Paisley was watching a wilderness video from her favorite documentary channel when suddenly, a commercial came on. The commercial was for The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

Paisley watched excitedly as colorful pictures danced on and off the screen of her tablet. She knew immediately that she wanted to go to see this museum, and there was one exhibit Paisley really wanted to visit. 

While watching the commercial, she noticed that one of the exhibits was about nature. Paisley has always been in love with nature, wildlife, and the outdoors. She decided then that she had to go see it!

Paisley raced down the stairs and into the kitchen to inform her dad of her big idea. "I want to go to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Dad! Can we go?"

This was certainly a shock for her dad. Paisley struggled with bright lights and loud sounds, two things he remembers from his childhood at the museum. 

As her dad pondered how to make this a successful visit, Paisley patiently sat in one of the kitchen chairs, waiting for his decision. 

You know what? I think we can go to the museum this Saturday!

Saturday felt ages away! Paisley sat in her room dreaming about the different exhibits and waiting for time to pass. She was going to ride the carousel, learn about waterways, and much more!

Finally, Saturday had come and it was time for Paisley to go to the museum! They arrive at the museum, but, suddenly, as he turns the corner in the garage, Paisley’s dad sees hundreds of cars parked. 

PARKING

As they enter the museum they are greeted with loads of smells, sounds, and noises. Paisley’s dad holds her as they try to maneuver around the enormous crowd. He is worried for Paisley.

The smell of fresh popcorn wafts in the air as children run around in circles, shouting in delight.

Oh, boy, it sure is packed in here!

Paisley is overwhelmed as welcoming faces greet them and introduce fun activities. Her arms start to feel heavy and her head hurts. Paisley’s dad knew this museum was popular, but he didn’t realize it would be this busy!

Paisley visited a few exhibits and loved each one, but she is beginning to get anxious. She wants to keep moving through the exhibits, but she is slowly feeling as if she is being overloaded with the sounds and people. Paisley begins to hum loudly. 

As she reached the top of the ramp she could see a glimpse of the ScienceWorks exhibit! This is the one she wanted to go to the most!

Paisley makes a beeline for the live animals. She watches as a turtle swiftly glides across the tank. She decides she never wants to leave this spot today.

Suddenly, a wave of visitors pours into ScienceWorks. Paisley can’t seem to get the words out, but she feels distressed! Her body stiffens and she begins to shake as if shivering from the cold.

“Honey, what’s wrong?”

Paisley freezes up, and her dad knows it’s time to leave. He picks her up and heads straight to the exit. He knows she has reached her limit and wishes he could have brought her on a less busy day.

The noises….the lights…it's too much for her!