Sensory Friendly Play is a low-sensory playtime that offers a calm, less crowded opportunity for exploration in our Museum’s exhibits. All families with children experiencing disabilities are invited to this private playtime. One mother, Michelle, recently wrote about her experience at Sensory Friendly Play and was willing to let us share it on our blog. Read her story below:
Dawson is the third of our four children. Because of birth order, he often must go to activities and events he’d rather not attend. Sensory Friendly Play times are an event that we make a priority since we know Dawson has so much fun! (His siblings enjoy it, too!)
It is a real relief to be around families who “get” our family’s quirks. We don’t have to explain anything or endure the curious stares or questions that sometimes occur. It is a time for ALL of us to just relax. I don’t need to be an advocating mother. I can just be a mother. Because the number of participants is limited, Dawson also feels more comfortable. There isn’t a crowd to move through or the noise that comes with a lot of people.
“It is a real relief to be around families who ‘get’ our family’s quirks. … It is a time for ALL of us to just relax. I don’t need to be an advocating mother. I can just be a mother.”
Once we enter the museum, our family doesn’t stick together. My husband or I follow Dawson to the water room, where he’ll spend most of the time. (I quickly learned to pack extra clothes.) The other parent usually heads to the grocery store, because that is where our youngest likes to start her adventures. Dawson has limited communication skills. He’s a pretty low-key kid, but I always wonder if he’s truly happy. In the water room, he is. He’s spinning toys, grabbing colorful balls, and splashing in the water. Water has always been calming for him. That room takes it to new heights! It’s way more fun than the bathtub!
We feel blessed to have this opportunity within an hour of our home. To be able to get out as a family and just relax is priceless and rare when a family has a child with special needs. Thank you for allowing us a safe place to play and to just be. It is a true treasure.
What makes these events so special for families?
Like Dawson’s mom Michelle shares, these events are about being in an environment that supports sensory needs, is friendly and where a family can spend time playing together. But what exactly does Sensory Friendly Play mean? And what makes these events so special for families like Dawson’s?
Sensory: For some, over-stimulation can occur if the environment engages too many senses at the same time. Sensory Friendly Play events offer a calm, less-crowded opportunity for exploration in our museum’s exhibits. The museum also has adaptive equipment available for check out including noise-reducing headphones, universal cuffs, transitions timers, picture cards, fidget items, and more.
Friendly: Friendliness is at the heart of our Sensory Friendly Play events. Families can focus on being together and children are free to be themselves in a safe and welcoming environment. As Michelle mentioned, at Sensory Friendly Play guests don’t have to ‘explain themselves’ and can even connect with each other on a personal level.
Play: Play is one of the most cherished rights of childhood. At Sensory Friendly Play, smiles shine bright and laughter echoes down the hallway spreading the joy of playful experiences. During these events, children are free to explore their interests on their own terms. They encounter new experiences, discover new possibilities, and bring light to their potential.
Children are free to be themselves
Sensory Friendly Play is more than an event offering low-sensory playtime. It’s a chance where children are free to be themselves, where families can focus on being a family, and where play is at the heart of their experience.
When does Sensory Friendly Play take place?
Sensory Friendly Play is always listed on our museum calendar. Or, sign up for an email to be reminded of when they are coming up!
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