8 minute read
LOCAL EVENTS
Note: Don’t forget to apply for the Access Pass! The Access Pass Program allows families that meet the specific requirements listed below to visit The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and all participating locations for $2 per family member per visit for up to two adults and all dependent youths living in the household. You qualify if you receive:
• Hoosier Healthwise Insurance (Indiana’s health care program for low-income families, pregnant women and children)
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Apply here: https://www. childrensmuseum.org/visit/ hours/access-pass.
Museums
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Santa's BIG Snowball Fight
Jan.1 through Jan. 5, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm
Kick off the holiday season with Indy’s biggest indoor snowball fight! Join us for holiday cheer and SNOW much fun as we welcome Santa to The Children's Museum with a family-friendly snowball fight you won’t want to miss. For more information https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/event/689
First Thursday Night- First Thursday every monthDec. 5, 4:00 pm
On the first Thursday of every month, we open our doors from 4–8 p.m. for just $6 admission per person! Why should you visit?
Admission is just $6 per person for the entire museum. That’s a savings of more than 75% per ticket!
It’s the ONLY time the museum is open to the public in the evening, so it’s a perfect after-hours night for your family.
It’s not as crowded as you might think! We have limited capacity on First Thursday Nights.
Parking is always free!
Our Food Court is open, so you can grab a quick and easy dinner for the whole family. Low cost. Low crowds. Late night play! https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/event/273
Various Events
Jan.1- Jan. 31, Opens at 10 AM
3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, 317-334-400Santa's BIG Snowball Fight0
https://www.childrensmuseum.org
Conner Prairie — Indiana’s Living History Museum
Sensory-Friendly Hours
The second Sunday of every month, from 10 AM to noon, are sensory-friendly hours at Conner Prairie! Enjoy a calm environment
Check-in with Guest Relations, stating that you are here for sensory-friendly hours. You will get free admission and may stay as long as you wish.
Various events
Jan. 1- Jan. 31, 10:00 am- 10:00 pm
13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038. Phone: 317-776-6000 or 800-966-1836 https://www.connerprairie.org/events/list
Indiana State Museum
Sensory Friendly Afternoon
Jan. 19, 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm
650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
Experience the Indiana State Museum in a sensory-friendly way! Each month, we’ll lower the lights and reduce distractions to give children and adults with sensory processing differences a chance to enjoy an interactive learning experience in a comfortable and accepting environment. Social narratives will be available at the ticket counter and sensory–based activities will be spaced throughout the museum. Plus, check out a Sensory Bag to make your experience even more enjoyable. Check calendar for dates https://www.indianamuseum.org/calendar/
Various events
Jan. 1- Jan. 31, check website for events and times.
https://www.indianamuseum.org/calendar/
Sports
Indianapolis Colts
Jan. 5, Jaguars
Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225 https://www.colts.com/
Family Fun
Indianapolis Zoo
Christimas At The Zoo
Nov. 23- Jan. 5, 2025, 5:00 pm- 10:00 pm
A light sprinkling of snow and the glow of twinkling lights will fill the sky, creating a magical nighttime experience that has become one of Central Indiana’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Dating back to 1967, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to hold a lights event. year and year, Christmas at the Zoo continues to grow. For our 57th year, we’re adding beautiful new decor and experiences, to enhance your next holiday trip to the Zoo. And the best part is it’s all included with regular admission! Be sure to visit Santa's Village!
https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/zoo-events/christmas-at-the-zoo/Various events scheduled daily
Jan. 1- Jan. 31, 9:00 am- 4:00 pm
1200 West Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222
https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/
Sensory Friendly Play at Urban Air Noblesville
Jan. 5, 9:00 am- 11:00 am
14450 Mundy Dr, Noblesville, IN 46060
Urban Air’s Sensory Friendly Play day is typically held on the first Sunday of the month. Check the Noblesville calendar for the latest info. https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/embed?src=hi8j9brk94jgnc71kmslc13js8@group.calendar.google.com
Sky Zone South Sensory Play
Jan. 6, 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm Every month first Monday of the month
Sensory Fun Fridays runs every Friday from 9:00am-10:00am.
4150 Kildeer Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46237
Jump an socialize in a comfortable, friendly environment. Enjoy the freedom of jumping. Sensory hours provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs.
