Many businesses and public spaces already provide special accommodations for children with sensory sensitivities and disabilities. However, we know how difficult it can be to locate information for these businesses. So to help, we have compiled a listing below, to help identify businesses near you that are already supporting sensory inclusion.
What is a Sensory-Friendly Hour? | Our Directory | Chicagoland | New England | Sensory Scout Coming Soon
What is a Sensory-Friendly Hour?
Many businesses will advertise a sensory-friendly hour. A sensory-friendly hour is a way that a business can be more inclusive, by making minor modifications to allow a section of the population to participate, that would not otherwise be able to. Each business may make different modifications for their inclusion effort. Generally speaking, most sensory-friendly hours often include reduced noise, reduced lighting and possibly even reduced capacity.
Our Directory
Our directory indicates which businesses have sensory-friendly hours, adaptive programing available and what accommodations are available at a business outside of a sensory-friendly hour.
You should always reach out directly to the business for specific details of what accomodations are available, as information is always changing. We have included a link to the business for easier review. Note that the information in our directory may not reflect changes made due to COVID-19.
Search below by city, zip code, or keyword to find sensory-friendly activities in your area.
Chicagoland
| Place | Place Type | Location | Sensory Hours Available | Adaptive Programming | Sensory Accommodations | Sensory Description | Learn More | Zip | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chuck E. Cheese | Restaurant | Arlington Heights, IL | ✔ | Sensory Sensitive Sundays: first Sunday of each month, dimmed lightning and music, limited appearances by Chuck E., no admission fees. | Sensory Sensitive Sundays | 60004 | |||
| Airtastic | Play Place | Aurora, IL | ✔ |  | Music Free Mondays: Music turned off to remove extra noise. | Music Free Mondays | 60504 | ||
| Build-A-Bear Workshop at Centennial Fox Valley | Retail Company | Aurora, IL | ✔ |  | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 60504 | ||
| Brookfield Zoo | Zoo | Brookfield, IL | ✔ | ✔ |   | A Zoo for All, Hamill Family Play Zoo: fourth Saturday of each month, free admission/parking for pre-registered guests, sensory friendly mornings. Family Fun Saturdays: programming for young children with autism and their families. All Age, All Abilities Sundays: modified sensory programming. Life and Work Skills Programming: Good Works (for high schoolers with disabilities), ProjectSEARCH (for adults with disabilities). | A Zoo for All | 60513 | |
| AMC Galewood Crossings 14 | Movie Theater | Chicago, IL | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: second and fourth Saturdays (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature) every month, brightened lights and lowered sound, dancing/walking/shouting/singing encouraged | Sensory Friendly Films | 60639 | |||
| AMC River East 21 | Movie Theater | Chicago, IL | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: second and fourth Saturdays (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature) every month, brightened lights and lowered sound, dancing/walking/shouting/singing encouraged | Sensory Friendly Films | 60611 | |||
| Blue Man Group | Theater | Chicago, Il | Blue Man Group offers an annual sensory-friendly performance which includes slight modifications, such as dim lighting, bean bags, calm environment and quiet corners to better accommodate individuals with autism. Sound levels are reduced at select moments and noise isolating headphones also available upon request. | Learn More | 60657 | ||||
| Build-A-Bear Workshop at Navy Pier | Retail Company | Chicago, IL | ✔ | | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 60611 | ||
| Chicago Children's Museum | Museum | Chicago, IL | ✔ |  | Play For All: second Saturday of each month, starts at 9:00am for pre-registered guests (first 250 free), multisensory exhibits for children and families with disabilities. | Play For All | 60611 | ||
| Chicago Children's Theatre | Theater | Chicago, IL | ✔ | ✔ | | Chicago Children's Theatre offers kids classes and programs year-round. For children with autism, the theater offers Red Kite Project/Camp Red Kite: a sensory-friendly class/summer arts camp programming, multisensory drama, art, music, and movement experiences designed for children on the autism spectrum that encourages imagination and positive peer play. Sensory Friendly Performances include ASL Interpretation, Open Captioning, Touch Tours, & Audio Description. | Learn More | 60607 | |
