Water, a fire station with real sirens, a climber three and a half stories tall, and a quiet room called The Nest. The museum rates every room for noise. Use its noise numbers to plan the order of the day.
“The atmosphere and noise-level is different for each exhibit and can vary depending on time of day. If your child is sensitive to noise, avoid areas that indicate high levels of noise, or borrow a pair of headphones from the front desk.”
The Nest “is designed to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder, as well as individuals who experience sensory processing differences” and is “meant for any guest who would benefit from taking a break from a busier environment.”
The museum doesn't say which days or hours are calmer. Sat Nov 7 is a free night (Night at the Museums, 5 to 10 pm), and the $12 Tuesday Nights (Nov 3, Dec 1, Jan 5) run until 7. Both will be busier than a regular afternoon.
The museum's own Museum for All guide, in English and Spanish, is written in your kid's voice and gives every room a noise number, with maps of both floors. It's worth reading together the night before.
Parking is free for museum visitors. For accessible parking or drop-off, call 303-433-7444.
At the front desk, free to borrow: noise-cancelling headphones, weighted lap pads and neck wraps, wheelchairs. Weighted pads and wraps are also in The Nest.
Tickets at the door only; nothing sells online. Under 1 free, age 1 $17.75, ages 2 to 59 $19.75, 60 and over $17.75, members free. SNAP $3 per person, up to 10 people; show your SNAP card at the front desk. Staff may limit entry to control occupancy.
whether lights are adjusted on Low-sensory Evenings
busy days or hours
Call 303-433-7444More about Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
Louder, by the museum's own rating
Fire Station No. 1 (sirens)
Water
Assembly Plant
Kinetics (siren and flashing lights when the ball bin fills)
My Market
Art Studio, Bubbles, Campsite, Energy
Altitude, Box Canyon, Joy Park, Snow Days, Ready Vet Go, Teaching Kitchen
Quieter
The Nest, sensory-friendly studio (1st floor, by Water and Box Canyon)quiet zone
The Book Nook (2nd floor)quiet zone
Bloom (rated 2)quiet zone
The Nest is on the first floor next to Water and Box Canyon. The Book Nook is upstairs. Both are rated 1 (quiet) by the museum.
Strollers: the museum recommends a stroller-free visit; stroller parking is limited and there are no rentals.
Lockers are 50 cents; cubbies are free but don't lock.
Outside food and drinks are allowed; no food in the exhibits (Bloom allows water only). Not an allergen-free environment.
Nursing: a private nursing station on the 2nd floor near Energy; Bloom has private nursing areas and bottle warmers; most restrooms have changing tables.
Tour Before You Visit: email CommunityPrograms@cmdenver.org at least one week ahead; depends on staff availability.
Staff wear black lanyards and black, green or grey shirts.
Every exhibit is wheelchair accessible except the climbing structures (Altitude, Adventure Forest).
This season: Snow Days (outdoor, sock skating and sledding) opens Nov 18; Noon Year's Eve Dec 31 with a ball drop every hour 10 am to 3 pm.
