Autism-Friendly Activities in
Connecticut
Harmonious Happenings
A Series of Accessible Events
Join music therapist Renee Coro in an evening of songs, instruments, and fun! This event is designed for children with special needs and their families. All ages and abilities are welcome! We will have volunteers including special education and related professionals to assist during the event. This event is FREE but please preregister here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12cLZNaC-B3pvfil0VRnQ9tKH5RVbKtSyaI5VaPROq3g/edit#responses
Harmonious Happenings
215 Moody Road
Enfield, Connecticut 06082
Riverside Reptiles Education Center
A Series of Accessible Events: Riverside Reptiles
Join us for an after hours visit to Riverside Reptiles Education Center! This event is designed to accommodate children of all ages with various physical, cognitive, neurological, and communication abilities. Families, siblings, and friends are all welcome!
A quiet, calm environment
Noise canceling headphones available
Visuals to support communication
Transition aids (timers, visuals)
Volunteers with a background in working with special needs
A welcoming and judgement free atmosphere
Opportunities to make new friends!
Riverside Reptiles Education Center
132 South Rd
Enfield CT 06082
Michele Urban Music
Interactive Music Concert, Class, Assembly or Workshop
Michele Urban Music is fun for kids, families, and people with neurodiverse conditions. Michele fosters good feelings and joy as she creates a sensory-friendly environment where self expression is encouraged.
Michele Urban Music is a 45 minute music experience where participants get to be musicians too! She shares her ukuleles, rhythm instruments and other music props as she leads interactive songs about emotions, kindness and neurodiversity. Michele’s shows are perfect for early learning centers, family events, autism centers, neurodiverse adult groups and preschool or elementary schools! Michele can facilitate performances, special events and even workshops for group therapy services. She travels all over Connecticut and has a block-booking pricing structure for school assemblies to help fit your budget. Michele is a singer, songwriter, and an Early Childhood Music Specialist, and she has been teaching, performing and working with kids of all kinds for 20 years.
Check out Michele Urban Music at https://www.MicheleUrbanMusic.com, https://www.youtube.com/@micheleurbanmusic or Michele@MicheleUrbanMusic.com
Michele Urban Music
3 Platt Drive
Wallingford, CT 06492
Amistad Center for Art & Culture
This art space will be held in the courtyard of the musem under tents with special sensory activities for youth and young adults with autism and other neuro-divergent individuals- includes music and movement, crafts, Legos. Free admission. Registration required - email gclark@amistadcenter.org
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
600 Main Street
Hartford, Connecticut
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries, and Shakes
Autism Eats Dine Out Event
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries, and Shakes (MOOYAH) is hosting Connecticut’s inaugural Autism Eats event in Newington on April 2 from 6-8 p.m., offering a welcoming environment for families to dine together and connect with others facing similar experiences. For this special event, MOOYAH Newington will be closed to the public. Admission is $18 per person. MOOYAH’s Autism Eats event will offer a tailored dining experience with reduced wait times and adjustments made for sensory sensitivities. Additionally, the organization’s founder, Lenard Zohn, and the Autism Eats team will provide optimal autism awareness training to all event staff and volunteers, allowing them to better serve the autism community.
MOOYAH Burgers, fries and shakes
24 Fenn Road
Newington CT
The Mayer Center
Sensory-friendly Event
Please join Middlesex Health's The Mayer Center for a sensory-friendly and not-so-scary FREE Halloween event on October 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Mayer Center provides developmental services to children and adolescents with developmental challenges, such as autism, sensory processing disorder, speech disorders and cerebral palsy — all at one location. Families will be able to trunk or treat, participate in craft activities and more! This event is free and open to the public. Costumes are encouraged.
The Mayer Center
252 Westbrook Road
Essex, CT 06426
Godspeed Musicals
Sensory-Friendly Performances
These family-friendly performances are designed and intended for those who are on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory issues. At these performances, the theatre environment will be altered, providing a safe, friendly, comfortable and judgment-free zone that is welcoming for all. These performances are recommended for those families and caregivers who are familiar with and accepting of behaviors exhibited by some individuals with autism—and would like to bring a loved one to the theatre.
