14 minute read
Local Events
BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD
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 Way, An adaptive museum experienceOct. 9, Dec. 10, 4:00 pm-7:00 pm
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 person/Access Pass: $2 per person. For tickets: . https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/event/464
First Thursday Night- First Thursday every monthOct. 3, 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
Oct. 1- Oct. 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
THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN RIDES. . . STAY WARY ON THE PRAIRIE!
Oct. 3-27, 5:00 pm-10:00 pm
Take the iconic Haunted Hayride through Conner Prairie’s grounds where you will encounter spooky frights around every corner...including the Headless Horseman himself!
Enjoy the Trail of Terror, our path through the corn field filled with elevated frights for those who dare to be scared
The Perilous Plunge
Festive fall-themed activities for the whole family
Barrel train ride for little ones
Sleepy Hollow Marionette Show
‘Mis’-Fortune telling with Carl Voyant
Live DJ and Live Music performances from Sweet Tunes
Live Shows: Sleepy Hollow One-man Show and Eerie-llusions Magic Show
For ticket prices and information https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/things-to-do/headless-horseman/
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
Oct.1- Oct. 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
Oct. 20, 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
Oct.1- Oct.31 check website for events and times.
https://www.indianamuseum.org/calendar/
Sports
Indianapolis Colts
Oct. 20- Miami Dolphins
Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225 https://www.colts.com/
Indy Eleven
Oct. 5, 19
IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium, 1001 W New York St. Indianapolis, IN 46202
Family Fun
Indianapolis Zoo
ZOOBOO
Sept. 25- Oct. 31, 2:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Is regular October too humdrum, but haunted houses too creepy-crawly? Come to the Zoo for Halloween activities, amazing animals and pumpkins galore! ZooBoo is a fun family experience for itty-bitty ghouls and goblins as well as the bigger kids. October weather means active animals, colorful foliage and a new season to explore. Combine that with engaging, hands-free activities, spooktacular costumes and trick-or-treating, and you’ve got an unforgettable family tradition. Woo-hoo! For tickets and to see all events scheduled visit: https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/zoo-events/zooboo/Various events scheduled daily
Oct. 1- Oct. 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
Oct. 6, 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
Sensory Hours at Sky Zone South
Oct. 7, 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Sky Zone South Indy, 4150 Kildeer Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46237
ACC Trunk or Treat
Oct. 19, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
New Hope Church Parking Lot5307 Fairview Rd. Greenwood, IN 46142
For individuals of ALL ages and families affected by autism to have a good time while getting treats and learning about local autism resources. ACC Trunk or Treat will have resource vendors sharing their information and resources about the autism services they provide in the community. We will have a Touch A Truck which includes a fire truck, ambulance, medical helicopter landing, construction equipment and more! This event is FREE and open to the community. For more information https://autismcc-in.org/trunk-or-treat/
Halloween Jamboree-Hobart
Oct. 19, 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm
703 N Hobart Rd, Hobart, Indiana 46342
Chasing Dreams Learning Center is hosting Halloween JamboreeTreat Tables, Food, Games & Activities, Costume ContestFree event for individuals of all ages with disabilities.Facebook invitation: https://www.facebook.com/share/nahQ82MSzUr5H33F/
Sensory Friendly Movie Night
Oct. 21, 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
3900 Hursh Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46845
Sensory Friendly Movie Night is coming up on March 19th. The movie starts at 5:30 pm and doors open at 5:00 pm for concessions. The event is $5/person at the door or $20/family.
to register: https://www.facebook.com/photo/fbid=802505455228974&set=a.231153492364176
Monster Mash Truck or Treat and Dance
Oct. 26, 2:00 pm- 5:00 pm
DDSi (5999 W Memory Ln, Greenfield, IN 46140
Once again DDSi, FUSE and Special Olympics of Hancock County are teaming up to bring one of the biggest Trunk or Treat and Dance events to the Community. We invite you to join us for the inclusive Monster Mash Trunk or Treat and Dance on Saturday, October 26 at DDSi (5999 W. Memory Lane, Greenfield). From 2 to 5 pm will be taking over the DDSi campus with decorations, bounce houses, food, treats, crafts, animals, music, and a whole lot of fun.Our community partners will be decorating trunks and passing out treats. We encourage people of all ages to dress up but it will not be required to visit the community partners and receive treats. We will also have an additional table this year, for individuals with dietary restrictions to trade in items they cannot have for other treats.Louie Farms, a proud supporter of the three hosting organizations, will be bringing a few animals for petting. Louie Farms is intended to facilitate Farm Assisted therapy for all ages, needs, and abilities.The dance will be happening at the same time and also open to all ages inside the DDSi ballroom. We invite you to take lots of pictures with the decorations, enjoy a great meal and hit the dance floor.For more details or assistance with registration, contact the FUSE office at (317)462-9064.
Trunk or Treat- Lebanon
Oct. 28, 5:00 pm- 7:30 pm
1585 Perry Worth Rd, Lebanon, Indiana 46052
The Waters of Lebanon, Connections Case Management and Suburban Home Health are hosting a trunk or treat! Boone County Sherriff’s office, Lebanon Police Department, Arc of Greater Boon County and many more will be at this event.Bounce House, Petting Zoo and Full meals provided!
