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 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.
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 (Kinetic Climber in Adventure Gallery) and add-on experiences (Max Flight Motion Simulator) require full leg range of motion to experience. Two of the four 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 Bags
We have sensory bags through Kulture City available for guests to borrow at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Included in each kit are noise-minimizing headphones and fidget items. 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
For weekedns, Sundays are often less busy than Saturday. During the week, afternoons (after 1 p.m.) during the school year 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.
Sensory-Friendly Planetarium Shows can be scheduled for group visits. Each show features a brighter theater, quieter audio, and smaller crowds. Movement and vocalizations during the show will be allowed. Learn more»
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 $45 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 families who participate in SNAP, WIC or TANF. Eligible families receive up to four admission tickets at $3 per person. To reserve tickets please visit the guest service desk with proof of eligibility when you arrive. *Museums for All tickets are not available online.
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
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.