Free indoor galleries, two old farms with real animals, and a free sensory backpack at the desk. The museum says afternoons are much quieter and names its loud spots. Its quiet time and its loud spots are the plan.
Tuesday to Saturday 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday 11 am to 5 pm, last entry 4:30 pm. Closed Mondays and holidays. This season: closed Nov 11, Nov 26 and 27, Dec 25 and Jan 1; Dec 13 closed until a ticketed event at 5 pm; Dec 24 open until noon; Dec 31 open until 3 pm (last entry 2:30 pm).
“Afternoon visits are often much quieter at the museum.”
“Please be aware that some areas of the farms, like the Blacksmith Shop and animal pens, may be loud or have offensive smells.”
The museum says it “currently does not have scheduled sensory friendly experiences,” so there are no dates to list. Its own quieter time is late afternoon, but the farm programs end at 2 or 3 pm while the museum stays open until 5, so the farm buildings may be unstaffed by then. If the blacksmith or the interpreters are the draw for your kid, call 303-795-3950 first.
Every day is free, so there's no single free day to avoid. Holiday's Evening (Sun Dec 13, 5 to 8 pm) is a ticketed evening outdoors on the farms: $15 adults, $7 kids 2 to 16, under 2 free (Friends members $10 and $5). General sales open Fri Nov 13 at 9 am, and tickets are nonrefundable. Expect wagon rides pulled by mules or horses, live music, carolers, three bonfires and a working forge, plus dark grounds, gravel paths the museum says “can be muddy or icy,” and more people than usual. Letters to Santa happen indoors in the Lecture Hall.
Free sensory backpacks at the Reception Desk, first come, first served, for kids and adults: noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, communication cards, weighted lap pads. An ID is held as a deposit.
Admission is free. Groups of ten or more need a reservation and pay $2 per person.
The loud spots are outdoors: the museum names the Blacksmith Shop and the animal pens on its two farms.
Blacksmith Shop (on the farms) (“may be loud or have offensive smells”)not stated
Animal pens (on the farms) (“may be loud or have offensive smells”)not stated
Quieter
Two living history farms with livestock, plus an 1860s cabin, sheep pen and school house and an 1890s house. Interpreters on the farms wear period costumes.
The animals “can bite, peck, or scratch.” Look, but do not pet or feed them; the museum says it “is not a petting zoo.”
Farm paths are gravel and “can be muddy or icy depending on the weather.” The museum asks you to call ahead about the paths.
Parking is free on site. Accessible spaces are in the main lot on the north side of the building, toward the southeast side of the lot.
No food or drinks in the museum or on the farms, except water bottles and baby bottles. Snacks go on the front lawn or at a nearby park.
Free wheelchairs and strollers at the Reception Desk, first come, first served. The rules say both “You are welcome to bring your stroller into the museum” and “please leave your strollers parked outside”; ask which applies where.
Children under 14 must be supervised by an adult. No pets; service animals only.
First aid kit: ask staff at the Reception Desk (staff can't give first aid; for a serious injury call 911). An AED is by the front doors. Restrooms are throughout the museum, most with changing tables; the Family Restroom is across from the Research Center, near the Admin Wing.
Weekday farm programs usually run 10 am to 2 or 3 pm, with chores at the end; weekend programs are shorter. Call 303-795-3950 for this month's farm schedule.
Other accommodations: call 303-795-3950 or email history@littletonco.gov.
