Autism-Friendly Activities in
Tennessee
ABS Kids
Sensory Friendly Fall Festival
ABS Kids is excited to host you and your family at our free Sensory Friendly Fall Festival event on September 23, 2023, from 10 AM - 1 PM CDT in Hendersonville, TN! We'll have fun for the whole family including face painting, and more! Hope to see you there!
ABS Kids
126 Maple Row Blvd
Hendersonville, TN 37075
BlueSprig Pediatrics
Sensory-friendly Grand Opening
Join us for a Back-to-School party for the grand opening of our newest center! June 29th, 2023 from 9:00-11:00 AM
We'll have snow cones and popcorn and plenty of sensory friendly events and crafts! There will be a bounce house, bubble pool, face painting, and prizes! In addition to all the fun, we'll also be collecting school supplies to be donated to our local Nannie Berry Elementary School. Go bulldogs! We can't wait to share our new center with you and answer any questions you may have!
BlueSprig Pediatrics
101 Tennessee Way
Suite 400
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Ponderosa Zoo & Rescue
Annual Low Sensory Evening
They make it sensory friendly for anyone with autism, SPD or any other special needs. It is 2 hours 5-8 (the park normally closes at 5). Admission is free for all special needs kids/adults and one caregiver/parent per kid/adult.
Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue
629 Granite Rd.
Clinton, TN 37716
Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation
Sensory-friendly Professional Golf Tournament
The Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation is a PGA Tour sanctioned event on the Korn Ferry Tour. Held May 5th-8th at The Grove in College Grove, TN, the tournament has partnered with Kulture City to make the event a Sensory-Friendly environment.
Kulture City will be on-site all week with complimentary Sensory Bags for fans, as well as having one of their Mobile Sensory Vehicles on the property. On Friday, May 6th, Kulture City and the Simmons Bank Open will have a Silent Disco available for all fans to enjoy along with the rising stars of the PGA Tour.
Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation
6200 Wildings Blvd
College Grove, TN 37046
New Day Children's Theatre
Godspell- October 20th Free Sensory Friendly Performance
Thanks to our friends at AutoZone, Join us for a free Live Theatre performance at New Day Children's Theatre- of GODSPELL Saturday, October 20th 10AM
Website: https://newdaytheatre.org/sensory-friendly-performances/
New Day Children's Theatre
440 W. Powell Rd
Collierville, TN 38017
901-853-9669
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
100 Music Road
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Creative Discovery Museum
Sensory-Free Nights
From the museum - "For parents of children with sensory sensitivity, finding times for the whole family to play without stress can be difficult. But, Sensory-Free Night, a low-stimulus evening for children with sensory sensitivities, hopes to provide fun and discovery for everyone at the Museum!
The event offers children with sensory sensitivity and their families exclusive time in the Museum with a low-sensory environment that otherwise might not be possible during regular operational hours. During this time, overhead announcements, food smells and other sensory inputs will be limited as much as possible.This low-sensory evening takes place the first Thursday of each month."
The event is free but limited to 100 attendees so reservations are required.
Creative Discovery Museum
321 Chestnut St.
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Nashville Zoo
Autism Awareness Day
Nashville Zoo will hold its fifth annual Autism Awareness Day on Sunday, April 29. Held in partnership with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD), Autism Awareness Day is included with Zoo admission or membership and offers family-oriented animal experiences and activities throughout the Zoo. Guests can participate in a Zoo-wide scavenger hunt or sensory tour and close encounters with animals along the Zoo's trails.
Nashville Zoo
3777 Nolensville Pike
Nashville, TN 37211
New Day Children's Theatre
Sensory-Friendly Performances
New Day wants to ensure that children with sensory processing differences and disabilities have an opportunity to experience performing arts in a safe, judgement-free environment. Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a performing arts experience that is welcoming to all families with children with autism or with other illnesses or disabilities that create sensory sensitivities. An experience that a family can enjoy together.
In general accommodations for these performances may include:
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Lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds;
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Lights remain on at a low level in the theater during the performance;
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A reduction of strobe lighting or lighting focused on the audience;
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Patrons are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance;
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Designated quiet areas within the theater;
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Space throughout the theater for standing and movement.
New Day Children's Theatre
4630 Merchants Park Circle, Suite 737
Collierville, TN 38017
Nashville Symphony
Sensory Friendly Concerts
The Nashville Symphony offers sensory friendly programming for people with autism and other disabilities that cause sensory sensitivities. All sensory friendly concerts include the following:
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No shushing
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Booster seats
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Raised lighting
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Flexible seating
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Closed captioning
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Relaxed ticket return policy
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Kiosk with fidget toys, headphones, social stories and more
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Quiet spaces in Curb Education Hall and Balcony Lobby alcoves
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Plus a resource fair in the West Lobby
The website above offers resources, including social stories, to help you plan your visit.
Nashville Symphony
One Symphony Place
Nashville, TN 37201-2031
Chattanooga Symphony and Opera
Event Title
Nashville Children's Theatre
Sensory Friendly Performances
NCT welcomes everyone to our performances, but we know that some families hesitate to bring their children to live theatre without knowing how they might react. The Sensory Friendly Performances are designed to be a safe and accepting environment where children with disabilities or sensory sensitivities and their typically developing peers are free to speak and move in reaction to the story being told onstage. Social stories for each Sensory Friendly Performance are available on our website approximately two weeks prior to the performance date. During the performance, a sensory guide will raise a glow wand when something abrupt or startling is about to occur. When choosing your seats, be aware that the sensory guide is usually positioned in front of the stage, house left. Link to social story. Accessibility page.
Nashville Children's Theater
25 Middleton Street
Nashville, TN 37210
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.
1735 Galleria Blvd.
Franklin, TN 37067
1000 Rivergate Pkwy.
Goodlettsville, TN 37072
1952 Old Fort Pkwy.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Adventure Science Center
Family Fun Event with Autism Tennessee
They are opening the doors of the Science Center just for Autism Tennessee members on Saturday morning April 14th from 8:00 to 10:00 am. (closed to the public), and will be adjusting the lights and sounds for our more sensory sensitive friends. Members will have exclusive use of the Science Center for a 2-hour period (Saturday morning February 25th from 8:00 to 10:00 am) including a quiet room and a special Planetarium Show at 10:00 am (if you buy Planetarium tickets.) The Subway Café will be open during that time, should members be interested in purchasing snacks or beverages. In addition, those families who choose to do so can stay as long as they want during our regular open hours at no extra charge or use their wristband to leave and return later in the day.
Adventure Science Center
800 Fort Negley Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37203
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.