Accessibility

The Children's Museum of Eau Claire is committed to welcoming all visitors by integrating accessibility practices throughout the museum and in all museum processes. ‍We have provided exhibits, spaces and events that are inclusive and interactive for everyone to participate.

This page, as well as our accessibility, has been created and increased in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire's Special Education and Inclusive Practices Department.

Accommodations

CMEC offers a number of accommodations for your visit! Staff members are available to help you access any of these accommodations or answer any questions.

Sensory Map
Sensory Room
Sensory Backpacks
Visual Schedules
Elevator
The Makery

Sensory Map

We have identified the differences in stimulation throughout the museum so visitors are able to prepare for the senses you will experience at the museum. To view a PDF file of the sensory map, click here.

Sensory Room

The sensory room is designed for sensory regulation. It is equipped with multiple sensory materials, including sensory seating, adjustable lighting, noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, a light wall and a starry sky tunnel!

Sensory Backpacks

Our sensory backpacks are full of materials that you may find helpful during you're visit. They include noise-canceling headphones, weighted stuffed animals, sunglasses and more to enjoy your experience at the museum. Click here to take a look inside!

Visual Schedules

You can download a visual schedule here, or ask for a visual schedule binder at the desk! In this packet there are pictures and resources for your visit to create a schedule for your time at the museum.

Elevator

We have two floors of exhibits. When you first enter the museum, you can find the elevator to the right of the welcome desk. It will bring you near the 2nd floor restrooms and sensory room. Exhibits are easy to access.

The Makery

The Makery is supplied with adaptive tools to support access for all visitors. We have adaptive scirros, triangle crayons, paper grip and more! Ask a staff member if you need help locating these materials.

Universal Design

Our exhibits are designed considering all people of diverse abilities by complying with universal design standards.

The universal design standards extend thinking to limiting barriers that may be encountered within a space.
It is our intention to address usability so our exhibits can be used by all people to the maximum extent by creating interactive and accessible exhibits and environments.

Inclusion in the Makery

Scissors
Pencil Grips
Triangle Crayons
Gloves
Adaptable Paintbrushes

Considering a Visit?

Check Our Event Schedule

Our event schedule will help determine a less busy time for visitors. Field trips and events increase the number of guests at the museum which may contribute to the overall stimulation of your visit.‍

View All EventsCall with Questions

Play for All Program

In partnership with the Pablo Center

The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire currently offers a discounted membership program (Play for All) that allows families in need to purchase a membership for $20 annually. With an All Play Membership, families have access to all of the features of The Local Membership.

The Play-For All program aims to ensure families with children who have special needs, families on WIC or the Free and Reduced Lunch program, and military families enjoy expanded access to educational and arts related programming and events.  This includes:

1. Reduced-priced annual All Play Memberships

2. Special Kids Nights at the Museum

3. Family Free Play nights

4. Scholarship programs for schools to take field trips

For more information or to apply for this membership, stop by the Front Desk or talk to a real person at 715.832.KIDS.

November

1

10:00 am

-

10:45 am

Brain Games: How Kids Think and Learn with UWEC

Special Event
How do kids think? Join the UWEC Psychology Department at CMEC for a fun and interactive, hands-on presentation for curious kids and their families! Can you guess what others are thinking? How big is "big" and how small is "small"? We will explore ideas like memory, inhibition, perspective-taking, and thinking about size and numbers. We will explore key ideas in children's thinking through playful demonstrations, brain games, and hands-on activities.
Register Here

November

13

5:00 pm

-

7:00 pm

Sensory Night

Special Event
Join us for our free Sensory Nights, held on the second Thursday of each month from 5:00–7:00 pm, now through April (note: no Sensory Night in January). These evenings are designed especially for children and families with sensory sensitivities. During Sensory Night, we turn down the lights and exhibit sounds, offer specialized sensory activities, and provide access to additional sensory experiences. And, as always, our sensory room and supplies are always available to help make your visit comfortable, engaging, and fun for everyone. Sponsored by Jamf Nation Global Foundation.
Register Here

November

24

9:00 am

-

12:00 pm

School's Out: Cardboard City

Program
Grades K-4: This is a drop-off, 3 hour program focused on learning to build your own city! Students will create a city/civilization out of cardboard. In the cardboard city public buildings are being created out of large boxes and citizens start making stores, restaurants, farms, and other enterprises using their private building and things they have from our Makery Cart. Students can create all types of businesses, including a pet shop selling paper animals, a flower shop, restaurants, farms, gym, etc. This is an opportunity for students to let their imagination run wild!
Register Here

You Should Know

Below are a collection of common questions and concerns our visitors ask us.

Available Times
Decorating & Food
Important Details
Prices, Payments, and Refunds
Where do we Park?

Have any further questions?

Give us a call at 715-832-5437 or send an e-mail to Hello@ChildrensMuseumEC.com