Maritime Aquarium To Host Sensory-Friendly Morning Event

NORWALK, CT — The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk will open early April 3 for a special morning event that will offer guests with sensory-processing differences a fun, comfortable and accepting environment.

According to a news release provided by the aquarium, the lights in the aquarium will be lower and music and other sounds will be turned down or off from 8 to 10 a.m. during this sensory-friendly morning. Admission will also be discounted, special activities will be offered and the aquarium will show movies in its 4D theater without additional effects.

Tom Naiman, the aquarium's vice president for education, said the facility offers sensory-friendly events to be supportive of children and adults with special needs.

"We're excited to offer this special morning to celebrate April as World Autism Awareness Month, as we work to ensure that the aquarium is a welcoming place where every guest can have a transformative experience," Naiman said in a news release. "Offering these 'sensory-friendly' events – plus our leadership in the 'Accessibility for All' initiative, which facilitates visits to many of the top attractions in Fairfield County – are two of the many ways that the Maritime Aquarium is acting on our priority of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion."

Naiman said the advantages in offering a sensory-friendly morning prior to the aquarium's 10 a.m. public opening are two-fold: aquarium staff can focus on the guests with special needs, and guests averse to crowds won't encounter them.

All aquarium galleries and exhibits will be open. In addition, a special seal-training demonstration will be held at 9 a.m. in Pinniped Cove, followed by an animal encounter at 9:30 a.m. on the Sea Star Stage.

An aquarium educator will also be on hand throughout the morning to guide explorations in the new "Sea & Discover Zone," a STEM-focused center for preschool-age children and their parents or caregivers.

In the 4D theater, guests can enjoy the films wearing 3D glasses but with sounds lower and theater lights brighter, and without any of the sensory effects. Guests aren't required to wear the 3D glasses but, without them, images onscreen will appear blurry.

Guests can pick from the "Happy Feet 4D Experience" at 8:45 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. or BBC Earth's "Shark: A 4D Experience" at 9:15 a.m. Both films are 13 minutes long.

The aquarium's SoundBites coffee shop will be open, offering sweets from a local bakery (including gluten-free options) and the full line of Starbucks' hot and cold drinks.

Discounted admission for the April 3 morning event is $19 for adults, $17 for seniors (65+) and $14 for children (ages 3-12). Tickets for a 4D movie are $7.

Guests are strongly encouraged to reserve their tickets in advance online for timed-ticket entry at 8 a.m., 8:30 a.m. or 9 a.m. Further information can be found at www.maritimeaquarium.org.