Hands-on play rooms, a fish tank in a cozy nook, a sensory friendly exhibit called Forest of Light, and a $1 playtime with the sounds and lights turned down.
Tuesday to Saturday 9 am to 5 pm; closes at 3 pm on Sat Nov 7. Sundays 12 to 5 pm starting Nov 8, except Sun Nov 15, when only Sensory Friendly Playtime runs. Closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24, 25 and 31. Call 303-604-2424 before a Sunday or Monday visit. No children without an adult, no adults without a child.
Forest of Light is “Designed as a sensory friendly space” with “tactile experiences that can calm the mind.”
“Pull into the Imagination Station (visit this cozy nook) to relax, watch the fish swim by,” “read a book, or play with puppets.” “This area is designed for calmer moments and is where our story times take place!”
“Tickets are valid all day!” “Your admission will be valid until 5 pm, so come back to play some more!”
The museum doesn't say when regular days are calmer. On Sun Nov 15 the museum is closed to the public; only the 10 am to noon playtime runs.
Imagination Station is where story times happen (Tue 10 am and Thu 11 am), so it won't be quiet at those hours. Forest of Light is an open exhibit rather than a closed room.
Santa will be at the Nov 15 playtime. The museum doesn't say whether he has his own area, so if Santa is a lot for your kid, it helps to talk about him ahead of time.
There's no Sensory Friendly Playtime in December or early January. WOW is closed Thanksgiving (Nov 26), Dec 24 and Dec 25. On Dec 31 it is closed for regular play; a New Year's Eve party runs 10 am to noon that day. Watch the Sensory Friendly Playtime page for 2027 dates.
For the museum's social story, email accessibility@wowchildrensmuseum.org and ask for a copy.
Imagination Station, a cozy nook (story times happen here too)quiet zone
Forest of Light, designed as a sensory friendly exhibitquiet zone
Sensory Friendly Playtime is the museum's low-sensory event for kids with autism or sensory processing differences, run with local therapists and specialists.
Forest of Light has a tree trunk hidey-hole with hidden surprises and stories inside. Ask at the front desk where it and Imagination Station are.
Bring a snack or lunch to eat in the snack area.
End of Day Play: come after 3 pm for $2 off each admission.
Play for All: a $10 yearly membership for families on food assistance, WIC, free or reduced lunch, Section 8, TANF or Medicaid/CHP+.
WOW! Cares Bags, free at the front desk, are meant for kids going through trauma; each has a plush bear and a stress ball.
The museum's site shows a map but no parking, drop-off or transit details. The front desk can help: 303-604-2424.
Pets not allowed; service animals welcome.
On Sat Nov 7 the museum closes at 3 pm for its 30th Birthday Bash, which is 21+ only.