| DePaul University Theatre School - Sensory Friendly Performances | Theater | Chicago, IL | ✔ | | The DePaul University Theatre School offers shows that are accommodated for and geared towards kids with different abilities. Every show will include one sensory friendly performance, including accommodations such as low noise and soft light. Performances interpreted in American Sign Language will be offered along with assistive listening devices. The theatre also provides a live audio description of the visual and physical events onstage in order to accommodate children who are blind or have low vision. The location is wheelchair accessible. On the day of the performance, there will also be an insert included in the program that will detail the day’s expectations – house lights at half, any moments that might be surprising, and the location of a quiet area. Patrons are free to stand, move, and enter or exit the theatre as needed. | Plan Your Visit | 60614 | ||
| Filament Theatre | Theater | Chicago, IL | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Performances: lowered sound, low lights, talking and moving during performance permitted. | Sensory Friendly Performances | 60641 | |||
| ifly | Interactive Entertainment | Chicago, IL | ✔ | The dream of flight is accessible to all at iFly's All Abilities Night, a supportive and inclusive program designed especially for those with physical and cognitive challenges. The event package includes a pre-flight training session, all necessary flight gear (suit, helmet, goggles) and two flights per flyer. Specially trained instructors will provide assistance and individualized attention and accommodations based on the participant's needs. | All Abilities Night | 60610 | |||
| KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) Chicago | Fitness/Community Center | Chicago, IL | ✔ | Keen Chicago is a non profit that provides free recreational programming to children and young adults with physical or developmental disabilities. Keen pairs participants with coaches and volunteers who help them have fun and build new skills while parents recharge and socialize. Programs meet weekly for approximately 50 minutes and are based around sports, swimming, or art and include a mix of group and individually tailored activities. Open to all ages 5-21 with physical or developmental disabilies. Free to participants | Learn More | 60626 | |||
| Lifeline Theatre | Theater | Chicago, IL | ✔ | ✔ | | Sensory Friendly Performances: relaxed and sensory friendly theatre experiences. | Sensory Friendly Performances | 60626 | |
| Shedd Aquarium | Museum | Chicago, IL | ✔ |  | Calm Waters: event for guests with disabilities to explore exhibits with the appropriate modifications. | Calm Waters | 60605 | ||
| The Field Museum | Museum | Chicago, IL | ✔ | | Sensory Saturdays: 9:00am - 10:00am, must register beforehand. PlayLab Accesibility Days: pre-register for private event with mobility, sound, and lighting accommodations for adults and children with disabilities. | Sensory Saturdays | 60605 | ||
| Kohl's Childrens Museum | Museum | Glenview, IL | ✔ | Everyone at Play: closed time for children with special needs and their families on specified Sunday mornings. | Everyone at Play | 60026 | |||
| Build-A-Bear Workshop at Gurnee Mills | Retail Company | Gurnee, IL | ✔ | | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 60031 | ||
| Chuck E. Cheese | Restaurant | Joliet, IL | ✔ | | Sensory Sensitive Sundays: first Sunday of each month, dimmed lightning and music, limited appearances by Chuck E., no admission fees. | Sensory Sensitive Sundays | 60435 | ||
| Equestrian Connection | Equestrian | Lake Forest, IL | ✔ | Equestrian Connection aims to positively impact the lives of mentally, emotionally and physically challenged children. Their staff includes highly professional licensed therapists, therapeutic riding instructors and caring volunteers. They offer a variety of programming from art therapy to riding lessons, as well as family bonding events and birthday parties. | Learn More | 60045 | |||
| Horsefeathers Therapeutic Riding | Equestrian | Lake Forest, IL | ✔ | Horsefeathers is a supportive treatment program with a primary focus on therapeutic riding lessons and hippotherapy for people of all ages and all abilities. No prescription is necessary to join the therapeutic riding experience, and Horsefeathers welcomes those without a disability as well. Horsefeathers also holds accolades in fostering the growth of participants in many Illinois Equestrian Events and the Special Olympics. | Learn More | 60045 | |||
| AMC Lake In The Hills 12 | Movie Theater | Lake In The Hills, IL | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: second and fourth Saturdays (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature) every month, brightened lights and lowered sound, dancing/walking/shouting/singing encouraged | Sensory Friendly Films | 60156 | |||
| Morton Arboretum | Park | Lisle, IL | ✔ | Visual Schedule: map-based tools designed for those on the spectrum and those with developmental disabilities, wheelchairs for rent, ASL interpreters. | Accessibility Information | 60532 | |||
| AMC DINE-IN Yorktown 18 | Movie Theater | Lombard, IL | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: second and fourth Saturdays (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature) every month, brightened lights and lowered sound, dancing/walking/shouting/singing encouraged | Sensory Friendly Films | 60148 | |||
