11 minute read
LOCAL EVENTS
BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD — PUBLISHING ASSISTANT AND 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
Museum My WayJune 11, Oct. 9, Dec. 10, 4:00 pm-7:00 pm
An adaptive museum experience
Capacity limited. Registration required.
This special event is an opportunity for visitors with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivities to experience the museum in a new way. Families and groups of all abilities are welcome to play and learn together!
Sensory modifications to the museum environment include:
Limited capacity
Quiet area with sensory items
Some music is turned down or off
Edited lighting effects in some areas Members: Free, Nonmembers: $6 per personAccess Pass: $2 per person. For tickets: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/event/464
First Thursday Night- First Thursday every monthMay 2, 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
May 1- May 31, Opens at 10 AM
3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, 317-334-4000
https://www.childrensmuseum.org
Conner Prairie — Indiana’s Living History Museum
WE CAN CAMP
May 4 & 5, additional dates Aug. 17 & 18, Aug. 24 & 25
LOVE THE IDEA OF CAMPING AS A FAMILY BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START?
Join us as you learn basic camping skills, enjoy fun outdoor experiences and spend the night on our grounds in a tent! This program is perfect for first-time campers or anyone looking for a refresher. We provide all the camping gear you'll need, along with modern restrooms and overnight security. To reserve your spot: https://www.connerprairie.org/we-can-camp/
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
Apr.1- Apr. 30, 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
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/
Sports
Adaptive Ballet Class
May 20, 4:40 pm- 5:30 pm
Greenfield Church of Christ, 1380 South State Street Greenfield, IN 46140
Come join our Adaptive Ballet Class where everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of dance! Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adaptive-ballet-class-tickets-858615430867?aff=oddtdtcreator
Indy Eleven
May 18, 25
IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium, 1001 W New York St. Indianapolis, IN 46202
Indianapolis Indians
May 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 27, 29, 30, 31
Victory Field, 501 W Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
https://www.milb.com/indianapolis/schedule/2024-03
Family Fun
Indianapolis Zoo
Zoo Camp
Spring –April 1-5
Summer – June 3-7, 17-21, 24-28; July 8-12, 15-19, 22-26
From learning about wild animals to careers in conservation, campers at the Indianapolis Zoo have a blast exploring and learning while making new friends! Zoo Camps are offered during school breaks during the year. Camps include outdoor exploration of the Zoo and special behind-the-scenes tours to meet animal ambassadors and members of the Zoo’s animal care team. Zoo Camps also foster curiosity and STEM-based skills such as investigation, collaboration, problem solving, communication and more through fun hands-on activities.
For information and registration https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/learn-explore/zoo-camps/
Zoopolis 500
TORTOISES, START YOUR ENGINES! May 22, Event starts at 11:15 am
This unique annual event and race-fan favorite includes a morning of family-friendly festivities leading up to the “Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing.”
As you come in, meet 500 Festival Princesses and snap photos with a 500 Festival pace car and the giant milk jug, then head to the Bicentennial Pavilion for the pre-race festivities. Plus, the American Dairy Association Indiana, Inc. will be handing out free TruMoo chocolate milk (while supplies last). Make sure to arrive early to meet a snake at the Snake Pit.
https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/events/zoopolis-500/
Various events scheduled daily
May 1- May 31, 9:00 am- 4:00 pm
1200 West Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222
https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/
Sensory Friendly Play | Urban Air Noblesville
May 5, June 2, July 7, 9:00 am- 11:00pm
14450 Mundy Dr, Noblesville, IN 46060
Join us for Sensory Friendly Play the first Sunday of each month (unless conflicted by holiday)!
Sensory Friendly Play is an event specifically designed for children with sensory processing difficulties to enjoy time at the park without loud music, flashing lights- and to have a lot of fun!
$15.99 Ultimate Pass per childParents are FREE!! Socks not included Memberships are not valid with this event
https://indywithkids.com/locations/urban-air-trampoline-and-adventure-park-noblesville/
Adaptive Dance | All Ages-Therapeutic
May 7, 6:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Rhodius Park Sensory Gym, 1720 W Wilkins St, Indianapolis, IN
Come join Indy Parks for fun and active movement!
Indy Parks partners with Art Mix to present Adaptive Dance classes for all ages.
These classes are beginning dance classes. The instructor will and can adapt dances, and/or the program to accommodate all dancers. The dance styles may vary from hip-hop, line dance, and exercise dance to possible classics. Link to Register for classes. https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/indyparks/activity/search/detail/26378?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true
Classes are on Tuesdays ONLY
Alex Gold: Stuck on Repeat - Sensory Friendly Performance
May 12, 2:15 pm, 4:00 pm, 5:00pm shows
Waldron Art Center, 122 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404
Constellation Stage & Screen presents a sensory friendly performance of Alex Gold: Stuck on Repeat, a hilarious classroom adventure where the audience gets to make all the decisions!
11-year-old Alex Gold needs to repeat the 6th grade – maybe he shouldn’t have spent so much time watching superhero movies, playing adventure games, and drifting off into his own action-packed daydreams. Luckily, Alex has surrounded himself with some trusted friends (you, the audience!) to help him make the best choices to succeed! This one-of-a-kind classroom comedy blends improv and audience interaction, proving every day is an opportunity for reinvention. Can you successfully guide Alex through this hilarious new show where every single performance offers different twists and turns?
