A big zoo in Apple Valley with a Sensory Guide that names the loud, dark, smelly and crowded spots and the quieter places to take a break, plus fidgets, ear plugs and child-size earmuffs at Guest Services.
“The Guest Services desk has fidgets available (not be suitable for chewing or small children).”
“Disposable ear plugs and child-size earmuff hearing protectors are available at the Guest Services desk”
“Download our Sensory Guide, which is designed to support those with autism and sensory-processing disorders”
Earmuffs are first come, first served, and the desk holds a photo ID as a deposit. The fidgets aren't for chewing or for small children.
The zoo names no indoor quiet room. The break spots the guide names are mostly outdoors or seasonal, so plan a car break with a re-entry hand stamp from Guest Services on cold days.
Several areas are closed for the season, including Woodland Adventure, Hanifl Family Wild Woods, the Splash Pad, Dino Hideout and the Conservation Carousel. The indoor Bee Hive play area is open.