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
Oct. 3, 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
Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, 4:00 pm- 4:50 pm
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
Million Dollar Quartet
August 29- Oct. 6
Fiddler on the Roof
Oct. 10- Nov. 24
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
Buddy Walk Indianapolis
Oct. 5, 9:00 am- 12:00 pm
801 W Washington St. Indianapolis, In 46204
A day of inspiration and celebration, the walk brings together the Down syndrome community all while raising funds to support the mission of Down Syndrome Indiana. Down Syndrome Indiana is a one-stop-shop for information and resources on Down syndrome. The programs it offers are intended to promote the inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome in their greater community, as well as to offer support and information to families, caregivers, educators, employers and the professionals who serve individuals with Down syndrome.
to register: https://charity.pledgeit.org/BuddyWalkIndy?fbclid=IwAR1mu5SPBeHhx6JJR0oITqZO7EM8t6CwPCT5NM6P4FjxAoszQA4gRFBMlo0
Ask The Arc Webinars
Oct. 10, 6:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Ask The Arc webinars provide information and discussion on timely topics relevant to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and their support systems. Webinars take place on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. EST. Past webinars are recorded and posted on our YouTube channel and on The Arc of Indiana Academy.
Registration is for the complete webinar series. You can pick and choose which ones you want to attend without having to register each time.
Click here to register https://www.arcind.org/event/ask-the-arc-webinars-2/2024-06-13/
Job-A-Palooza 2024 Hosted by Stone Belt Arc, Inc. and Down Syndrome Family Connection
Oct. 16, 10:00 am- 1:00 pm
302 S College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47403
In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Job-A-Palooza will be a collaborative effort between Stone Belt Arc and Down Syndrome Family Connection. We aim to empower individuals with disabilities to explore various career paths and gain valuable hands-on experience. Job-A-Palooza is not a traditional job fair. It is a unique opportunity for individuals with disabilities to engage in tactile, hands-on activities that simulate realistic job tasks. Hosted at the Monroe County Convention Center, the event will feature tasks and skill assessments provided by local businesses in the Bloomington area. Employers are invited to bring tasks representative of their operations, allowing participants to explore potential career interests firsthand. Our objectives with this event is to empower individuals with disabilities to explore employment opportunities through experiential learning and foster meaningful connections between participants and local businesses. Registration is open to people of our community including clients, students of MCCSC and surrounding county schools and any other individuals with a disability interested in seeking employment or learning about career opportunities. In addition to the hands on tasks, we will also offer mock interview practice for anyone interested in developing interview skills.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/job-a-palooza-2023-tickets-696251054647
Uniquely You! Fundracing!
Oct. 19, all day, starting at 9:00 am
Indy Cycloplex, 3649 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, get behind the wheel of a state-of-the-art, lithium-ion battery powered Top Kart racing kart and let it rip. In this adrenaline-pumping, time trial event, compete against friends, family and co-workers for top honors while raising funds to help Uniquely You (formerly Special Needs Living) inform more Indianapolis area families about resources to meet their special needs.
Choose from one of four racing sessions throughout the day. Individual registration is $50 with an additional $200 minimum fundraising obligation, or you can just pay $250. A 3-person company racing team can register to compete against other teams for a single, team entry fee of $700. Participation takes about an hour and a half. Follow results in real time on your smart phone, all day long.
It’s a blast! So come on out and put the pedal to the metal, all for a good cause
To register and additional information: https://events.bemilesahead.net/event/uy1
Uniquely You & Carter's Play Place Community Fun & Resource Fair!
Oct. 25, 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm
1021 Kendall Ct, Westfield, IN 46074
Connect with other families and community members
Enjoy an afternoon of fun with exciting activities
Discover valuable resources and support from various organizations
Free admission courtesy of Carter's Play Place
This event is a wonderful opportunity to engage with your community and explore resources that can make a difference in your life.
Reserve Your Spot: https://buytickets.at/uniquelyyou/1358218
Don’t miss out on this enjoyable and informative event! We look forward to seeing you there and sharing a memorable evening together.
Let’s connect, have fun, and support each other!
First Annual Lucky Mama Retreat
Oct. 26, starting at 10:00 am
Lucas Oil Estate, 1143 W 116th St Carmel, IN 46032
Join us for our first annual fundraising event, The Lucky Mama Retreat !
This will be a day long event for moms in Indiana that are raising a child of any age with Down syndrome. This is a day out for our moms to recharge, connect with other lucky mamas, and come away feeling inspired!
The agenda includes inspirational speakers, fun activities, vendors, a little pampering, and delicious food and drinks. For tickets and more information visit https://www.theluckymamaproject.org/lucky-mama-retreat
Northwest Indiana Disability Resource Fair 2024
Oct. 26, 11:00 am- 2:;00 pm
Ivy Tech Community College (410 E Columbus Dr, East Chicago, IN 46312
Connections Case Management, Self-Advocates of Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College present the 2rd Annual Northwest Indiana Disability Resource Fair, now at the new home of the Ivy Tech Community College in East Chicago.This resource fair will provide information about community resources and services for individuals disabilities and their families. Exhibitors will talk about the services and resources to assist individuals and families. There will be interactive areas, raffles, and food vendors.
info@connections-in.com for more information.
SibShops
Oct. 26, 5:30 pm- 8:00
Shirley Brothers Irving Hill Chapel, 5377 East Washington Street,Indianapolis, IN 46219
Sibshops® is a fun-filled event geared toward specific needs of siblings with a brother/sister with special health and developmental needs.Siblings have the opportunity to meet other siblings in a relaxed, recreational setting. There is an opportunity to discuss common joys and concerns with others. Siblings have the opportunity to learn about disabilities and the implications for the future growth and challenges AGES: 6 to 13 year-olds and 14 to 18 year-olds. Youth will be placed in an age-appropriate group for a portion of the workshop. To register: https://www.creativepathwaysindy.org/sibshops/
Fishers Community Connections and Resource Fair
Oct. 30, 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Opportunities for Positive Growth683 N. 36th St, Lafayette, IN 47905
The Arc Advocacy Network, a program of the Arc of Indiana, 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.
