Sensory-Friendly Activities in
Pennsylvania
Lewisburg Children's Museum
Sensory Friendly Family Night
Join us for Sensory Friendly Family Nights (on 2nd Fridays of the month), a special Museum event for children with autism spectrum or sensory processing disorders. The Museum will limit capacity, turn down sounds and lights, and provide adaptive equipment to offer a safe and fun experience for all! These programs are sponsored by the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way and are free for participants.
This event is recommended for all ages and registration is required. Please purchase a ticket for each family member attending, 2 year and older. To register: https://bit.ly/3wEnKQq
Lewisburg Children's Museum
815 Market Street
Lewisburg, PA 17837
Fading Autism Barbershop
Specialized in Autism-Friendly Hairstyling & Hair Cuts
Founded by a family with autism in Kutztown, PA!
From their website: The barber shop operates as an LLC business Tuesday through Saturday with a Saturday $10 special from 4 to 7 p.m. On Sundays the shop operates as a non-profit charitable organization, closed to the public, offering free haircuts to children on the autism spectrum, working one-on-one with families.
Fading Autism Barbershop
269 West Main Street
Kutztown, PA 19530
Mill Ballet School Theater
Sensory Friendly Performance of "Mowgli" & "Graduation Ball"
Roxey Ballet presents "Mowgli" and "Graduation Ball" on April 9th at 4pm Tickets $25 Roxey Ballet is proud to offer relaxed, sensory-friendly performances for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, special needs or any other challenges. These performances are great for families with young children. We provide a friendly, supportive environment for families with special needs loved ones to experience live theater and dance.
Adaptations to the performance include:
Lower sound levels
Elimination of potentially startling special effects and lighting
House lights remain at about 50%
Relaxed house rules
You are free to get up, move around, and leave whenever you need to
Allowed use of iPads and other electronics for therapeutic uses
Volunteers scattered throughout the theater to assist and direct audience members as needed
Quiet areas and activity areas in the lobby for taking a break
Fidget objects and earplugs available
Certified staff, ushers, and volunteers from a wide variety of autism service agencies, schools, and organizations
Mill Ballet School Theater
46 N Sugan Rd
New Hope, PA 18938
Coyle Free Library
Sensory Story Time
3rd Wednesday of the Month at 10:00am PennCares and Coyle Free Library are proud to offer sensory story time. This unique story time is for children aged 2 - 4 and targeted to those with sensory needs, but all are welcome. Join us for an interactive & hands on story time session. Children will enjoy book themed learning stations, sensory play, music & movement and more. No registration required. Sensory story time was made possible through a grant from the Franklin County Community Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.
Coyle Free Library
102 N Main St
Chambersburg, PA 17201
New Cumberland Public Library
Sensory Story Time
10:30am beginning Friday, October 18, 2019 PennCares and New Cumberland Library are proud to offer sensory story time. This unique story time is for children aged 2 - 4 and targeted to those with sensory needs, but all are welcome. Join us for an interactive & hands on story time session. Children will enjoy book themed learning stations, sensory play, music & movement and more.
No registration required. Sensory story time was made possible through a grant from the Franklin County Community Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.
New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza
New Cumberland, PA 17070
Dillsburg Area Library
Sensory Story Time
Mondays at 10:30am PennCares and Dillsburg Area Public Library are proud to offer sensory story time. This unique story time is for children aged 2 - 4 and targeted to those with sensory needs, but all are welcome. Join us for an interactive & hands on story time session. Children will enjoy book themed learning stations, sensory play, music & movement and more.
No registration required. Sensory story time was made possible through a grant from the Franklin County Community Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
Dillsburg Area Library
204 Mumper Ln
Dillsburg, PA 17019
Amelia Given Library
Sensory Story Time
Wednesdays from 11:30am-12:15pm PennCares and Amelia Givin Library are proud to offer sensory story time. This unique story time is for children aged 2 - 4 and targeted to those with sensory needs, but all are welcome. Join us for an interactive & hands on story time session. Children will enjoy book themed learning stations, sensory play, music & movement and more.
No registration required. Sensory story time was made possible through a grant from the Franklin County Community Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.
Amelia Givin Library
114 N Baltimore Ave
Mt Holly Springs, PA 17065
Penn Museum
Family Access Programs
From their website: "Engage all of your senses in the Penn Museum’s Family Access Programs. Designed for visitors with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families, our multisensory accessible offerings use role play, storytelling, movement, and touch to bring the lives of the ancients to life." Additional programming includes: "ARCHAEOLOGY IN THE A.M.
