Sensory Portal

Step into a calming sanctuary designed to engage and delight all your senses in a gentle, soothing way! The Sensory Portal provides an immersive environment where visitors explore the fascinating dynamics of light, sound, and touch through interactive elements that respond to proximity and movement. This peaceful space offers a welcome respite from higher-energy exhibits while still providing rich sensory learning experiences. 

Interact with light displays that change colors and patterns as you approach. Feel unique tactile surfaces on walls and objects designed for touch-based discovery. Listen to specialized acoustic elements that create calming, immersive soundscapes. Watch as subtle movements trigger gentle visual changes, helping children understand cause-and-effect in a low-pressure, relaxing environment. 

Perfect for children who need sensory breaks, those who process information differently, or anyone seeking a moment of calm, the Sensory Portal teaches self-regulation, mindful observation, and the science of how our bodies perceive and process sensory input. 

    • Interactive Light Displays: Visual elements that change or react to proximity 

    • Tactile Surfaces: Walls and objects with unique textures for touch-based discovery 

    • Acoustic Elements

    • Art: Visual and auditory aesthetics 

    • Self-Regulation: Using sensory input to find calm and focus 

    • Science: Exploring the biology of human senses 

    • STEAM Skills: Focuses on Art and Science 

    • Observation: Developing awareness of light patterns and subtle sounds 

    • Physical Input: Gentle sensory input through touch and sight 

    • Sensory Exploration: Exploring the relationship between physical movement and visual change 

Explore More 

This exhibit is located in Gilbert House. Also explore: Fortopia | Pixel Peg 

  • Two children playing at an interactive exhibit with colorful sensory panels and lighted circular displays on the wall.
  • Child standing in front of an interactive light display with glowing circles of different colors, including green, white, yellow, and red.
  • Child standing in a dark room with colorful LED lights and various toys and objects around.
  • Two young children playing on a plush rug in a room with colorful lighting, toys, and wall decorations.
  • Children playing in a colorful indoor arcade with interactive light displays, sitting and standing on soft blocks and mats, with adults supervising.
  • A young boy holding a small, fuzzy brown kitten in a room with pink and red lighting.
  • A young girl with curly hair smiling, standing on a padded stool, wearing a white sweatshirt featuring cartoon characters, black pants, and pink Crocs decorated with colorful charms, in a room with colorful wall art.
  • A young child with light-colored hair, standing on a black carpet, holding a tablet device, in front of a wall with illuminated circular panels emitting colorful lights, including yellow, white, red, blue, and green.