Kidzu Children's Museum in Chapel Hill offers sensory friendly play time

Kidzu Children's Museum in Chapel Hill recently launched a new program that's designed for kids who might have special needs or sensory issues.

Play For All is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on the third Thursday of each month, and held in conjunction with the town of Chapel Hill. The museum prototyped the program last summer. This fall, it began hosting the sessions monthly, setting it for the third Thursday of each month this winter. Scheduled events are on the calendar through May, but Candace King, Kidzu's communications manager, said the museum will be continuing the program through the entire year.

King tells me that the discussion began last year when local teachers began asking if Kidzu had any accommodations during field trips. At the same time, UNC-TEACCH Autism Program was bringing visitors to Kidzu after hours and became advisors for the museum.

"We teamed up with the town because they already had a great following with their Adapted Recreation program," King told me in an email. "So, as a part of their programming, they are sponsoring it so there is no charge for families. We keep it to a limited number and have had great feedback from families who don't feel comfortable bringing their kids during normal operating hours because of the sensory overload."

The next session is Feb. 15. To pre-register, go to the Town of Chapel Hill's website. Click on Adapted Programs and scroll to Sensory Friendly Playtime at Kidzu.

Kidzu is at University Place in Chapel Hill.