GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Sounds and sights are part of the experience visiting places like a museum or the zoo.

“There’s always different things to look at. And it just gives them space to run and enjoy different things,” said Kara Paetschow, who looked on as her children played with oversize chess pieces at the Grand Rapids Public Museum Wednesday morning.

But for those with autism and other sensory issues, visiting public places can be a frightening experience.

From the prisms of light that flash across the first-floor galleria to the special toys exhibit that includes a giant xylophone and classic arcade games, the stimulation can be too much.

“Even riding the carousel or some of the exhibits that we have here at the museum — our dinosaur exhibit has moving dinosaurs — and that may be an issue for some people,” explained Kate Kocienski, vice president of marketing and public relations for the museum.

The people in charge of the museum and John Ball Zoo say they think they’ve found a solution to being sensory inclusive: a bag.

“And inside we have headphones, noise canceling headphones,” said Kocienski.

The bag also includes fidget toys and a feelings card, which allows those who can’t verbalize their emotions to show how they’re feeling and what they need.

“We also have weighted lap pads,” added Kocienski. “Weight really helps someone with sensory needs… if they’re having trouble sitting, to calm them.”

Both the museum and the zoo have the bags available to patrons starting this month. They’ve also established quiet areas throughout the venues.

The initiative was created by Kulture City, a national organization that promotes public acceptance of those with sensory issues. The program also includes staff training.

“So that they are familiar with what it is, what may be going on with someone who has sensory issues, sensory needs, and how they might be able to better assist them as well,” explained Melinda Robinett, education program manager for John Ball Zoo.

“We want the museum and the zoo to be places for everyone,” said Kocienski. “To be able to come down and experience things just like everyone else.”