Accessibility

Parking
We have accessible parking spots in the upper parking lot with a ramp leading to the entry doors. Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wheelchair Rental
We have a limited number of wheelchairs available for guests to borrow at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. All you need is a photo ID! Visit our friendly Guest Services staff in the lobby to exchange your ID for a set of wheels.

Exhibitions
In designing and fabricating our permanent exhibitions, we worked closely with the Nashville ADA office to make each experience as accessible as possible. Our building is fully accessible, but some exhibitions (Moonwalk & EVA Experience in Space Chase) and add-on experiences (Blue Max) require full leg range of motion to experience. Two of the six Adventure Tower levels are accessible by ramp.

Sudekum Planetarium
We have six wheelchair-accessible seating spaces available in the Sudekum Planetarium located at the top and bottom of the theater. Please alert a staff member prior to your showtime if you would like to access the spaces at the top of the theater.

Our Guest Experience & Accessibility team worked with both TRIAD and a student intern from Belmont University’s School of Occupational Therapy to create a collection of resources for people who have developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders or other sensory concerns. Follow the links below to download the materials:

• Sensory Map»
• Social Stories:
  • General Visit»
  • Field Trip Visit»
  • Sudekum Planetarium Visit»
• Trip Planning:
  • Visual Schedule»
  • First-Then Board»
  • Token Board»
  • Choice Board»

Sensory Kits

We have sensory kits available for guests to borrow at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Included in each kit are items to fidget, sunglasses, stress balls, and noise-minimizing headphones. All you need is a photo ID! Visit our friendly Guest Services staff in the lobby to exchange your ID for a kit.

Quieter Times and Spaces

Mondays, which are also when our Early Explorers program occurs, are a “no field trip” morning at the science center throughout the school year, meaning things are a bit quieter. Sundays are often less busy during the weekends, while afternoons during the school year (around 2 pm) are typically quieter times to visit.

We can’t guarantee any one day will be slower than another will, as crowds vary depending on holidays, school vacations, weather, and a number of other factors.

If you’re in need of a quiet room, please visit our Guest Services desk in the lobby to see if we have a private classroom available for you to use.

Sudekum Planetarium

Inside the Sudekum Planetarium can be dark, the volume can be loud and the visuals can include a lot of motion. We have noise-minimizing headphones and weighted blankets you can request to borrow at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis from a Planetarium Educator.

Since summer 2018, we’ve offered a series of monthly Sensory-Friendly Planetarium Shows. Each show features a brighter theater, quieter audio, and smaller crowds. Movement and vocalizations during the show will be allowed. Learn more»

Through BRIDGES, we currently have one staff member (Learning Specialist Bethany) who is actively learning to communicate with American Sign Language (ASL) to help make your experience the best it can be! Please contact us at least two weeks in advance of your trip to ensure one can be available to help you begin your adventure.

Sudekum Planetarium
We have a limited number of assistive listening devices you can request to borrow at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis from a Planetarium Educator.

We’ve prepared open captions (subtitles) for nearly all of our shows, with the exception of live shows and laser shows. Just ask a team member as you enter the planetarium.

If your group is arriving with an ASL interpreter, we’re happy to loan our white gloves to improve visibility of the interpreters’ hands in the darkened theater.

Curiosity Membership

For families who participate in SNAP, WIC or TANF, we’re proud to offer subsidized memberships, known as our Curiosity level membership, that cost $39 per year. Learn more»

Museums for All

We’re proud to participate in the Museums for All program to make it affordable for all families to experience incredible hands-on science learning. The program supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits by offering a minimal admission fee of $3 per person (for up to four people) with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.

To book tickets please call (615) 401-5058, Thursday through Monday, from 10 am to 3 pm.
Museums for All is a cooperative initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Association of Children’s Museums.

Adventure Access for Nonprofits

We understand many families do not have the means to visit the science center, so we support our fellow nonprofits (and the families they serve) by offering free general admission tickets. Learn more»

Personal Care Assistants

We’re proud to offer free admission to paid Personal Care Assistants (PCA) accompanying a visitor who needs the PCA’s assistance due to a disability covered under the ADA.

Service Animals

Qualified service dogs, as defined by Title II and Title III of the ADA, are welcome to Adventure Science Center. Emotional support dogs are not allowed in the building. We ask that you please leave your pets at home.

Unisex and Family Restroom(s)

Each floor of our building includes family and/or unisex restrooms for our guests. Ask one of our friendly Guest Services staff in the lobby if you need help finding one of these locations.

Nursing Room

Nursing mothers may nurse their babies in any public space at the Adventure Science Center.