| Freedom Woods Stables | Equestrian | Morton Grove, IL | ✔ | Freedom Woods is a hunter jumper stable that offers lessons, boarding, training, and sales. The Therapeutic Ring Program offers riders with unique challenges the chance to ride alongside therapy trainers and learn horsemanship skills on the ground. Cost: $45 - $80 per 30 min lesson | Learn More | 60053 | |||
| AMC Naperville 16 | Movie Theater | Naperville, IL | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: second and fourth Saturdays (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature) every month, brightened lights and lowered sound, dancing/walking/shouting/singing encouraged | Sensory Friendly Films | 60564 | |||
| Chuck E. Cheese | Restaurant | Naperville, IL | ✔ | Sensory Sensitive Sundays: first Sunday of each month, dimmed lightning and music, limited appearances by Chuck E., no admission fees. | Sensory Sensitive Sundays | 60540 | |||
| DuPage Children's Museum | Museum | Naperville, IL | | Third Thursdays: 4:00pm - 8:00pm, w/ trained comfort dog, sensory art projects, and sensory story time. | Third Thursdays | 60540 | |||
| Hollywood Palms | Movie Theater | Naperville, IL | ✔ | Offer Bright Stars screenings on the first Wednesday and the following Saturday of each month. Tickets are $5 per person. We keep the lights up and soften the sound for a comfortable, sensory-friendly setting,ideal for young children and guests sensitive to loud noises or darkness. | Bright Stars | 60540 | |||
| ifly | Interactive Entertainment | Naperville, IL | ✔ | The dream of flight is accessible to all at iFly's All Abilities Night, a supportive and inclusive program designed especially for those with physical and cognitive challenges. The event package includes a pre-flight training session, all necessary flight gear (suit, helmet, goggles) and two flights per flyer. Specially trained instructors will provide assistance and individualized attention and accommodations based on the participant's needs. | All Abilities Night | 60563 | |||
| Naperville Public Library | Library | Naperville, IL | ✔ | | The Sensory NPL app includes detailed maps of each library branch with pictures, a schedule to help users plan their visit and know what to expect, a tap-to-communicate feature for those who are nonverbal or have speech difficulties, a voice-over feature for people who struggle with vision or reading, even games to play as a way to take a break from sensory distractions. | Learn More | 60540 | ||
| Sky High Sports | Play Place | Naperville, IL | ✔ | Special Needs Jump Time: every Tuesday with no music and dimmed lights. Private rooms are available for event booking. | Special Needs Jump Time | 60563 | |||
| AMC New Lenox 14 | Movie Theater | New Lenox, IL | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: second and fourth Saturdays (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature) every month, brightened lights and lowered sound, dancing/walking/shouting/singing encouraged | Sensory Friendly Films | 60451 | |||
| AMC Niles 12 | Movie Theater | Niles, IL | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: second and fourth Saturdays (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature) every month, brightened lights and lowered sound, dancing/walking/shouting/singing encouraged | Sensory Friendly Films | 60714 | |||
| Sky High Sports | Play Place | Niles, IL | ✔ | | Special Needs Jump Time: every Tuesday with no music and dimmed lights. Private rooms are available for event booking. | Special Needs Jump Time | 60714 | ||
| Children's Discovery Museum | Museum | Normal, IL | ✔ | | The mission of the Children's Discovery Museum is to inspire the love of learning through the power of play. Our mission is accomplished by providing hands-on exhibits, classes, and programs that actively engage the visitor in experiences that stimulate imagination, curiosity, and wonder. | Learn More | 61761 | ||
| AMC DINE-IN Northbrook 14 | Movie Theater | Northbrook, IL | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: second and fourth Saturdays (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature) every month, brightened lights and lowered sound, dancing/walking/shouting/singing encouraged | Sensory Friendly Films | 60062 | |||
| Build-A-Bear Workshop at Northbrook Court | Retail Company | Northbrook, IL | ✔ | | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 60062 | ||
| Camp Chi | Summer Camp | Northbrook, IL | ✔ | For nearly 100 years, Camp Chi has transformed children's summers. We unplug campers from their daily lives and connect them to life-changing moments. We believe everyone benefits when everyone can play. For over 20 years, we've been proud to partner with Keshet, to provide one-on-one support to ensure that campers with intellectual, social and physical disabilities can participate fully at Camp Chi. Our Inclusion Coordinator meets with families to understand the camper's needs and make sure that they are met. This can include anything from how much support they need, if any modifications are required, and which session is best for the child. | Learn More | 60062 | |||
| JCC Chicago | Fitness/Community Center | Northbrook, IL | ✔ | ✔ | All-In Swimming Classes: programming for children on the autism spectrum, designed to teach water safety and swim skills. Focus on life saving techniques and recreational swim therapy with creative play. Seven levels of learning available. | All-In Swim | 60062 | ||
