Searching for a way to have fun with the kids close to home? If you’re trying to plan a family outing, what should offer lots of fun can turn into endless stress if you don’t know where to look. Thankfully, the area around Peoria boasts tons of kid-friendly attractions. No matter how your family defines fun, you’re sure to find an amazing place to visit close to home. Crème de la Crème of Peoria put together this list of area attractions to help take the guesswork out of your next family day.

Peoria Parks and Splash Pads

“Free People” used with permission via Unsplash by phammi

You don’t have to travel far for a kid-friendly outdoor adventure. Peoria boasts over 30 parks and 20 miles of trails, making it easier than ever to get out and enjoy nature. Community parks are typically open from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. each day.

If you’re out and about on a hot summer day, you can stop by the splash pad water areas in various Peoria parks. Splash pads are the perfect place to take a break from the heat while exploring our community’s parks. Kids can cool off and have fun at splash pads that are totally free to use. You’ll find splash pads in the following Peoria parks:

• Camino a Lago Park.
• Paloma Community Park.
• Pioneer Community Park.
• Rio Vista Community Park.

Highlights include interactive water games, a bucket that drops 300 gallons of water at the Pioneer Park splash pad, water cannons, large ground sprays, and a spraying turtle at the Rio Vista Park splash pad. All splash pads in Peoria are open seasonally, closed during winter months, and then open from April 15 through Oct. 15 each year. When open, you can visit splash pads between 10 a.m and 8 p.m. each day.

West Valley Art Museum

If your family is interested in art, you’ll want to add the West Valley Art Museum to your list of local places to check out. This museum draws in visitors from across Arizona to see quality art that touches on various themes. Whether you’re into experimental installations, Asian art, or dress from a variety of countries, you’ll find all that and more at this amazing museum. In fact, the permanent collection includes over 1,600 items, so you’ll have plenty to keep you coming back for more.

The museum hosts artist appearances and offers art projects and educational programs, so there’s always something for kids and adults alike to enjoy. Any tour you take will involve an exhibit overview complemented by educational information and time to view the artwork. Artists featured here are involved in museum programming and may even lead tours through the exhibits. In other words, if you’re looking for a family-friendly and hands-on experience, you’ll want to give this museum a call.

You’ll find the museum at Peoria City Hall Art Gallery. Go to 8401 W. Monroe St., Peoria, Arizona, 85345, and enter using the far right door. Turn left before proceeding past the security desk, then follow the hallway to the end and turn left into the gallery.

The museum is typically open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m., but you can also schedule tours outside of regular hours in advance. With free admission, the West Valley Art Museum offers a great place to visit with the kids anytime you’re in the mood to see inspiring art.

Public Art in Peoria

In the mood for more art after a visit to the West Valley Art Museum? Our hometown offers even more amazing and easily accessible art to explore! The city of Peoria supports the arts through a variety of initiatives, and it makes it easy for families to see public art.

So, if you’re searching for a fun, free, and kid-friendly way to spend some time outdoors, why not take a self-guided walking art tour? An assortment of public art is on display in Old Town. Just download the city’s brochure, then head out to see the public art pieces owned by the city along with other points of interest in Peoria. It’s a great way to connect with the community, all while enjoying time as a family.

Arizona Broadway Theatre

If your kids are itching to see a Broadway show, you don’t have to travel far at all to make that dream a reality. Arizona Broadway Theatre is located right here in Peoria! The Valley’s only year-round professional theater company offering professional musicals, the Arizona Broadway Theatre makes it easy to enjoy some amazing shows.

You’ll find the Arizona Broadway Theatre in the P83 Entertainment District, at 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria, Arizona, 85382. With both evening and matinee performances available, you’re sure to find the perfect time to head here with your family.

AZ Ice

Arizona many feature plenty of warm days throughout the year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy our winter sports. Whether your kids want to follow in the footsteps of their favorite Arizona Coyotes players or you’re just looking for a cool way to spend some family time together, you’ll want to check out AZ Ice. Three premier skating facilities in the Valley offer programs for hockey and figure skating as well as special events like ice shows and tournaments, not to mention public skating opportunities.

You’ll find the Peoria location at 15829 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, Arizona, 85382. Register for free skating lessons on a Saturday at 10:15 a.m. or a Wednesday at 6:25 p.m., or plan for the “open skate” times available throughout the week. You can visit their website for the most current schedule, then plan for some family time skating and having fun.

There you have it! Crème de la Crème of Peoria just gave you a list of some super fun kid-friendly attractions to explore with your family right here in our city. Does your family have a favorite activity we didn’t include on this list? Drop us a line so we can check out your recommendation and add it!