Family

New sensory exploration exhibit opens at Marbles Kids Museum

Under the Waves is located on the first floor of the museum, behind doors that limit sound exposure from the museum.

Posted 2023-12-04T19:00:51+00:00 - Updated 2023-12-04T19:00:51+00:00

Marbles Kids Museum has opened a new sensory exploration exhibit.

Under the Waves is located on the first floor of the museum, behind doors that limit sound exposure from the museum. It contains dimmer lighting and calm colors to immerse visitors in a deep-sea exhibit.

The space includes a large octopus, shadow play, a bubble tube, compression canoes and various sensory stimulating and calming activities.

Under the Waves is located on the first floor of Marbles Kids Museum. It offers sensory exploration in a calming environment. (Marbles Kids Museum)

“Sensory play is incredibly valuable for all children. It helps kids develop fine motor skills, supports emotional regulation, encourages creativity and imagination and provides stress relief. For kids who are sensory-seeking or sensory-sensitive, activities like spinning, calming visual stimulation, or snuggling with weighted objects can help kids self-regulate. While many museums have quiet rooms or calm rooms, they often feel like time-out spaces. Under the Waves has been intentionally designed by our team to be a time-in space for play,” Marbles’ Chief Learning Officer Hardin Engelhardt said.

Marbles Kids Museum hosts Sensory Friendly Playtime each month. This free program allows guests to visit Marbles in a calmer, quieter setting.

Marbles is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Members can enter early at 9 a.m. All visitors are required to purchase tickets online in advance of their visit.