We know busy play spaces can be overwhelming.
Sensory Friendly Evenings offer children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), physical or cognitive disabilities, or sensory processing considerations, and their families with a quieter museum experience. With extremely limited attendance, Sensory Friendly Evenings turn down the noise, crowds, and stimulation of a typical day.
Sensory Friendly Evenings are free for children and their families. Space is limited.
Register Now
Funding for Sensory Friendly Evenings provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, as well as Dr. Robert and Joan Boyce in loving memory of their daughters Ann Marie and Holly Leigh Boyce.
November 18, 2025 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Capacity is limited, please register in advance.
Registration opens Wednesday, November 12th.
Additional Programming:
Open Studio: Discover Dinos
Stomp, dig, and explore the world of dinosaurs!
Join us for a prehistoric exploration of size, sensory play and curiosity! Visitors will play with dinosaur figures in kinetic sand to see the tracks they leave behind, compare your feet to giant foam dino footprints, and unearth hidden bones in a mini dig site. Each activity invites visitors to explore size, shape, and discovery through hands-on play.
Location: Discovery Lab
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
December 2, 2025 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Capacity is limited, please register in advance.
Registration opens Wednesday, November 26th.
Additional Programming:
Open Studio: Card Crafters
Stomp, dig, and explore the world of dinosaurs!
Join us for a prehistoric exploration of size, sensory play and curiosity! Visitors will play with dinosaur figures in kinetic sand to see the tracks they leave behind, compare your feet to giant foam dino footprints, and unearth hidden bones in a mini dig site. Each activity invites visitors to explore size, shape, and discovery through hands-on play.
Location: Discovery Lab
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
December 16, 2025 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Join us for a special Sensory Friendly
Evening with Santa!
Join us for a visit with Santa in a calm and quiet setting and enjoy an evening of play throughout the museum.
Capacity is limited, please register in advance.
Registration opens Wednesday, December 10th.
Additional Programming:
Open Studio: Science in Motion
Experiment, build, test and discover!
In this Open Studio, visitors will experiment with the science of motion by building and testing spinning tops. Using everyday materials like cardboard, CDs, and markers, explore how gravity, balance, and friction affect the way your top moves. Do different materials change how long the top is able to spin? Drop-in and find out!
Location: Discovery Lab
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
January 6, 2026 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Capacity is limited, please register in advance.
Registration opens Wednesday, December 31.
Additional Programming:
Open Studio: All About Clouds
Imagine, swirl, fluff, and create!
In this sky-themed Open Studio, visitors can explore the wonder of clouds through hands-on making and discovery. Watch a “cloud in a jar” demo to see how clouds form, then create your own 3D hanging cloud using paper, scissors, and imagination before adding your creation to the cloud system in the Discovery Lab for everyone to enjoy!
Location: Discovery Lab
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
January 20, 2026 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Capacity is limited, please register in advance.
Registration opens Wednesday, January 14.
Additional Programming:
Open Studio: Hoop Gliders
Build, launch, test, and soar!
In this flight-focused Open Studio, visitors will design and build their own hoop glider using simple materials like cardstock, straws, and paper hoops. Test your creation to see how lift, drag, and gravity affect its flight, then experiment with fans to discover whether wind helps or hinders your glider’s journey. Aim for the landing zone and see how far your design can go!
Location: Discovery Lab
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
