum Policies

  • Strollers
    • Strollers are unfortunately not allowed in our museum. Visitors are invited to leave strollers in our safe, stroller parking area located on our front porch. Baby Bjorns are free to borrow from the front desk while in the PlayHouse.
    • Wheelchairs and strollers needed for mobility limitations are welcome.
  • Please note, children visiting the PlayHouse must be accompanied by an adult (16 or older).
  • Those who wish to tour the museum, must show ID and be accompanied by a staff member.

More information on museum accessibility and related initiatives can be found here.

Directions and Parking

The PlayHouse is located at 2218 North Prospect Road in Peoria, IL, inside Glen Oak Park.

To get to the Museum from I-74, take Exit 92A (Knoxville I-40). Proceed NORTH on Knoxville. Turn right on McClure, and take McClure into Glen Oak Park. Once in the park, follow the ring road around to the right.

Please note, if you decide to enter the park via Abington Street, the road into Glen Oak Park is closed during the winter as a safety precaution. The entrance from McClure and Prospect is open year-round.

Space permitting, you may park on the right side of the ring road near the PlayHouse. Additional free parking is available in the lot near Prospect, off the ring road just before the Tri-Centennial Playground.

There are handicapped parking spots 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.

The PlayHouse can also be accessed by the #12 (Peoria Heights) City Link bus.