Best Outings for Seattle-Area Kids With Sensory Needs or Disabilities
Photo:
The art studio at Hands On Children’s Museum. Image courtesy of the museum
Hands On Children’s Museum
Hands On Children’s Museum (HOCM) in Olympia is the largest children’s museum in the Pacific Northwest. HOCM hosts Sensory-Friendly Hour for families with kids on the autism spectrum or with other sensory needs. These take place nearly every Sunday, 9–10 a.m.
There is also a Sensory Friendly Room and Sensory Friendly Art Time on the weekends; Saturdays, 1–4 p.m., and Sundays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
HOCM also offers free Sensory Friendly Art Kits. Each week, your child will be able to choose a different kit from the museum’s selection (all materials are included). Pick one up during Sensory Friendly Hour or in the Sensory Friendly Room.
The front desk offers brightly colored noise-muffling headphones to borrow for free during regular museum hours. Just ask.
Cost and hours: Sensory Friendly Hour takes place nearly every Sunday, 9–10 a.m. (except during weekend special events). Entry for Sensory Friendly Hour is $7.50 for all guests ages 18 months and older (regular museum admission is $16.95 when purchased online, $18.95 at the door). Online reservations are required.
Location: 414 Jefferson St. N.E., Olympia
Next stop: Pump It Up
