For children with disabilities, the chance to meet Santa can be an overwhelming experience. Which is why the Children’s Museum of South Dakota is excited to bring Santa to our Sensory Friendly Play on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Sensory Friendly Play, a low-sensory playtime for families with children who are experiencing disabilities, is presented 15 times a year and offers a calm, less crowded opportunity for exploration in the museum’s exhibits. Along with the chance to meet Santa and his elves, families will also be able to explore and play in the museum.
“We realize visits with Santa can be overwhelming for children experiencing disabilities, so we have worked really hard to create this event to meet guests where they are.”
“We realize visits with Santa can be overwhelming for children experiencing disabilities, so we have worked really hard to create this event to meet guests where they are,” says Director of Education Carrie Benson. “Santa will be available for private one-on-one time and he will be available to play in the exhibits with the children.”
Sensory Friendly Play is limited to 100 people, and features designated quiet rooms, adaptive equipment, and adaptive art tools. Service animals are welcome as well.
During the Sunday, Dec. 16, event, the museum gift shop will be featuring sensory toys that guests will be able to test, and free gift wrapping will be available to those who wish to purchase items that night.
Children are invited to bring their wish lists and Santa’s elves will also be on-site reading stories, playing, and coloring with guests.
Admission to the event is $8, and children under 1-year-old are free. Reservations are preferred by calling 605-692-6700.
Other scheduled Sensory Friendly Play events can be found on the museum’s online calendar.