Autism-Friendly Activities in
Maryland
Baltimore City Recreation & Parks
Charm City Lights Sensory-Friendly Night
Sensory-Friendly Drive-Thru Night. Join us for a special evening where the magic of light creates a peaceful and calming experience. Designed with sensory sensitivities in mind, this unique event offers a quiet, soothing environment, free from flashing lights and loud music.
Druid Hill Park
3001 East Drive
Baltimore, MD 21217
Children's Theater of Annapolis
"Tuck Everlasting the Musical" Relaxed Performance
CTA believes that everyone should be able to experience the magic of live theatre. Relaxed performances are specially adapted shows to make the theatre environment more comfortable for those who may benefit from subtle adjustments. Accommodations include:
Sound levels are reduced & there will be no loud or sudden noises.
House lights will remain on at a lower level. There will be no strobe lighting or lighting focused on the audience.
If the show becomes too much, use our lobby as a chill out space & return when you are ready.
We’ll have special ushers in sparkly fedora hats that you can look for should you need assistance.
Children's Theatre of Annapolis
1661 Bay Head Road
Annapolis, MD 21409
CRAB
Adaptive Sailing, Boating and Fishing on the Chesapeake Bay
CRAB has provided life-changing experiences to thousands of guests for more than 30 years and is honored to provide this unique service on the largest and most scenic estuary in the United States, the Chesapeake Bay. This would not be possible without the generous support of many volunteers, sponsors and individual donors.
CRAB
7040 Bembe Beach Road
Annapolis, MD 221403
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!
Lucky And Blessed Fishing
2185 Branchwood Ct.
Gambrills, MD 21054
The Puppet Co.
Sensory-Friendly Performances
We do not use Fog Machines, limit dramatic lighting changes,
The Puppet Co.
7300 MacArthur Blvd
Glen Echo, MD 20812
B&O Railroad Museum
Sensory Friendly Day on the Rails
The B&O is proud to offer the first in a series of Sensory Friendly Days for children and guests with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences.
The museum will be opening one hour early at 10am on the following Sundays to accommodate our guests and their families: March 24, May 19, June 9, July 21, August 18, September 15, & October 20.
This more accessible museum experience features added signage and modified lighting & sounds, as well as the presence of additional volunteers and staff to support visitors throughout their stay. Sensory kits will be stationed throughout the Museum's campus and include feeling charts, break timers, fidgets, stress balls, and noise canceling headphones. If smaller crowds, specialized activities, less sound and light stimuli, and a designated quiet room will make it easier for you or your child to explore all that the B&O has to offer, this is the day for you!
Event is free with general admission.
RSVP To RSVP and receive the specialized sensory story, please contact Rebecca Funk at RFunk@borail.org
B&O Railroad Museum
901 W Pratt St
Baltimore MD 21223
Imagination Stage
Sensory Friendly Performances
From their website: "Each production within our Lerner Family Theatre Season features a Sensory-Friendly performance designed to be more accessible for those individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
Our Sensory-Friendly performances aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment where families can simply relax and be who they are. Tickets to Sensory-Friendly Performances are $12-$25 and 100% refundable up until the show begins." "ADAPTATIONS FOR A SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE A pre-visit social story, video, and other preparatory materials for parents and children explaining what to expect Glow sticks raised when a surprise will happen on stage Reduction of the sound level and bright stage lighting Low lighting in the theatre so patrons can easily move around or exit the theatre Limited crowds and “seating holes” to allow space between families Designated spaces for those who need a quieter area to take a break Allowance for the use of tablets and smartphones for communication" ***Please check Buddy's Maryland Recreation blog post for details on Imagination Stage's accessible performing arts classes.
Imagination Stage
4908 Auburn Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Port Discovery
Discovery Weeks and Discovery Days
From the museum: "Port Discovery welcomes guests of all abilities to experience our Museum, interactive exhibits and learning through play. A variety of services and programs are available for individuals and children with disabilities and special needs."
Port Discovery
35 Market Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-864-2664
The Walters Art Museum
Sensory Morning—Sunday, May 06, 2018
Your entire family is cordially invited to a Sensory Morning at the Walters Art Museum. Join us for a morning of accessible museum programming designed specifically for children with Sensory Processing Disorders and their entire family. Educators from the Walters Art Museum and therapists from Kennedy Krieger Institute will be present for the entirety of the event.
We are here to help your family have a great time! Accommodations will be made in consideration of unique sensory needs. Visual resources, tactile activities, sensory breaks, hand fidgets, and opportunities for guidance and structured support will be available throughout the galleries. Meet professionals and advocates from community organizations at our sensory-friendly resource fair!
We welcome
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Kids being kids!
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Children’s voices
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Weighted blankets and weighted vests
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Earplugs and headphones
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Hand fidgets
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Sensory breaks
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Wheelchairs and other mobility devices
Schedule
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9–11 a.m. Art activity in a private studio, with adjoining space for sensory breaks
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9–11 a.m. Facilitated activities in the Arts of Asia galleries
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10 a.m. Doors open to the public; activities continue
The Walters Art Museum
600 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
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.