Accessibility & Special Needs - Boston Children's Museum

Boston Children’s Museum welcomes visitors of all abilities and needs, and offers resources to enhance accessibility and inclusion.

Our staff are always happy to provide assistance when you are in the Museum—please feel free to ask! If you have questions or would like support in planning for your visit, please contact:

Access@BostonChildrensMuseum.org

617-426-6500 x327

Pre-visit Social Story Guide

Read a story with your children to learn what your Museum visit will be like.

Access Programs

Access Programs Sponsored by Liberty Mutual

Morningstar Access

The Morningstar Access program offers children with special needs and medical needs the opportunity to visit the Museum at a time when there are only a few other visitors. During Morningstar Access, we have a limit of 100 guests, and children and their families can explore the Museum with less concern about infections and large crowds.

Pre-registration is required for all Morningstar Access programs. Visit the pre-registration page for monthly program dates and details.

ASL Interpreted Programs

Check the Museum’s online calendar for ASL interpreted programs.

Accessibility Around the Museum

Quieter times
Quieter times at the Museum will vary. The quietest times to visit are usually on weekday afternoons during the school year. The busiest times are usually on weekends, and during the week on holidays, school vacation weeks, and throughout the summer.

Quieter areas
The Museum can sometimes be crowded and noisy. If you and your child need a quieter spot to take a break from stimulation, please ask a staff member to help you find a good place. Some options, include:

The tent in Arthur & Friends (2nd floor)
The shadow area in Peep’s World (2nd floor)
The ends of the long hallways outside the exhibit spaces (2nd and 3rd floors)

Mobility
Boston Children’s Museum’s building and exhibit spaces are wheelchair accessible. The main elevator serves all three floors.

Restrooms
The Family Restrooms located on each of the Museum’s three floors are wheelchair accessible. Additional wheelchair accessible restrooms are also available on the 1st floor.

Changing Tables
Baby changing tables are available in every restroom.

For an older child or adult who needs to be changed, a height-adjustable adult-size changing table is available in the first aid room. Please ask the staff to unlock the first aid room.

Service animals
Service animals are always welcome in the Museum. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed in the Museum.

Allergy awareness
The Museum is an allergy aware environment. It is not an “allergen free” or “nut free” space. Learn more about the Museum’s Allergy Awareness program.

Resources to Support Your Visit

Social Story guide
Boston Children’s Museum’s Social Story is a tool to help adults communicate with children about what they might expect and do at the Museum. Download the pre-visit Social Story guide.

Sound-reducing earmuffs
Sound-reducing earmuffs sized to most children are available to borrow at the Admissions Desk. Please return them at the end of your visit to any staff member.

Wheelchairs
Adult and child manual wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis from the Admissions Desk in the Lobby. A form of ID must be provided to borrow these wheelchairs.

Large print maps
Large print maps are available at the Information Desk in the Lobby. You may also download floor maps in PDF format: All-Floors Map | 1st Floor Map | 2nd Floor Map | 3rd Floor Map

Assistive listening devices
Assistive listening devices are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis from the Admissions Desk in the Lobby. These devices may be used during all performances in the KidStage theater, and during other programs upon request. A form of ID must be provided to borrow these devices.

Adaptive tools and sensory resources
Various types of adaptive tools (like adaptive scissors and crayons) and sensory resources (like fidget toys and weighted blankets) are available for use. Please ask a staff member for assistance.