Our philosophy starts with the simple belief that kids are capable of incredible things. Our job is to nurture that ability; our goal is to support kids' healthy development. Play is how kids learn--here, it is in both a STEM-rich environment and inviting outdoor experience.
For information on the accessibility of our physical facilities, please visit our Tips for Visiting section.
The Especially for Me event series offers dedicated hours and free museum admission for families facing developmental challenges. During these events, we offer accommodations that increase access to museum exhibits and provide an opportunity for families to network with one another in an understanding environment.
The event titles indicate the types of accommodations provided, but any family that would benefit from the accommodations is welcome.
In 2018 we will offer 24 Especially for Me events, including:
All are events free, but require pre-registration online through the links below, so that we can plan appropriately. Dinner, including gluten-free options, is available at all evening events courtesy of Not Your Average Joe's.
We are grateful to the following organizations for support of our Especially for Me offerings:
We are proud to have been designated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council as an UP Organization, "...demonstrating a commitment to learn, take action, and embrace inclusivity 
as a core organizational value."
We thank the MCC for its support.
Come join in all the fun and explore the accessible Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods during this special evening event just for families with members on the autism spectrum. Your family can explore, wonder, experiment, and imagine together, while we are closed to the general public.
You may want to prepare for your visit by dowloading our Story Guide to Discovery Woods, and visiting the Exhibits section of our website. But, please note that Discovery Woods closes at dusk, and therefore will not be open for evening events during the winter months.
Dinner, including gluten free options, is provided, made possible by the generosity of DiCapri's Pizzeria and Not Your Average Joe's Acton.
This Especially for Me program is offered in collaboration with Autism Alliance of MetroWest.
Come explore the accessible Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods at your own pace on the first Tuesday afternoon of each month, from October through June. Sensory-Friendly Afternoons are all about inclusion. During these events the museum is open to the general public, but group visits and birthday parties are not scheduled, in order to avoid crowding and support access to exhibits. Quiet spaces are also available during this time.
You may want to prepare for your visit by downloading our Story Guide to Discovery Woods and visiting the Exhibits section of our website.
This Especially for Me program is offered in collaboration with Autism Alliance of MetroWest.
Join us for an evening at the museum just for families experiencing a visual impairment. Explore, wonder, experiment, and imagine in the accessible Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods while we are closed to the general public. On these evenings, accommodations are made to many spaces and exhibits to increase accessibility for those with visual impairment.
You may want to prepare for your visit by downloading our Story Guide to Discovery Woods and visiting the Exhibits section of our website. But please note that Discovery Woods closes at dusk and therefore will not be open for evening events during the winter months.
Dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided and made possible by the generosity of DiCapri's Pizzeria and Not Your Average Joe's Acton.
Join in all the fun during this special free morning for families with infants and toddlers experiencing hearing loss. Explore the accessible Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods, our inclusively accessible nature playscape and treehouse. Enjoy our exhibits with Early Intervention groups and other families with similar needs, when we are closed to the general public.
You may want to prepare for your visit by downloading our Story Guide to Discovery Woods, and visiting the Exhibits section of our website. Discovery Woods is open year-round.
ASL interpreters will be on site to support your visit, and snacks are provided.
This Especially for Me program is offered in conjunction with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program of Boston Children's Hospital.
Come explore the accessible Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods during this special free evening event for families experiencing hearing loss. Explore, wonder, experiment, and imagine while we are closed to the general public. ASL Interpreters will be on site to support your visit.
You may want to prepare for your visit by downloading our Story Guide to Discovery Woods and visiting the Exhibits section of our website. Though please note that Discovery Woods closes at dusk, and therefore will not be open for evening events during the winter months.
Dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided and made possible by the generosity of DiCapri's Pizzeria and Not Your Average Joe's Acton.
This Especially for Me program is offered in conjunction with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program of Boston Children's Hospital.
