The Children’s Museum of the East End has introduced Sensory Saturdays, a new initiative offering early access to children with sensory sensitivities. Designed for neurodivergent visitors, the program allows families to experience the museum in a quieter, more accommodating environment.
The next session is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, at 8:30 a.m., one hour before the museum opens to the public.
“This is our first year doing this event,” said Hannah Quinn, front desk manager. “And we’re happy to have it.”
A typical day at the museum can draw several hundred visitors, which may be overwhelming for individuals with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder.
In contrast, Sensory Saturdays have seen an average attendance of three to five families, creating a calmer environment for those who might otherwise find the museum overstimulating.
“We try to have it be an inclusive event, so we dim the lights, we turn off any noise that some of our exhibits make. For example, we have a fire truck that makes the siren noise, and we turn that off so it's just a little quieter for kids,” Quinn told South Shore Press.
Families from across Long Island are invited to attend Sensory Saturday free of charge if they are sensitive to typical museum noise.
“We're really trying to meet the needs of everybody in the community,” she said.
Two more Sensory Saturdays are scheduled before a temporary pause for summer programming: Saturday, May 10, and Saturday, June 14. Both begin at 8:30 a.m.
Quinn said she is encouraged by the response and expects the program to grow through word of mouth.
Quiet activities are tailored for visitors with sensory sensitivities and include Play-Doh and the Legacy Tree Gallery, an indoor play area with cushions and slides.
This month, the wider community is also invited to a free block party, which Quinn described as “one of our biggest events of the year.” The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to noon.
“It’s going to be outside if it’s a nice day,” Quinn said, “and we have some of our local vendors,” including Our Fabulous Variety Show, a Long Island theater group.
According to the museum’s website, block party activities are designed for children ages 2 to 8 and include a construction zone, chalk art, stomp rockets and bubbles.
While the block party is held outdoors, guests are welcome to tour the museum afterward at regular admission prices.
As the museum marks its 20th year, additional activities are planned, including the summer 2025 opening of a new playground.
“We’re super excited to welcome everyone this summer as we’re opening our new playground, which is part of our 20th year (celebration),” Quinn said.
The museum is located at 376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike and is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $19 per person for anyone over 12 months old.
For more information, visit www.cmee.org.