Access for All

Access for All

Sparking imagination for all!

Our mission is to spark imagination and learning for all children and their grown-ups through play, creativity, and discovery.

We seek to transform the world by inspiring generations to love learning and to believe that life is full of possibilities.

As a destination for more than 100,000 guests a year, the Children’s Museum of South Dakota strives to embrace and welcome guests from a variety of backgrounds and abilities.

Always Learning, Always Growing

In December 2016, we joined the Cultural Competency Learning Institute. Through the CCLI program we worked on processes and resources to work toward a more equitable and inclusive culture. Through this work, we are continually learning, reflecting, and sharing so that we can aspire to grow more as an inclusive and welcoming place.

Learn more about our work with CCLI

Access Initiative

To encourage families of all backgrounds to visit the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, we have joined forces with Museums for All, an initiative between the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

If you qualify for public income-related assistance you may receive discounted admission or membership at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota.

Learn more about our Access Initiative

Accessibility

The Children’s Museum of South Dakota is committed to providing indoor/outdoor exhibits, programs, and public spaces that are inclusive and interactive for all visitors. For assistance, please feel free to speak with any member of our staff. Service animals are always welcome.

Sensory Friendly Play

Sensory Friendly Play is a low-sensory playtime that offers a calm, less crowded opportunity for exploration in our Museum’s exhibits including the following adaptations:

  • Less crowded environment (limit of 100 guests)
  • Designated quiet rooms
  • Adaptive equipment
  • Adaptive art tools
  • Service animals welcome

Service providers and therapists are welcome to accompany students/clients.

Planned Sensory Friendly Play events can be found on our website calendar. Or, sign up for our Sensory Friendly Play email list for information on upcoming events.

Learn more about Sensory Friendly Play  

Available Resources

Adaptive Equipment

The Museum can provide a variety of items from a special Adaptive Equipment Toolbox for guests with sensory processing concerns. Noise-reducing headphones, universal cuffs, transition timers, picture cards with map, wrist/ankle weights, sensory vest, fidget items, sensory brushes and sunglasses are available for check out at the Welcome Desk.

Elevator

An elevator provides access to the second-floor traveling exhibit and available classrooms. It also provides access to the second-floor mezzanine overlooking the Cloud Climber.

Nursing Family Lounge

The Museum is a breastfeeding-friendly business committed to providing a welcoming environment where mothers can sit anywhere in the Museum and Cafe to feed. A private Nursing Family Lounge is also available on site. See the Welcome Desk for assistance.

Restrooms/Family Rooms

Wheelchair accessible restrooms, as well as a family room, are located across from the Welcome Desk on the first floor. For our younger visitors, we do offer a restroom in the miniExplorers exhibit. Additional restrooms are located on the second floor to the west of the elevator/staircase. Changing tables are available in all restrooms.