9 minute read
Local Events
BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD
Visit a Museum through Museums for All Due to COVID-19, many museums participating in Museums for All have adjusted their hours and ticket purchasing policies. Before visiting a museum, please call or check their website to see if they are open or require advance registrations. Many museums are offering virtual resources—check your local museum’s website for more information.
Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 1,000 museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their EBT card and a photo ID. Check here for participating museums. https://museums4all.org/
MUSEUMS
Impression 5
Dec. 8, 9:30 am- 11:30 am and Dec. 18, 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm
Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Dr., Lansing, MI 48933
Explore your Science Center with select exhibits altered to reduce sounds, scents, and lighting stimuli. Guests can expect a limited building capacity, pop-up activity, and map designating the sensory experiences in each exhibit. Thank you to MiABLE for supporting Sensory Friendly.
Admission: Regular admission prices apply. Free for members.
https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/event/sensory-friendly-hours/2024-03-20/
Abrams Planetarium Sensory Friendly Shows
755 Science Road, East Lansing, MI
Season of Light
Dec. 15, 11:30 am
Many of the familiar customs that we observe this time of year have an astronomical connection. Our holiday offering explores the traditions that we associate with this special season.
Christmas Constellations
Dec. 15, 1:00 pm
When we look at the stars, we can play a giant game of dot-to-dot. We can use our imaginations to come up with amazing things from basic shapes to mythical creatures to our favorite animals. In this show, we will use our imaginations for a search through the stars for holiday themed shapes in the sky. This show is suitable for preschoolers, young elementary aged children, and their families.
These shows will run with the lights up, the sound down, and the theater doors open so people can move about as needed. We also provide a place to “chill out” in our lobby. All shows include a live star talk about what is up in the sky that night. We will include a short break between the main show and the star talk. Information about what to expect during the show will be provided when you purchase tickets.
Cost: Adults, $5.50, Students and senior citizens, $5.00, Children (age 12 and under), $4.50Friends of Abrams Planetarium Members, FreeFree with Museums For All (with valid EBT, Medicaid, or WIC card and photo ID)
https://www.abramsplanetarium.org/Programs/Sensory.html
Ella Sharp Museum
Sensory Time
Every Saturday at 9:00 am
3225 4th Street, Jackson, Michigan 49203
During Sensory Friendly Hours, the Ella Sharp Museum will open its galleries at 9 a.m., an hour before the museum opens to the public. Families with members who are neurodiverse, autistic, or have other sensory processing disorders or cognitive disabilities are welcome to visit the museum for a quieter experience in a more controlled environment. Designated quiet zones will allow visitors to decompress and experience the museum at their own pace.
Before each program, families are invited to browse our “pre-visit” materials to help them prepare for their visit including social narratives and maps of our facility. These pre-visit materials are also available to help families plan for visits that take place outside of program hours and a sensory backpack is available at the front desk for use.
To provide the most sensory-friendly environment possible, we will limit the capacity for these special times to 50 people. https://ellasharpmuseum.org/classes-and-events/sensory-time/
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Sensory Friendly Play
Nov. 4, 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Together with Autism Support of Kent County, GRCM welcomes families to play in a calmer, quieter environment outside of regular Museum hours.
Registration required.
Various Events Scheduled
Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 various events scheduled
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Check calendar for Sensory Friendly evenings https://www.grpm.org/visit/
https://www.autismsupportofkentcounty.org/new-products/p/2024-night-at-the-gr-childrens-museum
Sports
TheraplayYoga: Therapeutic Playful Yoga for Diverse Abilities
Adaptive Yoga Studio, 2015 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912
Inclusive & Accessible Yoga for Diverse Bodies, Brains, and Abilities. Check website for schedule. Gloria@TheraPLAYoga.com https://theraplayoga.com/
Family Fun
Detroit Zoo
Wild Lights
Dec.1- Jan. 5, 5:00 pm- 9:00pm
8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Wild Lights, presented by Corewell Health Children’s, has been a treasured holiday tradition for more than a decade for a reason. At this incredible event, you’ll encounter enchanting animal-themed light sculptures that bring a whimsical touch to the festive season and create a magical experience for all ages. Be prepared to be mesmerized by millions of twinkling LED lights transforming the Zoo into a winter wonderland.
Check the website for updated information https://detroitzoo.org/events/wild-lights/
Sensory Friendly Evenings Check website for date and times
As part of our work to create accessible and welcoming spaces for all, the Detroit Zoo will turn down the music and adjust the lights during special evenings this summer.
Starting in June, the Detroit Zoo is hosting three Sensory Friendly Evenings for guests with different sensory needs. During these times, the Zoo and its attractions will be open to all visitors, but special accommodations will be in place to ensure the Zoo can be enjoyed by families and individuals of all abilities. Sensory bags and a dedicated sensory room is available for those who may need a quieter and more secure space.
Included with Zoo admission | Free for members | No event registration required
https://detroitzoo.org/events/zoo-events/sensory-friendly-evenings/
Various fun events through the month.
