About Sensory Sunday

Exciting, hands-on sensory play sessions for children with additional support needs.

Families with children with additional support needs and disabilities are invited to join our programme of sensory play sessions. Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families.  

Sensory Sunday sessions are relaxed, fun hands-on, and respond to the needs of the families participating. You are welcome to come and go at any point during a session.

These sessions are suitable for children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children or children with disabilities. Siblings are welcome.

Please email communities@nms.ac.uk if you have questions or would like to find out more before you book.

About the sessions

The content is aimed at ages 5-10 but is not set – we welcome all families who think they might enjoy these sessions.
Sensory Sunday sessions take place in our Learning Centre which is a secure space with accessible toilets nearby. A separate quiet/break-out room is available if needed.
Refreshments will be provided.
A visual story will be sent to you via email before the session.

Upcoming themes

Date	Times	Theme
Sun 2 Feb	11:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 15:00	Romans
Sun 2 Mar	11:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 15:00	Birds
Sun 6 April	11:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 15:00	Space

Accessibility and facilities

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit. 

Museum entrances

There is level access to the Museum via the main doors to the Entrance Hall on Chambers Street and the Tower entrance at the corner of Chambers Street and George IV Bridge.  

Lifts

Lifts are available to all floors of the museum.

Terrace Lift access

The Terrace Lift is out of service from 4 November to 6 December for essential maintenance.

The Roof Terrace is still open and can be accessed using alternative lifts to level 5 and then a staircase to level 7, Roof Terrace. We are unable to provide un-stepped access to the Roof Terrace, and levels 0, 2 and 4 of the Scottish Galleries during this period.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please speak to the Visitor Experience team for further guidance.

Toilets

There are toilets on most levels of the museum, including accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. There is a Changing Places (U) toilet in the Entrance Hall on Level 0. 

Borrow a wheelchair

Wheelchairs are available for loan at no charge. Please note wheelchairs cannot be booked in advance. On arrival, ask about availability at the Information Desk. Small mobility scooters are permitted inside the museum.

Assistance dogs

Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other recognised assistance dogs are admitted. 

Find out more about our access information.