
Miami Children’s Museum has expanded its commitment to providing access to children of all abilities by adding an Associate Director of Inclusion and offering free admission for Sensory Friendly Saturdays.
With the support of the Albert E. & Birdie W. Einstein Fund, Sensory Friendly Saturdays at Miami Children’s Museum will now be offered free for children with disabilities and their families. Sensory Saturdays are scheduled on the second Saturday of every month from 9AM to 11AM. This monthly program offers a sensory friendly experience for children with disabilities and their families and will be offered free of charge beginning with the scheduled January 11th date.
“Every child is a passionate learner but many children with special needs experience a hard time with abstract thinking, sensory overloads, transitions and social communications,” says Deborah Spiegelman, CEO and Executive Director of the Museum. “Miami Children’s Museum seeks to fill this gap in our community and believes an accessible and inclusive museum must address each guest’s experiences by making the facilities, exhibits, services, programs, staff and offices welcoming to all.”
In addition to the multi-sensory interactive exhibits, we invite guests of Sensory Friendly Saturdays to explore the Museum in a sensory modified and supportive setting with limited admission, as well as lowered sound and lighting. Families are invited to speak to service providers and learn about community resources available to them as well as enjoy a sensory friendly stage performance and participate in a variety of sensory based activities.
Through an NBCUniversal Project Innovation grant, Miami Children’s Museum is moving forward with a Multi-Sensory Environment Program that will expand the Museum’s programs and services for those with disabilities. The Museum has created a Department of Inclusion so that all members of the community will have access to this valuable resource. Ms. Sarah Coleman has been appointed Associate Director of Inclusion. She brings 12 years of experience in the field. According to Sarah:
“I’ve been a passionate disability rights advocate for many years. During my time I have worked with infants, adolescents, adults, and seniors with varying disabilities in the role of caregiver, therapist, educator, community integration advocate, and ally. I believe in accessibility and inclusion with all of my heart. I have seen first-hand how inclusion shapes communities for the better and I am so excited to champion that mission at Miami Children’s Museum.”
The goal of the program is to provide children with the opportunity to engage in social interactions and improve the processing, modulation and regulation of sensory input to increase their understanding of and participation in a natural environment. Additionally, the Museum is home to a Multi-Sensory Room/Snoezelen Room; the first of its kind in any public place. Snoezelen Multi-Sensory Environments are relaxing spaces that help reduce agitation and anxiety, but also engage and delight the user, stimulate reactions and encourage communication.
Experience Sensory Friendly Saturdays at Miami Children’s Museum’s every second Saturday of the month from 9-11AM. The next scheduled event is Saturday, January 11th, 2020. The Museum is located at 980 MacArthur Causeway on Watson Island in Miami. Admission is complementary but RSVP is required. For more information, please contact the Museum at 305.373.KIDS (5437) ext. 130 or visit www.miamichildrensmuseum.org.
Miami Children’s Museum offers bilingual and interactive exhibits; programs and classes and learning materials related to arts, culture, community and communication. They have 17 interactive galleries as well as housing many exciting and fun traveling exhibits. Miami Children’s Museum is dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning through play and enabling children to realize their highest potential. Through arts and educational programs, the Museum seeks to include and target all audiences in Miami’s changing and diverse community by becoming the “town center” for Miami-Dade County’s children and families.
The Miami Children's Museum is known in South Florida for its fun, hands-on exhibits that turn learning into an adventure for kids. The top five exhibits are favorites among families because they each offer something special. Whether they spark creativity or teach about the environment, these experiences are memorable and keep families returning. Find out why these main exhibits are so popular with both children and parents.
At the Miami Children's Museum, learning is made fun and exciting through interactive play. Kids learn and grow by exploring each exhibit, which encourages curiosity and hands-on discovery. This approach helps children build important thinking and problem-solving skills while having a great time.
We use a hands-on approach to learning, which matches current educational ideas. This way, kids understand more and remember what they learn. They can try activities like building, making music, or exploring a pretend ocean, following their interests and learning at their own speed. This freedom helps kids develop a love for learning that lasts.
We also make sure our exhibits are accessible and fun for all children, no matter their abilities. This focus on inclusivity means every child can take part and benefit from what we offer. It shows our important role in helping kids learn and bringing families together.
We feature exhibits that inspire curiosity and imagination in kids. Here’s a look at some of our most popular attractions that both children and parents enjoy.
The Castle of Dreams welcomes kids into a magical space where they can use their imaginations. Children can pretend to be knights, princesses, or dragons with dress-up areas and storytelling corners. A small castle makes the experience even more fun, letting kids invent their own stories.
The Ocean Odyssey exhibit takes kids on an underwater adventure in the middle of Miami. It shows bright displays of ocean life, including coral reefs and touch tanks where children can feel sea creatures. Kids can also learn about why protecting the ocean matters through fun, interactive panels.
The Music Makers Studio is a fun place where kids can explore music. They can try digital keyboards, drums, and even record their own sounds. Kids enjoy this studio because it lets them be creative and express themselves through music.
The Health & Wellness Center turns learning about healthy habits into a fun adventure. Kids can try activities that teach about fitness and good nutrition in a playful way. They can run obstacle courses, play games about healthy eating, and even pretend to shop for groceries.
In the Construction Zone, kids become young builders and engineers. They use blocks and tools to create everything from simple towers to complex structures. Working together on projects helps them practice problem-solving, teamwork, and spatial skills.
These exhibits bring families together by making learning fun. Each one uses play to spark curiosity and help kids understand new things. Parents appreciate that the museum is a safe and exciting place for children to explore. Visiting us at the Miami Children's Museum helps kids grow and gives families special memories. Plan your visit today and see how interactive learning can be both magical and memorable.