Memberships That Fit Your Life! Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising someone special, a membership is your ticket to a full year of fun, discovery, and connection. With options for individuals, families, and everyone in between, there’s a membership that fits your lifestyle, and your budget.
Mix and match memberships from our facilities to build the perfect bundle with our Buy More. Save More!, or choose our all-in-one Explore More Membership for the best value. However you join, you’ll enjoy savings, exclusive perks, and experiences that last well beyond a single visit.
Facility memberships are available at: Peoria Zoo, Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, Forest Park Nature Center, Luthy Botanical Garden, Proctor Recreation Center, The RiverPlex and Peoria Park District Golf!
Explore More Membership
Your All-Access Pass to Year-Round Family Fun
Make the most of family time all year long with a Peoria Park District Explore More Membership. This all-in-one membership provides unlimited access to four of our signature facilities—along with exclusive perks, discounts, and access to hundreds of partner institutions nationwide. Whether you’re exploring nature, learning through play, or simply spending quality time together, your membership opens the door to adventure, education, and meaningful experiences for the whole family.
Enjoy a family or grandparent membership to the following Peoria Park District facilities:
- Peoria Zoo – Encounter animals from around the world and enjoy seasonal events and daily adventures.
- Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum (PPH) – Engage in hands-on exhibits that inspire imagination, creativity, and learning for children of all ages.
- Forest Park Nature Center (FPNC) – Explore hiking trails, native wildlife exhibits, and environmental education programs.
- Luthy Botanical Garden – Enjoy peaceful gardens, seasonal displays, and family-friendly events and programs.
Exclusive Member Opportunities:
- 10% discount at all facility gift shops (Zoo, PlayHouse, and Forest Park Nature Center)
- Invitations to member-only events and previews at each facility throughout the year
- Monthly exclusive discounts and benefits- See “Explore More Extra Perks”
- Nationwide Reciprocal Benefits- See “Reciprocal Benefit”
- Free or discounted guided hikes, member-only classes, and select camps and programs
- Subscription to Explore More Membership Newsletter
- Daily free admission for your household to all four facilities
- One free bag of popcorn during every visit to Peoria Zoo
EXPLORE MORE Extra Perks
In addition to your amazing year-round benefits, all the extra perks listed below are available exclusively to Explore More cardholders and can be enjoyed once per month. To redeem, simply visit us in person with your valid Explore More Membership Card. An adult cardholder must be present to enjoy these special monthly treats!
- January: Free skate rental with purchase of open skate at Owens Ice Center
- February: Member Event at Peoria Zoo
- March: One free small bucket of balls at Golf Learning Center
- April: 15% off purchases at Trailhead Nature Store at Forest Park AND Member Event at the PlayHouse
- May: Free gift with any purchase at the Plant Sale at Luthy Botanical Garden
- June: Member Event at Peoria Zoo
- July: $1 off voucher valid at any Parks on Tap in July
- August: One Day Pass valid on one Saturday during the month at the RiverPlex
- September: Free Guest at Zoo or PlayHouse when member cardholder is present
- October: Member Night at Peoria Zoo
- November: $1 off admission to Motor Mites at Lakeview Recreation Center
- December: Member Event at Forest Park Nature Center
Nationwide Reciprocal Benefits:
Your membership travels with you—receive free or discounted admission at more than 1,200 institutions nationwide, including:
- 150+ Zoos and Aquariums through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) View the list here
- 380+ Botanical Gardens via the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Admissions Program View the list here
- 350+ Science Centers through the Association of Science and Technology Centers Travel Passport Program View the list here
- 200+ Children’s Museums via the Association of Children’s Museums View the list here
- 140+ Nature Centers with the Association of Nature Center Administrators View the list here
Membership Options:
$250 annually
Includes up to two adults in the same household and all children under 18 living in the household
OR
Up to two adult grandparents living in the same household and their grandchildren under 18
Caregiver Add-On:
Add one additional adult to your household account for $70
(Available for use at Peoria Zoo and Peoria PlayHouse; caregiver must be the same for both facilities)
Q: What is the Explore More Membership?
