PEORIA — Kid and Play co-owners Marie and Michael Daley initially conceived a safari-themed indoor play center for all ages because they were looking for a recreation option for their own children.
“We have two young boys who are full of energy,” Marie Daley said. “They needed a space where they can run wild and run free safely. A safari theme is what we came up with.”
They found that space at 7620 N. University St. in North Peoria, with the play center expected to open in the spring of 2026, according to the Daleys.
The space will feature imaginative play, rooms for interactive technology private birthday parties and events, an arcade and family-friendly dining at the the so-called Wild Bites Café. Daley said Kid and Play is designed to offer something for everyone with three separate play zones for different age groups.
“There will be a mini zone for kids 0-2, a kid zone for ages 2-7, and a big kid zone for ages 3-11,” she added. “Kids will be able to play with kids of their own age group. One of the concerns I’ve heard from parents time and time again is that they’re worried about their kids being trampled by older kids when they take them to a facility like this.”
Kid and Play will also include a second-floor mezzanine with a parent lounge overlooking the play areas, Daley said. The lounge will offer comfortable lounge seating, multiple televisions, and convenient food and beverage ordering.
Daley added that she and Michael chose the site because of the mezzanine. They also believe North Peoria to be a “perfect” centralized location that offers convenient access for patrons from different parts of the area.
“It’s right off Pioneer Parkway, which is a very busy area,” she said. “It’s accessible for people coming from Dunlap, and it’s accessible for people coming from places like East Peoria.”
Kid and Play will offer two different pricing structures: admission only and admission that includes a $6 game card.
Admission is $14.99 for ages 0-2 and $17.99 for 3 and up Monday through Thursday; and $16.99/$19.99 from Friday through Sunday. Play passes with game cards are $18.99/$21.99 on weekdays and $20.99/$23.99 on weekends.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Indoor playground coming soon to North Peoria. Here’s what to expect
Reporting by Mike Kramer, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
