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Glen Oak Park: A Kid’s Paradise

Close your eyes and imagine this:

It’s a gorgeous Saturday morning, and you just woke up in your cozy bed. Outside, birds are chirping, and wind chimes are dancing from a warm, gentle breeze. Life’s been busy as hell lately, and you’ve earned some much-needed R&R. You take a deep breath, smile and say to yourself, “I’m doing nothing today, and it’s gonna be glorious.”

Then it happens: Your kids burst through the door like the Kool-Aid Man demanding pancakes and a full itinerary. They start hammering you with questions. “What are we doing today?! Can we do something fun?! Can I invite a friend? Where’s my iPad?”

Okay, open your eyes. In this scenario, your day can go from peaceful to chaotic in the blink of an eye without a sound plan. You need activities to keep them entertained all day. You also want variety since kids have short attention spans. And with gas prices where they are, limited driving would be ideal. So, where can you take them to check all these boxes?

Easy. Head to Glen Oak Park — featuring the Peoria Zoo, Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum and Luthy Botanical Garden. Check out the lay of the land here, then scroll down to see and learn more* about this family-friendly destination.

Explore Exotic Wildlife at the Peoria Zoo

Nothing captures the attention of little ones like the animal kingdom. The Peoria Zoo features over 100 species from all over the world. With exhibits like AFRICA!, Asian Trail and Australia Walk-About, your kids can see their favorite animals up close.

Like these ridiculously cute ring-tailed lemurs. You don’t have to buy a $6,000 plane ticket to Madagascar to see them. Just go to the Peoria Zoo.
Like these ridiculously cute ring-tailed lemurs. You don’t have to buy a $6,000 plane ticket to Madagascar to see them. Just go to the Peoria Zoo.
Be sure to check out the powerful white rhino, the second largest land animal in the world behind elephants. Did you know the white rhino’s front horn can grow up to five feet long? It’s made from the same protein that makes up human hair and fingernails. How cool is that?!
Be sure to check out the powerful white rhino, the second largest land animal in the world behind elephants. Did you know the white rhino’s front horn can grow up to five feet long? It’s made from the same protein that makes up human hair and fingernails. How cool is that?!
Speaking of cool, check out those zebras’ majestic black and white stripes. These social herbivores are known for their speed and can run up to 40 mph. So, if you ever find yourself in the Serengeti, get out of their way! We recommend just hitting the Peoria Zoo to see them up close, though.
Speaking of cool, check out those zebras’ majestic black and white stripes. These social herbivores are known for their speed and can run up to 40 mph. So, if you ever find yourself in the Serengeti, get out of their way! We recommend just hitting the Peoria Zoo to see them up close, though.
And while you’re there, swing through the Tropics Building to see this vibrant green tree python — along with bats, spiders, spider monkeys, sloths and more.
And while you’re there, swing through the Tropics Building to see this vibrant green tree python — along with bats, spiders, spider monkeys, sloths and more.
Unlock Creativity and Curiosity at the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum

The Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum has been stimulating the minds and imaginations of young children since 2015. It’s where learning and playing go together like peanut butter and jelly, with rotating exhibits and educational programs for all.

The PlayHouse is a hands-on, interactive museum to inspire children to become builders, explorers and creators of the world through imaginative play.
The PlayHouse is a hands-on, interactive museum to inspire children to become builders, explorers and creators of the world through imaginative play.
Kids can send balls through wind tubes …
Kids can send balls through wind tubes …
… to other kids waiting with buckets.
… to other kids waiting with buckets.
Or they can “throw balls in the house” — something most parents forbid at home. Look how happy that boy is to be whipping a ball indoors with his mom. Core memory: unlocked.
Or they can “throw balls in the house” — something most parents forbid at home. Look how happy that boy is to be whipping a ball indoors with his mom. Core memory: unlocked.
The children’s museum also features kinetic sand — perfect for developing fine motor skills, sensory awareness and hand-eye coordination. Plus, it feels really cool in your hands.
The children’s museum also features kinetic sand — perfect for developing fine motor skills, sensory awareness and hand-eye coordination. Plus, it feels really cool in your hands.
It wouldn’t be a PlayHouse without a little water to splash around in, right?
It wouldn’t be a PlayHouse without a little water to splash around in, right?
Admire Nature’s Beauty at Luthy Botanical Garden

It doesn’t matter how old you are; a stroll through Luthy Botanical Garden is good for the soul. Since 1951, this five-acre oasis has been stunning visitors with its tranquility and beauty.

Is this a freeze-frame from the Wizard of Oz?
Is this a freeze-frame from the Wizard of Oz?
Nope! It’s Luthy Botanical Garden — a paradise for families looking to embark on a sensory journey unlike any other. Beautiful colors. Intoxicating fragrances. The Garden offers endless opportunities for children to connect with nature, cultivate their curiosity and nurture a lifelong love for the world around them.
Nope! It’s Luthy Botanical Garden — a paradise for families looking to embark on a sensory journey unlike any other. Beautiful colors. Intoxicating fragrances. The Garden offers endless opportunities for children to connect with nature, cultivate their curiosity and nurture a lifelong love for the world around them.
Nature! Isn’t it beautiful?
Nature! Isn’t it beautiful?
It’s probably frowned upon, but doesn’t this look like a nice spot to set up a hammock and take a nap?
It’s probably frowned upon, but doesn’t this look like a nice spot to set up a hammock and take a nap?
Every botanical garden needs a fountain. Bring some coins and make a wish.
Every botanical garden needs a fountain. Bring some coins and make a wish.

It doesn’t have to be beautiful outside to visit The Garden. They have a 2,500-square-foot conservatory filled with tropical plants, orchids and seasonal displays. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, Luthy Botanical Garden provides valuable educational opportunities for children to learn about plant life, ecosystems and the importance of conservation.

Oh, and it’s free admission. Check out the map here — then plan your visit.

More* Fun Stuff at Glen Oak Park

The zoo, children’s museum and botanical garden are the feature attractions, but don’t sleep on the supplemental fun at Glen Oak Park! There’s plenty more* to explore within the park’s friendly confines, such as:

  • Tennis and pickleball courts
  • Soccer and baseball fields
  • Hiking and biking trails
  • Amphitheater (open-air concert and event space)
  • 3-acre pond to fish bass, bluegill, sunfish, bullhead catfish and more
  • Multiple playgrounds
  • Public picnic tables and grills for family cookouts

Nothing beats a family day. For an unforgettable experience, hit Glen Oak Park, a kid’s paradise — one of the many reasons we play greater in Greater Peoria.

 

Images sourced from Peoria Park District, Peoria Journal Star and Discover Peoria.