| Build-A-Bear Workshop at Oakbrook Center | Retail Company | Oak Brook, IL | ✔ | | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 60523 | ||
| Oak Brook Park District | Park | Oak Brook, IL | ✔ | The Sandlot: a universal playground for people of all ages and abilities. Features spongy surfacing, ramps, full fencing, musical elements, and educational play panels. | The Sandlot | 60523 | |||
| Build-A-Bear Workshop at Orland Square | Retail Company | Orland Park, IL | ✔ | | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 60462 | ||
| Pump It Up | Play Place | Orland Park, IL | ✔ | Sensory Jump: first Monday of every month, 6:15pm-8:15pm. | Sensory Jump | 60467 | |||
| We Rock The Spectrum Kid's Gym | Play Place | Palatine, IL | ✔ | We Rock the Spectrum Chicago/Palatine provides children with a fun and motivational environment to help them in the areas of strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, positive behavior modification, social interactions, and self-care skills. Our unique gym equipment assists all children in their neurological growth and development. | Learn More | 60074 | |||
| Discovery Center Museum | Museum | Rockford, IL | ✔ | | The Discovery Center Museum offers hour-long morning events dedicated for visitors with special needs and their families. Fun For Everyone begins either one hour before the general public opening or allows you to stay late, so an exclusive museum experience is granted. Admission is free of charge to child and caretaker. Advanced registration is required. Due to covid children age six and older are required to wear a mask. The museum has changed some of their exhibits and will be cleaning while you are visiting and between scheduled visits. At this time, please bring a water bottle and eat before or after your visit. | Learn More | 61103 | ||
| Build-A-Bear Workshop at Fashion Outlets Chicago | Retail Company | Rosemont, IL | ✔ | | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 60018 | ||
| ifly | Interactive Entertainment | Rosemont, IL | ✔ | The dream of flight is accessible to all at iFly's All Abilities Night, a supportive and inclusive program designed especially for those with physical and cognitive challenges. The event package includes a pre-flight training session, all necessary flight gear (suit, helmet, goggles) and two flights per flyer. Specially trained instructors will provide assistance and individualized attention and accommodations based on the participant's needs. | All Abilities Night | 60018 | |||
| Build-A-Bear Workshop at Woodfield Shopping Center | Retail Company | Schaumburg, IL | ✔ | | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 60173 | ||
| Legoland | Play Place | Schaumburg, IL | ✔ | | Play Well Days: sensory friendly experience the first Saturday of every month, 8:30am-10:00am. Features reduced light and sound levels, quiet spaces, reduced center capacity, staff training by Autism Speaks. Earplugs are available upon request. | Play Well Days | 60173 | ||
| Altitude | Play Place | Skokie, IL | ✔ | | Sensory Sensitivity Night: third Tuesday of the month 6pm - 8pm | Sensory Sensitivity Night | 60077 | ||
| MassVR | Interactive Entertainment | Skokie, IL | ✔ | | Fourth Sundays of the month, from 10am-11am. Sensory Friendly Mode offers a no-hands experience with no weapons, no timers, no in-game music, and dimmer lights. | Learn More | 60077 | ||
| Skokie Heritage Museum | Museum | Skokie, IL | ✔ | Join us at the museum for a sensory-friendly fall festival! We will have crafts and games that explore what it would have been like to live as a pioneer, tours of the log cabin, and festive snacks! This event is open to everyone, but was especially designed to include our sensory-aware friends. Best for ages 5 and up. | Harvest Festival | 60077 | |||
| Skokie Public Library | Library | Skokie, IL | ✔ | Club Wonder: Sensory Storytime for children ages 3-8 and families with special needs, a monthly club to enjoy stories, music, movement, play, and socialization. | Club Wonder | 60077 | |||
| AMC South Barrington 24 | Movie Theater | South Barrington, IL | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: second and fourth Saturdays (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature) every month, brightened lights and lowered sound, dancing/walking/shouting/singing encouraged | Sensory Friendly Films | 60010 | |||
| Hollywood Blvd Cinema | Movie Theater | Woodridge, IL | ✔ | Recently began hosting special needs screenings. Tickets are $6 per person. Keep an eye on their special events page for future screenings. | Special Events | 60517 |
New England
| Place | Place Type | Location | Sensory Hours Available | Adaptive Programming | Sensory Accommodations | Sensory Description | Learn More | Zip | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMC Danbury 16 | Movie Theater | Danbury, CT | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: second and fourth Saturdays (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature) every month, brightened lights and lowered sound, dancing/walking/shouting/singing encouraged | Sensory Friendly Films | 06810 | |||
