Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park Inclusive Nights

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is pleased to offer three after-hours events for our community members with disabilities. Visiting the Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition may be daunting for individuals with disabilities

This year, we are offering complimentary after-hours access for visitors with autism or other sensory processing needs, visitors who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH), and visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Dates:

April 7th: Sensory Friendly

April 9th: Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH)

April 10th: Blind or Low Vision

Time: 6pm-8pm

Register:

April 7th: Sensory Friendly

April 9th: Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH)

April 10th: Blind or Low Vision

Event Details

• Doors open at 6 pm for this event.
• Registration is required. Registration is coming soon!
• Visitors with autism or other sensory processing needs may register themselves and up to four guests. Parents may register for their children.
• This is an open house event. Feel free to arrive up until 7:30 pm.
• Light packaged salty snacks and juice will be provided.
• The James & Shirley Balk Café will be closed.
• The DeVos–Keeler Gift Shop will be closed.
• The outdoor Sculpture Park will be open.

What to Expect

• Tickets will be scanned at the door for entry.
• Posted signs with images will guide guests to the butterflies.
• Staff and volunteers stationed at several carts will have educational materials to touch and interact with.
• Reduced noise and lighting levels along with smaller crowds allow for a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Quiet spaces are available for breaks if needed.
• Temperature in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory is kept at 85 degrees, with 70% humidity.
• Dress in layers. A coat rack is available outside the conservatory.

Plan Ahead

• Bring essentials: Pack your own sensory tools or comfort items you might need.
• Wagons and strollers are allowed. A limited number of wheelchairs are available.
• Butterflies are attracted to bright hues. If you would like to encourage the possibility of a butterfly landing on you, wear brightly colored clothing.
• Butterflies do not bite! If a butterfly lands on you, enjoy the moment. Then lightly brush the butterfly away when you are ready.
• We have an app! Visit the App Store or Google Play to download and explore our app before you visit.
• View more information about our spaces and accessibility features here