Modesto Children's Museum opens early for sensory-friendly hours

The museum's first sensory-friendly morning was a success, providing a calming environment for families with sensory needs.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Modesto Children's Museum held its first sensory-friendly morning on Saturday, opening its doors at 8 a.m. for two hours to provide a quieter, less crowded environment for families with sensory processing needs. The initiative was proposed by a Gregori High School senior and Girl Scout, Melania Farrens, who was inspired by her own brothers with autism. The museum is now certified as a Sensory Inclusive organization and offered specialized sensory bags, signage, and a private calm room for visitors.

Why it matters

Sensory processing needs are common medical conditions that can affect people with autism, PTSD, dementia, and other conditions. By offering sensory-friendly hours, the Modesto Children's Museum is creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for families who may have previously felt uncomfortable or overwhelmed by the typical loud and chaotic energy of the museum.

The details

During the sensory-friendly hours, the museum cut its typical 200-person capacity in half, dimmed the lights, and played quieter music to provide a calmer atmosphere. Specialized sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and communication cards were available, and signage indicated 'Headphone Zones' and 'Quiet Areas' throughout the museum. A private calm room with a textured, soundproofed wall and fidget toys was also available for moments of sensory overload.

  • The sensory-friendly hours took place on Saturday, March 2, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The players

Melania Farrens

A Gregori High School senior and Girl Scout who collaborated with the Modesto Children's Museum to create the sensory-friendly environment for her Gold Award project.

Brian Krosnick

The director of education and experience at the Modesto Children's Museum, who was supportive of Farrens' idea and sees the sensory-friendly hours as a rewarding experience for the museum team.

Modesto Children's Museum

A local children's museum that is now certified as a Sensory Inclusive organization and is offering sensory-friendly hours to provide a more inclusive and accessible environment for families with sensory needs.

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What they’re saying

“It will definitely happen again because the success this morning is obvious.”

— Brian Krosnick, Director of education and experience (modbee.com)

“When you're around more neurotypical families, you don't get that so much. Instead, you get the looks of confusion and judgment, disgust.”

— Tony Romano Riggs (modbee.com)

“This is a lifeline to us.”

— Tony Romano Riggs (modbee.com)

What’s next

The museum plans to gather feedback from visitors to determine when and how often to hold future sensory-friendly hours.

The takeaway

By offering sensory-friendly hours, the Modesto Children's Museum is creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for families with sensory processing needs, providing a safe and judgment-free space for children to play and explore.