Sensory Friendly Time

Sensory Friendly Time

Sensory Friendly Time Logo

Wed., September 9, October 14, November 11, and December 9
Call 412-258-9439 to register

Explore the National Aviary during Sensory Friendly Time, designed for those with sensory processing needs to make the most of their Aviary experience!

Sensory Friendly Time includes:

  • See and touch biofacts, including eggs and feathers
  • A sensory-friendly version of our immersive bird show: Passport to Parks, presented by AAA Travel.
    • During this show, the lighting is consistent, and the volume is low, making for a great viewing experience
  • Sensory Friendly Bags from KultureCity available at our Guest Services Desk*
    • Bags feature headphones, fidget toys, and emotion cards
  • A helpful Sensory Guide to the sights, sounds, and climate of the Aviary’s habitats can be viewed in advance AND during your trip
  • Interactive Play Spaces throughout the Aviary*
  • Designated headphone zones*

*These sensory-inclusive features are available ANY time you visit, not just during Sensory Friendly Time!

Two Speckled Mousebirds cuddling together in a small nest
A little child using KultureCity noise cancelling headphones while feeding a Rainbow Lorikeet nectar

Download and print our Sensory Guide here.

Click here to see our full list of Accessibility guidelines.

In The News

See All News

What to Do If You Find a Baby Bird in Your Yard—and the Mistake You Should Never Make (ft. Insights from Bob Mulvihill) | Yahoo News

Picture this: you step outside your front door to enjoy another summer's day, when, suddenly, you hear a faint peeping coming from somewhere in your bushes nearby. You crouch down to take a closer look and discover a small, flightless little bird on the ground, seemingly alone and away from its nest.

Read More »

Future looks brighter for some endangered birds | Kingsport Times News

Everyone, including birders, enjoys reading some good news. There have been some recent success stories involving some of the world’s most endangered birds, including hopeful stories about the Hawaiian stilt and Guam kingfisher.

Read More »

How 4 chicks at the National Aviary are helping bring nearly extinct birds back to the wild | CBS News

A fourth Guam kingfisher has hatched at the National Aviary this year, bringing the species one step closer to someday returning to its native habitat, where it's been extinct for 40 years.

Read More »

The Flower Colors Hummingbirds Can’t Resist, According to Ornithologists (ft. Insights from Bob Mulvihill) | Real Simple

If you’re hoping to welcome more hummingbird families to your yard this season, the flowers you plant can make a huge difference.

Read More »