Autism-Friendly Activities in
Louisiana
Louisiana State Museum
Sensory Friendly Morning: Mystery in Motion: African American Masking and Spirituality in Mardi Gras
Teens and adults with autism and developmental disabilities and their families are invited to a sensory friendly afternoon at the Presbytère!
On Saturday, November 13, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., trained educators and volunteers will lead drop-in art activities and explorations of the museum exhibition, Mystery in Motion: African American Masking and Spirituality in Mardi Gras.
Participants will experience the rich history of Black masking traditions, meet Big Chief Darryl Montana and Big Queen Dianne Honoré of the Yellow Pocahontas Black masking Indians, and hear and make music with Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes, Big Chief of the Northside Skull and Bone Gang. Come create, dance, sing, and explore together.
This program is free for the whole family, but registration is required. Please register here: https://forms.gle/QniEdD9GBHts8F6Y6 This program is offered in partnership with Friends of the Cabildo and made possible with support from the City of New Orleans Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy. For more information about this program, please contact Manager of Education, Sara Lowenburg, at slowenburg@crt.la.gov or (504) 568-6980.
Louisiana State Museum
751 Chartres St.
New Orleans, LA 70116
First Baptist of Denham Springs
Sensory Friendly Christmas Spectacular
From Eventbrite: "We have added a sensory friendly showtime for Christmasville Spectacular 2019!
What is Christmasville Spectacular you ask...? This exciting new experience is designed to celebrate all of the wonderful traditions and reasons for Christmas. As our guests from the surrounding area come to First Denham, they’ll have the opportunity to start a new family tradition that will give them the Christmas experience of a lifetime. Everyone will start indoors in our auditorium with our presentation of “Welcome to Christmasville!" where we’ll sing along with great Christmas carols and be entertained through sight and sound.
The music and lights will be softened for this showtime. They’ll move outside to Christmasville Village or to the Winter Wonderland in the Gym. They’ll encounter carolers and interactive story cabins where cast members and actors invite them into the stories surrounding the first Christmas at the cabins. When they enter the Winter Wonderland in our gym, they’ll be greeted by authentic sights, smells, and sounds of Christmas. Families will find Santa and his helpers hard at work busying themselves for Christmas Eve! This is a fun and interactive experience for the whole family!"
Sun, December 15, 2019
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM CST
First Baptist of Denham Springs
27735 Louisiana 16
Denham Springs, LA 70726
Knock Knock Children's Museum
Sensory Friendly Programs
From the museum: "Beginning in June, Knock Knock will host a monthly low sensory program, allowing children to experience and enjoy the museum’s Learning Zones without the noise and crowds common during regular hours. This program is an exclusive event for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or sensory processing differences to have a fun, enjoyable and interactive learning experience in a comfortable and accepting environment! For more information on this program, please email education@knockknockmuseum.org.
A Sensory Learning Zone Map can be found here."
Knock Knock Children's Museum
1900 Dalrymple Drive
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808
Louisiana Children's Museum
Event Title
Audobon Nature Institute
Sensory Sunday
Join us for sensory activities at the Zoo, Aquarium and Louisiana Nature Center! Join us for Sensory Sunday! Audubon welcomes guests who benefit from accommodations such as calmer environments and hands-on sensory activities to attend before the facilities are open to the public.
Each Sensory Sunday is focused on a different theme, so families can attend multiple events throughout the year and enjoy a unique experience each time. There is no fee for this rain or shine event. Advanced registration is recommended.
2018 Sensory Sunday Events:
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February 25, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. 9am-10am.
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March 18, Audubon Zoo. 9am-10pm
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April 22, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center. 9:30am-10:30am
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May 20, Audubon Zoo July 22, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
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October 14, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center
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November 4, Audubon Zoo
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December 16, Audubon Zoo
Audobon Zoo, Aquarium of the Americas, Nature Center
6500 Magazine Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
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.