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Autism-Friendly Activities in

Florida

MOSI Museum of Science and Industry

Day of Discovery

Come experience MOSI, in partnership with the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (C.A.R.D.) at the University of South Florida, offering unique programming, Idea Zone® hands-on projects, as well as lowered lights and sounds for individuals with sensory differences and their families.  MOSI will set up a low stress, sensory-friendly environment to explore the museum. These events are prior to MOSI’s standard hours so guests can enjoy MOSI in quieter and less crowded setting. This event is discounted from regular admission with pre-registration.


MOSI Museum of Science and Industry

4801 E Fowler Ave

Tampa, Florida

813-987-6000

Bonnet Springs Park

Sensory Friendly Exploration Stations

Bonnet Springs Park is a 168-acre nature park designed with inclusivity in mind. This picturesque park boasts playgrounds, nature trails, a nature center, and more, providing a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages and abilities. For those seeking a sensory-friendly experience, Bonnet Springs Park hosts special events multiple times a year, offering educational activities tailored for young learners and guests with neurodivergence or sensory sensitivities.  Immerse yourself in the beauty of Bonnet Springs Park while enjoying science education in a low-sensory environment, featuring hands-on activities that cater to diverse needs.


To enhance the experience, the park provides additional resources such as noise-reducing headphones, sit discs, and fidgets at the Sensory Friendly Exploration Stations.  For a comprehensive overview of upcoming events, including sensory-friendly activities, be sure to consult the Calendar of Events. Discover the accessibility of the park and explore other event descriptions for details on sensory-friendly offerings and tools tailored to create an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all.


Bonnet Springs Park

400 Bonnet Springs Blvd.

Lakeland, Florida 33815

863-413-0652

​Crayola Experience

Sensory Sundays

From their website: "A special morning designed for kids and families who would like to experience the attraction adapted just for sensory needs: - Lights will be dimmed - Music will be turned off - Sound reducing headphones will be available - Quiet room/space Attraction opens one hour earlier at 09:00am and the event will run until 11:00am." 

 

Crayola Experience

8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail

Orlando, FL 32809 

407-757-1700

Orlando WonderWorks

Sensory Days

From their website: "WonderWorks is excited to host Sensory Days! WonderWorks’ exhibits are altered to provide limited stimulation for children with special needs. The music in the facility is lowered, any loud exhibit is not operational and we stop our inversion tunnel creating a safe environment for kids to enjoy the facility without feeling overwhelmed." 

WonderWorks Orlando

9067 International Drive

Orlando, FL 32819

407-351-8800

Panama City Beach WonderWorks

Sensory Days

From their website: "WonderWorks is excited to host Sensory Days! WonderWorks’ exhibits are altered to provide limited stimulation for children with special needs. The music in the facility is lowered, any loud exhibit is not operational and we stop our inversion tunnel creating a safe environment for kids to enjoy the facility without feeling overwhelmed." 

WonderWorks

9910 Front Beach Rd

Panama City Beach, FL 32407 

850-249-7000

Family Fun Center

Sensational Sundays

From their website: Sensational Sunday is a time designed for special needs children and their families to come and play in the Family Fun Center’s Funtasia Soft Play area before opening. Upon arrival, the main lights will be turned off, games will be off and it will be a sensory friendly environment with trained staff members. Parents can relax knowing they are among friends, and siblings can interact with other siblings who may have a special brother or sister of their own.

Select Sundays from 10:30am-12:00pm.

2018 Dates:​

  • May 27th

  • No event in June or July

  • Aug 26th

  • Sept 23rd

  • Oct 28th (Costume Contest!)

  • Dec 2nd

 

Cost: $4.99 for children ages 1-4, $6.99 for children ages 5-12, Under 1 FREE with any other paid admission. Prices valid for all day play. Socks are required to play.

 

At 12:00pm, The Family Fun Center will be open to the general public and at that time you can stay and play in Funtasia, head on out, play games or grab some lunch at Cappy’s Pizza Café. Although Sensational Sunday concludes at 12, all day play is included in your admission if you wish you stay or even come back later in the day.

Family Fun Center

4825 S. Florida Ave

Lakeland, FL 33813

863-644-1728

Altitude Trampoline Park

Sensory-Friendly Saturdays

At Altitude we want all to gain the enjoyment and freedom of flight on a trampoline so each 1st and 3rd Saturday morning of the month we offer Sensory-friendly Saturdays!
SFS runs the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 9:00am-10:00am and all individuals and/or groups who struggle with sensory stimulation are encouraged to come and jump with us.

