Sensory-Friendly Activities in
New Hampshire
Castle in the Cloud
Sensory-Friendly Saturday is an opportunity to tour the historic Lucknow Mansion geared toward guests with autism or other sensory processing needs. This will be a self-guided tour, so you can go at your own pace and choose your own adventure. Several accommodations will be made to make the experience more sensory-friendly: Attendance will be limited.
Sunglasses, sensory headphones, and fidget toys will be available to borrow. Additional hands-on activities and sensory bins will be placed throughout the mansion. A designated cool-down space will be available. We have put together a social story, visual schedule, and sensory map to help prepare for your visit (see event page on our website). Before 10 am, the mansion will be open to pre-registered Sensory-Friendly Saturday participants only. At 10 am, the mansion will open to the general public, but Sensory-Friendly Saturday participants are welcome to stay past 10 am if desired.
Please reach out to our Public Programs Coordinator at programs@castleintheclouds.org or (603) 476-5410 with any questions, concerns, or additional needs.
Castle in the Cloud
586 Ossipee Park Rd
Moultonborough, NH 03254
Sky High Gymnastics
Sky High Gym was built for all students in our community. Every Open Play Date, Class, Camp, Birthday Party and Movie Night is always open to any ability. There is no restriction, only inclusion.
Sky High Gymnastics
185 Elm St
Milford NH
Atlantic Gymnastics
2:00-3:00 open gym for those with developmental and physical disorders.
AGTC offers state of the art gymnastics facilities, with full gymnastics apparatus and training equipment, including a loose foam pit, trampolines, soft and sturdy safety mats of various heights, shapes, and sizes, adjustable bars and balance beams, swingable rings and ropes, ladders, and many accessories to enhance the learning experience.
We work with a diverse population of individuals of all ages, and achieve goals such as: gaining upper and lower body strength, core stability, confidence, body and spatial awareness, improved processing and motor planning capabilities, calming stimulation, coordination, increased patience, and adaptability to differing circumstances. We accept students with an array of social, emotional, and physical needs. Email adaptivegymnastics@atlanticgy.com for more info.
Atlantic Gymnastics
10 Progress Drive
Dover, NH 03820
Sensory Seekers
Sensory Play Gym
Sensory Seekers is a specially designed inclusive play space created for children with sensory needs. Due to the unique design however, all children, regardless of their abilities, are able to enjoy and benefit from the space we have created. We offer 7 different swings, a large and small crash pit, multiple climbing structures, slides, scooters, a tactile/messy play area containing manipulatives and sensory bins, art supplies, a music wall, climbing rope tunnel, a calm down room, and more!
The gym offers a variety of benefits to children including: calming effects from swinging or spending time in our calm down room, extra needed stimulation, socialization, improved ability to focus, development of motor skills, cognitive development, and also sensory development.
Sensory Seekers
85 Manchester Street
Concord, New Hampshire
Sensory UV
Sensory Friendly Events in the Upper Valley
From the website: "Sensory UV is a partnership between the Upper Valley Dartmouth Autism Research Initiative (DARI), the Hartford Autism Regional Program (HARP), the Special Needs Support Center (SNSC), and Keene Perspectives. We create sensory friendly events in an effort to strengthen the autism community and autism awareness in the UV."
Check the link above for upcoming events.
Cinemagic Stadium 10 - Portsmouth
Sensory & Family Friendly Showings
From the Cinemagic Website: Sensory & Family friendly movies are for individuals living with autism and families with small children, to enjoy their movie going experience in a safe and accepting environment. In order to provide a more comfortable setting for individuals on the autism spectrum and those with young children, we keep the auditorium lights turned slightly up and the sound turned slightly down. The movie (typically G- or PG-rated) will start promptly at 10:00 a.m. Because some have strict, special dietary needs, families are permitted to bring their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks from home.
Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, our no talking policy will not be enforced unless the audience safety is in question. This is especially nice for those with young children new to the movie-going experience. Being able to relax and enjoy your movie-going without worrying if someone will complain or be disturbed by noise or movement is wonderful. Sensory & Family Friendly movies are a great opportunity to enjoy a movie in a climate of acceptance and understanding.
Their website is super confusing to use. I recommend calling the theater directly for upcoming dates and tickets.
Cinemagic Stadium 10
2454 Lafayette Road
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-319-8788
Cinemagic - Merrimack
Sensory & Family Friendly Showings
From the Cinemagic Website: Sensory & Family friendly movies are for individuals living with autism and families with small children, to enjoy their movie going experience in a safe and accepting environment. In order to provide a more comfortable setting for individuals on the autism spectrum and those with young children, we keep the auditorium lights turned slightly up and the sound turned slightly down. The movie (typically G- or PG-rated) will start promptly at 10:00 a.m. Because some have strict, special dietary needs, families are permitted to bring their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks from home.
Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, our no talking policy will not be enforced unless the audience safety is in question. This is especially nice for those with young children new to the movie-going experience. Being able to relax and enjoy your movie-going without worrying if someone will complain or be disturbed by noise or movement is wonderful. Sensory & Family Friendly movies are a great opportunity to enjoy a movie in a climate of acceptance and understanding.
Their website is super confusing to use. I recommend calling the theater directly for upcoming dates and tickets.
Cinemagic
11 Executive Park Drive
Merrimack, NH 03054
603-423-0240
Cinemagic & IMAX - Hooksett
Sensory & Family Friendly Showings
From the Cinemagic Website: Sensory & Family friendly movies are for individuals living with autism and families with small children, to enjoy their movie going experience in a safe and accepting environment. In order to provide a more comfortable setting for individuals on the autism spectrum and those with young children, we keep the auditorium lights turned slightly up and the sound turned slightly down. The movie (typically G- or PG-rated) will start promptly at 10:00 a.m. Because some have strict, special dietary needs, families are permitted to bring their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks from home.
Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, our no talking policy will not be enforced unless the audience safety is in question. This is especially nice for those with young children new to the movie-going experience. Being able to relax and enjoy your movie-going without worrying if someone will complain or be disturbed by noise or movement is wonderful. Sensory & Family Friendly movies are a great opportunity to enjoy a movie in a climate of acceptance and understanding.
Their website is super confusing to use. I recommend calling the theater directly for upcoming dates and tickets.
Cinemagic & IMAX
1226 Hooksett Rd
Hooksett, NH 03106
603-644-4629
Children's Museum of New Hampshire
Exploring Our Way Autism Program
Exploring Our Way sessions are held on the first Sunday of each month during the school year from 10 am-noon. At each Exploring Our Way session, the Children's Museum of New Hampshire offers free admission to families raising children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
This program provides opportunities to enjoy family time at the museum in a safe, understanding environment, allows parents to network with one another, and will help families discover new resources available to them. Special materials will be available for participants, including MAPPS™ (Museum Advance Planning Picture Stories), visual supports using PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), a Children's Museum of New Hampshire map and more. Exploring Our Way visitors are welcome to stay and play when the Children's Museum of New Hampshire opens to the public at noon. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information about this program, please contact Paula Rais at (603) 742-2002.
Children's Museum of New Hampshire
6 Washington Street
Dover, NH 03820
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,
-
Lights are turned up and sound is turned down
-
All ages are welcome (including infants)
-
Talking and noise is allowed and guests can move around
-
Latecomers are admitted
-
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:
-
Suspended equipment with swings – for balance and vestibular treatment
-
Crash mats and crash pillows – for fun, motor planning, and strength
-
Zip line – for stress release and joint and body relaxation
-
Trampoline – for building leg and core strength
-
Indoor play structure – for climbing and increasing playground skills
-
Sensory-based toys – for improved auditory processing and fine motor skills
-
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:
-
Less crowding and noise
-
Dimmed lighting
-
Show and music turned off or down
-
Limited appearances by Chuck E.
-
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.