You can’t go wrong with a trip to a museum if you’re looking for a way to inspire your kids while spending time as a family. With a range of amazing museums located in and close to Peoria, it’s incredibly easy for area families to do just that.

Whether you’re looking for inspiring artworks or interactive play, there’s something for everyone close to home. Still, it can be challenging to plan a family day out when you don’t know where to look for museums. That’s why Crème de la Crème of Peoria, AZ (Lake Pleasant) put together this list! Get inspired for some family fun when you check out these museums near Peoria.

West Valley Art Museum

Image via Unsplash by anko_

Kiddos into art are in for a treat right here in Peoria. The West Valley Art Museum makes it easy to get inspired, without traveling far from home. You can take in a range of artwork, so whether you want to check out work from Arizona artists, examine the world costumes on display from over 60 countries, or explore experimental installations, you’ll find all that and more thanks to this museum.

The West Valley Art Museum’s permanent collection boasts over 1,600 items, so there’s always something interesting to see. You can also stop in for art workshops and other special events. The Museum operates at Peoria City Hall Art Gallery, and you can give them a call to find out up-to-date open hours. The best part? Admission is free. And that’s good news, since we think your kids will rush home to try their hands at creating after every visit!

Children’s Museum of Phoenix

One great perk of living in Peoria is the easy access locals have to Phoenix. That includes all the amazing museums Phoenix has to offer. Next up on the list for area families to enjoy? The Children’s Museum of Phoenix, of course! This museum is open Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $14.95, but seniors can buy tickets for $13.95 and kids under 1 year old enter for free. You can also take advantage of free entry if you become a member of this fun, interactive spot.

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix features a range of exhibits designed especially for the youngest museum-goers. The unique spaces spark creativity while engaging the minds, muscles, and imaginations of kids, providing a space for open-ended and imaginative play. With different activities created for various age groups, this museum makes it easier than ever to plan a day out as a family.

Heard Museum

You can’t miss the Heard Museum if you’re planning a trip into Phoenix. Recognized around the world for its top-quality collections, exhibitions, and educational programming (not to mention its amazing festivals!), the Heard is dedicated to advancing American Indian Art. Kids will enjoy learning stories of American Indian people from a first-person perspective while taking in the beauty of both contemporary and traditional art.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you become a member here, you can make use of early entry perks on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Museum members also enjoy free entry. Otherwise, walk-up tickets cost $20 for adults, $17 for seniors, $9 for children between the ages of 6 and 17 or students with a college I.D. Kids age 5 and younger and American Indians with a tribal I.D. enter for free. You can also get a discount if you purchase tickets online in advance.

Phoenix Art Museum

Have a budding Picasso in your brood? If your kids can’t get enough of art, you’ll want to add Phoenix Art Museum to your list of nearby museums to check out when you’re in Phoenix. The museum has served as a pillar of the community for 60 years, offering an extensive collection and world-class exhibitions that educate and inspire.

This museum is open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. hour is reserved for seniors on weekdays. Museum members, military, and children 5 years old and younger can enter for free, while adults pay $23, seniors pay $20, students with an I.D. pay $18, and youth between the ages of 6 and 17 enter for only $5. Keep in mind that on-site admission purchases will insure a $2 per ticket, so book online in advance to save.

So, what can you expect with a visit to this art museum? The permanent collection alone spans over 19,000 objects across collecting areas such as American and Western art, Asian art, European art, Latin American art, fashion design, modern and contemporary art, and photography. Then there’s a range of special exhibitions on view for a limited time. In other words, there’s something every member of the family will love here, so check the upcoming calendar and plan your next family visit.

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting

Maybe your kid’s more into firetrucks than typical offerings you’d expect from a museum. Thankfully, Phoenix has you covered. The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting features the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, connecting visitors to nearly an acre of exhibits about fire history. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is open on Mondays only for tours of eight or more people. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for students ages 6 to 17 and visitors over 62, $6 for kids ages 3 to 5, and free for kids under 3.

More than 100 fully restored pieces, dating from 1725 to 2004, are on display here. Most of the museum examines the firefighting experience in America, but they also have fire apparatus and artifacts from countries like Austria, England, France, Germany, and Japan to explore. Oh, and there’s a children’s area too, making this unique museum ideal for a family excursion.

That wraps up Crème de la Crème’s list of awesome museums to visit without going far from home! Did we miss a favorite spot your family loves? Drop us a line so we can add your recommendation to our list!