The experience is great for our awesome guests WHO HAVE SENSORY ISSUES SUCH AS AUTISM, ETC. as Altitude offers the following during this time:

  • 1 accompanying parent jumps free

  • Less crowded at this time of day

  • We turned the music volume down

  • No parties are scheduled at this time

Additionally, you get to enjoy Altitude at a reduced rate of $11.95/per person 9:00am-10:00am!

Altitude Trampoline Park - Tampa
4340 W Hillsborough Ave
Tampa, FL 33614
813-399-1529

Jump Street Indoor Trampoline Park

Special Needs Days

Special Needs days are the first Saturday of the month. They turn down/off the music and they will make an exception to allow outside food, if needed. The first hour of jumping is solely for special needs families and parents/guardians jump for free.

Jump Street 

1210 Beach Blvd.
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

904-853-5721

Busch Gardens Amusement Park

In-Park Services for Guests with Disabilities

At Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, we have two programs in place to assist guests with disabilities. Our Ride Accessibility Program (RAP) matches the individual abilities of our guests to the requirements of each ride. When enrolled in the RAP, disabled guests will be able to participate in our Special Access Program which assists guests in enjoying attractions throughout the park as some queue lines are not accessible to mobility-impaired guests. 

Busch Gardens Amusement Park

10165 N McKinley Dr

Tampa, FL 33612

1-813-884-4386

Miami Children's Museum

Sensory Friendly Saturdays

On the second Saturday of every month, sensory friendly experiences await children with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorders and global developmental delays. Explore the Museum in a sensory modified supportive setting with limited admission and sound and lighting adjustments. Speak to various health professional such as occupational therapists. Enjoy a sensory friendly stage performance and participate in a variety of sensory based activities.

 

Miami Children's Museum

980 MacArthur Causeway

Miami, Florida 33132

305-373-5437

National Chains That May Have Sensory-Friendly Activities in Your Area: 

Glass Slipper Initiative

Summer Art Paradise

Join Glass Slipper Initiative and Friends of Children with Special Needs for a free accommodating online art event for children with disabilities! It will be on July 22nd from 10 AM to 12 PM, where we'll have multiple stations for different crafts for any skill level. All you'll need is paper, scissors, and some coloring supplies! Sign up at bit.ly/GSI-Summer.  If you can't make the event, but you'd like to be notified about other ones in the future, go to glassslipperinitiative.org and click "sign up" to join our mailing list for future events and opportunities for your kids.

RockonMusic School

RockonMusic Lessons

Use the positive power of music to learn to play  instruments, sing and create. Each one-on-one session is tailored to the  individual's skills and motivations. I specialize in those impacted by  autism or other disabilities. Live Westchester & Putnam Counties, NY  and on Zoom, anywhere....since 2016.


RockonMusicSchool

914-489-0520

Proud to Be Me

Free Dance Therapy Classes for Children with Developmental Disabilities!


This dance class is designed for elementary and middle schoolers with any intellectual, developmental, or sensory impairments! Our beginner-level dance and movement classes currently take place through Zoom and provide a fun outlet for children to let out energy and meet new people. The free class is also designed to help refine and improve things like motor skills, concentration, social/communication abilities, and general happiness.


More information on website (linked above).


Proud to Be Me

734-660-7136

Alamo Theatre

Alamo for All

From their website: "Welcome to Alamo for All - a movie program for young families and guests with special needs.  All shows starting before 2 pm on Tuesdays follow Alamo for All rules, with more shows on the weekends.  Schedule may vary during holidays.  At sensory-friendly Alamo for All shows,

  • Lights are turned up and sound is turned down

  • All ages are welcome (including infants)

  • Talking and noise is allowed and guests can move around

  • Latecomers are admitted

  • Adaptive technology is welcome (but no other electronics, please)

 

Bought a ticket to an Alamo for All show by mistake?  No problem!  Contact the theater and we'll be glad to refund or exchange your ticket for another show.

​Check the link above for dates and locations.

We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym

The Gym for All Kids

From their website: "We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gyms was founded to provide a place for children of all ability levels to play and grow together. As the only kids gym that offers an inclusive philosophy we have found all children can benefit from our uniquely designed sensory equipment that is specifically designed to aid children with sensory processing disorders. However, in our experience, all children are able to benefit greatly from this equipment and by allowing children of all ability levels to play together they are able to learn a great deal from each other and become the best motivation for success on every level.

