Sensory-Friendly Activities in
Australia
Australian Sports Museum
Relaxed Hours Trial
The Australian Sports Museum's Relaxed Hours Trial is an opportunity for people with sensory sensitivities to visit the Museum with their friends or family in a reduced sensory environment. During Relaxed Hours, the museum will operate for two hours with reduced sound and lighting, with limited visitor numbers to reduce crowding. Date: Saturday November 16, 2024 Time: 9:00am-11:00am Location: Inside Gate 3, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Features of the Relaxed Hours will include:
A supportive environment with trained staff and volunteers, including consultants from Autism Spectrum Australia
Limited number of visitors to reduce crowding and noise
Lighting and sound will be adjusted for a low sensory experience
A Sensory Friendly Space for anyone who requires a rest or to recharge
The Paddock Café will be open for food and drinks (no cash accepted)
Recognition of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
After 11am, visitors can remain in the museum however lights and sounds will be restored when the public enters.
Australian Sports Museum
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Gate 3
East Melbourne
Phone: (03) 9657 8879
Sydney Fringe
Vickie & Vinnie Relaxed Performance and Accessible
Vickie and Vinnie is a play about the struggles of being a neurodivergent person within the film industry. It examines the relationship between the audience and neurodiverse people and coded characters in sitcoms through the lense of a comedy. 10 - 21 Sep
107 Redfern St
Redfern
+61 422 218 160
Melbourne Holocaust Museum
Sensory Friendly Evening
This evening includes a relaxed evening exploration of our exhibition Everybody Had a Name. Suitable for visitors with ASD, sensory sensitivities or anyone who would benefit from a quieter and less busy setting. On this evening you will be able to:
View our permanent exhibition Everybody Had a Name with reduced visitor numbers.
View our permanent exhibition Everybody Had a Name adjusted volume and lighting.
Access a social story with more details on what to expect (made available prior to your visit).
Utilise an enhanced map with information on low, medium and high sensory areas of the exhibition.
Access designated quiet area for those needing to take a break.
Speak with friendly, supportive staff on your passion for history.
This event is for those ages 16+.
Melbourne Holocaust Museum
13 Selwyn Street
Elsternwick
Phone: (03) 9528 1985
ARA Darling Quarter Theatre
Wilbur The Optical Whale (Relaxed Performance & Sensory Friendly)
29 - 30 September
A fully immersive, interactive and accessible children’s production about friendship and celebrating difference. Based on the book by Karen Lee Roberts, Wilbur the Optical Whale is an enchanting story set under the sea where children are taken on an immersive journey to engage with the environment around them. Wilbur and Cecil are the best of friends. One day while playing hide and seaweed, they are set upon by the Starfish Meanie Gang! How do they get out of this one? Join Wilbur and Cecil to help them on their quest! Using alternative storytelling methods including interactive media with integrated Auslan, circus, music, movement and spoken word, this heartwarming production delivers a strong anti-bullying message and promotes acceptance. This multiple award-winning show is a delight for the whole family.
Wilbur the Optical Whale is accessible to all audiences. Performances feature integrated Auslan and headphones are available for audience members to engage on their own terms. The set also includes a quiet space as part of relaxed performance mode for those who require it. Wilbur the Optical Whale is a collaboration with Flipside Circus. https://sydneyfringe.com/events/wilbur-the-optical-whale
The Sydney Fringe Festival, Fringe Kids
ARA Darling Quarter Theatre
1-25 Harbour Street
Sydney 2000 (Gadigal Country)
(02) 7813 4527
Bell Shakespeare
Just Macbeth! (abridged) Special Relaxed Performance
What do you get when you combine Shakespeare, Andy Griffiths, garden gnomes, daggers, Wizz Fizz and brussels sprouts? 'Just Macbeth! (abridged)' of course! Journey to medieval Scotland for this perfect introduction to Shakespeare for young people. 'Just Macbeth! (abridged)' is a really silly version of Shakespeare’s great big gory tragedy starring Andy, Danny and Lisa from Andy Griffiths’ Just! series, packed into a pocket-sized play. Exploring the story of Macbeth through the eyes of Andy Griffiths’ much loved characters, this hilarious and irreverent take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy will have the whole family in stitches.
