A sensory kit (also called a sensory bag or sensory support kit) is a collection of tools and materials designed to help individuals — especially children — regulate their sensory input and feel comfortable in stimulating environments like museums.

Sensory kits can have many different tools and toys. At Sandcastles we keep headphones, fidget toys, sensory tools, communication tools, and calming tools like breathing exercises.

We also include information about local resources for more support -like WIC, Early On, and more.

Sandcastles recognizes that for many families, navigating their children’s specific needs can be a challenging process. Exploring resources and support from the comfort of their own homes can ease some of that challenge.

A message from Gwen Adams:

“My daughter has a disability and when we were first navigating support services, we explored so many different sensory tools and toys to find the right ones. It would have been great to have a kit like this that you could check out to see what is available for children and families, not only with toys but local resources too.”

Kits can be checked out for a week at a time. There is a check out form that parents/caregivers receive that includes details on returning the kit as well as care of the items.

Sandcastles recognizes that tools and toys may break or become missing overtime (we are a children’s museum after all with hands on play—things can break)!

We ask that when using the kit you take as much care as you can and alert us if any items do break or are missing when returned.