Designed for teens and young adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities, Archaeology in the A.M. pairs the lives of the ancients with making new friends. Participants in this new social program are encouraged to interact with peers through a series of multimodal drop-in activities in the first hour, with the second hour featuring an art-making workshop. A social networking space for parents and family friends will also highlight various community service organizations. A designated quiet space with dimmed lighting and fidget toys will be accessible throughout each event, and a limited number of noise-reducing headphones will be available to borrow.
See below for upcoming dates and themes. Archaeology in the A.M. is free with Museum admission, with special discounts available: ACCESS cardholders receive a discounted admission price of $2.00 per person for up to four visitors. Archaeology in the A.M. is made possible by the Philadelphia Autism Project. To learn more visit www.phillyautismproject.org."
Penn Museum
3260 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Souderton - Montgomery Theater
Relaxed Performances
From their website: "Relaxed Performances are specially adjusted to be sensory-friendly, comfortable for but not limited to individuals on the autism spectrum. To be inclusive of children and families with a wide range of sensory, learning, and communication differences, we designed the theater experience to be welcoming and judgment-free. Many children and adults benefit from experiencing theater in this relaxed environment.
Some aspects of this program include: Online pre-visit materials that show patrons what they can expect to see and hear at Montgomery Theater Training for ushers, volunteers, and musicians to help staff cultivate an especially inclusive environment Relaxed rules in the theater so that all responses to the show—clapping, singing, vocalizing, moving, dancing, etc.—are welcome at any time Partially up house lights Fidgets and earplugs A designated quiet space with relaxing activities for patrons who would like to take a break from the performance. Slight mitigation of sudden, loud sounds and events.
A modified refund policy that allows families to receive 100% of their money back if they purchase tickets and find they are unable to attend the day of the performance."
Souderton - Montgomery Theater
124 N. Main Street
PO Box 64033
Souderton, PA 18964
The Colonial Theatre
Sensory Friendly Screenings
From their website: "Our Sensory Friendly Screenings offer a more inclusive atmosphere because we believe that everyone should enjoy their time at the movies. During Sensory Friendly Screenings the theatre lights will be dimmed, the volume will be turned down, and our “no talking during the film” rule will not be enforced. To accommodate any dietary needs and restrictions, individuals may bring their own snacks to enjoy during the film. The Colonial welcomes movie lovers of all ages and abilities. We hope you and your family will join us and enjoy the show!"
The Colonial Theatre
227 Bridge Street
Phoenixville, PA
Kimmel Center
Sensory Friendly Programming
From the Kimmel Center press release: "The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts announces a broad range of sensory-friendly performances across its Campus throughout the 2018-19 season, with presentations from Broadway Philadelphia and three of the Center’s esteemed resident companies including Pennsylvania Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and The Philly POPS.
Part of a Campus-wide commitment to present a diverse tapestry of programming to the Philadelphia community, the upcoming lineup of events furthers the mission of reaching broad and diverse audiences. ... In partnership with ArtReach, these presentations embrace individuals with sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and those with autism spectrum disorders by creating a safe and inclusive environment.
Theater adjustments include modified sound and house lights and designated quiet areas, as well as relaxed house rules, allowing individuals permission to move around during the performance. Talking and reacting among guests is unrestricted, and outside sensory-friendly stress relief devices are welcome. Sensory-friendly kits are available regularly to all guests on the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus and can be reserved on a first come, first serve basis by contacting Patron Services at 215-893-1999. Kits are equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, weighted bean bags, and fidget toys."
Kimmel Center
Click the link above for performance and locations around Philadelphia or call 215-893-1999.
Crayola Experience
Sensory Night
From their website: "Crayola Experience is proud to offer an exclusive night for families and guests with special needs. Enjoy a fun, creative,night filled with 25 hands-on attractions in a quiet environment (so no music!) Our staff will be there to take care of all needs so your night will be relaxing and fun!
For information and to reserve your tickets, call 610-515-8000 (Press 4) or email: groupreservations@crayola.com 1:1 ratio for guests who need special assistance. Advance purchase required for admission."
Crayola Experience
30 Centre Square
Easton, PA 18042
National Chains That May Have Sensory-Friendly Activities in Your Area:
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.