| Build-A-Bear Workshop at Danbury Fair Mall | Retail Company | Danbury, CT | ✔ | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 06810 | |||
| Build-A-Bear Workshop at Westfarms Mall | Retail Company | Farmington, CT | ✔ | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 06032 | |||
| Connecticut Science Center | Museum | Hartford, CT | ✔ | | This museum offers hands on learning for children. They offer Sensory friendly days multiple times a year. Sensory days have dimmed lighting, and lowering volume. | Learn More | 06103 | ||
| Build-A-Bear Workshop at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills | Retail Company | Manchester, CT | ✔ | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 06042 | |||
| Chuck E. Cheese | Restaurant | Manchester, CT | ✔ | Sensory Sensitive Sundays: first Sunday of each month, dimmed lightning and music, limited appearances by Chuck E., no admission fees. | Sensory Sensitive Sundays | 06040 | |||
| Urban Air Trampoline Park | Play Place | Manchester, CT | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Jump: An event specifically designed for children with Autism and special needs to enjoy time at the park without loud music, flashing lights and to have a lot of fun! | Sensory Friendly Jump | 06042 | |||
| Kidcity Children's Museum | Museum | Middletown, CT | | Kidcity is a museum created for children aged 1-7 years old. This museum was created to help your child to be hands on and encourages imagination. Please call ahead ahead to see if we are open. | Learn More | 06457 | |||
| Chuck E. Cheese | Restaurant | Newington, CT | ✔ | Sensory Sensitive Sundays: first Sunday of each month, dimmed lightning and music, limited appearances by Chuck E., no admission fees. | Sensory Sensitive Sundays | 06111 | |||
| Sky Zone Trampoline Park | Play Place | Norwalk, CT | ✔ | Sensory Hours: Enjoy the freedom of jumping. Sensory hours provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs. | Sensory Hours | 06854 | |||
| Stepping Stones Museum for Children | Museum | Norwalk, CT | ✔ | | My Ability is a new supportive program designed to facilitate sensory-friendly discoveries for individuals with sensory processing differences and other special needs. An Open Arms program. Every Thursday 3:30pm-5pm | My Ability | 06850 | ||
| Chuck E. Cheese | Restaurant | Orange, CT | ✔ | Sensory Sensitive Sundays: first Sunday of each month, dimmed lightning and music, limited appearances by Chuck E., no admission fees. | Sensory Sensitive Sundays | 06477 | |||
| AMC Plainville 20 | Movie Theater | Plainville, CT | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: second and fourth Saturdays (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature) every month, brightened lights and lowered sound, dancing/walking/shouting/singing encouraged | Sensory Friendly Films | 06062 | |||
| Build-A-Bear Workshop at Westfield Trumbull | Retail Company | Trumbull, CT | ✔ | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 06611 | |||
| Chuck E. Cheese | Restaurant | Waterbury, CT | ✔ | Sensory Sensitive Sundays: first Sunday of each month, dimmed lightning and music, limited appearances by Chuck E., no admission fees. | Sensory Sensitive Sundays | 06705 | |||
| Romp n' Roll Wethersfield | Play Place | Wethersfield, CT | ✔ | Come and enjoy sensory exploration through age- appropriate activities including: Play, construction, music, art and more! All children under the age of five are welcome. Many classes are offered so please visit their website to find the best fit for your family. Registration is required. | Learn More | 06109 | |||
| Discovery Museum | Museum | Action, MA | ✔ | | Come explore the accessible Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods. Sensory-Friendly Afternoons are all about inclusion. During these events the museum is open to the general public, but group visits and birthday parties are not scheduled, to avoid crowding and support access to exhibits. | Sensory-Friendly Afternoons | 01720 | ||
| Autism Eats | Restaurant | Andover, MA | ✔ | Autism Eats dinner parties are held in private rooms of restaurants or function facilities. Food is served buffet or family style so there is no waiting. Music and lighting are adjusted to accommodate those with sensory sensitivity. These are family dinners and all attending have a loved one on the spectrum so there is no need to apologize, explain or feel uncomfortable. It is an opportunity to enjoy a night out and socialize with others who have many of the same joys and challenges in common. | Learn More | 01810 | |||
| Chuck E. Cheese | Restaurant | Attleboro, MA | ✔ | Sensory Sensitive Sundays: first Sunday of each month, dimmed lightning and music, limited appearances by Chuck E., no admission fees. | Sensory Sensitive Sundays | 02703 | |||
| Urban Air Trampoline Park | Play Place | Bellingham, MA | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Jump: An event specifically designed for children with Autism and special needs to enjoy time at the park without loud music, flashing lights and to have a lot of fun! | Sensory Friendly Jump | 02019 | |||
