Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Offers Sensory-Friendly Play Environment

For kids and families living with sensory challenges, outings can be hard. New places, unexpected crowds, loud noises, or bright lights can all trigger anxiety and unwanted reactions. Many families cope by just staying home or avoiding places that generally offer loud and overstimulating environments.

In a move to make its space accessible and beneficial for all children and families, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (GRCM) has implemented a sensory-friendly protocol.

Making the Museum Accessible to All

Sensory challenges can often be linked to mental health; many children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), anxiety disorders, and more, experience difficulty with sensory overstimulation at times. They may, for instance, experience outbursts that can be triggered by stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights, and crowded rooms – all of which are scenarios that are common at places like the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.

The Children’s Museum recognized that the environment at the museum was not ideal for all children. The Autism Alliance of Michigan joined the conversation when the Children’s Museum wanted to train its entire staff to work with kids with sensory challenges. It may not be noticeable to a visitor popping in off the street. Still, the Children’s Museum has thought through the details of an anxious child’s experience – even down to the paint color selection – to maximize inclusion and comfort.

The museum developed tool kits to address common triggers kids with sensory disorders face, and each comes in a stylish backpack to alleviate any stigma. The backpack contains emotion wallet cards to help kids recognize and communicate their feelings. There are also noise-reduction headphones, which allow kids to still hear what's going on around them, but at a lower level. A weighted compression vest, offered in sizes XS–M (children's size 2–12), and weighted suspenders offer children body awareness they otherwise might seek by pushing or shoving.

Three stress balls and two fidget tools – one wearable and one handheld – offer distractions when needed. Finally, each kit contains a social storybook that helps kids anticipate what they’ll experience when visiting the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum to help reduce anxiety and stress.

Putting the Tool Kits to Work

The GRCM's efforts to make the museum more accessible, accommodating, and comfortable for all children are a notable step forward to further inclusivity and acceptance of individuals struggling with mental health. Simple changes like the new sensory-friendly tool kits are impactful, and are a show of support to families whose children have specific needs, thus allowing them to enjoy the Children's Museum with greater peace of mind.

The museum is now open daily from Tuesday to Sunday. Field trips are scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays. The GRCM is open for members only on Tuesdays from 9am–12pm, and open to the public on Wednesdays from 9am–4pm, Thursdays from 12pm–7pm, Fridays from 9am–4pm, Saturdays from 9am–4pm, and Sundays from 12pm–4pm. Hours may vary, so be sure to check the museum's website before visiting. 

The Children’s Museum currently has six sensory-friendly kits available. If you’d like to place one on hold on the day you plan to visit, call the front desk at (616) 235-4726.