Autism-Friendly Activities in
New Jersey
WBR Rising Stars Acting Program
Acting Workshops
(Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) The Weist-Barron-Ryan "Rising Stars Program” is far from new to instructing and providing a loving, supportive, and engaging environment to individuals with developmental disabilities. We currently instruct the general public and DDD higher functioning/self directed individuals. We have also had kids from DCFS as well as Perform Care. We find that our workshops help with self confidence, speech, diction, public speaking, presentation, reading, focus, eye contact and so much more in a fun and interactive way. We also have an emotional support dog on staff (Scrappy-Doo) and a quiet space if you feel overwhelmed or over stimulated.
All of our staff is CPR Certified and we have an X-EMT as an owner) Then (drum roll please) we get you on the big screen! As real casting directors for the big films we are able to negotiate the contracts with production. Some of our individuals have been seen in movies with Robert DeNiro, Whoopie Goldberg, Bobbie Cannonvale, Kevin Smith, Halle Berry, just to mention a few.
WBR Rising Stars Acting Program
48. S. New York Rd, Suite B1
Galloway, NJ 08205
Vorhees Ballet Theater
Sensory-friendly Nutcracker
Join us this holiday season for our first ever Sensory-Friendly performance of The Nutcracker! For this special production, we have made accommodations to our regular show to help make a more inclusive theatre experience. The performance will be held on Saturday December 9th at 11am at Voorhees Middle School Theatre. For more info and for tickets, visit vbtnj.com/sensory. We hope to see you there! And as always, thank you for supporting Voorhees Ballet Theatre.
Voorhees Ballet Theater
1000 Holly Oak Dr
Voorhees Township, NJ 08043
Turtle Dance Music
Arts Integrated Music and Dance Shows
From Turtle Dance Music: "Turtle Dance Music is a children's music company dedicated to furthering child development through arts-integration, music, and educational entertainment. We spark children's curiosity and imaginations through interactive, inclusive and autism-friendly musical performances that use a wide range of instruments, comedy and music technology. Our sensory-friendly performances are geared for Pre-K, grades K-5 and students on the Autism Spectrum (kids and teens).
Our performances are also accessible to parents, teachers, administrators and librarians who want to have a great time with their kids and laugh a lot! We create S.T.E.A.M. performances which promote topics such as Autism Awareness, Songs That Count!, The Water Cycle, The Planets, Recycling, Music Technology and more!
Turtle Dance Music believes that your kids are capable of doing extraordinary things. We Help Kids Come Out Of Their Shells!"
New Jersey
Nutley LIttle Theatre
Sensory Friendly Theatrical Performance of TIN CAT SHOES
This performance is suitable for audiences with sensitivity to sudden light and sound cues. *Please note our theatre is not wheelchair accessible* What are we doing to make this performance Sensory Friendly?
Our house lights will remain on throughout our showing.
We have cut all sound cues and replaced them with verbal descriptions.
We have cut our strobe light, fog machine, and any sudden light changes or blackouts.
We will supply foam ear plugs for those who wish to have them.
We will have verbal warnings before any section of the piece that may be triggering to certain audiences.
During this showing, we invite the audience members to verbally respond to the action on stage in a judgment free space.
This show is rated pg-13 for language and mild suggestions to violent and sexual themes
Nutley Little Theatre
47 Erie Place
Nutley, NJ 07110
Balanced Child Pediatric Therapy
Paint & Snack
This month we will be exploring some Thanksgiving themed crafts by pressing items from nature into salt dough and creating a veggie turkey. Our licensed occupational therapist will guide your children through exploration of feeding and eating, sensory integration, and social skills in a supportive play based environment. November 18, 2022 at :00PM
Balanced Child Pediatric Therapy
737 Main St. Suite 8
Lumberton, NJ 08048
Balanced Child Pediatric Therapy and Interactive Kids
Outdoor Movie Night
Balanced Child Pediatric Therapy and IK are excited to once again host Sensory Friendly MOVIE NIGHT! Check out the Eventbrite link for your free tix!
