Pre-visit preparation materials (Museum Stories)

Access to Science Days (once per month)

• Noise reduction headphones available for free

• Weighted blankets available

• Sensory Friendly Film

• Unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing!

• Available on second and fourth Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtime.

• Families with members on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing disorders may check out a free pack to use during visits to Brandywine. Created in conjunction with occupational therapists and local families, these packs are designed to create a welcoming experience and contain social stories, fidgets, noise-cancelling headphones, and activity suggestions.

• There are several quiet locations available to guests throughout Hersheypark that provide both privacy and relief from sensory stimulation.

• Sensory Friendly Performances. Typically, the features of SF performances include; house lighting kept at mid-level, house doors remain open, and a cool-down space for stimulated guests. During the performance, guests are free to move, vocalize and be who they are.

• Sensory Room

• Online pre-visit materials that show patrons what they can expect to see and hear at Montgomery Theater

• Trained for ushers, volunteers, and musicians 

• Relaxed rules in the theater so that all responses to the show—clapping, singing, vocalizing, moving, dancing, etc.—are welcome at any time

• Partially up house lights

• Fidgets and earplugs

• A designated quiet space with relaxing activities 

• Slight mitigation of sudden, loud sounds and events

• A modified refund policy 

• Certified Autism Center

• Sensory Guide

• Noise reducing headphones, available at the Reception Desk and the Battle of Brandywine Theater.

• Quiet room giving guests the opportunity to play the Museum’s signature films in a small, private setting

• Select Sensory Friendly Sundays

• Pre-visit guides

• "We offer tours that are customized to the visitors’ level of comfort and ability... Experienced docents are available to facilitate these tours and activities. We will work with you to adjust our tours and activities to your family needs."

• Sensory-friendly performances

• Adjusted lighting and sound.

• Lower sound levels throughout the performance.

• House lights will remain on (at a low level) in the theatre auditorium during the performance.

• Guests are free to talk, leave their seats, and move freely during the performance.

• A designated safe/quiet area within the theatre (Canteen located on the lower level of the Academy of Music).

• Select Relaxed performances with:

• House lights will remain on at a low level in the theatre during the performance

• Lower sound levels, especially for startling or loud sounds

• A reduction of startling and/or strobe lighting

• Freedom to talk, vocalize, and leave seats during the performance as needed

• Space available throughout the theatre for standing and movement

• Limited crowds and visitors through the theatre lobby during the day and time of the performance

• PMAforAll App to help prepare

• Sensory kits with noise-reducing headphones, fidgets, and other tools

• Relaxed Sensory Performance

• Pre-visit stories

• Trained staff, ushers, musicians, and volunteers 

• A quiet space outside of the ballroom with bean bag chairs where children may take a break from sensory stimuli.

• Fidget toys and sensory stress toys.

• Flexible refund policy

• Events planned specifically for the Autism community throughout the year; specific sensory-related information unavailable

• Select sensory friendly performances

• Special sensory kits, including noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads for guests