Getting ready forthe North Shore Children's Museum.
A hands-on children's museum in downtown Peabody, with 14 themed rooms all on one floor, and a monthly two-hour Sensory-Friendly Play Session with reduced visitor capacity, lower lighting and sound levels, noise-reducing headphones and sensory support boxes.
Sensory supports. Monthly Sensory-Friendly Play Session, Color Lab.
Hours
Wednesday to Friday 9 am to noon and 1 to 4 pm (closed noon to 1 pm); Saturday 9 am to noon, noon to 2 pm and 2 to 4 pm; Sunday noon to 2 pm and 2 to 4 pm; closed Monday and Tuesday. Closed Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 26, 2026). Hours may change for holidays, school vacations and special events; the monthly calendar on the museum's homepage has the latest schedule. In bad weather the museum generally follows Peabody Public Schools' delay and cancellation protocols.
“Once a month, we offer a two-hour Sensory-Friendly Play Session for visitors with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other sensory processing needs.”
“Reduced visitor capacity, Lower lighting and sound levels, Noise-reducing headphones, Sensory support boxes”
“Exhibits are frequently updated and their smaller spaces aren’t overwhelming for younger visitors.”
The headphones and sensory support boxes are what the museum lists for its Sensory-Friendly Play Sessions. For anything else your kid needs during a visit, the museum asks you to speak with a member of the NSCM team.
Adults stay in the same exhibit room as the children in their care at all times. If you and your kid get separated, tell a staff member right away.
If a fire alarm sounds, staff lead everyone out the nearest exit to a meeting area at Peabody Square, near 2 Main Street. It can help to tell your kid ahead of time.
For a full-size copy your child can use, open this page at squaredsteps.com, tap Make it yours, then print.
More about North Shore Children's Museum
Louder, in the museum's words
Construction Room (the museum calls it a high-energy Gross Motor Room, the ultimate space for active play)not stated
Quieter, in the museum's words
Color Labquiet zone
Admission: $12 per person for adults and children 12 months and up; under 12 months and members free. Online tickets add a fee ($1.05 on a $12 ticket). EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare cardholders: $3 per person (Card to Culture and Museums for All); call 978-538-5765 to reserve, or reserve in person. Library pass holders: $6 per person for up to 5 visitors, with a pass from one of 30+ participating libraries. MTA members: 20% off for up to 5 visitors with a valid MTA card at the Ticketing Desk. Town Free Days for residents of participating communities are posted on the museum's website calendar and social media.
Peabody residents can visit free all Saturdays and Sundays in November 2026, with proof of residency, while tickets last.
The museum strongly encourages reserving tickets online, as capacity is limited. Walk-in tickets are available every day, first come, first served; if a session is at capacity, you may need to wait while the museum lets one in as one leaves.
General admission tickets are non-refundable. If you can't come, contact the museum before your ticketed time (978-538-5765, leave a message if no one answers, or nscminfo@peabody-ma.gov) to move your tickets to another date or time. If the museum closes for weather, tickets may be moved too.
Parking: street parking is typically available along Main Street, with public lots on Central Street, Mill Street and Foster Street; meters take cash, cards and the Passport Parking app. The lot behind the museum is for staff only. The MBTA 435 bus stops at the Central Street Bus Shelter, the closest stop.
Food and drinks are welcome in the eating areas: the Snack Room, Party Room and Party Room Kitchen. Water is fine everywhere; other drinks wait in the Beverage Corner near the coat rack. The museum asks families to leave nut products at home whenever possible.
The accessible entrance, with an automatic door, is just to the left of the main entrance. Every restroom has a changing table, and there is a private Nursing Room with a glider and changing table. Strollers go in the Stroller Parking Area unless a child is using one; the exhibit rooms can't fit strollers, so a small umbrella stroller or none is easiest.
