Madison Children’s Museum welcomes children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or sensory challenges to experience the museum during Sensory-Friendly Hours. This program aims to bring families together to learn through play in an environment that supports the unique needs of children with ASD and/or sensory challenges.

In response to feedback from our ASD advisory group families, our sensory friendly hours offer a much less crowded visiting experience and during a specific event time when families know that all visitors and staff in the museum better understand their family’s experience. The exhibit spaces will operate as usual. Sensory break spaces will be identified on each floor; most are always available but there will be an additional sensory break space set up in our Celebrations Room on floor 2.

Today’s sensory-friendly night is held outside the museum’s regular general admission hours and presented in collaboration with the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin. Pre-registration for the event is not required, but pre-registered families will be able to take advantage of express check-in. Walk-ins are welcome and the event is free to all attendees.