When the weather in Greater Peoria turns rainy, cold, or uncomfortably hot and humid, finding engaging indoor activities for the whole family becomes essential. Fortunately there is a plethora of indoor play areas and activities perfect for keeping everyone entertained and active, no matter the forecast. From interactive museums and trampoline parks to cozy libraries and creative workshops, Greater Peoria has something for kids and adults alike. Dive into our comprehensive guide to discover the best indoor spots and find your family fun in Peoria!
*Please remember to call locations to confirm any information as things are frequently changing because of staffing, weather, or illness.
ATHLETIC AND ACTIVE PLAY |
 Image Credit: Jump Start Plus |
Address: 8820 N Industrial Rd, Peoria, IL
Phone: (309) 692-5867
Dates & Hours: Varies on event
Admission price: Varies - $5 and up
What to expect: Check the event calendar for special events like open gyms, nerf ninja nights, and more!
 Image Credit: Lakeview Recreation Center Facebook Page |
Address: 1013 W Lake St Peoria, IL
Phone: (309) 681-2867
Dates & Hours: Wednesdays + Friday 10 AM - Noon
Admission price: $4 per child OR grab a 10-visit pass for only $30 - Parents FREE
What to expect: Bring your little ones (ages 0-5) to Lakeview Recreation Center for a fun-filled day of active play! Beginning today, the entire gym is set up just for them—mats, scooters, balls, and tons of open space to run and explore.
 |
Play Days at Morton Park District
Address: Morton Recreation Center, 324 Detroit Ave. Morton, IL
Phone: (309)263-7429
Dates & Hours:
- Preschool Playtime - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10 AM - 11:45 AM
- Homeschool Family Playtime - Nov. 11, Dec. 9, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10 - 1 PM - 2:45 PM
Admission price: Preschool Playtime $1 per person ages 0-5 | Homeschool Time $1 per person
What to expect: Come socialize and enjoy an indoor playground, play with balls, hula hoops, and more. *Playtime not scheduled on Holidays or snow days.
 Image Credit: Elevate Peoria Facebook Page |
Address: 8800 North Allen Road Peoria, IL + 105 N Main St, East Peoria, IL 61611
Phone: (309) 966-0231
Dates & Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9 AM to 8 PM | Friday: 9 AM to 10 PM | Saturday: 9 AM to 10 PM | Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM
Cost:
Link to prices
What to expect: "Our 35,100-square-foot Peoria indoor activity center provides exciting and safe forms of entertainment and exercise for jumpers of all ages."
 Image Credit: First Ascent Website |
First Ascent Climbing and Fitness
Address: 927 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL
Phone: 309-966-0831
Dates & Hours: Mon-Fri: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (Hours vary on holidays)
Cost: Prices vary
What to expect: Come climb a world-class rock climbing terrain, with walls up to 50 feet tall. For all experience levels!
*New Toddler Area*
Toddler Climbing Area, a dedicated space for little ones (up to 4 years old) to explore movement and climbing!
Rules:
- Supervision: Active adult supervision is required at all times; this is not a daycare or drop-off area.
- Age Limit: Only children up to 4 years old may use this area. Older kids are encouraged to climb in the main areas.
- Shoes: No shoes allowed, except for indoor rock climbing shoes. If none fit, clean, indoor-only shoes are acceptable.
Pricing & Hours:
$8/child for an all Day Pass for children 4 and younger
OR free for a child when an adult or other older child purchases a Day Pass to use the facility
 Image Credit: Peoria Park District |
Address: 1019 West Lake Avenue, Peoria, IL
Phone: 309-686-3368
Dates & Hours: Check their Facebook for Public Skate hours
Cost: $5 and $3 skate rental
What to expect: Come skate the NHL-sized skating rinks no matter the weather!
 Image Credit: Morton Roller Rink Website |
Address: 216 S First Ave, Morton, IL
Phone: (309) 266-5261
Dates & Hours: Friday 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Saturday 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Sunday 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $5 plus $4 skate rental (offer group pricing)
What to expect: Family-friendly roller skating!
