Indoor Things to Do With Kids in Greater Peoria

Looking for indoor things to do with kids in Peoria when the weather doesn’t cooperate? From hands-on museums to trampoline time, climbing walls, skating, and creative studios, Greater Peoria is packed with family-friendly options that make any day feel like an adventure. Use this guide to plan your next rainy-day outing, snow-day escape, or “we need to get out of the house” afternoon.

Aqua-Tots Swim School in Peoria — This is geat “productive fun” option with swim lessons focused on water safety and confidence-building in a warm indoor pool. Lessons are 30 minutes, with small-group instruction (often 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio).

Caterpillar Visitors Center in Peoria — This one-of-a-kind museum is a great way to spend a rainy day! With Caterpillar diggers, massive machinery, and vehicles from modern to vintage, this interactive and educational stop will have kids raving! The hands-on activities like the backhoe digital simulator and exploring in the cab of a real bulldozer is sure to engage kids (especially those who like big machinery) for hours.

Elevate Trampoline Park in Peoria + East Peoria — Trampoline parks are the ultimate indoor playground for kids, and luckily, Elevate has two local locations, Peoria and East Peoria. Kids can bounce, jump, and play laser tag all in a day’s work! Time allotments range from one to two hours, with the option of adding a laser tag game to your jump time. Elevate also offers exclusive memberships for homeschoolers and toddlers!

Escape 60 in Peoria — Escape rooms offer a thrilling adventure for your family and friends, sure to leave your kids ready for more! With themed escape rooms, travel to a wizarding world, investigate a CSI crime scene, and more! Escape 60 encourages relationship strengthening and communication skills, all while having a blast!

Excellent Museums in Greater Peoria  (Article) — The Greater Peoria area is packed with exciting museums, each offering a unique adventure for kids! Whether quirky, charming, or full of local history, these spots let you explore everything from the area's past to fun, hands-on experiences. Some museums are seasonal or open by appointment, so be sure to check their websites or call ahead for hours.

Fired Up in Peoria Heights or Peek-in Pottery in Pekin — These are two excellent options to coax out the inner artist in everyone. Both of these local spots are a paint-your-own-pottery studio with a wide array of paint colors and pottery options. Kids can create core memories with their friends and family, either with a birthday party or rainy day painting. Both shops have wonderful paint color and style guidance for kids of all ages and abilities.

First Ascent in Peoria — Rock climbing is a surefire way to get kids moving and grooving on a rainy day. First Ascent in Peoria’s Warehouse District has your kiddos covered! Their motto is “get your kids climbing our walls instead of yours,” and they offer plenty of opportunities to do so. Specifically, First Ascent has kid-friendly drop-in climbing sessions, climbing classes, and a climbing team. On First Ascent’s website, there is more information regarding their kid-only offerings. Happy Climbing!

Five Points Washington in Washington — This fitness center located in Washington offers a wide range of classes and activities for children and adults. There are youth fitness classes such as kids yoga, aquatic fit and fun, and kids on the move, all geared towards teaching children about the importance of exercise while having fun! Aside from classes, Five Points Washington has a kids' clubhouse available for daycare accommodations. Last but not least, enjoy the indoor leisure pool on a rainy day!

Let’s Roll: Bowling + Beyond in Greater Peoria  (Article) — Bowling is the perfect activity to brighten up a rainy day or boring afternoon. Our region is full of family-friendly bowling alleys, some of which have arcades + movie theaters inside!

Local Libraries — Local branches regularly host kid-friendly storytimes, crafts, STEAM activities, and seasonal programs, plus plenty of cozy corners for reading and exploring together, all with the nice bonus of being budget-friendly. Search “library near me” to find a branch close to wherever you are!

Luthy Botanical Gardens in Peoria — Even on a rainy day, the great outdoors is accessible at the Peoria Park District’s Luthy Botanical Gardens! Located in Glen Oak Park, this conservatory offers beautiful flora to be appreciated by kids and adults alike. Tropical plants unseen in Illinois’ native ecosystem are thriving alongside other themed gardens. Luthy Botanical Gardens has free admission and specialized programs for kids!

Main Street Play Café in Morton — A tiny-town indoor play space where little ones can explore kid-sized “local business” setups, socialize, and play safely while grown-ups relax in a clean, comfy space.

Morton Roller Rink in Morton or Skateland Canton in Canton — These roller rinks are full of childhood nostalgia. Both are family owned and operated and you’ll have a blast from the past when you lace up your skates. Sip a slushie and do the limbo, the cozy atmosphere lends kids young and old to skate out their hearts.

Owens Center Ice Skating in Peoria — The Peoria Park District Owens Center, located on Lake Ave, offers year-round indoor ice skating on NHL sized rinks. There are options for private rentals and classes, as well as public open skate times. Admission prices and up-to-date information on public skating is listed on the Owens Center Facebook page. Start your kiddos hockey or figure skating career at the Owens Center on a rainy day!

Peoria Civic Center Shows in Downtown Peoria — When you want a big “wow” outing indoors, keep an eye on the Peoria Civic Center schedule for touring family shows, performances, and events that make an afternoon feel special.

Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum in Peoria — Located in Glen Oak Park, this Peoria Park District facility offers children “the tools and inspiration they need to be explorers and creators of the world.” Specifically, there are open art projects, animal exploration, and toddler-friendly activities. Information on admission and special events is available on their website.

Peoria Riverfront Museum in Peoria — With a trip to Peoria’s Riverfront Museum, your whole family will leave learning something new and exciting! Rotating exhibition shows in the Dome Planetarium, and movies in the Giant Screen Theater are fun attractions for all who attend. Kid-exclusive offerings are also available at the Riverfront Museum, such as the Luminescence Lab accompanying the Creatures of Light exhibit.

RiverPlex AquaPlex in Peoria — Turn a dreary day into a splashy one with the indoor AquaPlex, featuring a two-story water slide, zero-depth pool, and splash equipment (plus options like day passes during designated open swim times).

The Putt Club in East Peoria — The Putt Club is a great family-friendly destination featuring a 9-hole indoor putting course, Duckpin Bowling, Krazy Darts, Lucky’s arcade game zone, delicious food, and endless fun. Pricing includes unlimited putting, so guests can play for the whole day. Plan your visit and see what makes The Putt Club a local favorite. Note, this is a cashless location.

Tilted 10 in Peoria — This multi-entertainment facility located in Northwoods Mall offers bowling, arcade games, bumper cars, 18-hole putt putt course and more! With its variety of fun-filled activities, exclusive arcade machines, and food & beverage offerings, Tilted 10 is unparalleled! This one-stop-amusement-shop will cure any rainy day blues.

Zumbini Indoor Play Area at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie in Peoria — A free, indoor play area that’s perfect for toddlers and young kids when you need an easy outing (and a warm place to roam). Open to the public Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-6 p.m., with Sundays reserved for private rentals.