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.
Discovery Museum and our Discovery Woods nature playscape and Treehouse are all wheelchair accessible. For more information, please visit our Tips for Visiting page and view or download our Access for All flyer.
The Especially for Me event series offers dedicated hours and free museum admission for families with disabilities. 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 a limited capacity visit is welcome. A medical diagnosis is not required.
Our Especially for Me events include:
All events are free, but require pre-registration online through the links below, so that we can plan appropriately. Registration links for our Autism-Friendly Evenings go live about 6 weeks prior to those events.
Resources available to prepare for your visit include Story Guides to the Museum and Discovery Woods, as well a Sensory Guide. These are available both online and at our Admissions Desk; we also have noise-reducing available to borrow. You might also visit the Exhibits section of our website, and review our Tips for Visiting. Please note that Discovery Woods is open year-round, but closes at dusk and will not be open for evening events during the winter months.
We are grateful to the following organizations for their support of Especially for Me:
Come join in all the fun and explore the accessible Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods during this special evening event for families with members on the autism spectrum. Your family can play, explore, experiment, and imagine together, while we are closed to the general public and headcount is limited.
Dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided courtesy of Not Your Average Joe's, Acton. Thank you!
This Especially for Me program is offered in collaboration with Autism Alliance of MetroWest.
Come explore the accessible Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods. 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, to avoid crowding and support access to exhibits.
Join us for an evening at the Museum especially for families experiencing a visual impairment. Play, explore, experiment, and imagine in the accessible Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods. Meet and play with similar families while we are closed to the general public and headcount is limited.
Dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided courtesy of Not Your Average Joe's, Acton. Thank you!
Come for a special morning at the Museum with Early Intervention groups and other D/HH families while we are closed to the general public and headcount is limited. Playing, exploring, experimenting, and imagining in the museum promotes family conversations and can support early language development for Deaf and Hard of Hearing infants and toddlers. 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 join in all the fun and explore the accessible Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods during this free evening event especially for families with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or KODA children. Your family can play, explore, experiment, and imagine together while we are closed to the general public and headcount is limited. ASL Interpreters will be on-site to support your visit.
Dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided courtesy of Not Your Average Joe's, Acton. Thank you!
This Especially for Me program is offered in conjunction with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program of Boston Children's Hospital.
