At the EcoTarium, we are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for guests of all abilities. Below are the accessibility options and resources available to help you plan your visit.
If you have questions or need assistance planning your visit, please contact us at info@ecotarium.org. or call 508.929.2700.
We are proud to partner with the Autism Alliance of Metrowest to better support visitors with sensory processing needs. Sensory kits are available at the Information Desk upon request. These kits include tools to help create a more comfortable experience during your visit.
Quiet Visit Times
For guests seeking a quieter experience, we recommend visiting during our off-peak hours: Tuesday through Friday, 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
Our new EcoTarium Explorer app was designed with accessibility in mind—especially for guests who are blind or have low vision. Features include:
- Audio and voice-guided navigation
- Hazard alerts and accessible route guidance
- Descriptions of outdoor exhibits
- Standard and Low Vision modes
The app is currently in beta testing and available for use outdoors. Future updates will expand content to include indoor exhibits and trail navigation. Learn more here.
- Upper Level:
- Two wheelchair-accessible, family bathrooms with infant changing stations. Please note that these restrooms do not have door openers.
- Middle Level:
- Classroom Wing (beyond Mineral Dome): Two wheelchair-accessible family restrooms with infant changing stations. Door openers coming soon.
- City Science exhibit area: Accessible Family/Companion Restroom with adult changing station. Please note that this restroom does not have a door opener.
- City Science exhibit area: Men’s and women’s restrooms on middle level with door opener buttons and infant changing stations. Please note that this restroom does not have wheelchair-accessible stalls.
- Lower Level:
- Lower Level entrance: Men’s and women’s bathrooms with a wheelchair-accessible stall and infant changing table. Please note that this restroom does not have door openers.
- Freshwater exhibit area: Men’s and women’s bathrooms with a wheelchair-accessible stall, infant changing table, and door openers.
- Outside:
- Lower Parking Lot area: Men’s and women’s bathrooms with a wheelchair-accessible stall and infant changing table. Please note that these restrooms do not have door openers.
- Four wheelchair-accessible spaces with adjacent companion seating.
- Limited number of assistive listening devices available upon request from planetarium staff.
- Closed captioning available on select shows (as noted in individual program listing). Please speak to the staff member at the Planetarium to request closed captioning before entering for your show or at the Information Desk on the upper level before the show.
Available for rent at the Information Desk (Upper Level)
- Motorized Scooter (ECV) (1 available): $20
- Wheelchair (2 available): $9
- Single stroller (3 available): $7
- Double stroller (3 available): $9
Our Lockers are 19" high by 16.5” wide by 16.5” deep and are available for rent for $4.
There are a total of 12 lockers available for rent each day.
We offer convenient free parking options for all guests, including designated accessible spaces. A state-issued accessible plate or placard must be displayed to park in these spaces. Vehicles not displaying the required plate or placard may be subject to towing at owner's expense.
- Upper Lot – 6 total spaces, including 1 accessible van space.
- Lower Lot – 4 total spaces, including 1 accessible van space.
- Shipping Area – 5 total spaces, including 2 accessible van spaces.
Please note: Guests parking in the Shipping Area should enter the museum by walking across Siegfried Plaza. Entry through the Shipping & Receiving doors is not permitted.
The EcoTarium’s property is nature-based, with a variety of outdoor spaces and trails for exploration. Please note that uneven ground is common, and we encourage all guests to explore with care.
- Maps: View our Grounds Map here in English or Spanish
- Trail Accessibility: Not all of our trails are fully wheelchair accessible.
The path from the Nature Explore area to the Lower Pond begins as a paved walkway and leads to the pier that overlooks the pond. This section is wheelchair accessible, but the trail is not accessible beyond the pier or around the loop.
Other nature trails are primarily grass or gravel surfaces and may include tree roots or uneven areas that are not accessible for all visitors.
Future Improvements: We are currently working towards upgrades to create an accessible loop trail around the Lower Pond. This “All Persons Trail” will provide a more inclusive experience for visitors of all abilities.
- Trailhead Cafe (outside near Lower Parking Lot) - Sandwiches, salads, beverages, and ice cream treats for sale Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. The chairs at the cafe tables are movable to make space for a wheelchair.
- Tent (Lower Parking Lot, seasonal) - There is a large tent in the lower parking lot with picnic tables available for guests (available seasonally April – October).
- Hirsh Center (Lower Level) - Indoor lunch space available for guests during inclement weather and winter season. This space is ramp accessible.
- Sundial Plaza (outside Upper Level) - There are picnic tables in the grass available for guests.
- Siegfried Plaza (outside Lower Level) - There are tables on the pavement available for guests.
- Upper level - Bottle filling station and drinking fountain across from Information Desk.
- Middle level - Classroom Wing by Mineral Dome.
- Lower level - Drinking fountain near entrance, bottle filling station and drinking fountain near Freshwater Exhibit and Kodiak Bear.
- Outdoors - Drinking fountains near Trailhead Cafe.