Aug 284 min read

Exploring Great Explorations Children's Museum: Traveling with Sensory Needs

Updated: Sep 28

Hey there! Kids need to be able to explore, play with stuff, and work on their motor skills to help their brains grow. It's super important for them to have the freedom to check things out without getting criticized too much or having too many strict rules. Letting them have unstructured playtime is key for boosting their creativity, problem-solving skills, and learning boundaries. Research shows that getting kids involved in all sorts of different activities, especially unstructured play where they can roam around and figure things out on their own, helps them develop. So, how can we make sure they can do all this safely?

Go to a Children's Museum!

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Being a family dealing with ADHD, Autism, and Sensory Processing Disorder, we recognize the challenges involved in traveling and exploring. Nevertheless, we have discovered ways to overcome these obstacles. Our aim is to offer insights from our visits to nearby museums and recreational areas, as well as suggest helpful strategies to enhance your own experience.

Here are a couple of features we'd love to share from our experiences at the Great Explorations Children's Museum in St. Petersburg, FL.

Great Explorations, located at 1925 4th Street North in St. Petersburg, Florida, is an indoor treasure for children of many backgrounds and ages. They offer multiple events, exhibits, and accommodations for neurotypical and neurodivergent children.

First Impression...... A Must Do for the Whole Family!

As my family and I entered the museum, we were filled with excitement. The Treehouse with slide and Longo's Cove climbing area in the center of the room promised a fun experience ahead.

The two-story exhibit resembles a charming playhouse straight out of a storybook. Connected to it is a sizable yellow slide and climbing area that will surely appeal to those who enjoy testing their climbing abilities.

Beneath the exhibit, there were animal displays and stations for viewing through microscopes.

There were various captivating exhibits surrounding the area. Visitors could engage in role-playing at a Publix-themed grocery store, try on fireman gear, climb a fire truck, and slide down a firehouse pole in one section. Another area featured a doctor's and veterinarian's office with simulated imaging stations and x-rays. For those inclined towards creativity, there were Legos and Magnetiles available. Additionally, there was a designated area for toddlers called Tiny Explorers Lagoon, designed for children aged 1-3. As a mother of three active children aged 1 to 9, discovering a play area that appeals to all of them is a definite success.

Sensory Needs Tested and Approved -

Autism Friendly Gallery Guide for Great Explorations

In addition to the awesome exhibits, the Great Explorations Museum offers Amazing Accommodations!

My team can feel overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, and busy groups. Fortunately, the museum's exhibits were well separated, so we didn't have to use their cool-down rooms. To help your family enjoy exploring the sites, I researched and compiled some excellent support options below.

Specific Sensory Accommodations they have available include:

Autism Friendly Gallery Guide
Cool-Down Rooms
Great Connections program tailored for children with special needs on specific Saturdays,
Safe Spaces Program tailored for adults 15 years and older with special needs and neurodiversities.

Regardless of your families needs, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Traveling with Sensory Needs, Pros and Cons:

Individuals with special needs, such as visual impairments, autism, and mobility restrictions, may face challenges when visiting museums.

Great Explorations provides attractions with bright lights and loud sounds, but they also have designated areas for relaxation if needed. Additionally, they host specific days and provide accommodations for children who require a modified environment and smaller play groups.

For visitors with mobility issues, the Treehouse and Longo's Cove do not have wheelchair-accessible features. However, the rest of the exhibits are located on the same floor, with elevators available for access to the second floor if needed.

Affordability is also taken into consideration, with options for reduced ticket prices and memberships. Great Explorations also offers membership reciprocity with other museums in the Tampa Bay Area, including the Florida Children's Museum.

The Final Score

As a special needs mom that loves to explore with my kids, we have traveled to many different museums and theme parks across the United States. Personally, Great Explorations is in my top favorites. It not only offers accommodations and fun exhibits, but it is also located close to restaurants and Sunken Gardens Botanical Garden in St. Petersburg, FL.

Please join us and provide any personal experiences you may have had at Great Explorations Children's Museum.

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Traveling with sensory needs, traveling with autism, traveling with ADHD