Legoland Discovery Center Michigan Sensory Friendly Morning
Dec.1, 9:00 am- 10:00 am
4240 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
During Sensory Friendly Mornings, we’ll reduce the lighting, turn off music & disable distracting stimuli for an hour before we open to the general public. This event is perfect for our friends on the autism spectrum.
Sensory-sensitive adults are welcome to visit during Sensory Friendly Mornings without a child (age 16 or under) in the party until the attraction opens to the general public at 10 am. Adults who are not accompanied by a child must exit the attraction upon opening. Groups that are accompanied by a child are welcome to stay past 10 am.
Tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance for this special event.
https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/michigan/tickets-passes/
Sealife Michigan Sensory Friendly Morning
Dec. 1, 9:00 am- 10: am
4316 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
During Sensory Friendly Mornings, we’ll reduce the lighting, turn off music & disable distracting stimuli for an hour before we open to the general public. This event is perfect for our friends on the autism spectrum.
The aquarium will open to the general public with normal lighting, sound, etc. at 10 am, but you're welcome to stay as long as you like and do not have to leave when the event ends at 10 am.
Tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance for this special event. Please check https://www.visitsealife.com/michigan/what-s-inside/events/sensory-friendly-mornings/
DNR Outdoor Adventure Center Sensory Friendly Play
Dec. 1, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
Outdoor Adventure Center, Globe Trading Company Building, 1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI
The DNR Outdoor Adventure Center welcomes friends and families with sensory processing differences to our sensory-friendly building hours! Enjoy the opportunity to explore and experience the OAC with building sounds and ambient noises at a lower volume. During your visit, there will be a quiet room with sensory materials available to use, and a limited building capacity. At noon, the building will open to the public, with volumes returning to standard operating levels. All staff are KultureCity-certified to ensure the best possible experience.
Various Activities scheduled Dec.1 - Dec. 31 Check website https://www.michigan.gov/oac
Fascination Factory Sensory Friendly Play
Dec. 3, 2:30 pm- 5:30 pm
2295 E Lincoln St; Suite 150, Birmingham, MI
What to expect in our new sensory sensitive hours: Back door locked for safety No music Noise Cancelling Headphones Oral chews offered at check-in Calming corner tent Minimized Capacity Families $30.00 https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/events/list/?tribe-bar-date=2024-10-01
Together Let’s Sing, Dance and Jam!!
Dec. 4, 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm Virtual
Please join us for our monthly "virtual" music therapy event!! Please RSVP by February 25 to Cathy Blatnik at blatsie63@yahoo.com with your name, age, contact phone number and e-mail address
Autistic Play Place Teens Night
Dec. 4, 11, 18, 25, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
42301 Mound Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48314
Play-Place’s multi-purpose programming of art, music exercise and recreation is specifically designed to offer these individuals simple and fun experiences with life-changing impact. Additionally, we strive to integrate community as a part of the inclusion piece via participation from area high school programs (NHS, sports teams, DECA clubs) including togetherness, respect for diversity, fun, behavioral supports and peer interaction and full access to age appropriate activities and learning. (586) 254-6533 Email info@autisticplayplace.org
RARA Movie Night Out
Dec.11 Check website for movie times
Emagine Theatre Rochester Hills (200 Barclay Circle, Rochester Hills)Hosted by RARA Recreation. Enjoy a movie with your friends at the theater one Friday a month. You will pay for your own ticket and concessions. Plans are based on the current theater schedule. You must pre-register so that enough assistance is provided and space reserved. Ages 14+. Fee is $6 for residents & non-residents. Register via RARARecreation.org.
Sensory-Friendly Santa at 1001
Dec. 21, 5:00 pm
1001 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48226
UMAISE Holidays is excited to offer sensory-friendly Santa visits. Join the team as we walk along the trail to explore Santa’s village.
The University of Michigan Adaptive and Inclusive Sports Experience (UMAISE) aims to enhance the physical, social and emotional development for people with disabilities by providing quality, local and low-cost sports and recreation opportunities throughout the lifespan.
To reserve a spot https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sensory-friendly-santa-at-1001-tickets-1048899325117?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
MJR Digital Cinema Sensory-Friendly Film
Check the website for movie times
100 East Maple Road, Troy, MI, 48083, United States
Events
Come Join Scout Troop 1197! First All Inclusive Troop!
4920 Groveland Rd, Ortonville, MI 48462
The ONLY troop of its kind in MI, troop 1197 is being held right now at O.A.T.S. (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles) in Ortonville for those with special needs ages 11 and up. The troop, designed with experienced scout leaders, will include typical scouting activities including camping and outdoor skills. For more information, email walkonoats@gmail.com
Jingle Bell Ball Sponsored by Oakland County Parks Adaptive Needs Events
Dec. 4, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Rd, Waterford, MI 48328)
Seasonal, social dances and events hosted by Oakland County Parks and Recreation. $12 per person / $6 per caregiver. Registration opens six weeks prior to each event date. Pre-registration required. Call 248-221-8040 for questions and to register.