 Image Credit: Peoria Elite Gymnastics Website |
Peoria Elite Gymnastics - Open Gym
Address: 2240 W. Altorfer Drive, Peoria, IL
Phone: 309-713-1641
Dates & Hours: Sunday 4:30 PM - 6 PM |
Cost: $10 non-members | $5 members | 5 and under $5 - cash and check only
What to expect: "Explore all of the gymnastics equipment and try new skills in a safe and supervised environment! This is a time where kids can enjoy non-structured time in the gym."
 Image Credit: Midwest Children's Therapy Facebook |
Midwest Children's Therapy - Open Gym
Address: 110 Carver Lane, East Peoria, IL
Phone: (309) 282-6704
Dates & Hours: Toddler (ages 0-3) Open Gym- Mondays 9:30 AM - 11 AM | Sensory Open Gym(all ages)- Fridays 9:30 AM - 11 AM
Cost: $5/child
What to expect: Escape the weather and come explore on all the fun and sensory-satisfying equipment!
FUN AND GAMES |
 Image Credit: Canva |
Bowling:
 Image Credit: Canva |
Go to the Movies:
 Image Credit: Groupon |
Address: 2601 W. Lake Ave, Peoria, IL
Phone: (309) 688-2873
Dates & Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11 AM - 8 PM | Friday and Saturday 11 AM - 9 PM
Cost: Varies
What to expect: Fun for the whole family! Pizza, arcade games and more!
 Image Credit: Escapetown Peoria Facebook Page |
Address: 4812 B N Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL
Phone: (309)-229-9892
Dates & Hours: Open everyday starting at noon
Cost: For 2-person groups $80 total ($40/person) | For 3+ person groups $34/adult, $32/student, and $32/military
What to expect: Bring the family out and attempt to solve the puzzles to advance through and eventually escape from the room, all within a 60 minute time limit.
MUSEUMS |
 Image Credit: Peoria Park District |  Image Credit: Peoria Park District |
Address: Glen Oak Park 2218 North Prospect Road, Peoria, IL
Phone: (309) 323- 6900
Dates & Hours: Mon: Closed | Tues: (Members Only) 9am - noon | Wed-Sat: 9am - 4pm | Sun: noon - 5pm
Cost: Ages 1-64: $10.50 | 65+: $9.50 | Active Military: $9.50 | Under 1: Free | Active WIC/Link: $3
What to expect: Fun Children's Museum featuring interactive exhibits & play areas relating to art, science & music. They also offer a lot of drop in events throughout the week. You can find the on our calendar.
 Image Credit: Expedia |
Address: 222 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL
Phone: (309) 686-7000
Dates & Hours: Sunday 12 PM - 5 PM | Monday Closed | Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM
Cost: General admission- 3 - 17 $11 | Students w/ ID $13 | Adults $15 | Seniors $13
What to expect: Museum of art, science, history, and achievement. Visit the exhibits, planetarium, watch a movie on the giant screen and more!
 Image Credit: Peoria Magazine |
Wheels O' Time Museum - CLOSED FOR THE SEASON
Address: 1710 W Woodside Drive, Dunlap, IL
Phone: 309-243-9020
Dates & Hours: May - October | Wednesday - Sunday Noon to 5:00 PM
Cost: Adults – $12 | Seniors (65+) – $10 | Children 4 years old through 8th grade – $5 (group pricing available)
What to expect: Visit a multitude of exhibits, many interactive, showing life in the twentieth century.
 Image Credit: Caterpillar INC |
Address: 110 S.W. Washington Street, Peoria, IL
Phone: (309) 675-0606
Dates & Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM (last ticket / entry at 3:30 PM)
Admission price: General admission: $7 | Seniors (55+): $6 | Veterans and active military: $6 | Children (12 and under): Free
What to expect: Come check out Caterpillar diggers & tractors, plus trucks from vintage to modern & interactive exhibits.
CREATIVE ACTIVITIES |
 Image Credit: Fired Up Facebook Page |
Address: 4532 N Prospect Road, Peoria Heights, IL
Phone: 309-685-8906
Dates & Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday Noon–6pm | Thursday & Friday Noon–8pm | Saturday 10am–8pm | Sunday Noon–5pm
Cost: Studio fee $8/adult and $5/children under 18 and college students | Pottery pieces range $8-over $40
What to expect: Pick a pottery piece to paint. They will be glazed and fired and ready for pick-up about a week after painting.
