I am on a mission — a mission to find sensory-friendly places for people with special needs. Selfishly, I noticed a serious lack of sensory-friendly experiences in the capital district when I kept trying to have a good time only to have to run away and go home. I got tired of missing out, so I went on a mission. It all started at a science museum.

miSci

miSci is a wonderful hands-on museum located in Schenectady. The museum’s focus is on science, math, space exploration, magnets, weather, you name it, you can find it at miSci. And it’s not just for kids, either.

My mission, however, is to find sensory-friendly experiences for both adults and kids with special needs. If you suffer from any condition that makes things such as noise, bright lights, crowds, and just too much energy, a sensory-friendly experience is for you. 

Right now, at miSci every second Sunday of the month will have sensory-friendly hours from 9-11 am. I attended their inaugural event this morning and they have thought of absolutely everything.

Sensory-Friendly

miSci not only has a quiet room with dimmed lights for anyone who may need to calm down, but they have taken every possible step to ensure that the room won’t be necessary. 

• Weighted vests in case you start to feel overwhelmed
• Earmuffs to help protect against unwanted noise (sometimes young autistic kids stim verbally so these may be necessary)
• Dimmed lights and sounds throughout the museum
• Friendly staff ready to help in any way possible

I was on the news during my visit today, you can check that out here. 

Endless Possibilities

As I said, you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the amazing stuff that miSci has to offer. Whether you’re into building, design, photography, music, lighting, magnets, lasers, or weather — there is something here for you to do. And let’s be honest, we could all use some time letting our inner child.

Planetarium

As if all of this wasn’t enough, miSci also has a planetarium with a fascinating lineup up different types of planetary spectacles — again for all ages. They have different programs that are more appropriate for certain ages, be sure to check the websitebefore you take your youngster to a show they may not be able to understand. 

• Check out the events page 
• Break-week classes
• Planetarium schedule
• Educational Programs
• You can even rent it miSci for special events
• And much much more

Gallery

Check out the rest of our gallery below, and show your support for this amazing museum that isn’t thinking about its bottom line as much as they are thinking about being certain that everyone, no matter what their sensory needs may be, can get to enjoy all of their amazing exhibits.