Pre-visit preparation materials (Museum Stories)

Access to Science Days (once per month)

• Noise reduction headphones available for free

• Weighted blankets available

• Sensory Friendly Film Program

  • Lights turned up

  • Sound turned down

  • Open to people getting up, vocalizing, etc.

  • Available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly)  Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes.

• Sensory Bounce is a program for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), sensory processing disorder (SPD), and other disabilities with a sensory component, and their families.

• Families with members on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing disorders may check out a free pack to use during visits to Brandywine. Created in conjunction with occupational therapists and local families, these packs are designed to create a welcoming experience and contain social stories, fidgets, noise-cancelling headphones, and activity suggestions.

• A Multi-Sensory & Calming Room is located in the Family Care Center for those guests with sensory processing concerns. This dedicated space provides tools for family members or care-givers to intensify or reduce sensory stimulation in a controlled environment.

• Barriers: Dorney Park is generally an overwhelming sensory environment, with loud noises, bright lights, and unexpected sensory experiences.

• Certified Autism Center

• Ability to attend before general public or after hours

• Sensory backpacks with noise cancelling headphones, fidget toys, a stress ball, thinking putty and laminated copies of EPZ’s Social Story, sensory map, and sensory guide.

• Dedicated quiet space

• Sensory Alert Map

• Sensory backpacks with noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, and weighted toys to help reduce sensory stimulation while exploring exhibits

• Return visit vouchers if you must leave before 30 min after arriving

• Sensory Friendly Sunday events

• There are several quiet locations available to guests throughout Hersheypark that provide both privacy and relief from sensory stimulation.

• Sensory Friendly Performances. Typically, the features of SF performances include; house lighting kept at mid-level, house doors remain open, and a cool-down space for stimulated guests. During the performance, guests are free to move, vocalize and be who they are.

• Staff training by The Ruttenberg® Autism Center

• Reduction of sound and light levels in certain areas

• Quiet spaces

• A reduced Center capacity

• Social Stories created by The Ruttenberg® Autism Center are available below and will be available onsite

• Sensory Room

• Certified Autism Center (IBCCS).

• Sensory Guide

• Noise reducing headphones, available at the Reception Desk and the Battle of Brandywine Theater.

• The Museum also offers a quiet room giving guests the opportunity to play the Museum’s signature films in a small, private setting.

• Select Sensory Friendly Sundays

• Pre-visit guides

• Play Without Boundaries events provide a relaxed environment for individuals with autism, learning differences, and other sensory or communication needs.

  • The museum is closed to the general public and has fewer visitors

  • Low-level lighting and a quieter museum experience

  • Tools to enhance your visit, including Social Stories & Quiet Zones

  • Programming with educators who have received autism sensitivity training

  • Community partners with resources for families and individuals with autism

  • Relaxed Performances in the Please Touch Playhouse

• On a typical day, the museum offers: 

  • Quiet kits (noise canceling headphones, coloring, fidgets)​

  • Sensory guide to prepare for your visit 

  • Social stories for temporary exhibits

• Exclusive events for those with sensory differences

• PMAforAll App to help prepare

• Sensory kits with noise-reducing headphones, fidgets, and other tools

• Relaxed Sensory Performance

• Pre-visit stories

• Trained staff, ushers, musicians, and volunteers 

• A quiet space outside of the ballroom with bean bag chairs where children may take a break from sensory stimuli.

• Fidget toys and sensory stress toys.

• Flexible refund policy

• KidZooU designated quiet area 

• Map of quiet areas around the zoo

• Social stories to prepare for your visit

• KidZooU visual schedule

• Certified Staff

• IBCCES Sensory Guide

• Designated quiet spaces

• Noise cancelling headphones

• Low sensory areas

• Low sensory parade viewing

• Sensory hours jump time

• Special sensory kits, including noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads for guests