AMC Theatres
Check website for location, date and times
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 Wednesday 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. https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
The Arts
Adaptive Dance
5:00 pm- 6:00 pm Every first Thursday through May 2025
the Arc of Hancock County, 8535 N Clearview Dr, McCordsville, IN 46055
We are proud to announce that we received a mini-grant from the Community Foundation of Hancock County to turn our Adaptive Dance (Body Rock) classes from March and April into a regular monthly program. These classes will be held at Hancock Wellness Center - McCordsville in the Community Room every first Thursday of the month from August 2024 through May 2025 from 5:00-6:00pm. This class is free, but you must be registered. Parents of participants under 18 years old must be present. We cannot wait to see you there! Please use the link to register: https://arcofhcadaptivedance.eventbrite.com
Adaptive Ballet Series
Jan. 6, 13, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 24 4:00 pm- 4:50 pm Winter Session
4055 Roy Wilson Wy, New Palestine, IN 46163
Come join us for a fun and inclusive ballet class tailored for all abilities! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just starting out, this class is designed to accommodate everyone. This program is designed for individuals with disabilities of all ages. No experience necessary, just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Parents and guardians must stay for participants under 18 years of age. For more information:
Beef and Boards
A Christmas Story: The Musical
Nov. 29- Jan. 4, 2025
Murder on the Orient Express
Jan. 9- Feb. 9, 2025
9301 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268
https://beefandboards.com/Online/default.asp
Jubilate Choir
Butler University, Lilly Hall, Room 133
Wednesdays, 6:45-7:30 PM
The Jubilate Choir is for singers with special needs in grades 3-9. Singers with varying abilities meet each week to grow musically. This tuition-free choir focuses on proper singing techniques, music theory and sight-reading, part-singing, and social skills involved in being a member of a musical ensemble.
Though Jubilate has, at its core, the same goals as other choirs in the Indianapolis Children's Choir (ICC), singers in Jubilate engage in additional activities like visual and tactile experiences that are catered specifically to the current members of the choir.
Director: Lauren Southard
For more information, contact Lauren Southard at
317-940-8065 or lsouthar@icchoir.org. https://icchoir.org/special-needs/
Gigi’s Playhouse
Various classes during the week.
5909 E. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46250 317-288-8235
indy@gigisplayhouse.org https://gigisplayhouse.org/indianapolis/sfcalendar/
Events
Let’s Talk Benefits and Working Vertual Webinar
Jan. 15, 10:30 am and 11:30 am to 1:30pm
https://iu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpd-ugpjwtEtAphD7dcPUYTZdiFMVlIw0q
During this free, two-hour benefits information training, parents, caregivers, and supporters will learn how state and federal benefits support employees with disabilities. If you’re concerned about your loved one losing benefits when they begin working, this training is for you!
Learn how to reject common myths about benefits and going to work.
Understand the difference between SSI & SSDI.
Understand which health care benefit (Medicaid and Medicare) goes with which SSA benefit.
Learn asset-building options to assist with benefits.
Learn about the advantages and find out how to access benefits counseling in Indiana.
Uniquely You! Annual New Years Bash! Sponsored by Uniquely You! and ComforCare
Feb.1, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Haverstick, 9111 Haverstick Rd Indianapolis, IN 46240
This party is for adults and kids with special needs, along with the supporters of Uniquely You! Magazine-Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas. There will be activities and games for kids, and you are welcome to bring your caregiver to the event to help. Parents will be able to enjoy an afternoon of fun and entertainment. We will have live bands, thanks to Rock Garage and Infinity, dancing, appetizers, beverages, games and more! To register: https://buytickets.at/uniquelyyou/1471376
Make plans to participate in our FIRST ANNUAL VARIETY SHOW! We are looking for individuals and groups with disabilities to preform during our talent/variety show. Take the stage and entertain us with your special talent. sign-up for Variety Show here: https://form.jotform.com/242916312893158 or use the qr code. We can't wait to see everyone there!!
GiGi's Playhouse Gala
March 1, 5:00 pm- 9:00 pm Check website for more information and registration coming soon.
We are excited to announce the Annual GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis Gala, which will be held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom on Saturday March 1st, 2025. This years Gala will not only celebrate the many achievements we have experienced throughout the last 10 years but will also help us to raise the crucial funds needed to ensure the success of our next 10.
For more information, please contact Liz Richards, Executive Director, erichards@gigisplayhouse.org; https://gigisplayhouse.org/indianapolis/gala-indy/
