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 a limited capacity visit is welcome.
In 2019 we will offer twenty-five Especially for Me events, including:
All are events free, but require pre-registration online through the links below, so that we can plan appropriately. Registration links go live about 6 weeks prior to each event.
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 just 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.
You may want to prepare for your visit by downloading our Story Guide to Discovery Woods (a Story Guide to the Museum coming soon), downloading our Sensory Map, and/or visiting the Exhibits section of our website. 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.
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.
You may want to prepare for your visit by downloading our Story Guide to Discovery Woods (a Story Guide to the Museum coming soon), downloading our Sensory Map, and/or visiting the Exhibits section of our website. 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.
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 while we are closed to the general public.
You may want to prepare for your visit by downloading our Story Guide to Discovery Woods (a Story Guide to the Museum coming soon), downloading our Sensory Map, and/or visiting the Exhibits section of our website. 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.
Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided.
Come for a special morning at the Museum with Early Intervention groups and other families with similar needs while we are closed to the general public. 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.
You may want to prepare for your visit by downloading our Story Guide to Discovery Woods (a Story Guide to the Museum coming soon), downloading our Sensory Map, and/or visiting the Exhibits section of our website. 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.
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 special free evening event especially for families with 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. 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 (a Story Guide to the Museum coming soon), downloading our Sensory Map, and/or visiting the Exhibits section of our website. 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.
Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided.
This Especially for Me program is offered in conjunction with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program of Boston Children's Hospital.