Constellation offers select sensory-friendly performances for our Constellation for Kids series. This special performance is designed to create a theater experience that is welcoming to all families with children with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Plus, tickets to Constellation’s Sensory-Friendly performances are Pay What You Will, meaning you get to choose your own ticket price (from $5-$75) https://seeconstellation.org/kids/alex-gold/
Easterseals iCan Bike Day Camp 2024
June 3 through June 7 Must Register by May 10 8:00 am- 4:00 pm
Indiana National Guard Armory, 3300 East Division St. Evansville, IN 47714
Registration Contact: Patty Balbach, PBalbach@evansvillerehab.com. For information or to register for this bike camp please e-mail Patty directly at pbalbach@evansvillerehab.com or call 812-479-1411 ext. 268.
Kids, Youth and Adults learn to ride regular, two-wheeled bike using a series of adapted bicycles! Cost includes five day bike camp (each participant attends for 75 minutes daily), an iCan Bike tee shirt and a safety helmet!
Designed for individuals aged 8 and up with mild to moderate disabilities or disabling conditions (cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, coordination issues, obesity, etc.)
Volunteers needed!!! Must be aged 15+, be able to walk/run alongside a person on a bike and be available all five days (June 3-7, 2024, 8:00 am to 12:30 pm or 1:00 to 4:30 pm, or both)
iCan Shine: We understand that the vast majority of people with disabilities never have the experience of independently riding a conventional two-wheel bicycle during their lifetime. Research shows that over 80% of people with autism and 90% of people with Down syndrome never experience this thrill. Defying these odds is why we exist! To Register: https://icanshine.org/evansville-in/
The Studio Movie Grill
3535 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46268
317-315-8113
Sensory-friendly screenings of movies! Check the website for movies and times.
https://www.studiomoviegrill.com/movie/special-needs-screenings
The Arts
Beef and Boards
The King and I
Apr. 4 - May 19, 2024
The Wizard of Oz
May 23 - July 7, 2024
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
Resource Fair-Whiting High School
May 8, 5:00 pm- 6:00 pm
1800 New York Ave, Whiting, Indiana 46394
Whiting High School is planning a Resource Fair. Enter through Door 10 for the Cafeteria.
Family Support Webinar: Unlocking No-Cost Resources and Technologies: Empowering Students with Autism Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA)
May 10, 12:15 pm
Join Jena Fahlbush to learn about lite-tech solutions and tools to support and empower students with autism at home and at school. Jena will also share how students can trial the tools in the public-school setting at no cost through the PATINS Project’s Assistive Technology Lending Library. Free Register at https://events.iu.edu/iidc/event/1246356-family-support-webinar-unlocking-no-cost-resources
Northeast Indiana Disabilities EXPO
May 11, 10:;00 am- 3:00 pm
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
My Autism Ally is excited to be a sponsor and provide the Sensory Calming Area at this year’s Northeast Indiana Disabilities EXPO
Find out everything you need to know about this year’s event at their website https://disabilitiesexpoindiana.org/
FREE ADMISSION to the event and FREE PARKING (just tell the parking attendant you’re there for the Disabilities Expo)
DSI D.A.D.S. Monthly Meeting
May 14, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm
George's Neighborhood Grill, 6935 Lake Plaza Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46220
The DSI chapter of Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome connects any dad, grandfather, uncle, brother, teacher, or physician who cares for someone who has Down syndrome through fellowship. DSI will pick up the check for your meal and the soft drinks. (Alcoholic drinks are available but you pay for those on your own.) For more info e-mail dads@dsindiana.org
Down Syndrome Indiana’s DSI D.A.D.S.® was the first of over 50 chapters and D.A.D.S.® is our gift to the greater Ds community. DSI helped launch D.A.D.S.® National, who helps other Down syndrome organizations start D.A.D.S.® as a committee or community group. To find out more about the work of D.A.D.S.® National, please visit, https://www.dadsnational.org
Marion Disability Resource Fair
May 18, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm
Ivy Tech Community College Marion261 Commerce Dr, Marion, 46953
The Arc Advocacy Network will have information about Medicaid Waivers, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, guardianship and alternatives, Special Needs Trusts, the Erskine Green Training Institute, and a variety of other topics available for families and self-advocates.
https://www.arcind.org/event/marion-disability-resource-fair/
Walk 2024 About Walking for Dreams 2024 Celebrating Indiana Family to Family's 20th Anniversary!
May 19, Virtually or in-person
Indianapolis Walk at Crown Hill Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208
Evansville Walk at Bally's Riverfront, 421 NW. Riverside Dr., Evansville, IN 47708
Family and Pets walk to help us raise funds for wonderful nonprofit organizations.
https://p2p.onecause.com/walkingfordreams/charity/indiana-family-to-family
SibShops-Indianapolis
May 23, 5:00 pm- 8:30 pm
5377 E Washington St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46219 317-748-4802
SIBSHOPS ™ is a national acclaimed program that provides peer support within a recreational environment for children who have a sibling with special needs.Registration Information: www.creativepathwaysindy.org, janschreibman@gmail.comCOSTS:
One Sibling $15Two Siblings $20More than two Siblings $25with specialSibshops is a fun-filled event geared toward specific needs of siblings with a brother/sister with special health and developmental needs.1. Siblings have opportunity to meet other siblings in a relaxed, recreational setting2. There is opportunity to discuss common joys and concerns with others3. Siblings have opportunity to learn about disabilities and the implications for the future growth and challengesAGES: 6 to 13y.o. and 14 to 18y.o.INCLUDED: Arrive at 5:30pm for light dinner followed byprogramming
