Here in Peoria, Arizona, we’re lucky to enjoy sunny days most of the year, but we still have our share of cloudy days as well. When the weather turns gray and rainy, it can be hard to get motivated to get outside with the kids. However, it can also be hard to stay cooped up inside all day. When you and the kids need to get out, but it’s not playground or picnic weather, check out these six ideas for where to take kids on a gray day in Peoria.

AZ Ice Peoria

AZ Ice (formerly Polar Ice) is a great place to check out on a gray day.  Their indoor facility offers lessons, birthday parties, events, and public skating sessions. They have rental skates available for all ages, from toddlers to adults, and you can also rent a Skate Mate to help your little ones learn to skate on their own. Remember to bring your own socks, as you can’t wear skates without them. AZ Ice also recommends bringing helmets for your kids, especially if they are still learning to skate.

 If your little ones love the idea of being on the ice, try a free Learn to Skate class. This is a 30-minute session that will give your kids a taste of what skating lessons would be like. After the class, the coach can recommend the right class for your child. Check the AZ Ice website for the class and public skating times, as the schedule changes from day to day.

Location: 15829 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. 

Contact: 623-334-1200.

Earth & Space Expedition Center

The Earth & Space Expedition Center is in Phoenix, just under 30 minutes away from Peoria, and it’s well worth the trip. Here, you and your children can learn about astronauts, tour the Space Museum, view images from deep space telescopes, check out a planetarium show, and visit the Exploratorium Science Center. The Exploratorium is filled with hands-on activities for kids and adults alike. The interactive exhibits cover a multitude of topics in science, technology, engineering, and math. The Earth and Space Expedition Center is currently open Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: 17835 N. 44th St., Phoenix.

Contact: 623-322-2001.

Rush Fun Park

If you and your kids are looking for an exciting way to spend the afternoon on a cloudy day, check out Rush Fun Park, which is located right here in Peoria. This indoor park has a climbing area, a soft play structure, super racing slides, a toddler’s corner, trampolines, a dodgeball zone, flying hoops basketball, and an obstacle course. When the kids need to refuel after some intense play, there’s even a snack shack to satisfy their cravings.

Kids will love this exciting play center, and they’ll be able to burn off all that stored-up energy from staying indoors on a gray day. The entry price includes two hours of play, and parents get in for half price after paying for a child. Note that you are required to purchase a pair of socks in order to play.

Location: 6817 W. Peoria Ave., Peoria. 

Contact: 623-243-9900.

Peoria Public Library

If you’re looking for something completely free to do on a gray day, check out the Peoria Public Library. They have two branches in Peoria for your convenience, and there are activities and events for you to choose from at both locations. In addition to books, they offer craft activities, story-telling sessions, and clubs.

 On Thursdays, there are after-school programs where kids can try out science, technology, engineering, art, and math, otherwise known as S.T.E.A.M., projects, crafts, and games, all while having fun with other kids and working on teambuilding skills. There’s a Lego Club on Fridays, where kids can either work on challenges set by the library team or create their own structures. They even have a separate space for kids with different sensory needs so that they can play in a quieter environment. The library also offers a variety of story-time sessions to suit all ages and schedules, from babies through preschool. 

Location: 8463 W. Monroe St., Peoria.

Contact: 623-773-7578 (Youth Services).

Sky Zone

Another action-packed location you can take your kids to on a gray day is Sky Zone. Sky Zone is an indoor trampoline park where kids can run, jump, and play in a safe environment designed for active play. You can let your kids literally bounce off the walls here, so it’s a great place to take them when they need to burn off some energy.

 The Toddler Zone area is specifically designed for little ones. You can watch your toddler play without having to worry about bigger kids bumping into them. For older kids, there are wall-to-wall trampolines where they can flip, soar, and fly. They also have different areas where you can play sports while bouncing. Kids of all ages will have a great time at Sky Zone. 

Location: 9040 W. Larkspur Drive, Suite 134, Peoria.

Contact: 623-979-4000.

AMF Peoria Lanes

Bowling can be a fun family activity, and Peoria has a great bowling alley to visit when you need to get out of the house but the weather is less than fine. AMF Peoria Lanes has a lot to offer, including black-light bowling, HD video walls that sometimes play family movies, and an arcade where kids and adults alike can enjoy modern and retro video games. They also have food on-site in case hunger strikes while you’re bowling or playing in the arcade. Check out their website before you go, as they have specials and other offers listed there. 

Location: 8475 W. Olive Ave., Peoria.

Contact: 623-486-1496.

We hope you’ve found something on this list that you and your kids can enjoy next time the weather turns gray or drizzly. At Crème de la Crème of Peoria, helping children and families thrive is our top priority. We hope this list helps you and your family get out and enjoy all that Peoria has to offer, no matter the weather. 

Image  by Yomex Owo is licensed with Unsplash License