Sensory-Friendly Activities in
Washington
Seattle Symphony
Sensory Friendly Concerts
From the Symphony: "Sensory Friendly Concerts, a program designed specifically for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other sensory sensitivities, invites families with children ages 5–8 to enjoy small chamber works and participatory group songs in the Founders Room at Benaroya Hall.
The concert experience includes instrument exploration before and after the show, a meet-and-greet with the featured musicians, and a 35-minute performance hosted by a board-certified music therapist. This year we will highlight a different social skill at each concert, and offer opportunities for families to connect with one another within and outside of the concert setting."
Please confirm with the symphony for the correct concert hall location.
Imagine Children's Museum
Imagine the Possibilities
From the museum: "Join us at Imagine the Possibilities – a sensory-friendly time at Imagine Children’s Museum! During Imagine the Possibilities, children with sensory processing sensitivity and their families can play in Imagine Children’s Museum at a quieter time where there are fewer visitors in the Museum. Children ages 1-12"
Imagine Children's Museum
1502 Wall St.
Everett, WA 98201
StoryBook Theater
Sensory-Friendly Performances
From the website: Dear Friend,have you passed up family theater because your child has different sensory needs? No more! StoryBook Theater, in partnership with Safeco Insurance Fund, is working to make theater accessible for children with developmental challenges and special needs. Local community members with experience in these areas are working with us to make StoryBook Theater a safe and welcoming place for children with sensory differences and other disabilities.
In order to adapt our musicals to be sensory-friendly, we plan to leave the house lights up a few levels higher than for a standard production, reduce the sound level, as well as offer a “quiet space” for children who may need a break from what may be overwhelming sensory input for them. Friendly, supportive staff and community volunteers will minimize stress and offer whatever help you may need to facilitate your theater experience.
If you have any questions, we are ready to take your call. We truly look forward to having you as our guest at the theater.
Sincerely,
Lani Brockman,
Executive Director of Studio East/StoryBook Theater
Check the website above for dates and locations. Their website also offers printable social stories to help you prepare for the experience.
The Hands On Children’s Museum
Sensory-Friendly Events
Led by museum educators, these are special events for families of children with autism or other special needs that provide a private, less over-stimulating time to experience the museum with other families who may share the same life experience.
The Hands On Children’s Museum
414 Jefferson Street NE
Olympia, WA 98501
Seattle Public Library
Sensory Story Times
Sensory story times are geared for children ages 10 and under who have a hard time in large groups, are on the autism spectrum, or are sensitive to sensory overload.
Seattle Public Library
1000 Fourth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104-1109
Seattle Children's PlayGarden
Inclusive Programs
The PlayGarden's mission is to provide children of all abilities a safe, accessible and adventurous place to play.
Seattle Children's PlayGarden
1745 24th Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98144
National Chains That May Have Sensory-Friendly Activities in Your Area:
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.