Autism is as much a part of humanity as the capacity to dream.
—Kathleen Seidel

Fascinate-U Children's Museum opened The Mindful Meadow on June 24. The Mindful Meadow is a sensory-friendly, nature-themed room designed to give children a calm and inclusive space to re-center and experience calmness during their visit to the museum. The exhibit is supportive of children experiencing autism processing challenges, such as anxiety and overstimulation. The tranquil environment consists of soft lighting, weighted animals, sensory-friendly toys, and a compression canoe.
The Mindful Meadow exhibit is available to the public at Fascinate-U Children's Museum, 116 Green Street, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. Children ages 1 to 15 are $5, adults are $4. Children under 12 months are free, as are museum members. Wednesdays are donation days during the hours of 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admissions can be waived in lieu of a donation. For more information, contact Amanda Jekel, director of Fascinate-U Children's Museum, at 910-829-9171
The prevalence of Autism in the United States is 1 in 31, and in North Carolina, it is 1 in 39. The frequent sensory characteristics of persons experiencing Autism are heightened or diminished sensitivity to sensory input, hypersensitivity, loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, sensory overload creating meltdowns and shut downs.
A representative concept for the Mindful Meadow is that mindfulness is the state of being in the present moment and awareness. Mindfulness enhances well-being by reducing stress, increasing awareness, and promoting emotional balance. Meadows are associated with wildflowers of vibrant colors. Flowers create a sense of tranquility, peaceful, serene emotions, and a harmonious state of being. Meadows are a location of nourishment, rest, and refuge. The design provides weighted animals and blankets to provide calming pressure and comfort. The soft adjustable lighting creates a peaceful atmosphere. The natural theme of the meadow with forest, open skies, and proprioceptive input promotes a sense of security.
“Sensory-friendly spaces are essential for accessibility and equity. Autistic children and children experiencing sensory sensitivities often process sensory input differently, and our traditional museum environments can be overwhelming,” Jekel said. “A calming place empowers them to regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety, and stay engaged longer. The Mindful Meadow was designed to center both sensory needs and inclusion. Everything in the space, from the soft lighting and muted color palette to the weighted blankets, sensory toys, and compression canoe, was chosen to help children calm and recenter. It is a peaceful room that is open to all, where every child can feel welcome and supported, whether they need a sensory break or a quiet moment to recharge.
“During a meltdown or shutdown, a child needs a calm, safe, non-judgmental environment to regulate and recover. The Mindful Meadow provides a physically separate area from the museum’s high-energy exhibits and has comforting material such as soft seating, dim lights, and proprioceptive tools. The Mindful Meadow benefits children experiencing ADHD, low sensory levels and neurotypical responses.”
Jekel continued, “The inspiration for the Mindful Meadow was based on conversations with the parents. The mini-city environment can be overwhelming with the moving lights, loud sounds, and large crowd noise. We wanted to offer and create a beautiful environment that felt like a breath of fresh air, literally and emotionally, within the museum,” she said. “Nature is the perfect metaphor for recentering. The research entailed consultations with occupational therapists and applied behavior therapists. We created a partnership with Methodist University occupational therapy graduate students to design a room around a nature theme. The Mindful Meadow became the place where kids can leave the city and step into nature. The Mindful Meadow is a reflection of our mission to serve all children, and it is deeply meaningful to create a space where every child feels seen and supported. This is the first major renovation that we have completed within my tenure as executive director. The partnership with Methodist University has been an immense pleasure and learning opportunity. The Mindful Meadow holds a special place in my heart.”
Jekel also shared the impact of the Mindful Meadow on the quality of life in Cumberland County, and the objectives of Fascinate-U Children’s Museum within the next 2, 5, and 10 years. Fascinate-U has been a part of Fayetteville for over 25 years and has been the place where play and learning come together. For families who have children with sensory sensitivities or developmental differences, this room can make a difference between staying five minutes or spending the whole afternoon, reduces stress and sends a powerful message: You belong here.
“The Strategic plan consists of renovating and refreshing key exhibits to enhance visitors’ experience, grow the physical space to become a regional hub for inclusive, play-based learning, serving not just Fayetteville, but families across North Carolina,” she said.
Experience a Fascinate-U Children's Museum play and learn day. Visit the Mindful Meadow room and be peacefully engaged and refreshed by natural settings. For more information, visit the Fascinate-U website at https://www.fascinate-u.com.