Sensory Friendly Saturdays
During Sensory Friendly Saturdays, the museum will open its galleries at 8:30 a.m., 90 minutes before the museum opens to the general public. Families with members on the autism spectrum or who otherwise easily experience sensory overload are welcome to visit the museum for a quieter experience in a more controlled environment.
Museum experts will give tours of the exhibitions and be on hand to answer questions throughout the morning. Designated quiet zones will allow visitors to decompress and experience the museum at their own pace.
To provide the most sensory-friendly environment possible, advance registration is required for Sensory Friendly Saturday.
Upcoming Sensory Friendly Saturdays
April 2020
Sensory Friendly Saturday: Egg-cellent Egg Hunt
Hunt for treat-filled eggs among dinosaurs, gems, and your favorite animals! Enjoy our exhibits in a quieter, more controlled environment before the museum opens to the general public. The Egg-cellent Egg Hunt is ideal for children 3–10 years old. Scavenger hunt maps and prizes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please register in advance so we can provide a sensory friendly setting.
8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
July 2020
Sensory Friendly Saturday: Jurassic Days
Get your dinosaur fix before the museum opens to the general public. Tour the temporary exhibition Dinosaur Armor, engage in hands-on dinosaur-themed activities, and chat with our expert Interpreters about your favorite dinosaurs.
Please register in advance so we can provide a sensory friendly setting.
8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
October 2020
Sensory Friendly Saturday: Booseum Trick-or-Treat
Trick-or-Treat among dinosaurs and mummies! Wear your costume, meet our spookiest live animals, and participate in hands-on Halloween-themed activities.
Please register in advance so we can provide a sensory friendly setting.
8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
December 2020
Sensory Friendly Saturday: Holidays Around the World
Celebrate the holidays with us! Play festive games from around the world, learn about cultural traditions with museum artifacts, and write a thank you note to Santa.
Please register in advance so we can provide a sensory friendly setting.
8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Our eNews features information on exhibitions, upcoming events, and subscriber-only special offers!
Get eNews