| Blue Man Group | Theater | Boston, MA | ✔ | | Blue Man Group offers an annual sensory-friendly performance which includes slight modifications, such as dim lighting, bean bags, calm environment and quiet corners to better accommodate individuals with autism. Sound levels are reduced at select moments and noise isolating headphones also available upon request. | Learn More | 02116 | ||
| Boston Children's Museum | Museum | Boston, MA | ✔ | | Morningstar Access at Boston Children's Museum offers children with special needs/medical needs the opportunity to visit the Museum at a time when there are only a few other visitors. At these times, we have a limit of 100 guests, and children and their families can explore the Museum with less concern about infections and large crowds. | Morningstar Access | 02210 | ||
| Franklin Park Zoo | Zoo | Boston, MA | ✔ | | This zoo offers sensory bags to help make everyones experience a positive one. | Learn More | 02121 | ||
| Sky Zone Trampoline Park | Play Place | Boston, MA | ✔ | Sensory Hours: Enjoy the freedom of jumping. Sensory hours provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs. | Sensory Hours | 01236 | |||
| Build-A-Bear at South Shore Plaza | Retail Company | Braintree, MA | ✔ | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 02184 | |||
| AMC Burlington Cinema 10 | Movie Theater | Burlington, MA | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: second and fourth Saturdays (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature) every month, brightened lights and lowered sound, dancing/walking/shouting/singing encouraged | Sensory Friendly Films | 01803 | |||
| Build-A-Bear at Burlington Mall | Retail Company | Burlington, MA | ✔ | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 01803 | |||
| Sky Zone Trampoline Park | Play Place | Danvers, MA | ✔ | Sensory Hours: Enjoy the freedom of jumping. Sensory hours provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs. | Sensory Hours | 01923 | |||
| Chuck E. Cheese | Restaurant | Everett, MA | ✔ | Sensory Sensitive Sundays: first Sunday of each month, dimmed lightning and music, limited appearances by Chuck E., no admission fees. | Sensory Sensitive Sundays | 02149 | |||
| AMC DINE-IN Framingham 16 | Movie Theater | Framingham, MA | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: second and fourth Saturdays (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature) every month, brightened lights and lowered sound, dancing/walking/shouting/singing encouraged | Sensory Friendly Films | 01701 | |||
| Build-A-Bear at Holyoke Mall at Ingelside | Retail Company | Holyoke, MA | ✔ | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 01040 | |||
| Children's Museum at Holyoke | Museum | Holyoke, MA | ✔ | | Sensory Sundays are on the first Sunday of the month from 10 to 11:30 am. During these hours our museum space has a more calming environment for your child with sensitivities to engage and explore. The lights are turned down and children are given free range of the museum with their adult. | Sensory Sundays | 01040 | ||
| Sky Zone Trampoline Park | Play Place | Kingston, MA | ✔ | Sensory Hours: Enjoy the freedom of jumping. Sensory hours provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs. | Sensory Hours | 02364 | |||
| O'neil Cinemas | Movie Theater | Littleton, MA | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: See a movie on the big screen with NO loud noises and higher house lights for better visibility. Fun, friendly environment. All shows are at 10:00 AM. | Sensory Friendly Films | 01460 | |||
| Chuck E. Cheese | Restaurant | Lowell, MA | ✔ | Sensory Sensitive Sundays: first Sunday of each month, dimmed lightning and music, limited appearances by Chuck E., no admission fees. | Sensory Sensitive Sundays | 01852 | |||
| AMC Methuen 20 | Movie Theater | Methuen, MA | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: second and fourth Saturdays (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature) every month, brightened lights and lowered sound, dancing/walking/shouting/singing encouraged | Sensory Friendly Films | 01844 | |||
| Chuck E. Cheese | Restaurant | Methuen, MA | ✔ | Sensory Sensitive Sundays: first Sunday of each month, dimmed lightning and music, limited appearances by Chuck E., no admission fees. | Sensory Sensitive Sundays | 01844 | |||
| Build-A-Bear at Natick Mall | Retail Company | Natick, MA | ✔ | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 01760 | |||
| Buttonwood park zoo | Zoo | New Bedford, MA | ✔ | | This zoo offers sensory bags to help make everyones experience a positive one. | Learn More | 02740 | ||
| Build-A-Bear Workshop at Emerald Square | Retail Company | North Attleboro, MA | ✔ | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 02760 | |||
| AMC Dartmouth Mall 11 | Movie Theater | North Dartmouth, MA | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: second and fourth Saturdays (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature) every month, brightened lights and lowered sound, dancing/walking/shouting/singing encouraged | Sensory Friendly Films | 02747 | |||
