MOI’s Adventure Backpacks and Dig Deeper STEM Stations both include tactile experiences aimed at low-vision visitors.

• Adventure Backpacks may be checked out at the ticket counter and include tactile experiences and activities encouraging visitors to enjoy the museum in new ways. Braille instructions are also available upon request at the ticket counter. Visitors are requested to leave a personal item, such as photo ID, at the ticket counter while using a backpack.
• Dig Deeper STEM Stations are staffed booths scattered throughout the Way Out West exhibit. The number of stations varies depending on staff availability.

The MOI website has been designed with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines in mind, including the use of alt image text, high contrast, and descriptive links.

Adventure Backpacks and Dig Deeper STEM Stations are made possible through a grant from the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation.

• Visitors may scan QR codes on displays in the Toytopia exhibit to view transcripts of each display’s informational audio.
• Some galleries in the Way Out West exhibit contain background music and/or sound effects, but nothing including words or information required for the enjoyment or clarity of the exhibit.
• ASL interpretation is available for some kids’ educational programs when advance notice is provided, and dependent on available funding. Please contact Chloe at education@museumofidaho.org to learn more.

The Museum of Idaho features some exhibits that include noises and changing light levels. In order to make some of these surprises more predictable, we have created resources that can be used before and during your visit. Please also note the occupational therapist’s guide to the Toytopia exhibit in the next section.

• View this printable sensory map, which shows areas in the museum that may include noises or light changes. 
• View this printable experience planning guide, which can help caregivers communicate visually with visitors about what to expect and how to navigate the museum.
• For a quieter or less-crowded visit, we recommend visiting during shoulder hours (early or late in the day) or on a weekday, especially in the off-season (October through April). Call 208-522-1400 to inquire about scheduled large group tours, such as school field trips, that may occur during your planned visit.
• Adventure backpacks are available to check out at the ticket counter. Each backpack contains stress-relief items, fidget items, and activities encouraging visitors to experience the museum in new ways. Mammoth backpacks also contain noise-cancelling headphones and sunglasses, and these can be made available with other backpacks upon request. Guests are requested to leave a personal item, such as photo ID, at the ticket counter while using a backpack.

Adventure Backpacks are made possible through a grant from the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation.

This is a great exhibit, especially for those dinosaur lovers. There are some things that you will want to know before taking your family, especially those that have difficulty with sensory regulation (sounds, lights, crowds, etc.)

Because everyone experiences their environment in a different way, we have broken down the exhibit by sensory area and some of the things to expect:

Visual: When you walk into the museum initially, the lighting is fairly muted. As you walk into the actual exhibit, the area is less bright, with lighting on the exhibits. Right as you walk through the main door of the exhibit, a large dinosaur skeleton is there to meet you. It may be scary for some, as it is a large dinosaur at basically eye level. The lighting is pretty consistent throughout the exhibit, with no flashing or other sudden changes. Most of the dinosaurs are large and easy to see, but may be overwhelming as they are hanging in the hall making it feel like you are in the midst. In the main part of the museum, with the mammoth, there is a video wall display depicting nature scenes. The display covers the wall and can be visually overwhelming when it moves.

Auditory: The display is set in a large exhibit hall that is open to the second level, and there are curtains and partitions that help dampen the sound. The sound can have a bit of an echo throughout the hall. Displays have a sound component using your phone and a QR code to pronounce the dinosaur name.

Tactile: The exhibit invites you to touch fossils and those are clearly marked. Other signs ask you not to touch the actual skeletons. The skeletons are displayed so that there is a barrier making it difficult for littles get to them. Textures are firm, and should not be too aversive to the tactically challenged.

Kinesthetic: There are so many places to move and interact. The displays are spaced well to allow for unrestricted movement.

Accommodations: The museum is ADA compliant, meaning they have ramps, elevators, information in audio and Braille, accessible bathrooms, etc. They also offer many benches to rest, and even portable seats you can use. The staff works well with all visitors, understanding that some have higher needs. Because this display contains such large exhibits, it can be overwhelming. Knowing that, the museum is prepared to offer quiet places to calm if needed. Don’t hesitate to ask where you can go for a timeout. They will also gently remind those to touch and interact where appropriate.

Prepare your child
Talk about what they will experience, so that they can be prepared before they walk in. Allow your child to acclimate to the environment at their own pace. If your child tends to get overwhelmed, work on a code word they can use to alert you to help. Allow them to interact and ask questions. If your child has items that help with sensory regulation, such as a blanket, ear coverings or glasses, bring them along.

Museum tips:

● Backpacks: The museum has created backpacks that have interactive activities that go with permanent displays (the mammoth for example). Check them out for your child to have more hands-on learning opportunity. If you ask for the Mammoth backpack, it comes with noise-canceling headphones you can use throughout the museum.

● Docents: These people want you to have a great experience and they know the ins and outs of the museum. Ask them questions — if they don’t know they will find out!

● Quiet areas: The museum has many quiet corners and benches to take a break if needed. As the dino display will be large and intimidating, you may check out the children’s room for a quieter place to decompress. We suggest the kid-sized teepee, log cabin or caves. The large visual wall on the main floor offers visually appealing nature scenes and sounds that may be calming as well.

● Peak times and call ahead: If you or your child have difficulty with crowds, avoid peak times such as after-school and saturdays. During the day, school groups may come as well. You can call ahead and ask what traffic is like. If you do, it may be helpful to identify your need at that time.

Interactive learning using our senses is vitally important in child development. This display is perfect for learning, especially for those that love dinosaurs. It is fun for kids of all ages!

Service animals are welcome. MOI follows ADA requirements for service animals, meaning the animal must be trained and certified to provide assistance to a person with a disability. Visitors are not permitted to bring pets or other animals, including emotional support animals, into the museum.