Getting ready forthe Arizona Museum of Natural History.
Dinosaurs, a flash-flood storm and gold panning in downtown Mesa, with noise-cancelling headphones to borrow, rest areas on every floor, and the museum's own guide to its loudest spots and calmer times.
“We have noise-cancelling headphones available for checkout at the front desk and in the exploration station on the basement floor.”
“75 Million BC has room for three people on soft cushions with low noise and subdued lighting.”
“The busiest time is typically 10 A.M. until noon and we generally have less visitors from 2 P.M. until closing.”
Rest areas are on every floor: near the elevator and Collections Viewing Area in the basement, the alcoves in Mammal Hall and 75 Million BC on the main floor, and the Cultures of Ancient Americas gallery on the second floor.
Ask at the front desk for a lanyard if you'd like staff to know your kid may need support, help or extra time; wearing one is up to you. Light sensitivity glasses are available to check out with an ID.
Staff took part in IBCCES training. You're welcome to bring fidgets, headphones or anything else from home that helps.
Dino Mountain (the most stimulating spot: a thunderstorm on the hour and half hour, with strobe lights flashing for about five minutes)not stated
The volcano in 75 Million BC (loud, with a physical shaking sensation)not stated
The jail cells and Lost Dutchman Mine (echoes that can be loud and startling)not stated
The waterfall feature (can be noisy)not stated
Restrooms (the automatic flush can be loud)not stated
Quieter, in the museum's words
Alcove in 75 Million BC: room for three on soft cushions, with low noise and subdued lighting (main floor)quiet zone
Alcove with seating in Mammal Hall, with a video and gentle music (main floor)quiet zone
Admission: adults $16, kids 3 to 12 $9, kids 0 to 2 free, seniors and students with ID $13. A disability caretaker visiting with the people in their care as part of their official duties gets in free. EBT cardholders pay $4 per person for up to 6 people. Buy at the door or online.
If you need to leave within 30 minutes of arriving and can't come back, the museum will refund you. Keep your dated receipt: you can come back in until 5 pm, or reschedule for another day at no extra charge.
Parking: plenty on the street and in free public lots around the museum. Accessible parking is on the west side of the building, north of the entrance, and in the south lot across Pepper Street. The garage east of the museum is open to guests on weekends only.
The entrance and every floor are wheelchair and stroller accessible; the elevator is just south of the main lobby. Free manual wheelchair loans, first come, first served.
Food and drink are allowed in the Main Lobby, though the museum doesn't encourage it. In the galleries, nothing but water bottles. Restrooms on every floor, with two family restrooms on the first floor.
Some doors are emergency exits that sound an alarm if opened. The museum suggests giving your kid a sticker or card with your cell number.
Questions: call the Visitor Service desk at 480-644-3417.
