McWane Science Center has partnered with KultureCity to become a Sensory Inclusive organization to better serve our visitors with sensory processing needs. With this partnership, McWane Science Center will foster an inclusive environment for visitors with sensory processing needs by providing tools for a better experience in our center.
KultureCity is a transformative movement to ensure a better future for children with autism. The nonprofit organization believes all children should be accepted and treated equally, and the future of these children should not be limited by their medical diagnoses. McWane Science Center shares this belief and has partnered with KultureCity to be a Sensory Inclusive organization. Through training with KultureCity, our staff has been equipped with tools to help visitors with sensory processing disorders enjoy McWane Science Center.
For more information on KultureCity please visit www.kulturecity.org.
Sensory Bags
Sensory bags and headphones will be available for check-out at the Ticketing Counter. Sensory bags include weighted lap-pads, fidget toys and headphones. Sensory bags will also be available in the Cool Stuff Store when there’s a long line at the Ticketing Counter. Headphones will also be available in the Lunchrooms on the Lower Level for field trips and other groups.
Quiet Areas
McWane has designated “quiet areas” throughout the Adventure Halls where there is less noise and activity. These areas are ideal for visitors who are overstimulated and need a quiet place to sit. These areas are identified with signage and in the following locations:
Lower Level: Aquascape Theater
Level 2: City Gallery
Level 3: Art and Tech
Sensory Room
The Sensory Room, located on Level One under the interior staircase, is designed to provide a safe, calming, sensory-supportive environment to facilitate self-regulation and relaxation for visitors who are feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated at the museum. Visitors will ask the security guard for access to the room.
McWane Science Center joins the Birmingham Zoo and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in offering this inclusive environment for those with Sensory Processing Needs.
Gardendale Splash Pad
All aboard! 
While kids (and teachers) are counting down to end of the school year, we parents are starting to panic as summer gets ever closer. If you haven’t yet gotten together your list of indoor places for burning off energy so the sun doesn’t burn us to death – NOW IS THE TIME!
Surge’s bright purple and orange color scheme matches Birmingham Mommy’s – so we’re a little partial. I took my just-turned- four-year- old to Surge on her birthday and she had a blast! The check-in process was smooth and easy, with prices ranging from $12.95 – $27.95, depending on how long you jump. They give group discounts and regularly offer special pricing. The staff was very attentive and actually played with my daughter – something we haven’t experienced at other Trampoline parks. Her favorite activities were jumping and dodge ball (which gets a little boring with only two people…) but there is a lot at Surge to occupy bigger kids. They have trampoline basketball, foam pits you can jump/fall/knock someone into, and a runway trampoline, which are pretty standard at these places. But, they also have some options you don’t often see. My favorite two were a trapeze you swing off into a foam pit and these giant revolving arms you have to jump over or duck under to avoid being knocked down (but gently and on to a bouncy floor). We didn’t try the climbing wall but I’m sure it’s a big hit on busy nights.
How about a night inside of your favorite science museum? The McWane Science Center is hosting a family sleepover this summer and you’re invited!
We always love seeing what new exhibits come to McWane in the Summer, check out Design Zone!
The Big news at the Birmingham Zoo this summer is 
