Childrens Museum Houston - Sensory Friendly Day

When
13 Apr 2020
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location
CMH - 1500 Binz, Houston, Texas 77004

JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT SENSORY FRIENDLY EVENT!

Upcoming Dates:

10/14/2019
12/9/2019
2/17/2020
4/13/2020

Sensory Friendly Day is an exclusive event for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences to have a fun, enjoyable and interactive learning experience in a comfortable and accepting environment! Staff goes through the Museum ahead of time to turn down lights, limit extra sounds and stop distracting motions. Extra signage is added to help visitors determine things not to climb on, and entrances between exhibits where it is good to stop and wait for an adult before continuing. Our Sensory Friendly Days offer a wonderful relief from extra stimuli. These exclusive events include the following modifications:

Less crowded environment
Light and sound reduction
Extra visual safety signage
Designated quiet rooms

Admission is just $5 per person. Children under one and Museum Members receive free admission. To register, please contact Lydia Dungus at (713) 535-7238.

Media Note: News outlets may attend and photograph this event.

WHAT TO EXPECT

SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

We provide a supportive environment for children and families to have the best experience possible. Sensory Friendly Day is a wonderful opportunity for parents of children with special needs to connect with other families! We provide the following:

On hand specialists ready to answer your questions
Weighted lap pads (information booth check out)
Sunglasses for overstimulating lights (information booth check out)
Ear defenders for overstimulating sounds (information booth check out)
Wheelchairs, transport chairs, walking aids (first-come, first-serve basis)
Maps and guides to help plan a visit
Museum Story Book Guide

Museum Story Guides have been created to help you and your child familiarize yourself with the Museum and its exhibits before you visit. Written from a child’s perspective, the guides can be helpful in planning which exhibits to visit and in which order:

SAFETY

Safety is first at the Museum. The main entrance doors are staffed during operating hours by a Courtesy Officer. The officer keeps a watchful eye out so that children do not enter or leave the building without an adult. Adults who visit the Museum without children must have a valid identification card and check in with our Admissions Booth before entering the Museum. The Children’s Museum of Houston staff is trained to look for and reunite lost children with their families as quickly as possible. Our staff members are easy to identify in their teal polo shirts and khaki pants. If a child becomes separated from their family and is found by a staff member, they will be brought to the Information Booth. If a parent becomes separated from a child, they should alert a staff member as soon as possible. The Museum has procedures in place to send information out to individuals staffing the Museum exhibits to look for lost children.

PLAN ANOTHER VISIT

If you would like to plan a visit during regular operating days outside of our Sensory Friendly Days, we offer these suggestions:

If you are looking for a quieter time to visit, consider visiting Tuesday through Friday after 1:30 p.m. during the school year.
Visit first thing in the morning during the summer and on weekends for a slightly quieter experience.
If your child has trouble with transitions, consider visiting toward the end of the day. Several announcements are made prior to our 6 p.m. closing encouraging visitors to make their way to the front of the Museum for departure.
If sound in the galleries becomes too much, ear defenders are available for check out at the Information Booth.
If your child has light sensitivities, we suggest bringing along a pair of sunglasses for them to wear.
If you need a quiet place to take a break, consider visiting the Parent Resource Library, the Brown Auditorium or ask a staff member if a Discovery Room is available to use.
Plan your visit by picking up a copy of the map at the Information Booth upon arrival at the Museum.

For more information, contact Vandolyn Esparza, Alexander Specialist for Early Literacy Development and Special Learning Needs at 713.535.7206.

GHFEDS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit support organization serving the Greater Clear Lake area, including South Houston, Pearland, Pasadena, League City, Galveston, and other surrounding areas.

admin@ghfeds.org

P.O. Box 891093

Houston, TX 77289
281-736-8008