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At Adventure Science Center, science is for everyone.
We’re working hard to break down the barriers to access, whether physical, financial, or cultural, to provide an inclusive experience for ALL of our guests. Our staff-led Guest Experience & Accessibility team is constantly looking for ways to improve our guests’ experience, create new relationships while building a sense of community, and increase awareness of the resources we have available.
For questions or concerns about accessibility, please email us.
Help us continue to offer accessible services and options for our guests with a gift today.
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.
Adult-Sized Changing Table
Thanks to a generous donation from Amerigroup and MaxAbility, there is now a safe, private, and hygienic toileting solution for guests located on the first floor in the family restroom across from soundBox.
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. Additionally, in 2022, the science center staff was trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation.
Follow the links below to download the materials:
- Sensory Map»
- EY Sensory Room»
- Social Stories:
- Trip Planning:
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 at any point during your visit you feel overstimulated and need access to the EY Sensory Room, please visit our Guest Services desk in the lobby and an Adventure Guide will be happy to assist you.
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.
FUTURE ACCESSIBILITY INITIATIVES
CULTURAL COMPETENCY LEARNING INSTITUTE (CCLI)
We are proud to be in the fifth CCLI cohort through the Association of Science-Technology Centers. In this program, we are actively learning to build our internal capacity to create a more inclusive, diverse experience for all our guests regardless of race, color, national origin, disability, age, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, religion, or any other legally protected classification.
SPANISH LANGUAGE SPEAKERS
With Nashville’s thriving Hispanic community, we’re actively working toward creating ways to help our Spanish language guests have a welcoming, meaningful and memorable experience. We're always open to hearing your suggestions — email us.