For Visitors with Sensory Sensitivities or Challenges with Sensory Regulation

The Museum is now a certified Sensory Inclusive facility, registered with KultureCity, a nationally recognized organization that provides sensory inclusion training and tools to venues and large-scale events. Our staff is trained on how to recognize guests with sensory needs, how to help handle sensory overload situations, and how to use sensory kits and supplies to support individuals with sensory sensitivities. Temperature, lighting and noise levels fluctuate throughout the Museum. Some spaces are quieter than others, and some can be overly stimulating. When planning your visit, please consider the following information and resources.

Sensory Support

  • Sensory Bags

    Sensory bags containing fidget tools, noise canceling headphones and other resources are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at the Guest Services Station. Find it on the first floor near the main entrance. Kulture City VIP badges are also available for guests who would like to use them during their visit.

  • Weighted Lap Pads

    Weighted lap pads are also available upon request (at no cost by leaving an ID) at the Guest Services Station on the first floor near the main entrance.

  • Headphone Zones

    Headphone Zones are locations in the museum that have been identified as noisy on a regular basis. In these areas, individuals who have a sensitivity to noise may want to use the noise-canceling headphones that are included in the sensory bag.

    Headphone Zones include:

    Adventure Expeditions
    The Port
    Tiny’s Diner

  • Quiet Areas

    Quiet areas are easily accessible locations in the museum that have been identified for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment.
    Quiet Areas include:

    The Oasis
    Tot Trails
    Studio Workshop

  • Port Discovery's Sensory Story

    Prior to visiting the Museum, you are encouraged to download the free KultureCity App to view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Through the app, you can also find Port Discovery’s Sensory Story. Use the following links to access Port Discovery’s Social Story for iPhone and Android. Additional Social Stories for the Museum will be available in late 2022. 

    KultureCity App https://www.kulturecity.org/sensory-inclusive-app/

    iPhone http://bit.ly/KCiphone

    Android http://bit.ly/KCandroid

  • KultureCity App

    Prior to visiting the Museum, you are encouraged to download the free KultureCity App to view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Through the app, you can also find Port Discovery’s Sensory Story. Use the following links to access Port Discovery’s Social Story for iPhone and Android.

    KultureCity App https://www.kulturecity.org/sensory-inclusive-app/

    iPhone http://bit.ly/KCiphone

    Android http://bit.ly/KCandroid

Port Discovery's Sensory Friendly Resources

FAQs

Port Discovery Children’s Museum student visits, exhibits, and programs are supported in part by the following partners.

Institute of Museum and Library Services