When? Friday, October 7th
Time? 6pm - movie starts about 6:30pm
Where? Freedom Park Medford NJ
What movie? Hotel Transylvania
What should I bring? Blankets and snacks
What does sensory friendly mean? This is an all-inclusive event hosted by local providers working in schools and homes and centers with children, teenagers and adults with special needs. The environment at this event is non-judgmental, where individuals can walk around, get the wiggles out, socialize with other families and just relax together as a family!
I have a question, who do I contact? Email Rachel Hennessey inquiries@interactivekids.com
Balanced Child Pediatric Therapy and Interactive Kids
Freedom Park
86 Union St.
Medford NJ 08055
Adventure Aquarium
F.I.S.H. Night
From their website: "...F.I.S.H. Night, or Family Inclusive Special Hours Night. This event is designed for the special needs community to visit Adventure Aquarium in a relaxed setting. Sound and lighting accommodations have been made to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone. Personal Care Attendants with a valid ID may enter at no additional cost. Limited menu will be available."
https://www.adventureaquarium.com/What-To-Do-In-New-Jersey/Special-Events
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ 08103
844-474-FISH (3474)
Roxey Ballet Company
Sensory Friendly Performances
Roxey Ballet Company offers several different sensory friendly performances throughout their season. Currently, they have a performance of The Nutcracker slated for December 1, 2018 at 1pm. You can get tickets and more information here: https://www.roxeyballet.org/sensory
Lambertville, New Jersey - Location of specific performances may vary
Turtle Dance Music
Event Title
Clementon Park and Splash World
Special Needs Night
From the website: "Special Needs Events at Clementon Park and Splash World are designed with the unique challenges of the special needs community in mind. The event offers a variety of accommodations to help ensure a pleasant experience and allow for families to network with one another."
Clementon Park and Splash World
144 Berlin Road
Clementon, NJ 08021
Garden State Discovery Museum
Open Arms
The museum does not have a dedicated page for their Open Arms program, but they hold the events several times throughout the year, typically in the evenings.
Check their calendar at the link above for the next session.
Garden State Discovery Museum
2040 Springdale Road, Suite 100
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08003
Paper Mill Playhouse
Autism-Friendly Performances
Autism-Friendly Performances are designed and intended for families with children who have autism or other developmental disabilities. This program is designed and planned in cooperation with Paper Mill Autism Advisory Team. At these performances the theater environment will be altered, providing a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for these families.
AUTISM-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDE:
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House lights on, but dimmed, inside the theater
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Consistent sound level and lower volume
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BYO reinforcements and motivational systems
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Kids are free to talk and to leave their seat under parental supervision
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BYO snacks & drinks
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Gender-neutral family bathrooms
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Activity Area with Chill-Out zone provided
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On-site support teams
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“Meet Your Seat” FREE Open Houses before the shows expressly for children to visit the theater space on a previous day (no reservation required).
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Online resource materials: character guides, puzzle activities, sequenced social stories and videos on PaperMill.org
Paper Mill Playhouse
22 Brookside Drive
Millburn, NJ 07041
Sahara Sam's Oasis
Special Needs Nights
Special Needs Events at Sahara Sam’s Oasis provide fun, judgment-free evenings at the indoor water park for individuals with special needs to enjoy with their family and friends. Special Evenings at Sam’s, or S.E.A.S., are offered to the community at a significantly reduced rate and are designed with the unique challenges of special needs individuals in mind. Our goal is to provide a comfortable evening that allows individuals to have fun and network with other families.
Sahara Sam's Oasis
535 North Route 73
West Berlin, NJ 08091
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
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
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,
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Lights are turned up and sound is turned down
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All ages are welcome (including infants)
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Talking and noise is allowed and guests can move around
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Latecomers are admitted
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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:
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Suspended equipment with swings – for balance and vestibular treatment
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Crash mats and crash pillows – for fun, motor planning, and strength
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Zip line – for stress release and joint and body relaxation
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Trampoline – for building leg and core strength
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Indoor play structure – for climbing and increasing playground skills
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Sensory-based toys – for improved auditory processing and fine motor skills
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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:
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Less crowding and noise
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Dimmed lighting
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Show and music turned off or down
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Limited appearances by Chuck E.
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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.