LOCAL EVENTS

BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD

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

Impression 5

Mar. 9, Apr. 13, May, 11, June 22 from 9:30 am11:30 am and Mar. 19, Apr. 16, May 21 and June 18 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Dr., Lansing, MI 48933

Explore your Science Center with select exhibits altered to reduce sounds, scents, and lighting stimuli. Guests can expect a limited building capacity, pop-up activity, and map designating the sensory experiences in each exhibit. Thank you to MiABLE for supporting Sensory Friendly. Admission: Regular admission prices apply. Free for members.

Abrams Planetarium

Sensory Friendly Shows

755 Science Road, East Lansing, MI

The Dark Matter Mystery

Mar. 16, 11:30 am What keeps Galaxies together? What are the building blocks of the

Universe? What Universe look the looks today? Researchers all around the world try to answer these questions. We know today that approximately a quarter of the Universe is filled with a mysterious glue: Dark Matter. We know that it is out there. But we have no idea what it is made out of. This planetarium show takes you on the biggest quest of contemporary astrophysics. You will see why we know that Dark Matter exists, and how this search is one of the most challenging and exciting searches science has to offer. Join the scientists on their hunt for Dark Matter with experiments in space and deep underground. Will they be able to solve the Dark Matter Mystery?

A Story of Survival Dinosaurs

Mar. 16, 1:00 pm

Like almost all children, Celeste is fascinated with dinosaurs. She is preparing a talk for her class about how they went extinct when Moon, a very wise and magical character, poses a tantalizing question: what if I told you that there are still dinosaurs among us? Celeste will join Moon in a journey through time. An exciting adventure that will show them the Earth as it was in the very, very distant past. They will see the fascinating creating giant creatures, armored beasts and super predators, until the day that a cataclysmic impact event caused a mass extinction on Earth. But all is not lost. Celeste will discover the key to their survival. 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 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 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 sensoryfriendly environment possible, we will limit the capacity for these special times to 50 people. https:// ellasharpmuseum.org/ classes-and-events/ sensory-time/

Grand Rapids

Children’s Museum

Sensory Friendly Play May 5, Aug. 4, Nov. 3, 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm

Together with Autism

Support of Kent County, GRCM welcomes families to play in a calmer, quieter environment outside of regular Museum hours. Registration required. Various Events Scheduled Jan.1 - Jan. 31 various events scheduled

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Check calendar for Sensory Friendly evenings https:// www.grpm.org/visit/ https://www. autismsupportofkentcounty. org/new-products/ p/2024-night-at-thegr-childrens-museum

Sports

TheraplayYoga:

Therapeutic Playful Yoga for Diverse Abilities

Adaptive Yoga Studio, 2015 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912

Inclusive & Accessible Yoga for Diverse Bodies, Brains, and Abilities. Check website for schedule. Gloria@TheraPLAYoga.com https://theraplayoga.com/

Buddy Soccer Clarkston

Adaptive Sports 2025

Buddy Soccer in Clarkston is a non-competitive recreational soccer league for boys and girls ages 7-14 with special needs in Oakland County and Metro Detroit. Each player is paired with a buddy ages 10-17 to assist them on the field during games. Buddy Soccer is hosted by our friends at Independence Township Parks, Recreation, and Seniors.

Buddy Soccer is a 6 week league held on Tuesday evenings from April 15, 2025 through May 20, 2025 from 5:30p-6:30p at Sasahabaw Plains in Clarkston MI.

Registration begins January 6, 2025 and ends March 17, 2025. You may register with a late fee if with a $10 charge if spots are still available. Buddy Soccer is open to residents and non-residents. Register at www.itpr.org

Family Fun

DNR Outdoor Adventure Center Sensory Friendly Play

Mar. 2, Apr. 6, May 4, June 8, July 13, Aug. 10, Oct. 5 10:00 am- 12:00 pm Outdoor Adventure Center, Globe Trading Company Building, 1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI The DNR Outdoor Adventure Center welcomes friends and families with sensory processing differences to our sensory-friendly building hours! Enjoy the opportunity to explore and experience the OAC with building sounds and ambient noises at a lower volume. During your visit, there will be a quiet room with sensory materials available to use, and a limited building capacity. At noon, the building will open to the public, with volumes returning to standard operating levels. All staff are KultureCitycertified to ensure the best possible experience. Various Activities scheduled Mar. 1- Mar. 31 Check website https://www. michigan.gov/oac

Adult Adaptive Social Engagement: Diner’s Club

Mar. 3, First Monday of the month. Ages 14+ check,website for times and to register enjoy a meal with friends at various local restaurants. This opportunity is designed to support persons with special needs. Participants pay for their own meal, beverage, and tip. Spots are EXTREMELY limited, so you must pre-register so that we have enough assistance and space reserved. Selected restaurant will be emailed the week before the program. https://rararecreation. org/programs/social_ engagement.php

Fascination Factory Sensory Friendly Play

Mar. 4, 2:30 pm- 5:30 pm 2295 E Lincoln St; Suite 150, Birmingham, MI

What to expect in our new sensory sensitive hours: Back door locked for safety No music Noise Cancelling Headphones Oral chews offered at check-in Calming corner tent Minimized Capacity Families $30.00 https:// autismallianceofmichigan. org/events/list/?tribebar-date=2024-10-01

Together Let’s Sing, Dance and Jam!!

