Indoor Sensory Spaces

BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD

The Abrams Planetarium

755 Science Road, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 517-355-4676

Offers sensory-friendly shows on the third Sunday of every month at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. 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 check-in.

Sensory-friendly shows are free thanks to sponsorship from MiABLE. Check the website for shows https:// www.abramsplanetarium.org/ Programs/Sensory.html

Aspire Taekwondo

The Gym at Anchor Point Bible Church, 635 Seminole Rd, Norton Shores, MI, 49441, 616-813-6654

We have started a new Sensory Friendly class. This class is taught by Master Willard and Mrs. Willard. Mrs. Willard is an award-winning Special Education teacher with over 20 years of teaching in an SXI

classroom. We recently started this class as a pilot program, not knowing how successful it could be. Using techniques used in the SXI classroom we have observed significant improvements. We are very excited about the possibilities this program can offer students who would struggle in another setting. Visit the website for class times or email for more information https://aspiretkd. com/ ottawa639@gmail.com

Celebration! Cinema Lights Up. Sound Down. Enjoy The Movie! See the website for movie times and a location near you. https://www.celebrationcinema. com/events-series

Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone

333 Broad St., St. Joseph, MI 49085, 269-982-8500

Feature more than 100 interactive activities and exhibits to spark your child’s imagination and love of learning. Toddlers to young

teens with all abilities will not be in a hurry to leave these facilities made just for them. Visit the website for the hours of operation. https://curiouskidsmuseum. org/visit/discovery-zone/

Curious Kids’ Museum

415 Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph, MI 49085, 269-983-2543

Feature more than 100 interactive activities and exhibits to spark your child’s imagination and love of learning. Toddlers to young teens with all abilities will not be in a hurry to leave these facilities made just for them. Visit the website for hours of operation https://curiouskidsmuseum. org/visit/museum/

The Emagine Theatres

This sensory-friendly program makes going to the movies a more enjoyable and accessible experience for families, children, and teens with sensory needs.

*Participating locations: Birch Run (MI), Canton (MI), Eagan (MN), Hartland (MI), Macomb (MI), Novi (MI), Rochester Hills (MI), Saline (MI), Quality 10 powered by Emagine (MI), Woodhaven (MI) Check the website for theatre locations and movie times https:// www.emagine-entertainment. com/sensory-friendly/

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, 616-235-4726

Special low-sensory programming with dimmed lighting, quiet music, calming tactile activities and cozy spaces. Monthly, 12 pm-3 pm Visit the website for more details https://www.grcm.org/programs

The Henry Ford Museum 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124-5029, 313-982-6001

Our Sensory Friendly programming has been designed specifically for the ASD/SPD audience using expert advice and guidance from a network of medical and educational partnerships. Sensory Friendly days, events, programs and ternaries vary throughout the year, but at their foundation are accommodations that provide access to a broad range of experiences here at The Henry Ford. Check the website for times and dates. https://www.thehenryford. org/visit/plan-your-visit/ accessibility/accessibilityautism-spectrum-disordersensory-processing-disorder/

Please feel free to contact accessibility@thehenryford.org with any questions or comments. For more information about Henry Ford and the history of our ASD programming, check out our blog.

Impression 5 Museum

Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Dr, Lansing, MI 48933, 517-485-8116

Explore your Science Center with select exhibits altered to reduce sounds, scents, and lighting stimuli. Guests can expect a limited building capacity, popup activity, and map designating the sensory experiences in each exhibit. Thank you to MiABLE for supporting Sensory Friendly Hours at Impression 5! Check the website for monthly dates and times https://impression5. org/sensoryfriendly

LEGOLAND Discovery Center (Michigan)

During Sensory Friendly & Inclusive 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 & other special needs individuals to enjoy the Discovery Center in a calm and fun environment.

Sensory sensitive and special needs adults are welcome to visit during Sensory Friendly & Inclusive 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.

See the website for more information on dates and times and ticket sales. https://www. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/ michigan/what-s-inside/events/ sensory-friendly-mornings/

Longway Planetarium in Flint

1310 E. Kearsley St., Flint, Michigan 48503, 810-237-3400

During sensory-friendly shows, we turn the lights up and turn the sound down to provide a safe, welcoming environment for our friends with special needs. Sensory-friendly shows will now feature open captioning for the hearing-impaired community. Be yourself and find the best spot in the house to enjoy the show! Check the website for dates and times. https://sloanlongway.org/friendly/

Peppa Pig World of Play Michigan

4362 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 attraction 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. See the website for days and times https://www. peppapigworldofplay.com/ michigan/tickets-passes/ways-tovisit/sensory-friendly-mornings/

Play-Place for Autistic Children

39337 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48310, (586) 254-6533

A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Sterling Heights, MI.

Play-Place’s mission is to provide a fun-filled, judgment-free, haven of hope for families affected by autism and other special needs. Through a unique play-powered environment, combining education and recreation with a variety of social, occupational and physical therapeutic overtones, PlayPlace’s one-of-a-kind model will be a revolutionary compliment to the autism equation of intervention and awareness.

Email info@autisticplayplace.org Check out the website for times and dates or to book your party!

https://autisticplayplace.org/

SEA LIFE Aquarium (Michigan)

4316 Baldwin Road Auburn Hills, MI 48326, 248-409-6001

During Sensory Friendly & Inclusive 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 & other special needs individuals to enjoy the Aquarium in a calm and fun environment.

Sensory sensitive and special needs adults are welcome to

visit during Sensory Friendly & Inclusive Mornings, too!

Tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance for this special event. See the website for dates and times and to purchase tickets https://www.visitsealife.com/ michigan/what-s-inside/events/ sensory-friendly-mornings/

Stomping Grounds Play Cafe

9028 North Rodgers Ct SE, Suite E, Caledonia, MI, 616-275-4869

A Montessori and Waldorf-inspired indoor play space for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers

Check out the website for hours of operation https://www. stompinggroundsgr.com/

tinkrLAB

2650 E. Grand River Suite A, East Lansing, MI 48823, 517500-8687 #3The transformative journey of discovery, creation,

and innovation. No need for previous knowledge. No need to be perfect. We encourage the pursuit of originality. Unlock your imagination. Enjoy the freedom of choice. Celebrate the process. Visit the website for more information. https://tinkrlab.com/

Theraplayoga: Therapeutic Playful Yoga for Diverse Abilities 2015 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912Inclusive & Accessible Yoga for Diverse Bodies, Brains, and Abilities. For more information https://TheraPLAYoga.com or Gloria@TheraPLAYoga.com

Vonnie’s World

3850 2nd Street Suite 220, 2nd Flin the “MPC” Building Wayne, MI, 734-799-7821

We are a Respite Center & life enrichment activity play place for children with special needs and disabilities. We accept all CHILDREN. Every child is different in their individual needs:) We are a place that offers extra Respite support for the families in a safe loving therapeutic environment with hands-on individualized recreational play & fun activities. Children will create their own life-enriching PLAY experience every time they come. All play “is not the same” Children retain various information from their play experiences why NOT provide them an unrestricted opportunity to add life enrichment play & exploration to their lives while allowing their caregivers to take a short break from their daily duties?

Check the website for hours of operation https://www. vonniesworld.com/ email vonniesworld21@gmail. com for questions

Urban Air Adventure Park

An event specifically designed for children with Autism and special needs to enjoy time at the park without loud music, and flashing lights- and to have a lot of fun!

See the calendar for timing and details. https://www. urbanair.com/michigan

https://www. urbanairtrampolinepark. com/sensoryfriendly/