Getting ready forthe Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.
A science, history and culture museum with a music lab, a tornado chamber and a dome theater. Its own social story names the loud rooms and three quiet spots, and a free sensory pack is at the front desk.
From the museum's own social story: “Some of the exhibits have bright lights and reflective surfaces. I might get overwhelmed. If that happens, I need to tell someone who can bring me to a quiet area.”
“The Big Backyard has a lot of grass, trees, and squirrels. It is a quiet place for me to go and be outside.”
The museum doesn't say which times are quieter, but its social story names the loud rooms and three quiet spots. Look at it together the night before.
The social story is from 2023, so a few exhibit names may have changed.
Free S.P.A.R.K. Explorer Pack at the front desk: a wiggle seat, a visor, noise-reducing headphones, a weighted lap pad and fidget keychains. They hold an ID or membership card as a deposit.
Ability Pass: visitors with intellectual, physical or developmental disabilities who come with a caregiver get discounted admission (Dome Theater too), and the caregiver gets in free.
Free parking at the museum, with overflow along Cherry Street. A drop-off area is in front of the main entrance, and 4 accessible spaces are by the Museum Café entrance.
The lobby (“It is very bright and can be loud.”)not stated
Music & Sound Lab (bells, drums and a theremin; “It can get loud.”)not stated
Tornado Chamber (winds up to 70 miles per hour; “It is fun, but loud!”)not stated
OtterBox Digital Dome Theater, 2nd floor (“It is dark and loud.”)not stated
Restroom hand dryers (“The hand dryers are very loud.” Paper towels are there too.)not stated
Quieter, in the same story
The Big Backyard, outsidequiet zone
The Archive (walk-in Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm)quiet zone
Rooftop Observation Deck, 3rd floorquiet zone
Tickets: adults $15.50; youth, students and seniors $12.75; under 2 free. Dome shows are $6 more for non-members. The Archive, Rooftop Observation Deck, store and café are always free.
No food or drink in the galleries. Eat in the café or at the outdoor picnic tables. The café is open Tuesday to Friday 9:30 am to 4 pm and weekends 10 am to 4 pm.
Every restroom has an accessible stall and a baby-changing station. The gender-neutral companion restrooms are in the Music and Sound Lab.
In the museum's story, staff wear nametags shaped like thought bubbles and volunteers wear bright orange lanyards.
The Tot Spot is only for kids 5 and under.
An elevator in the main lobby goes to the 2nd and 3rd floors.