Mar. 5, 6:30 pm7:30 pm Virtual Please join us for our monthly “virtual” music therapy event!! Please RSVP by February 25 to Cathy Blatnik at blatsie63@yahoo. com with your name, age, contact phone number and e-mail address

Detroit Zoo

Sensory Friendly Evenings Second Monday of Every Month

Mar. 10, 10:00 am -!2:00 pm Throughout 2025, we’re bringing you SensoryFriendly Hours a monthly opportunity to experience the Zoo with adjusted lighting and quieter surroundings. These special hours, hosted once a month from opening until noon, are tailored to meet the needs of guests with sensory sensitivities and different sensory needs. During this time, the Zoo and its attractions remain open to all, with thoughtful adjustments to ensure everyone can enjoy a welcoming and accessible experience.

• Reduced or altered volume and lighting throughout the Zoo and at special attractions

• Limited effects and adjusted lighting in the 4D Theater

• 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, the 4D Theater and the Park Safety Office.

• Weighted lap pads and strobe glasses are available upon request.

• A dedicated indoor space is available near the wolf habitat 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/ sensory-friendly-hours/ Various fun events through the month.

Inclusive Game Night

Mar. 28, 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm

Therapeutic Concepts, LLC 38257 Mound Road, Building D, Sterling Heights, MI

For the whole family focusing on inclusion, safety, and enjoyment! $10 per family, register online https:// therapeuticconceptsllc.com

MJR Digital Cinema Sensory-Friendly Film

Check the website for movie times

100 East Maple Road, Troy, MI, 48083, United States https://www.mjrtheatres.com/ sensory-friendly-films?fbclid=IwAR1JnETT-4LqVME0tv0TkWPiYH5lckEcSi4o-u3EcdA4eyfbqJYLgmReJ00

Legoland Discovery Center Michigan Sensory Friendly Morning Check website for upcoming dates

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 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. https://www. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/ michigan/tickets-passes/

Sealife Michigan Sensory Friendly Morning Check website for upcoming dates

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 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. Tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance for this special event. Please check https://www.visitsealife. com/michigan/what-sinside/events/sensoryfriendly-mornings/

Arts

REC-IT Class: Inclusive Art

Mar. 13, 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm Disability Network Eastern Michigan – Troy1709 John R Road, Troy, MI 48083 Join us for in-person art classes. Participants will learn new artistic skills using a variety of mediums, such as: acrylic painting, oil pastels, watercolor, and mixed media. Class includes group and individual instruction and meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. In order to promote inclusion for all, we request a maximum of 4 individuals from any one agency. All levels of experience and ability are welcome. Please email us at rec-it@dnemichigan. org, to be added to our next class. https://docs.google. com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLS e4Vx9CViHan0m4UGbz jQQw3KBcq3hTsYo9fFld LJzjDLrN6g/closedform

Events

Come Join Scout Troop 1197! First All Inclusive Troop!

4920 Groveland Rd, Ortonville, MI 48462

The ONLY troop of its kind in MI, troop 1197 is being held right now at O.A.T.S. (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles) in Ortonville for those with special needs ages 11 and up. The troop, designed with experienced scout leaders, will include typical scouting activities including camping and outdoor skills. For more information, email walkonoats@gmail.com

Mobility and Accessibility Clinic

Feb. 26 and Apr. 29, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm Oceana County Council on Aging 4250 W. Tyler Rd., Hart, MI

Bring your assistive living devices to our Mobility & Accessibility Clinic. Meet with Carelinc to have basic repairs made to equipment, meet with an advocate from Disability Network and check in with our nurse to have blood pressure checks and ask questions. Registration is not required, but encouraged. To register or for questions, call us at 231-873-4461 https:// disabilitynetworkwm. org/event/mobility-andaccessibility-clinic/

Striking Up Awareness for Autism BOWL-A-THON

Sponsored by Aspire: Support our Scholarship Fund!

Apr. 26, 10:00 am-12:00 pm

Pins and Pints Bowling Alley, 2120 E Saginaw Hwy, East Lansing, MI 48823

Teams of 4-6 $25 per bowler. Includes shoes Register at bit.ly/aspirespring25events

Is there a local event for the special needs community you would like us to promote in an upcoming issue? Email us at jamie.olson@n2co.com.

Is there a local event for the special needs community you would like us to promote in an upcoming issue? Email us at jamie.olson@n2co.com.