By Ryan Flaherty for Sask Lotteries
Visiting a museum can be a fun and educational experience, but it can also present challenges for those who are immunocompromised or deal with sensory sensitivities, to such an extent that they may not even be able to visit at all.
With that in mind, the employees at Saskatchewan’s only children’s museum have taken steps to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to enjoy a trip to the facility. The Nutrien Wonderhub has introduced a series of immune-safe and sensory-friendly visits that allow kids and caregivers who need extra safeguards to still experience everything the museum has to offer.
“Parents and caregivers reached out asking for designated low-sensory times and opportunities for visits with enhanced health and safety protocols in place. Many shared that they wanted to bring their children to the Wonderhub, but the realities of the often busy environment made it difficult or impossible,” marketing and communications coordinator Courtney Troesch explained.
For children and families who are immunocompromised, the immune-safe visits feature reduced capacity, staggered activities, enhanced cleaning and mask protocols. And for those who live with sensory sensitivities, the sensory-friendly visits include lowered lighting, no background music, adjusted sound exhibits and sensory bags to create a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
“By intentionally adjusting the environment and programming, these visits create an experience where families don’t have to worry about health risks or sensory overload. They can simply play, explore and learn together at their own pace. We believe that every child has the right to play and these visits help make that possible,” Troesch said.
Funding from the Sask Lotteries Community Grant Program has been key to making the visits not only possible, but free for families throughout the 2025-26 season. The support helps cover extended Wonderhub staffing, enhanced cleaning, sensory equipment, extra accessibility measures and even the creation of programming designed specifically for the special visits.
“We’re grateful for this partnership. This investment allows us to reduce barriers for families who benefit from a more specialized museum experience and ensures that cost is never an obstacle to participation,” Troesch said.
There are three remaining opportunities for families to take advantage of each of the specialized visits. Upcoming immune-safe visits for 2025-26 are scheduled for February 23 and March 30, while sensory-friendly visits take place on January 26 and March 30. Designated times for each can be found by visiting wonderhub.ca. Pre-registration is required as space for each visit is limited.
