Everyone Belongs at CMTM
At the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM), we’re big on belonging. That means we are continually working to create a comfortable environment for ALL Museum & Theatre visitors.
CMTM is continually working to increase the accessibility and usability of our website, building, and educational activities. In doing so, we adhere to the available ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) standards and guidelines and, in many cases, go beyond these guidelines to uphold our philosophy that every family deserves a safe place to play and learn. We are always assessing, adjusting, and listening to feedback about ways we can continue to improve.
We recognize that all guests have varying needs and comfort levels and that crowds, sound, and new environments can be a barrier to visitation. For over a decade, CMTM has offered “Play Your Way” visits, special low-key play times for anyone who would benefit from a quieter experience.
About Play Your Way
Play Your Way is a special playtime for anyone who would benefit from a quieter, low-key play session at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM), designed for families affected by Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or other challenges.
Play Your Way offers families the opportunity to explore the Museum & Theatre, meet other families with similar experiences, and see if CMTM is the right fit for you and your family.
Visitors to Play Your Way can expect a less crowded environment, modifications to age-restricted areas, and a welcoming space with supportive CMTM staff.
These play sessions are FREE, thanks to a generous sponsorship by Mascoma Bank & The Miller Foundation.
“My favorite part of Play Your Way is the community building among caregivers. A parent recently shared with me that it’s not the lower capacity limits, adjustments to exhibits or lighting that makes Play Your Way special. It’s that if her child takes off his shirt and runs away yelling, she knows that the other caregivers will empathize with her. Knowing this type of behavior can happen and her child won’t be judged makes her feel like her family belongs at CMTM.”
Come To Play Your Way
In 2022, CMTM hosted five Play Your Way sessions and welcomed over 500 participants! This year CMTM is on-track to host eight Play Your Ways, with programs happening every few months. Upcoming Play Your Way sessions are listed below.
Register above, or check out the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine’s Events and Programs Calendar for upcoming Play Your Way dates, and don’t forget to RSVP!
Sign Up To Receive Play Your Way Email Reminders
Quieter Spaces and Times
CMTM has noise-reducing headphones available for guest use!
Ask about them at the Welcome Desk.
Seeking additional spaces and times for a quieter Museum & Theatre? CMTM is typically quieter on school weekdays in the afternoon. Our busiest days are weekends, holidays, school vacations, and days with inclement weather.
Quieter places in the Museum:
First Floor
Viewing Gallery in Maddy’s Theatre (please see the Front Desk or any staff member for access to this space.)
Second Floor
Melissa’s Seaside Cottage (book nook)
Nursing Nook
Third Floor
Illuminate Exhibit
IDEXX STEM Learning Hub
Please see any staff member for assistance finding a quiet place.
We Are Here For You
If you have suggestions, questions, or need more information to make your visit successful, please contact Lily Gilbert, Director of Visitor Engagement, at lily@kitetails.org or call 207-828-1234.
Everyone belongs at CMTM. 🧡
With Gratitude
Accessibility features throughout the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine were made possible through the generous support of Imagine Campaign donors the Dorothy Suzi Osher Foundation, Madeleine G. Corson, L.L.Bean, The Pond Family Foundation, Unum, Shaw Brothers Family Foundation, Hussey Seating, and Bill and Dana Poole.