A hands-on art museum for kids inside Broward Mall in Plantation, a CARD Autism Friendly Partner with UM NSU CARD trained staff, sensory bags to check out, free Sensory Saturdays every second Saturday morning, and a social story and sensory map to look at first.
Sensory supports. Free Sensory Saturdays, sensory bags, social story.
Hours
Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm; closed Monday and Tuesday. Admission closes at 5:30 pm. Sensory Saturdays: every 2nd Saturday, 10 am to 12 pm. The museum is closed on most observed holidays and sometimes for special events, and posts updated hours on its Google Business Page; call or text 954-424-0085 to check a holiday.
“Sensory Saturdays, held every second Saturday of the month, celebrate diversity through hands-on art and play in a safe, calm, and supportive setting.”
“Our staff is UM NSU CARD trained to help those with sensory sensitivities and people of all abilities. We do have sensory bags to check out for those who need additional support.”
“If I need a calm quiet place, I can enter the large orange room. The orange room has soft pillows and quiet toys for me.” youngatartmuseum.org (2021 social story)
Sensory Saturdays are free, every 2nd Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm. With its partner ABA Centers of Florida, the museum now offers additional resources and on-site support for families navigating sensory needs. Call or text 954-424-0085 to confirm the next date before you go.
Young At Art is a CARD Autism Friendly Partner. Through its YAA for ALL work with CARD, it has reduced visual and auditory stimulation in select gallery spaces and offers visual guides, picture signage, maps and social stories.
The social story and sensory map date from 2021, so some rooms may have changed. The story says a sensory tool bag with noise canceling headphones can be checked out at the entrance, Museum Educators (MEs) wear purple Young At Art shirts and help lost kids find their family, and the restroom is outside the museum in the mall: to the right and around the corner after a long hallway, on the right.
The smaller rooms at the back hold art to look at but not touch.
The ArtCade (video games with bright flashing lights on the screens and sometimes loud sounds (2021 social story))not stated
Quieter, in the museum's words
The large orange room, a calm quiet place with soft pillows and quiet toys (2021 social story)quiet zone
Admission: children and adults $12 each; children under 2 free; members free. Museums for All: $4 admission with an EBT card and photo ID.
Getting there: Broward Mall is at the corner of South University Drive and West Broward Boulevard. The museum is on the ground floor, which is wheelchair accessible with designated parking. Bus routes 12, 22 and 88 stop near JCPenney's north entrance and the mall's south entrance.
The YAA Fun Zone, at the other end of the mall near the Regal Theater, is for offices and classes; the main museum is the one next to LensCrafters.
The museum does not lend wheelchairs. Free WiFi is available in the gallery.
Questions: call or text (954) 424-0085, or email info@yaamuseum.org.
