Science For All, Sensory Friendly Night, Returns to the Greensboro Science Center

On Thursday, September 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Greensboro Science Center (GSC) will host 2021’s first Sensory Friendly Night, part of the organization’s Science for All initiative, which is dedicated to developing inclusive GSC experiences for all guests. This after-hours event is designed specifically for guests with sensory-related challenges, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or PTSD, and their families.

Martha Regester, VP of Education, said, “We know that our zoo, aquarium and museum can be a little overwhelming on a busy day. Sensory Friendly Nights are opportunities to relax and enjoy the fall after hours, when the galleries are quieter and the zoo is cooler. It’s our chance to support different learning strategies, and we hope families will take advantage of this unique opportunity to experience the Greensboro Science Center in a whole new way.”

Sensory Friendly Night tickets are $5 per person for guests ages 3 and older. Children 2 and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased on site at the GSC’s admission window the evening of the event. Tickets include admission to the GSC’s museum and aquarium, with special quiet and activity zones, games, and sensory backpacks available for loan. Parts of the zoo will be open until 7:00 p.m., though many animals may already be in their after-hours holding areas and not available for viewing.

Guests are encouraged to visit the GSC’s website at greensboroscience.org and click on “Know Before You Go” on the “Visit” page for a link to our Accessibility web page that contains materials that will help guests prepare for the evening’s activities. Downloadable resources include a map that highlights locations of exhibits and activities as well as locations with sensory extremes, such as loud noises, unusual smells, and bright or dark lighting conditions. A printable photo board denoting the activities available through the evening is also available so guests can build their own schedule prior to arrival. A social narrative is available to prepare guests about what they can expect during their visit.

Additional Sensory Friendly Nights will take place on Thursday, September 23 and Tuesday, October 12, 2021. These events are made possible by the Lincoln Financial Foundation. Special thanks goes to the Autism Society of North Carolina and Autism Unbound for their support of this program.

Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure Opens April 22

The Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure will open at the Greensboro Science Center (GSC) on April, 22, 2021. A GSC member-only preview will take place from 9:00 a.m. – noon, after which the area will be open to all GSC guests. Admission to this new outdoor play space is included with general admission and/or membership.

Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure

The Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure is made up of 4 treehouses and 4 crow’s nests, interconnected by a series of bridges, net climbing structures, hoops, logs, and steps. Guests are encouraged to explore the ecosystem around them and discover local wildlife as they climb. The largest treehouses and a deck are ADA accessible.

Life-size dinosaur replicas located on the hillside beneath the walkways invite guests to come to eye to eye with some of the biggest stars of the prehistoric past, including Triceratops, T. rex, Spinosaurus and Apatosaurus.

Martha Regester, the GSC’s VP of Education, says, “The pandemic has given us a year of leaning via laptops and social distancing. We are so happy to add nature play back into the mix and turn kids’ imaginations loose!”

The Kiwanisaurus Treehouse Adventure, built by Beanstalk Builders, is made possible by the Kiwanis Club of Greensboro and Nat Greene Kiwanis Club. Additional support comes from the Cummings Family and the Hagan Family. In addition, the Wheelihan Family, the White Family, and the Priddy Family have provided support for the dinosaurs.

Final Sensory Friendly Night of 2019 Scheduled for November 19

GREENSBORO, NC — On Tuesday, November 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Greensboro Science Center (GSC) will host its final Sensory Friendly Night of 2019. This after-hours event is designed specifically for guests with sensory-related challenges, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, and their families.

Martha Regester, VP of Education, says, “We want everyone to experience science adventures at the Greensboro Science Center, and we know that sometimes the noise, lights, sounds, and smells – and crowds – can be overwhelming. We are really excited to open our doors with a more relaxed night for families with someone whose autism or anxiety makes a visit more challenging during regular operating hours.”

Sensory Friendly Night tickets are free for GSC members and $5 per person for non-members ages 3 and older. Children 2 and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased on site at the GSC’s admission window the evening of the event. Tickets include admission to the GSC’s museum and aquarium, with special quiet and activity zones, games, and sensory backpacks available for loan. The zoo will not be open.

Guests are encouraged to visit the GSC’s website to access downloadable materials that will help prepare for the evening’s activities. Downloadable resources include a map that highlights locations of exhibits and activities as well as locations with sensory extremes, such as loud noises, unusual smells, and bright or dark lighting conditions. A printable photo board denoting the activities available through the evening is also available so guests can build their own schedule prior to arrival. A social narrative is available to prepare guests about what they can expect during their visit.

Although November 19 is the final Sensory Friendly Night for 2019, the GSC is planning to continue these inclusive science opportunities in 2020. 2019 Sensory Friendly Night events have been made possible by the Lincoln Financial Foundation. Special thanks goes to the University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program for GSC staff training as well as the Autism Society of North Carolina for their support of this program.