Exploring new places floods our senses. Bright lights, big crowds and loud sounds are often seen as part of the fun, but may cause overstimulation for others. Travelers with autism, brain injuries and other sensitivities seek out spots that pay special attention to the needs of neurodivergent visitors. Thankfully, many Iowa museums, venues and activity centers offer tailored experiences and calmer environments.
We’ve curated this list and tips for making any family trip more inclusive with help from ChildServe, a specialty pediatric healthcare provider for children and young adults with special healthcare needs.
Sensory Friendly Morning at the Iowa State Fair, Altoona
ChildServe presents an annual Sensory-Friendly Morning at the Iowa State Fair which features special spaces, programming modifications and activities. For mom Missy Haden, dedicated sensory-friendly time set her family up for a successful experience.
“One of the highlights was the [air-conditioned] calming rooms we were able to access where our son could take a break from all the activities,” Missy said. “He can get overwhelmed by the surroundings and being able to stop in to give him a break allowed our family to stay at the Fair longer and enjoy it all together!”
Norris Corson Family Planetarium, Waterloo
Get out of this world with sensory-friendly showings at the Norris Corson Family Planetarium in Waterloo. Held monthly, these 30-minute starry shows keep the lights dimmed and mute music and sound effects. The door of the planetarium remains open, so guests can come and go as desired. Tickets are $3.
Extend the visit with stops at other sites and exhibits within Waterloo’s Grout Museum District. A new on-site Wellness Room offers a quiet spot for museum visitors who feel overstimulated. Fidget toys, plushies and other calming tools appeal to people of all ages who need to take a break. Additionally, sensory-friendly signage includes labeled maps to help visitors assess each exhibit environment for sound and light levels. Sensory bags are also available to check out at no extra cost.
Get Air Trampoline Park, Waterloo
Also in Waterloo, Get Air Trampoline Park turns down the music and promotes a calmer atmosphere from 8-10 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. One parent or guardian is welcome to support jumpers on the trampoline for free.
ArtHaus, Decorah
ArtHaus in Decorah hosts a sensory-friendly open studio time on Saturdays from 10-11 a.m. This drop-in opportunity allows creatives to access materials and equipment for painting, paper making, mosaic, sewing and more. During this designated hour, noises are kept to a minimum and lights are off in the studio. Day passes are $10.
Iowa Children's Museum, Coralville
Prepare your pint-sized visitor using an online photo diary of a day at the Iowa Children’s Museum in Coralville. Online images highlight the thoughtful amenities like sensory bags with headphones, quiet zones and exhibit environments. Headphones are most useful in the Take Flight, Notion of Motion and Lights Out! exhibits. On-site staff are trained to recognize guests with sensory needs. They know how to identify sensory overload and how to support and communicate with caregivers or individuals when needed. The museum’s Family Sanctuary features a quiet space for families to take a break from the excitement of museum exhibits. Admission is free during Sensory Friendly Night, held the last Sunday of each month. These events are designed for families with members who experience sensory sensitivities, are on the autism spectrum or who have any health needs that would make a quieter visit more enjoyable.
University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, Iowa City
Art and accessibility intertwine at the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art in Iowa City. Famous paintings like Jackson Pollock’s “Mural” and works by artists like Joan Miró, Henri Matisse and Grant Wood are a lot to take in. The Family Quiet Room on the third floor offers a secure, private and quiet space for visitors. Complimentary weighted lap pads are available upon request at the welcome desk, as well as sensory bags.
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Dubuque
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque offers similar support. Located between the MakerSpace and the Boat Shop of the Mississippi River Center, a Comfort Room is available for those seeking privacy and a quiet area. It features a reclining chair, outlets, headphones, a functioning sink and fidget toys.
Autistic & Loved Sensory Gym, Davenport
In Davenport, Autistic & Loved Sensory Gym is a family-oriented space founded by Argrow "Kit" Evans-Ford. This Iowa mom and entrepreneur launched a line of chewable jewelry pieces for kids after her two children were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. She opened the drop-in-friendly gym in Davenport to create more social opportunities for kids and caregivers.
“We're called Autistic and Loved, but we're open to all children,” Kit said. “We have a zip line, trampolines, a turbo slide and sensory stations. We just want to be a safe space for all kids, and especially kids who are neurodiverse.”
Family Museum, Bettendorf
Pair your visit with a trip to the Family Museum in Bettendorf, which is designated as a Certified Autism Center™ by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. Ask about quarterly after-hours sensory-friendly nights, which cap capacity at 100 visitors and often include therapy dogs on-site.
LaunchPAD Children's Museum, Sioux City
The LaunchPAD Children’s Museum in Sioux City offers Sensory-Friendly Nights once a quarter, where children and families can enjoy the exhibits and activities in a quieter atmosphere at no cost. Lights are dimmed, capacity is limited and exhibits that create extra noise are turned off.
Le Mars Art Center, Le Mars
The Le Mars Arts Center in Le Mars offers sensory-friendly options including low-stim hours/tours, flexible lighting, quiet spaces and simple comfortable tools like earplugs or gloves. Staff is always happy to accommodate specific needs to ensure that every guest feels comfortable and supported while exploring the galleries, workshops and community events.
Des Moines Sensory-Friendly Attractions
Many of the major attractions in the Des Moines metro, including Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines Children’s Museum and Science Center of Iowa all host sensory-friendly opportunities. The Science Center of Iowa also provides a sensory guide with coded maps that indicate audio, visual and tactile stimuli in each space throughout the building.
Sensory Inclusive Event Centers, Statewide
Mapping Sensory Inclusive™ places is part of the mission at KultureCity, a leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance. Entertainment venues like the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines and Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee are KultureCity certified to accommodate individuals with sensory processing disorders. Principal Park, home to the Iowa Cubs baseball team, is officially certified as a sensory-inclusive venue. Fans can check out sensory bags by leaving an ID with Fan Service or the Front Desk. Designated quiet spaces, including First Aid on the concourse and a second-floor conference room are available all season long. In Sioux City, the Tyson Events Center welcomes guests with sensory processing needs to stop by guest services located behind section 105 for KultureCity resources.
