Peoria Historical Society
About
The Peoria Historical Society offers a wonderful, budget-friendly introduction to local history that brings the past to life for curious kids. With hands-on artifacts from pioneer days, rotating exhibits that keep things fresh, and educational programs designed specifically for young learners, this small museum packs a surprising amount of family-friendly exploration into a compact space.
Highlights
- ✓Authentic pioneer artifacts that kids can see up close
- ✓Rotating exhibits that showcase different aspects of local history
- ✓Educational programs designed specifically for children
- ✓Knowledgeable staff who share engaging stories about Peoria's past
- ✓Free admission for the whole family
Pro Tips
- 1.Call ahead to ask about scheduled educational programs or special activities for kids, as these aren't always listed online
- 2.This is a small museum, so consider combining it with nearby activities to make a full morning outing
- 3.Bring questions! The staff are knowledgeable volunteers who love sharing stories about Peoria's history with engaged young visitors
- 4.Take advantage of the free admission to visit multiple times and explore different rotating exhibits throughout the year
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Friday mornings around 10:00 AM are ideal when the museum is quiet and staff have more time to engage with families. Avoid visiting right before closing time as you may feel rushed through the exhibits.
What to Know
Admission is completely free, making this an excellent budget-friendly option for families. Street parking is available nearby, and the museum is a small space, so it's easy to navigate with strollers if needed.
Seasonal Notes
Open Tuesday through Friday year-round (closed weekends and Mondays). Call ahead during major holidays to confirm hours, as the museum may have special closures or modified schedules during holiday weeks.
Nearby Eats
Head to Thyme Kitchen + Craft Beer for fresh, farm-to-table fare with a kids menu just a few blocks away, or grab family-friendly pizza at Jonah's Seafood House nearby on the riverfront.
More Activities Near Peoria
Challenger Space Center
The Challenger Space Center in Peoria transforms kids into astronauts for the day with immersive space mission simulations where they'll work together to solve problems and explore the cosmos. Beyond the missions, your family can catch spectacular planetarium shows under a domed theater, interact with hands-on STEM exhibits, and ignite a passion for space exploration through engaging, educational experiences that make science come alive.
Rio Vista Recreation Center
Rio Vista Recreation Center is a family aquatic paradise in Peoria that goes far beyond a typical community pool. With competition pools, thrilling water slides, interactive splash features for little ones, plus indoor recreation areas and fitness programs, this highly-rated facility offers something for every family member under one roof.
Peoria Sports Complex
Home to spring training for the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, Peoria Sports Complex offers families an affordable, intimate baseball experience perfect for introducing kids to America's pastime. Beyond spring training games, the complex features youth baseball fields and hosts community events throughout the year, making it a versatile sports destination for active families.
Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant is a massive 10,000-acre desert oasis perfect for adventurous families seeking water fun and outdoor exploration. This recreation area combines swimming beaches, boat rentals, easy hiking trails, and camping under the stars,all with breathtaking Sonoran Desert mountain backdrops that make every family photo Instagram-worthy.