Our Gym Includes:

  • Suspended equipment with swings – for balance and vestibular treatment

  • Crash mats and crash pillows – for fun, motor planning, and strength

  • Zip line – for stress release and joint and body relaxation

  • Trampoline – for building leg and core strength

  • Indoor play structure – for climbing and increasing playground skills

  • Sensory-based toys – for improved auditory processing and fine motor skills

  • Fine Motor and Arts and Crafts Area – for improved hand-eye coordination"

​Check the link above for locations.

Autism Eats

Autism Friendly Dining

From their webpage: Providing autism-friendly non-judgmental environments for family dining, socializing and connecting with others who share similar joys and challenges. ALL behaviors are welcomed!

Check the website above for restaurants and dates!

Cobb Theatres

Sensory Friendly Films

Sensory Friendly showings provide families with varying abilities the opportunity to enjoy a family friendly film where kids can be kids in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums are made comfortable by brighter lights and the sound level is turned down. The audience is encouraged to be themselves and interact with the movie, while having fun without the worry of disturbing others. Dance, sing and enjoy the show!!!


All shows will begin at 10am local time. Films, dates and program are subject to change. Tickets are available in person only the Wednesday prior to each showing.


Check the link above for dates and locations.

Marcus Theaters

REEL MOVIES FOR Real Needs

A Special Showing for Families and Individuals with Special Needs. We understand that sometimes it is difficult or uncomfortable for families with special needs children to attend movies together.

 

Marcus Theatres Reel Movies for Reel Needs is a specially designed program to serve families with special needs such as autism or other challenges, who seldom attend movies. Reel Movies for Real Needs creates a welcoming and comfortable environment – lower sound, lights up – where families with children who need accommodations will be able to share the experience of seeing family friendly films at a theatre.

Check the link above for dates and locations.

Urban Air Adventure Park

Sensory Friendly Jump

NEW sensory friendly jump time for our special needs community only, every First Sunday of the month from 10am-12n (time/date varies per location).

No flashing lights, no whistles, low music level, and less crowded. We invite you and your families to join us! Reduced rates available (varies per location). Open to sensory-sensitive individuals, their siblings and care-givers only.

Check the link above for dates and locations.

Studio Movie Grill

Sensory Friendly Screenings

A pillar of SMG’s Outreach since 2003, our monthly Special Needs Screenings are designed for families raising children with special needs. Special Needs Screenings are shown with the lights up and the volume lowered and children are free to move around, talk, or even dance in the aisles during the movie.

The sensory friendly screenings are free for children with special needs and their siblings. Adult tickets are available at before-noon price. There are no advance ticket sales. Parental guidance is always suggested.

Special Needs Screenings are shown at 11:00am at all SMG locations except EpiCentre. SMG Downey, Monrovia and Redlands look forward to offering our special needs screening program in the near future. We are currently in process of installing new seating and will subsequently undergo remodeling to our full concept. These locations will offer special needs screenings as soon as this work has been completed. 

​Check the link above for dates and locations.

Regal Cinemas

My Way Matinee

Sensory friendly movie screenings with sounds lower, lights brighter.

​Check the link above for dates and locations.

AMC Theaters

Sensory Friendly Films

AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don't forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.

​Check the link above for dates and locations.

Major Airports

Wings for Autism®/Wings for All®

Wings for Autism®/Wings for All® are airport “rehearsals” specially designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The programs are designed to alleviate the stress that families who have a child with autism or intellectual/developmental disabilities experience when flying. It provides families the opportunity to practice entering the airport, obtaining boarding passes, going through security and boarding a plane. Airport, airline, Transportation Security Administration professionals, and other personnel also have the opportunity to observe, interact, and deliver their services in a structured learning environment.

​Check the link above for dates and locations.

Sky Zone

Sensory Hours

Enjoy the freedom of jumping. Sensory hours provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs.

​Check the link above for dates and locations.

Chuck E. Cheese

Sensory Sensitive Sundays

Chuck E. Cheese's is proud to support families who have children with autism and special needs. We now offer a sensory-friendly experience on the first Sunday of every month. Our trained and caring staff is there to make sure each guest has a fun filled visit. The Sensory Sensitive Sundays experience includes:

  • Less crowding and noise

  • Dimmed lighting

  • Show and music turned off or down

  • Limited appearances by Chuck E.

  • Food and games are offered

 

Check the link above for dates and locations.

iFly

All Abilities Night

All Abilities Night at iFLY is a unique event that makes the dream of flight a reality for those in the special needs community. This program has been custom designed for those with physical and cognitive challenges to create an environment of support and inclusion, while focusing on making what seems impossible, possible.​

​Check the link above for dates and locations.

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