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.
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. 
Resources available to prepare for your visit include Story Guides to visiting the Museum during COVID protocols and visiting Discovery Woods, as well a Sensory Guide. These are available both online and at our Admissions Desk. You might also visit the Exhibits section of our website, view or download our Access for All flyer, and review our Tips for Visiting. You can borrow noise-reducing headphones and a portable step stool for easier access to exhibits at the Admissions Desk.
Please note that Discovery Woods is open year-round, but closes at dusk during the winter months and therefore will not be open for some evening events.
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 free evening event especially for families with children with disabilities. Your family can play, explore, experiment, and imagine together while we are closed to the general public. Any family who can benefit from a limited capacity visit is welcome at this event; a medical diagnosis is not required. ASL interpretation may be available upon request. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided. Advance registration is required.
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. ASL interpretation may be available upon request.
Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided. Advance registration is required.
These Especially for Me events are offered in collaboration with Autism Alliance of MetroWest.
Come explore the accessible Discovery Museum, Discovery Woods, and our giant treehouse! 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. Advance registration is required.
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. ASL interpretation may be available upon request.
Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided. Advance registration is required.
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 interpretation may be available upon request. Advance registration is required.
These Especially for Me events are offered in conjunction with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program of Boston Children's Hospital.
Come play and explore in our ADA-compliant and universally designed museum during this special, free afternoon dedicated to families with d/Deaf, hard of hearing, and KODA children. The Museum will be closed to the general public and headcount will be limited. ASL interpretation may be available upon request.
Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided. Advance registration is required.
These Especially for Me events are offered in conjunction with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program of Boston Children's Hospital.
