Free headphones and wiggle cushions at the Information Desk, free parking, and sensory friendly films with the lights up and the sound down. Two film dates this fall, and a museum that names its loud halls.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver 80205 · Open every day 9 am to 5 pm, most Fridays until 9 pm. Closed Dec 25 and Aug 26. Prehistoric Journey is closed Oct 27 to 29 for deep cleaning.
“the Museum has wiggle cushions and noise-reducing headphones, which may be checked out at no charge from the Information Desk, first come, first served.”
Sensory Friendly films: “2D 45-minute films with increased lighting and reduced sound levels to create a comfortable experience for all. Quiet spaces are available for attendees of these shows, and guests are welcome to move, dance, clap and talk during the film.”
Our note The museum doesn't say when it's calmer. The next sensory friendly films are Mon Oct 26 at 4:30 pm and Sat Nov 7 at 10:30 am. Buy tickets on the Sturm Theater page; the link on the accessibility page doesn't work.
Our note Free days and nights bring the biggest crowds: Sat Nov 7 from 5 to 10 pm, and Mon Nov 16. The theater still needs its own ticket on those days. One thing that can throw you off: the accessibility page calls it the Infinity Theater and the ticket page calls it the Sturm Theater. Same giant screen theater.
Edge of the Wild, Level 2 (“Hear a bull elk bugling and bison, mountain lion, prairie dog, and mule deer calls.”)not stated
Explore Colorado, Level 3 (“Hear birds and other animal sounds.”)not stated
Prehistoric Journey, Level 3 (“Hear realistic animal sounds as you walk through life-size prehistoric environments.” Closed Oct 27 to 29 for deep cleaning.)not stated
Quieter
Quiet spaces for sensory friendly film guests; ask at the theater where they arequiet zone
Caregivers' Room, inside the all-gender restroom in Gems and Minerals, Level 1quiet zone
Admission: $27.95 adults, $20.95 youth 3 to 18, $23.95 seniors 65+. Sturm Theater add-on +$8 adults, +$6 youth and seniors through Dec 31 2026. Buy ahead online; to reschedule, call 303.370.6000 at least 24 hours before.
“Museum admission is required for all Sturm Theater shows, in addition to your timed ticket.”
Accessible parking is near the main entrance and in the underground garage (enter at the west side of the north lot). RTD buses #20 and #40 stop nearby.
Strollers and wheelchairs are free to check out at the Information Desk on Level 1, across from the gift shop, first come, first served. Lockers are free.
All-gender restrooms are on every level. The Caregivers' Room is inside the all-gender restroom in Gems and Minerals on Level 1, with an armchair, sink and outlet.
In the Infinity Theater, closed captioning devices are free (ask an usher 20 minutes before) and there is a Hearing Loop.
Discovery Zone on Level 2 is a space for kids under 8 and their families.
Questions: guestservices@dmns.org or 303.370.6000, 9 am to 5 pm daily.
What the museum doesn't say
not stated where the quiet spaces for sensory films are
not stated a quieter time of day
not stated a quiet room on regular days
not stated a social story
not stated sensory friendly film dates after Nov 7
Free parking in the north lot or the underground garage. Ask the Information Desk on Level 1 for free headphones or a wiggle cushion. Some halls play animal calls on purpose: Edge of the Wild, Explore Colorado and Prehistoric Journey. At a sensory friendly film the lights stay up, the sound is lower, and moving and talking are welcome. The next ones are Oct 26 and Nov 7. Change anything.
One tip before you go
Pick up the headphones at the Information Desk before you walk into any hall. If a hall with animal calls is too much, the museum names which ones they are, so you can plan a way around them. If you leave early, you still did the thing.
Common questions
What if my child won't look at the schedule or story?
That is common at first. Leave it where the moment happens, point to one picture at a time, and keep it low-pressure. Many kids warm up to it after a few calm tries, in their own time.
Can I make this in Spanish?
Yes. Every tool and this page exist in Spanish, and the printed page comes out in the language you choose. Use the language switch at the top.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no signup, and we don’t keep what you type; anything you save stays on your device. Make it, print it, done.