A: Explore More is an all-in-one membership that gives you unlimited admission to the Peoria Zoo, Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, Forest Park Nature Center, and Luthy Botanical Garden—plus discounts and reciprocal benefits at other attractions.
Q: How much does the Explore More Membership cost?
A: It is $250.
Q: Does the Explore More Membership include reciprocal benefits?
A: Yes! Explore More includes reciprocal admission across multiple partners, giving you access to over free or discounted admission to over 1,000 facilities.
Q: How long is my membership good for?
A: Memberships are valid for one year from the date of purchase.
Q: Can I purchase the Explore More Membership as a gift?
A: Absolutely! Memberships make a wonderful gift for families, grandparents, and anyone who loves to explore.
Q: I already have a membership at one of the facilities; what do I do?
A: Thank you for your support. At this time, you must have one consistent start and expiration date for all facilities. Any existing memberships can be considered a donation.
Q: How do I use my Explore More Membership at each facility?
A: You’ll receive a membership card that can be presented at the admission desk of any participating facility.
Q: Does the membership include special events?
A: General admission is included at all facilities and some amazing membership events! Some special events, classes, or programs may require an additional fee.
Q: Can my babysitter, nanny, or grandparent use my membership to bring my kids?
A: Yes—just select a membership level that includes an add-on caregiver option.
Q: What if I lose my membership card?
A: No problem! E-mail pzs@peoriaparks.org for a replacement.
Q: How do I sign up?
A: You can sign up at Peoria Zoo, Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, Forest Park Nature Center, Noble Center or online.
More questions? Contact us at (309) 682-1200 or pzs@peoriaparks.org
Buy More. Save More!
Why stop at just one? With the Buy More. Save More! program, you can mix and match memberships across the Peoria Park District to create a bundle that’s perfectly tailored to you—or your whole family. This option gives you the freedom to choose any level of membership at any facility, so you only pay for what matters most to you.You can even stack memberships at the same facility, giving you the ultimate savings when gift giving!
Facility memberships include: Peoria Zoo, Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, Forest Park Nature Center, Luthy Botanical Garden, and Proctor Recreation Center.
The more you buy, the more you save—and the more experiences you’ll unlock across the District.
How to Save!
It’s easy: add one membership to your cart, then keep building your bundle. Each additional membership you add unlocks extra savings:
- 2 Memberships — Save $5
- 3 Memberships — Save $10
- 4 Memberships — Save $20
Bonus Savings Tip! Looking for extra savings—especially for gift giving? With Buy More. Save More!, you’re not limited to mixing different facilities. You can stack memberships from the same facility and still unlock the discount.
That means if you buy 4 Zoo memberships, you’ll still save $20—perfect for treating multiple families or friends to the gift of membership!
All membership benefits are based on the category and facility you choose. Each level and facility may have different perks, so be sure to check the details when purchasing.
Q: What is the Buy More, Save More Membership?
A: Buy More, Save More lets you mix and match multiple memberships—or purchase multiple memberships for the same facility—to receive a discount.
Q: Which memberships are eligible for this offer?
A: The offer is valid on all membership levels, including personal and gift memberships.
Q: Can I give memberships to different people?
A: Yes! You can give a Zoo membership to a cousin, a PlayHouse membership to a grandchild, and a Luthy membership for yourself. Membership recipients can vary between purchases.
Q: How long are these memberships valid?
A: Memberships are valid for one year from the date of purchase or your current renewal date. You can also choose to delay activation until December 26 for a holiday gift.
Q: Where can I get the discount?
A: Discounts are available online only.
Q: Can I get a refund or transfer my membership?
A: All membership purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions?
A: For any additional questions, call (309) 682-1200.
More questions? Contact us at (309) 682-1200.
Learn more about the membership categories and benefits below!
Questions? Call (309) 682-1200!
