The Twin Cities offers many special events that cater to kids with special needs, but you have to know where to look!
Check out these Twin Cities Sensory Friendly events and activities:
Science Museum of Minnesota
When: On the first Sunday of the month, the Science Museum will host Sensory Friendly Sunday, where visitors who learn best in a calmer environment can experience our exhibits and movies in a quieter museum.
See a lights-up, sound-down Omnitheater show at 10 a.m., visit the exhibit galleries before they open to the public, rest in a designated quiet space to relax and recharge, and enjoy lighter crowds. And don’t forget to take advantage of the features we offer to visitors every day to foster a positive learning environment.
Cost: Ticket prices range from $8.95 to $24.95. Discounts are available for individuals, families, and groups with limited incomes. Admission is free for working Personal Care Attendants when they’re visiting with a client.
Info: smm.org
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SeaQuest Roseville
For parents and caregivers of children with sensory sensitivities, finding time for the whole family to enjoy a play date without stress can be challenging. Sensory and Sensitivity Morning offers a low-stimulus event for children with sensory sensitivities.
When: Check their website for dates.
Cost: See website for admission
Info: www.seaquest.com
Pump It Up
The Eden Prairie location of this popular chain of indoor bouncy-house warehouses offers sensory-friendly open-jump sessions every month. During this time, lights are dimmed and the music is turned off.
When: Check the location’s calendar for future dates.
Where: Eden Prairie location of Pump It Up
Cost: Varies by age; siblings are welcome, too. Adults can jump for free.
Info: pumpitupparty.com; Eden Prairie, 952-943-0052
Bell Museum of Natural History
Sensory-Friendly Saturdays at the Bell allow kids with sensory sensitivities to explore dioramas, a mini planetarium show and the Touch & See Discovery Room — all with lowered lighting, quieter sounds and fewer visitors.
The museum also offers sensory items for check out anytime, including visual timers, fidget toys, weighted lap pads and noise-canceling headphones, plus a quiet-space cube in the Touch & See Discovery Room.
When: Upcoming events are listed on their website. Advanced registration is required. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Siblings without sensory sensitivities are welcome as well.
Where: Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota
Cost: Varies by age
Info: bellmuseum.umn.edu/programs-events/sensory-friendly or 612-626-9660
The Works Museum
This hands-on, interactive museum features large and open spaces with no loud noises or displays. Its mission is to inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers and creative problem solvers.
When: The Works is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the school year. During special events, the museum can get quite crowded, so it’s a good idea to check the calendar and avoid those times or dates, such as Tech Fest and Robot Day.
Where: The Works Museum, Bloomington
Cost: $8-10 for all visitors age 3 and older
Info: theworks.org or 952-888-4262
Minnesota History Center
This St. Paul destination offers a variety of displays that encourage touching. There’s a replica of a grain elevator to climb through and hopscotch to play, too. The tornado experience is loud and isn’t recommended for children who are sensitive to sound, but the rest of the museum tends to be quiet. There also are many out-of-the-way corners where children can take some time to regroup, if needed.
When: The museum is closed on Mondays, except for holidays.
Where: Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
Cost: $6 – $15 varies by age. Memberships are available and include free admission to all 26 of the Minnesota Historical Society’s museums around the state.
Info: minnesotahistorycenter.org or 800-657-3773
The Raptor Center
This fascinating facility at the U of M College of Veterinary Medicine — which rehabilitates about 800 sick and injured raptors each year — allows families to get up close to a variety of interesting birds.
When: The center is closed Mondays.
Where: St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota
Cost: Guided tours, offered occasionally. There are free tours once a month on select Fridays and Saturdays.
Info: raptor.umn.edu or 612-624-4745
B & B Theatres at the Mall of America
The Mall of America movie theaters, as part of their Inclusive Moviegoing events, play a free movie at 10 a.m. every Saturday morning. Seating is limited and is given on a first-come, first-serve basis. One theater is set aside as a sensory-friendly venue with lower sound and moderate lighting. Extra staff at the concession stands help families avoid long wait times.
When: 10 a.m. every Saturday.
Where: Mall of America, Bloomington
Cost: Movie admission is free. Standard concessions prices apply.
Info: theatresmoa.com/event/free-sensory-friendly-films or 952-883-8901
The Conservatory at the Como Zoo
Winter can feel interminable in Minnesota, but families can visit this balmy, greenery-filled haven anytime to remind themselves of spring. The Sunken Garden displays rotate throughout the year. And the zoo offers a daily story time at noon. Go early to avoid crowds and to walk through the many different types of gardens (bonsai, ferns, orchids, to name a few). Be sure to visit the Leonard Wilkening Children’s Gallery in the lobby near the conservatory, featuring hands-on activities for kids.
When: The zoo and conservatory are open every day of the year.
Where: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul
Cost: Admission is free, but an optional donation of $2 per kid and $5 per adult is suggested.
Info: comozooconservatory.org or 651-487-8201
Nature Centers
Want to escape the urban bustle of the city? Minnesota’s home to a stunning array of nature centers that offer year-round programming for even the youngest of kids — as well as older explorers and would-be naturalists. Kids can explore a bit outside and then come indoors to warm up and check out hands-on activities and exhibits.
Examples of recently featured winter activities include family yoga at Tamarack Nature Center in White Bear Township, kick sledding at Richardson Nature Center in Bloomington and puppet shows at Eastman Nature Center in Dayton.
Cost: Admission to most nature centers is free. Programs often require registration fees.
Info: minnesotaparent.com/nature
AuSM events
The Autism Society of Minnesota provides a calendar of sensory-friendly events around the Twin Cities. Learn about sensory-friendly showtimes at the Children’s Theatre Company or Stages Theatre Company and discover other sensory-friendly events in the area, including storytimes and concerts. See ausm.org/autism-community-events.html.
And remember: Even the most popular attractions can be visited and enjoyed with some preparation:
- Go early or on weekday evenings to avoid crowds.
- Bring favorite toys/comfort items.
- Locate possible quiet areas when you arrive where a child can take some time to regroup.
- Call ahead to see if the attraction has any special accommodations available.
