Pittsburgh Zoo:  Sensory Friendly Mornings

“Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!”  What is the first thing you think of when you hear this famous quote?  It might be the movie “The Wizard of Oz”, which this quote came from, or like me, you might think of the zoo.

A visit to the zoo can be an amazing experience for many; however, for those with sensory needs it can be overwhelming.  This year the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is hosting two sensory friendly mornings as part of their Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) initiatives.

Sensory friendly mornings are for guests who have sensory processing needs.  The early entry is “offered on these days to provide reduced wait times and a calmer entry experience.”  Guests will enjoy a quiet, self-guided tour through the zoo at their own pace, but with a smaller crowd.  The sensory friendly mornings offer a “safe, welcoming, and fun environment for all guests.”

Here are some additional details.

Dates:  June 12 or August 7

Time:  8 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Cost:  Included in the general admission ticket; zoo members enter for free.  Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the gates the morning of.  Zoo parking is FREE.

If you support someone who has sensory processing needs, this is the perfect opportunity for a special outing.  For more information about the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, please visit their website.