Tampa Bay’s only sensory-friendly science festival is returning

On April 5 a science festival called “Sensational SciFest,” is designed for children with sensory sensitivities. This festival is hosted by Scientists Inc., in partnership with CARD-USF (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities).

The SciFest offers a sensory-friendly environment where children can participate in hands-on activities, that can include art and chemistry experiments, without lights, crowds, or noises.

Keegan Julius, Executive Director of YES! of America United said, “At Sensational SciFest, you’re going to find a quiet room and a sensory room. So whether you just need a little bit of a break to hang out and chill in the quiet room, or if you’re feeling dysregulated and you need to stim and you need a fidget, we have a space for that too in our sensory room.”

“Sensational SciFest is designed with neurodiverse attendees in mind. It’s supposed to be a calm and comfortable environment for kids or adults with sensory sensitivities to explore the world of science,” Julius said. “So we have: mushroom cloning, plankton encounters, a 1929 Ford Model A that runs on hydrogen from the Tampa Bay Auto Museum. There’s a whole lot of different demonstrators who will be showcasing what they do best, but in a calm and comfortable environment so that neurodiverse attendees can have those same opportunities for hands-on learning.”

At Sensational SciFest, you’re going to find a quiet room and a sensory room. So whether you just need a little bit of a break to hang out and chill in the quiet room, or if you’re feeling dysregulated and you need a fidget, we have a space for that too in our sensory room.

This event will be held on April 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa, 11400 Morris Bridge Road; admission is free.

For more information visit: https://scientistsinc.org/sensational-scifest