 Image Credit: Generations Candle Co. Facebook Page |
Address: 4600 N. Prospect Road, Suite 2, Peoria Heights, IL
Phone: 309-966-1791
Dates & Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 11 AM–5 PM | Thursday - Saturday 11 AM–8 PM | Sunday and Monday Closed
Cost: $17-$65
What to expect: Pour your own candle. Pick from over 90 scents
 Image Credit: Peoria Art Guild |
Address: 203 Harrison St, Peoria, IL and at The Shoppes of Grand Prairie
Phone: (309) 637-2787
Dates & Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 am - 4:30 pm | Saturday: 9 am- 2 pm | Sunday CLOSED
Admission price: Varies by event
What to expect: Check their calendar of events for drop-in classes or sign-up for ongoing classes!
 Image Credit: Purple Bubble Bar Facebook Page |
Address: 1302 W Pioneer Parkway
Phone: (309) 444-2324
Dates & Hours: Mon-Sat noon - 5pm (or by appointment)
Cost: Prices vary
What to expect: Create your own fragrances, candles, bath bombs, face masks, and more!
 Image Credit: Wheel Art Pottery Studio Facebook Page |
Address: 1101 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL
Phone: (309) 306-1741
Dates & Hours: Varies by event
Cost: Varies by event
What to expect: Classes for all and special events throughout the year. See events calendar
INDOOR SWIMMING |
 Image Credit: Enjoy Illinois |
RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center
Address: 600 Northeast Water Street, Peoria, IL
Phone: 309-282-1700
Dates & Hours: See swim schedule HERE
Cost: Varies
What to expect: At the AquaPlex you'll enjoy a lap pool, water slide, family-friendly splash area, lazy river, warm water therapy pool, activity well, and whirlpool and lots of family fun!
- Ages 0-5
- Monday-Thursday, 9-11 am
- Pricing: $5/child (adults free with child) FREE for Members; no registration needed
STORY TIMES, LIBRARIES, + FREE PLAY AREAS |
 Image Credit: Canva |
Great Peoria Area Libraries: Our local libraries have children's areas and offer free drop-in classes and fun!
- Peoria Public Library (5 locations)
- Peoria Heights Public Library
- Fondulac District Library
- Alpha Park Public Library
- Morton Library
- Washington District Library (2 locations)
- Pekin Public Library
- Dunlap Public Library
- Chillicothe Public Library
 Image Credit: Communication Junction Website |
Communication Junction - Saturday Sign + Sing
Address: 7320 N University St, Peoria, IL
Phone: (309) 453-3538
Dates & Hours: First Saturday of the month - 9 AM
Cost: $5 per family (Cash), $7 per family (Venmo)
What to expect: Signs, Songs, Movement, & Bubbles
 |
Address: Connect Center, 1750 Washington Rd, Washington, IL
Phone: (309) 863-5458
Dates & Hours: Monday Mornings 9:30 AM - 11 AM
Cost: FREE
What to expect: Let the kids play on the indoor playground while you enjoy hot coffee and connecting with other moms!
 Image Credit: The Shoppes at Grand Prairie Facebook Page |
Address: The Shoppes at Grand Prairie - 5025 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria, IL
Phone: (309) 692-3672
Dates & Hours: Open and FREE to the public Mon-Sat 9 AM - 6PM
Cost: FREE
What to expect: Woodland themed soft-play play area. Restrooms and nursing room. Has tables for food and drink. Vending machines.
 Image Credit: Chick Fil A Peoria |
Address: 4518 N Sterling Ave, Peoria, IL
Phone: (309) 682-6246
Dates & Hours: During Restaurant hours
Cost: FREE
What to expect: Slides, climbing, and other fun interactive play
Know of any other indoor play areas or activities that should be in the guide? Email Julia at juliabriggs@macaronikid.com
🧗🎳🎞️
Looking for more family fun? Get a FREE kid-friendly calendar full of festivals, activities, and events in the Peoria area delivered right to your inbox when you subscribe for free!