Goodspeed Opera House
PO Box A, 6 Main Street
East Haddam, CT 06423
The Norma Terris Theatre
33 North Main Street
Chester, CT 06412
The Prospector Theater
Sensory Friendly Screenings
Sensory Friendly Screenings are a great way to watch movies in an inclusive, low pressure environment for all. Audiences can freely walk, talk, and rock as they enjoy quality, first-run programming in a relaxed environment. The Prospector Theater’s Sensory Friendly Screenings ensure that all of our guests have the opportunity to enjoy the movie in a safe and inclusive environment! The once a month screenings are set up for those with sensory sensitivities to relax and enjoy. In short - everyone!
Young children, new moviegoers, and anyone with sensory sensitivities all benefit from an inclusive space, curated with their needs in mind.
Our Sensory Friendly experience is the gold standard, and we hope to welcome you to enjoy a film with us soon.
The Prospector Theater
25 Prospect Street
Ridgefield, CT 06877
The Bushnell
Hands-On Workshop: Lego Sculptures
Build, rebuild & connect! A fun hour of functional play in a supportive environment. Lego bricks provided. Parents are welcome. This workshop is based on the specific needs of children on the Autism spectrum.The workshop is geared towards children ages 5 and up. Workshops are $5 per child. Limited space available. To reserve your spot, please call the Education department at 860-987-6079.
The Bushnell
166 Capitol Ave
Hartford, CT 06106
Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center
Sensory Day
Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center presents the first Outdoor Sensory Day on Thursday, May 20, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm.
Sensory Day at Imagine Nation is FREE for participants thanks to a generous grant from the McPhee Foundation. Sensory Day is designed for children with special or sensory processing needs and their families.
This year, our Sensory Day will be held outside in the back parking lot. Children will have the use of the Outdoor Learning Park for gross motor activity and will be able to visit different activity stations such as paper marbling, making calming bottles, and bubble play. Children will also be able to visit with some of our animals and enjoy a complimentary snow cone. We will provide a limited number of noise-canceling headphones Each child will receive a gift to take home.
This socially distanced event is limited to 50 people, advance registration is required. RSVP to confirm your attendance at this free event by contacting Doreen.Stickney@ImagineNation.org or call 860-540-3160. Parking will be available on street or in the parking lot across the street. For further information about Imagine Nation, call (860) 314-1400 or visit www.ImagineNation.org
Imagine Nation
One Pleasant Street
Bristol, CT 06010
Connecticut Science Center
Sensory Friendly Days
The Science Center is an exciting place, bustling with loud sounds and bright lights...but we're lowering the volume and dimming the lights for our Sensory Friendly Days. We welcome all students and families on the autism spectrum or with sensitivity to light and sound to enjoy all of our 165 hands-on exhibits.
Check the website above for dates & times
Connecticut Science Center
250 Columbus Blvd
Hartford, CT 06103
National Chains That May Have Sensory-Friendly Activities in Your Area:
Autism on the Seas
Sensory-friendly Cruises
Autism on the Seas (AOTS) provides specialized cruise vacation services designed for adults and families with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. AOTS enhances the traditional cruise experience with additional support, including respite care, personalized activities, and guided participation in shipboard entertainment. Their services also include expedited boarding and disembarkation, among other tailored accommodations. Their dedicated team of professional volunteers, who are background checked, approved by the cruise lines, and trained in managing a range of behaviors and needs, is committed to making every voyage enjoyable. AOTS extends support services to include families and friends traveling together, ensuring that everyone has a memorable and comfortable experience.
Autism on the Seas
494 Bridgeport Avenue Suite 101-346
Shelton, CT 06484-4762
Turtle Dance Music & AutismFriendlyShows.com
Turtle Dance Music & AutismFriendlyShows.com
Turtle Dance Music and AutismFriendlyShows.com helps kids come out of their shells with autism-friendly music, bubble and comedy concerts. Our 30-45 minute concerts are perfect for special events for autism centers, early learning centers, education conferences and schools! We play over 60 different instruments including guitar, banjo, didgeridoo, beatboxing, loopstations and it's funnier than having Jim Carrey or Robin Williams visit your school. We also do sensory-friendly activities like big GIANT bubbles!
We travel all over the country and have a block-booking pricing structure that will make our fees workable for your budget. All of our instructors have graduate degrees in special education, autism intervention, early childhood development and music therapy. This program is solely for entertainment and special events and not for private or group therapy services.
Check us out at https://www.TurtleDanceMusic.com, https://www.Youtube.com/TurtleDanceMusic, or Info@TurtleDanceMusic.com
Spectrum Sailing
Free Autism Sailing Camps
We are the only national autism sailing program. Spectrum Sailing travels the country to multiple cities offering FREE sailing camps to local kids.
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.