| Chuck E. Cheese | Restaurant | North Dartmouth, MA | ✔ | Sensory Sensitive Sundays: first Sunday of each month, dimmed lightning and music, limited appearances by Chuck E., no admission fees. | Sensory Sensitive Sundays | 02747 | |||
| Children's Museum In Easton | Museum | North Easton, MA | ✔ | ✔ | Join us for an evening of private playtime with sensory-friendly activities for families to connect with their children who are affected by an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Ages 10 and under. Free admission but pre-registration for our "Play for All" event(s) is required. | Play for All | 02356 | ||
| Build-A-Bear at Northshore Mall | Retail Company | Peabody, MA | ✔ | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 01960 | |||
| Cinemagic | Movie Theater | Salisbury, MA | ✔ | Sensory & Family Friendly movies are for individuals living with autism and families with small children, to enjoy their movie going experience in a safe and accepting environment. | Sensory and Family Friendly movies | 01952 | |||
| The Amazing world of Dr. Seuss | Museum | Springfield, MA | ✔ | | For Sensory Friendly Saturdays, the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Springfield Science Museum open an hour early (9 am) exclusively for families with sensory sensitive children. Many of the exhibits in both museums are modified to provide an opportunity for people with a range of differing abilities to experience what the museums have to offer. The modifications are enabled until 11 am. | Sensory Friendly Saturdays | 01103 | ||
| The Springfield Museums | Museum | Springfield, MA | ✔ | | For Sensory Friendly Saturdays, the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Springfield Science Museum open an hour early (9 am) exclusively for families with sensory sensitive children. Many of the exhibits in both museums are modified to provide an opportunity for people with a range of differing abilities to experience what the museums have to offer. The modifications are enabled until 11 am. Hours 9-11am | Sensory Friendly Saturdays | 01103 | ||
| Stone Zoo | Zoo | Stoneham, MA | ✔ | | Stone Zoo staff have been trained by leading medical professionals on how to best accommodate guests with sensory needs. You can download their free KultureCity App (free) to view features in the zoo including locations for quiet zones and headphone areas. Normally this zoo offers sensory bags however, to ensure the safety of staff and guests, bags are temporarily unavailable. Reservations must be made in advance by visiting their website or by calling 617-989-2076. | Learn More | 02180 | ||
| Cinemagic | Movie Theater | Sturbridge, MA | ✔ | Sensory & Family Friendly movies are for individuals living with autism and families with small children, to enjoy their movie going experience in a safe and accepting environment. | Sensory and Family Friendly movies | 01566 | |||
| AMC Tyngsboro 12 | Movie Theater | Tyngsboro, MA | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: second and fourth Saturdays (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature) every month, brightened lights and lowered sound, dancing/walking/shouting/singing encouraged | Sensory Friendly Films | 01879 | |||
| Chuck E. Cheese | Restaurant | Worcester, MA | ✔ | Sensory Sensitive Sundays: first Sunday of each month, dimmed lightning and music, limited appearances by Chuck E., no admission fees. | Sensory Sensitive Sundays | 01604 | |||
| Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine | Museum | Portland, ME | ✔ | ✔ | | If you have any questions you can visit the zoo's website and see their reopening FAQs or call 617-989-2076. | Learn More | 04101 | |
| Build-A-Bear at The Maine Mall | Retail Company | S. Portland, ME | ✔ | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 04106 | |||
| Cinemagic & IMAX | Movie Theater | Saco, ME | ✔ | Sensory & Family Friendly movies are for individuals living with autism and families with small children, to enjoy their movie going experience in a safe and accepting environment. | Sensory and Family Friendly movies | 04072 | |||
| Cinemagic Grand at Clarks Pond | Movie Theater | South Portland, ME | ✔ | Sensory & Family Friendly movies are for individuals living with autism and families with small children, to enjoy their movie going experience in a safe and accepting environment. | Sensory and Family Friendly movies | 04106 | |||
| Urban Air Trampoline Park | Play Place | South Portland, ME | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Jump: An event specifically designed for children with Autism and special needs to enjoy time at the park without loud music, flashing lights and to have a lot of fun! | Sensory Friendly Jump | 04106 | |||
| Cinemagic | Movie Theater | Westbrook, ME | ✔ | Sensory & Family Friendly movies are for individuals living with autism and families with small children, to enjoy their movie going experience in a safe and accepting environment. | Sensory and Family Friendly movies | 04092 | |||
| Children's Museum of New Hampshire | Museum | Dover, NH | ✔ | | Exploring Our Way sessions are held on the first Sunday of each month during the school year from 10 am - noon. This program provides opportunities to enjoy family time at the museum in a safe, understanding environment, allows parents to network with one another, and will help families discover new resources available to them. | Exploring Our Way | 03820 | ||
