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

Abrams Planetarium

One World, One Sky Big Bird’s Adventures

Nov. 3-26, Sundays 2:30 pm

You don’t need a spaceship to learn about the sun, moon, and stars-just a little imagination! When Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, take an imaginary trip to the moon, they learn amazing things along the way. https/www.abramsplanetarium. org/Programs/Public.html

Big Astronomy- People, Places and Discoveries

Nov. 3-26 Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 4:00 pm

It takes many people with diverse backgrounds, talents, and skills to run a world-class observatory. Meet a few of these people as they share the wonder of the sky--and the excitement of discovery. Explore the world-class observatories nestled in northern Chile’s mountains and learn why Chile, is an ideal environment for studying the cosmos. https/www.abramsplanetarium. org/Programs/Public.html

Sensory Friendly Show

Third Sunday of every month at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 pm

755 Science Road, East Lansing, MI, United States

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 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), $4.50 Friends of Abrams Planetarium Members, Free Free 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/

SPORTS

Detroit Red Wings

Nov. 2, 4, 9, 11, 17, 22, 26, 30

Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 https/www.nhl.com/redwings

Detroit Lions

Nov. 19, Bears, Nov. 23, Packers Ford Field, 2000 Brush ST, Detroit, MI 48226 https/www.detroitlions.com/

Detroit Pistons

Nov. 1, 5, 6, 10, 14, 20, 27,29

Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 https/www.nba.com/team/1610612765

FAMILY FUN

Detroit Zoo

National Bison Awareness Day

Nov. 4, 11:00 am- 3:00 pm

Join us to learn more about North America’s largest land mammal! You’ll meet the resident bison, Teetonka and Takoda, and explore how bison live both at the Zoo and in the wild.

Wild Lights

Nov. 24- Jan. 7, 2024 5:00 pm- 10:30 pm

The Detroit Zoo will be aglow for 40 magical nights with more than five million LED lights illuminating trees, buildings and over 280 sculptures throughout the front half of the Zoo. Experience the magic of the Detroit Zoo in winter as you take in the lights, sights and sounds of the season for guests of all ages. Walking https/wildlights.detroitzoo.org/

Sensory Friendly Evenings

November 3 to 7 p.m. Check the website for the day!

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. Sensory Friendly Evenings will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 30. 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. What accommodations can I expect during Sensory Friendly Evenings?

Reduced music volume at gate entry

Reduced volume and adjusted lighting inside the Polk Penguin Conservation Center’s Shackleton experience

Limited effects and adjusted lighting in the 4D Theater

Reduced sound on the BRICKLIVE trail

Altered music on the Carousel

KultureCity sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards will be available to guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Guests can check out the bags at Customer Care and the Park Safety Office.

Weighted lap pads and strobe glasses are available upon request.

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/zooevents/sensory-friendly-evenings/

RaRa’s Diner’s Club

Nov. 6 and Dec. 4, 5:00 pm- 6:30 pm

Locations change each month

On one Monday a month, persons with special needs will be able to enjoy a meal with friends at various local restaurants. Nov. 6 is Ram’s Horn and Dec. 4 is Olive Garden. Participants will pay for their own meals, beverages and tips at the restaurant. Spots are very limited, so make sure to preregister early. For ages 14 and up. http/rararecreation.org/Special-NeedsRecreation/Adaptive-Programs

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS

Nov. 17- 19 All Day Tickets

$30.00-$80.00

Little Caesars Arena, 66 Sibley St, Detroit, MI.

