The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), The Florida Aquarium and ZooTampa at Lowry Park are collaborating to raise awareness for autism in the Tampa Bay community through “Day of Discovery” Halloween events.
The events will provide special-needs families with unique programming, special animal encounters, enrichment and hands-on activities.
Each venue makes unique modifications regarding the environment setting, to ensure surroundings have been adapted for those individuals with sensory differences.
ZooTampa hosted “Sensory Creatures of the Night” on Oct. 6, allowing individuals to explore the zoo’s Halloween-themed areas through scavenger hunts.
Next up is MOSI’s sensory-friendly Trick-or-Treat on Oct. 20 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Working with Believe It and Achieve It Therapy Services of Tampa, the museum will set up a low-stress environment of lights and sounds, and invite guests to trick-or-treat throughout the museum. Children also can meet MOSI’s astronaut, Moonbase Mike, and have treats that are organic, gluten-free and dye-free. For information, visit MOSI.org.
The Florida Aquarium will participate on Oct. 27 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., by offering a sensory-friendly “Guppyween.” The event will allow families to trick-or-treat throughout the aquarium in a low-stress environment, which includes a meet-and-greet with Tango, the sea turtle mascot. The 501st Legion and Rebel Forces also will join in for photo ops. For information, visit FlAquarium.org.
All three attractions also are planning Day of Discovery events in December, to continue to support and positively impact children and families of all abilities, and celebrate the spirit of inclusion in the Tampa Bay community.
Published October 10, 2018