'Just Macbeth! (abridged)' is aimed at kids ages 8 – 12. Following the show, kids can also participate in post-show activities based on the play. Come visit our stunning new venue in the heritage listed Pier 2/3 and enjoy some school holiday family fun! On Thursday 5 October at 10am we will be holding a special relaxed performance. Modifications will be made to the show to be more sensory-friendly and there will be a dedicated chill out zone just by the theatre for those that might need it. Each performance runs for one hour, and is followed by a further hour of free activities at the venue. Tickets: Adults: $36.00 | Children: $18.00
Bell Shakespeare
1/13a Hickson Road
Dawes Point NSW 2000
Phone: 1300305730
Museum of Tropical Queensland
Sensory Friendly Sunday Mornings
We're turning the sound down and creating a relaxed, fun and supportive atmosphere that welcome people living with sensory processing difficulties to experience the wonder of Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators and the rest of the museum.
Our Sensory Friendly Sessions create a supportive environment where people of all ages can spend quiet time, wander at their own pace, and engage in conversation with museum staff. Please note that this ticket provides you one time access to the Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators exhibition and a separate admission ticket does not need to be purchased. A ticket is not required for access to the North Queensland galleries.
Museum of Tropical Queensland
70 - 102 Flinders St,
Townsville City 4810 QLD
+61 (07) 4726 0600
Sensory Souls
Sensory Santa
From their newsletter: "Guess who's coming to a shopping centre near you....that's right Sensory Santa! Sensory Santa Sessions start on Saturday 17th November." Follow the link to register!
Various Locations - Check Website
Sydney - Monkey Baa Theater Company
Relaxed Performances
From the theatre: "We offer at least one Relaxed Performance during every school holiday season. Relaxed performances welcome children with disability, and sensory and learning challenges to the theatre. We leave the house lights on (dimmed), the auditorium doors stay open, and a chill out area is available in the foyer throughout the show. The atmosphere is non-judgemental and we embrace noisy enthusiasm. Tickets are $19 for adults and children. For Relaxed Performance dates and times, please visit the individual show page." Monkey Baa also offers social stories for their performances, and other special needs accessibility assistance.
Lendlease Darling Quarter Theatre Terrace 3
1-25 Harbour St
Sydney NSW 2000
Box Office - 02 8624 9340
Sydney - Taronga Zoo
Access Taronga days and additional autism friendly services
Special access days, VIP badges, online tickets sales to avoid the queue, and social stories are just a few of the offerings from the Taronga Zoo to help provide a more autism friendly zoo experience.
Taronga Zoo
Bradleys Head Rd
Mosman NSW 2088
Guest Experience Team - 02 9969 2777
Queensland - Sensory Souls
Sensory Events
Sensory Souls was originally started by a mom with autistic twins who wanted to be able to take them to the movies. From this started the sensory friendly movie days which then grew into a Sensory Sensitive Santa event, bowling trips, surfing school, farm days, and pool trips, just to name a few.
Please see the link for a list of their upcoming events that are put on in collaboration with other venues and services.
Melbourne Museum - The Autism Friendly Museum
Accessibility and Accommodations
The museum offers socials stories, a map of high and low sensory experiences, quiet times and the opportunity to buy tickets ahead of time so as to avoid lines.
Melbourne Museum
11 Nicholson St
Carlton VIC 3053
13 11 02
(03) 8341 7777
Event Cinemas
Sensory Movie Day
From their website: "Event Cinemas are proud to bring sensory friendly films to families living with autism and other sensory needs at select locations. Held monthly on a Sunday, sensory friendly screenings allow families to enjoy their favourite films in a safe and accepting environment where kids are free to get up, move around, shout or sing."
Please see the website for the participating locations.
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.