Get ready for The Greatest Show On Earth! Come fun, come all! Bringing to life an arena spectacle at unbelievable scale, The Greatest Show On Earth will debut stunning feats of real human achievement, musical performances blended with aerial artistry, modern comedy, and never-before-seen acts on highwire, trapeze, bicycles, and more. The reimagined American icon will captivate families through a multiplatform, 360-degree experience that brings fans into the action, creating real connections between audiences and performers from all over the world https/www.ticketmaster.com/ringlingbros-and-barnum-baileypresents-tickets/artist/ 2962779?venueId= 66238&brand=ringlingbros

OPEN BARN AND PICTURES WITH SANTA

Nov. 18, 10:00 am- 1:00 pm

Pan Equus Animal Sanctuary-Peas, 940 Hummer Lake Rd, Oxford, MI

Experience the joy of connecting with your favorite animals every month this summer and make unforgettable memories at our Fall Festival in October and Pictures with Santa on the farm in November. Best of all, it’s completely free for everyone! So, mark your calendars and get ready for a delightful day on the farm this summer! As you wander through our sanctuary, you’ll have the chance to visit our beloved animals, from our majestic horses to our mischievous goats and friendly donkeys. The bond between humans and animals is a truly magical thing, and we can’t wait to share that magic with you!

Cost: Donations https/peasbarn.org/

SANTA’S REINDEER FARM

Nov. 18- Dec. 17, 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm Grandpa Tiny’s Farm, 7775 Weiss Street, Frankenmuth, MI

Experience Santa’s Farm during the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the Christmas season!

**Lots of Photography Opportunities!** The farm is on full-on holiday mode for this stroll-through event where you will get to see how Santa has transformed the farm into his headquarters preparing for the big day.

Meet Santa himself along with the reindeer in training. Bring a letter for Santa if you haven’t already mailed it! Watch and chat with the jolly workers helping to keep Santa’s Farm running smoothly. Included is making an ornament with the Woodworker to take home with you! Tickets for this event will be available online only and not at the gate. Everyone in attendance needs a ticket for this event other than children aged 5 years old and under because they are free with a ticket holding adult. Get tickets here https/www.grandpatinys. com/santas-reindeer-farm

Cost: $17 for ages 5 and up.

Under 5 are FREE

Sensory Story Time

Nov.21, 10:00 am- 11:00 am Huron Valley Humane Society, 3100 Cherry Hills Road, Ann Arbor, MI Do you have a young child who loves animals? Then, bring your little ones to HSHV to have a paws-itively fun time! Sensory Story Time at HSHV is just like our traditional story time but is specifically intended as a welcoming space for neurodiverse children. Join us one Tuesday every month for interactive stories, sensory play, a tour of the shelter and lots of fun! Sensory Story Time is generally designed for children ages 2-5, but all children are welcome. Pre-registration is required in order to maintain small group sizes.

Registration: There is a $5 fee per child for the program. Up to two adults per child may attend free of charge. We will also not charge for siblings under the age of one attending with a registered child. Pre-registration is required and space is limited to 8 children and two caregivers per child. Register here https/www. tickettailor.com/events/hshv/561606?#

Cost: $5

Storytime For Families With Special Needs

Nov.25, 10:30 am- 11:30 am

Plymouth District Library, 223 S Main St., Plymouth, MI

Join us for a very special storytime designed especially for families with special needs! Ms. Jessica has planned a storytime including a core language board, stories, and songs with different sensory needs in mind. Registration is required to ensure the group size won’t be overwhelming for the attendants. Storytime for Families with Special Needs is for children with all types of developmental disabilities who are at the preschool level of development, regardless of their chronological age. The program will be followed by a period of open play with toys provided by the library. Register here https/plymouth. librarycalendar.com/event/storytimefamilies-special-needs-3

Cost: FREE

Legoland Discovery Center Michigan

Sensory Friendly Mornings Check the website for upcoming Mornings

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 10am. 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 10am.

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 Mornings Check the website for upcoming mornings

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 10am, but you’re welcome to stay as long as you like and do not have to leave when the event ends at 10am. 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/

Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge

Nov.1- 30 Various Activities scheduled throughout the month 5437 W Jefferson AveTrenton, MI 48183 https/www.fws.gov/refuge/ detroit-river/events?event_date_and_