Autism-Friendly Activities in
Virginia
Wolf Trap Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods
Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could
Grammy nominee Brady Rymer performs rockin’ live music for families, featuring soulful tunes that have a rock `n’ roll heart and contagious rhythm! Get kids up and dancing along to catchy melodies and empowering song lyrics that connect children to stories of confidence, diversity, friendship, and family. Brady's 2011 CD "Love Me for Who I Am" was inspired by his experience performing for and working with kids with Autism, Asperger's Syndrome and related disorders, and celebrates kids of all abilities. He regularly performs sensory-friendly shows for audiences including children with special needs.
Theatre- in-the-Woods
1551 Trap Road
Vienna, VA 22182
Lucky And Blessed Fishing
Fishing Adventure Buddy or Mentor
Our mission is to connect intellectually, physically and life challenged individuals with a Fishing Adventure Buddy or Mentor that will build relationships through local fishing excursions with a goal of sharing life changing and healing experiences. These trips can be to the local pond for bank fishing, on a boat out in the Bay catching a number of different species (Rockfish is one of our favs) and if our Mentee is able, we will take them out Kayak fishing! While on these Adventures, our Mentors will be sharing the beauty of nature while teaching about different fish species, fish conservation and the basics of fishing. The best part is the time and care shared as the Fishing Adventure becomes so much more than just fishing!
All LABF Anglers are fully insured and very experienced Guides, Charter Captains and Professional Anglers that will take all the proper safety precautions! They will also provide Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) while participating, so our Mentees are always safe on and around the water. Now everyone can have an opportunity to be Lucky and Blessed by Fishing Adventure Mentoring!
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Sensory Friendly Family Mornings
Families with kids on the autism spectrum are invited to a sensory-friendly morning and tour at George Washington's Mount Vernon. This special program includes a tour of the Mansion and hands-on activities before the estate opens to the general public.
George Washington's Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121
The National Museum of the Marine Corps
Sensory Friendly Screenings of Superpower Dogs
The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation will host a sensory friendly screening of Superpower Dogs this Saturday, August 31 at 10:00 a.m. at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. During this special screening, the theater will be dimly lit, the movie will be played at a lower volume, and viewers will be allowed to speak softly and move around, as needed.
The National Museum of the Marine Corps
18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Triangle, VA 22172
Accessible Theatre Project
Sensory Friendly Performances
From their website: "Accessible Theatre Project strives to offer safe, judgement-free environments for audiences who would benefit from accessibility accommodations. We provide inclusive theater experiences for neurodiverse audience members and their families by partnering with theater organizations to create sensory-friendly productions. We are a group of undergraduate students at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA working to provide the community with a variety of sensory-friendly performances of productions by local theater groups."
Charlottesville, VA
Virginia Repertory Theatre
Sensory Friendly Performances
Virginia Repertory Theatre is proud to offer sensory friendly performances for children with autism and other sensory, social, or learning disabilities. With input from Exception and Special Education Specialists, Outreach Coordinators and other Autism specialists from The Faison School, Autism Society of Central Virginia, Chesterfield County Public Schools, Henrico Public Schools, Northstar Academy, and Commonwealth Autism. Virginia Rep will adapt select performances to provide a welcoming atmosphere for this specific population.
Theatre staff, volunteers, and performers understand that some of those in the audience may vocalize and move around throughout the performance. These select performances will not be available to the general public so that we can better serve the special needs of children with autism and their families.
Adaptations may include:
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Providing lobby space for those patrons who need a break from the show
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Allowing extra seats in between patrons
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Allowing snacks and comfort toys in the theatre
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Eliminating any strobe or flash lighting
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Tempering loud, startling noises
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Eliminating intermission, shortening performance length to 45 to 60 minutes
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Keeping the house lights up from 35% to 50% (no blackouts)
Virginia Repertory Theatre
114 W. Broad St.
Richmond, VA, 23220
ComedySportz Richmond
ComedySportz Sensory Friendly
ComedySportz® Sensory Friendly is the same value as our weekly ComedySportz® matches (two teams of improvisors going head to head for points, laughs, and your love), but is designed to be more accessible for those individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
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A pre-visit social story and preparatory materials for parents and children
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Glow sticks raised when a loud noise is coming
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Reduction of the sound and bright lights on stage
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Low lighting in the theater so patrons can easily and safely move around throughout the performance
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Limited crowds and spaced out seating to allow more comfort
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3 Designated break spaces
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Allowance of tablets and smartphones for communication
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Relaxed house rules - feel free to get up, move around, and vocalize as you can feel free to be yourself
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More…
Check website above for details and dates.
ComedySportz Richmond
8906-H W. Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23294
Water Country USA Water Park
Guest Accessibility Resources
We are committed to providing a fun and safe environment for everyone. Our Park Accessibility Guides include important information for our guests with disabilities and functional needs or for those who may require additional assistance. These guides provide details about rider requirements, accessible entrances/exits, park accommodations and more. We encourage guests to use these resources with our park maps, which include other helpful services and locations like First Aid, nursing stations and service animal relief areas.
Water Country USA Water Park
176 Water Country Parkway
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Busch Gardens Amusement Park
Guest Accessibility Resources
We are committed to providing a fun and safe environment for everyone. Our Park Accessibility Guides include important information for our guests with disabilities and functional needs or for those who may require additional assistance. These guides provide details about rider requirements, accessible entrances/exits, park accommodations and more. We encourage guests to use these resources with our park maps, which include other helpful services and locations like First Aid, nursing stations and service animal relief areas.
Busch Gardens Amusement Park
1 Busch Gardens Boulevard
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Kings Dominion Amusement Park
Fun For All
Kings Dominion offers our guests several restful attractions and quiet places that your party can enjoy during the day. The park has a first aid station next to the Eiffel Tower and Family Care Center in Planet Snoopy. Additionally, air conditioned restaurants provide a nice break from the sensory stimulation.
Kings Dominion is a wonderful destination for families and friends to visit. Our goal is to make your experience at the park both smooth and full of family-fun.
Kings Dominion
16000 Theme Park Way
Doswell, VA 23047
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.