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Best Outings for Seattle-Area Kids With Sensory Needs or Disabilities

Explore accessible adventurous playgrounds, sensory-friendly museums and more

Lauren Braden
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Published on: October 17, 2022

Best Outings for Seattle-Area Kids With Sensory Needs or Disabilities

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Photo:
The art studio at Hands On Children’s Museum. Image courtesy of the museum

Hands On Children’s Museum (HOCM)

Hands On Children's Museum 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.

Cost and hours: Sensory-Friendly Hour takes place 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 (general museum admission $16.95 when purchased online, $18.95 at the door). Online reservations are required.

Location414 Jefferson St. N.E., Olympia

Next stop: Pump It Up

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