Fall Family Activities

The summer is over and cool weather is making its way back around, but there are still autism and sensory friendly events that the entire family can enjoy! With events listed in Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio, there’s bound to be something nearby that you and the family will enjoy!

Michigan Events:

Sunday, 11/7, 12/5. 9:00 AM-11:00 AM – Sensory Sensitive Sundays
Chuck E. Cheese
42001 Ford Rd., Canton, MI 48187
13745 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights, MI 48313

Chuck E. Cheese will be opening its doors 2 hours early on the first Sunday of the month with trained staff present so families with sensory sensitivities can come and have a fun experience in a quieter environment. For more information on Sensory Sensitive Sundays, click here.

Sunday, 10/17 and 11/21, 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – Sensory Friendly Shows
Abrams Planetarium
755 Science Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824

On the third Sunday of each month, the Abrams Planetarium is offering sensory friendly shows to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. These shows will play with the lights on, lower volume, and the doors will be open so people can come and go as needed. The lobby will also be used as a “chill out” area, and there will be an intermission between the show and a live star talk about what is up in the sky that night. You can check this link to find more information and see what shows will be playing!

Friday, 10/15, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM – FALCONERS
Potter Park Zoo
1301 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912

FALCONERS is designed to allow children or adults of all ages with special needs and unique challenges (such as autism or developmental disabilities) and their whole family to have an enriching educational experience in a safe, welcoming and sensory friendly environment. There will be one sensory friendly event per month throughout 2021. To learn more about FALCONERS and Potter Park Zoo, click here!

Tuesday, 10/12, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM – Sensory Friendly Nights
Rebounderz Grand Rapids
7500 Cottonwood Dr, Jenison, MI 49428

During Rebounderz Sensory Friendly Nights, the music is softer, flashing lights are minimal, the arcade is turned off and the distractions will be dialed down. Admission is $12 for kids 3-5 years old, $17 for everyone 6 and older, and free for children 2 and under with another paid admission. If you’d like to see the list of activities and amenities they provide, click here to learn more.

Thursdays, 12:00 PM-7:00 PM, Fridays/Saturdays, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum wants to make sure that all children can enjoy everything the museum has to offer, but they understand that some may need a little extra sensory support. To help provide that additional support, the museum is offering sensory support kits that can be checked out at the front desk. Each kit includes noise reduction headphones, a weighted vest and suspenders, emotion recognition flashcards, a therapy tangle, a squiglet bracelet, a copy of the GRCM social story, and a set of three stress balls. For more information on the museum and their sensory support kits, click here!

Georgia Events:

Thursday, 12/2, 7:00 PM – Sensory Friendly Performance of “The Nutcracker”
The Georgia Ballet
1255 Field Parkway, Marietta, GA 30066

Bring in the holidays with The Georgia Ballet’s Nutcracker! This time-honored winter favorite is sure to enthrall all with dueling soldiers, enchanting fairies, exquisite dancing snowflakes and an absolutely magnificent growing Christmas tree. Watch the journey of Clara, a charming little girl, as she makes her way into the Land of Sweets! Sensory Friendly performances are an abbreviated performance with modifications for children and adults with different visual and auditory needs. Click here to find more information on the show and find seats!

Saturday-Sunday, 10/16-10/17, 9:00 AM – Quiet Mornings
Tellus Science Museum
100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville, GA 30120

Quiet mornings at Tellus is an exclusive event for individuals with different sensory processing skills and their families to have a fun, enjoyable, and interactive learning experience in a comfortable and accepting environment. Lighting is normalized, and our various monitors are not turned on. This sensory-friendly event will offer a conscious effort to eliminate extra stimuli. If you’d like to learn more about the museum’s quiet mornings, and register for a spot, click this link.

Sunday, 11/7, 12/5. 9:30 AM-12:30 PM – Sensory Friendly Sessions
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s sensory friendly sessions include a sensory-modified setting, limited admission, and sound and lighting adjustments. They also have a social story available to download here to help prepare families for their Museum experience. Tickets are $15.95 per person for non-members and free for members. Advance ticket purchase is required. Click here to learn more!

Sunday, 11/7, 12/5. 9:00 AM-11:00 AM – Sensory Sensitive Sundays
Chuck E. Cheese
1690 Mall of Georgia Blvd, Buford, GA 30519

Chuck E. Cheese will be opening its doors 2 hours early on the first Sunday of the month with trained staff present so families with sensory sensitivities can come and have a fun experience in a quieter environment. For more information on Sensory Sensitive Sundays, click here.

Ohio Events:

Thursday-Sundays, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
333 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215

COSI wants to ensure that everyone can enjoy the great features and exhibits they offer. To help individuals with sensory sensitivities, they have created the Calming Room, which is located on the first floor near the Guest Services desk. This room can be used by anyone who may be feeling overstimulated and need a brief moment away from the immersive environment. The Calming Room is free for use by families with children on the autism spectrum or with other cognitive conditions. Please inquire at COSI’s Guest Services Desk for details. Click this link to find more information on COSI’s amenities and accessibility, and to see their sensory friendly environment map and calming room.

Sundays, 10:00 AM-11:00 AM – Sensory Friendly Bounce
The Bounce Club
3967 Presidential Parkway, Powell, OH 43065

This is Open Jump for those with Special Needs, and The Bounce Club is not open to the public during this time. Your jumper will have the opportunity to explore rebounding on the trampolines, running around and having fun playing throughout the entire facility. Parents and Aides do not pay during this hour as they are allowed to assist their jumper at no additional cost. To learn more about the sensory friendly bounce, click here.

Friday-Sunday, 10/15-17, 10/22-24, 10/29-31, 5:00 PM-9:00 PM – Boo at the Zoo
Columbus Zoo
4850 Powell Road, Powell, OH 43065

The Columbus Zoo is offering lighthearted Halloween family fun without the fright every Friday through Sunday in October! Enjoy all the fun of the zoo while also getting into the spirit of the season with special attractions throughout the zoo and aquarium. Click here to learn more about Boo at the Zoo!

Sunday, 11/7, 12/5. 9:00 AM-11:00 AM – Sensory Sensitive Sundays
Chuck E. Cheese
5077 Monroe, Toledo, OH 43623

Chuck E. Cheese will be opening its doors 2 hours early on the first Sunday of the month with trained staff present so families with sensory sensitivities can come and have a fun experience in a quieter environment. Click here to learn more about Sensory Sensitive Sundays!

​​Thank you for reading! We hope you found this guide helpful, and are able to find an event that interests you and your family this fall. Be sure to follow our social media, and stay up-to-date on the latest blogs for more helpful tips and tricks. Have a great day!