Helping 2-4 Year Olds to Wear Masks

At times, when the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine is following CDC guidelines for managing public health during the COVID pandemic, we require that everyone ages 2+ wear a mask during their visit. We know this can be hard, especially from ages 2-4. We are all still navigating the pandemic and how to safely interact with each other. We offer these tips for helping 2-4 year olds to wear masks for when it is relevant for your family.

Some 2-4 year olds are just learning to wear masks, while others have experience wearing them for longer periods of time. Here are some tips that we hope will help you:

A Place to Practice

We are finding that the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine can be a great place for two year olds and up to practice wearing masks because children are so busy having fun, interacting with the exhibits, and seeing their peers wearing masks. In short, they are distracted! We understand that it can be hard to keep masks on for new wearers, but we ask that you try while you're here. 

Taking a Break

If you need to take a mask break, please visit our Outdoor Adventure Playground year round. Masks are not required while outside in our fenced playground, but everyone needs to be masked when in our lobby. We do have some families coming to visit just our Outdoor Adventure Playground Exhibit at no charge. We know that a fenced in playground is hard to come by in Portland so you're welcome to come try that on a warm day. We have been keeping the walkways plowed and clear during the winter.

Availability

We offer free children’s masks in fun colors and designs that your child can choose from. 

Sensory Challenges

The Museum & Theatre has a series of offerings called Play Your Way which are dedicated play sessions when anyone who would benefit from a quieter play time is welcome to visit. We normally see families who are affected by Autism, Sensory Processing, and PTSD. This is a time when we are even more understanding that wearing a mask can be hard for some guests. Want to be updated about the next Play Your Way session? Email boxoffice@kitetails.org to be added to our Play Your Way email list.