| O'neil Cinemas | Movie Theater | Epping, NH | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Films: See a movie on the big screen with NO loud noises and higher house lights for better visibility. Fun, friendly environment. All shows are at 10:00 AM. | Sensory Friendly Films | 03042 | |||
| Storyland | Theme Park | Glen, NH | ✔ | | Sensory Friendly Information: information about communication boards, sensory accommodations at the park including sensory sensitive weekend dates, calm areas, quiet dining areas, and hand dryer information | Sensory Friendly Information | 03838 | ||
| Cinemagic & IMAX | Movie Theater | Hooksett, NH | ✔ | Sensory & Family Friendly movies are for individuals living with autism and families with small children, to enjoy their movie going experience in a safe and accepting environment. | Sensory and Family Friendly movies | 03106 | |||
| Build-A-Bear at Mall of New Hampshire | Retail Company | Manchester, NH | ✔ | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 03103 | |||
| Chuck E. Cheese | Restaurant | Manchester, NH | ✔ | Sensory Sensitive Sundays: first Sunday of each month, dimmed lightning and music, limited appearances by Chuck E., no admission fees. | Sensory Sensitive Sundays | 03103 | |||
| Chunky's Cinema Pub | Movie Theater | Manchester, NH | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Movies: These events are monthly screenings of newly released movies for children with autism or other special needs. Chunky's will keep the theater lights up, the sound of the film turned down, and no 3D. Audience members are allowed to walk around, dance, shout or sing! | Sensory Friendly Movies | 03103 | |||
| Cinemagic | Movie Theater | Merrimack, NH | ✔ | Sensory & Family Friendly movies are for individuals living with autism and families with small children, to enjoy their movie going experience in a safe and accepting environment. | Sensory and Family Friendly movies | 03054 | |||
| Build-A-Bear at Pheasant Lane Mall | Retail Company | Nashua, NH | ✔ | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 03060 | |||
| Chunky's Cinema Pub | Movie Theater | Nashua, NH | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Movies: These events are monthly screenings of newly released movies for children with autism or other special needs. Chunky's will keep the theater lights up, the sound of the film turned down, and no 3D. Audience members are allowed to walk around, dance, shout or sing! | Sensory Friendly Movies | 03063 | |||
| Chuck E. Cheese | Restaurant | Newington, NH | ✔ | Sensory Sensitive Sundays: first Sunday of each month, dimmed lightning and music, limited appearances by Chuck E., no admission fees. | Sensory Sensitive Sundays | 03801 | |||
| Conway Scenic Railroad | Railway | North Conway, NH | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Fridays: traversing the Branch each week in July for children on the autism spectrum. | Sensory Friendly Fridays | 03860 | |||
| Chunky's Cinema Pub | Movie Theater | Pelham, NH | ✔ | Sensory Friendly Movies: These events are monthly screenings of newly released movies for children with autism or other special needs. Chunky's will keep the theater lights up, the sound of the film turned down, and no 3D. Audience members are allowed to walk around, dance, shout or sing! | Sensory Friendly Movies | 03076 | |||
| Cinemagic Stadium 10 | Movie Theater | Portsmouth, NH | ✔ | Sensory & Family Friendly movies are for individuals living with autism and families with small children, to enjoy their movie going experience in a safe and accepting environment. | Sensory and Family Friendly movies | 03801 | |||
| Build-A-Bear at Mall at Rockingham Park | Retail Company | Salem, NH | ✔ | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 03079 | |||
| Big Apple Circus | Circus | Brooklyn, NY | ✔ | | Sensory Friendly Performances: Big Apple Circus embraces autism with amazing artistry. This performance provides sensory adaptations to welcome ASD patrons and their families with open arms. There are modifications to sound and lighting, a professionally staffed calming area in the lobby, extra signage, volunteers with helping hands, fidgets, and earplugs. The Social Story will be available as a PDF with your ticket purchase. Enjoy the circus! | Sensory Friendly Performances | 11222 | ||
| Build-A-Bear at Mall at Providence Place | Retail Company | Providence, RI | ✔ | First Tuesday of the Month for the first hour at all locations! Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays are designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that's still fun-filled and unforgettable. Features dimmer lighting and little to no music playing. All ages and siblings welcome. | Learn More | 02903 | |||
| Carousel Village | Theme Park | Providence, RI | ✔ | | You must enter at your assigned time and wear a mask. | Learn More | 02907 | ||
| Roger Williams Park Zoo | Zoo | Providence, RI | ✔ | ✔ | | The Roger Williams Park Zoo is open from This zoo offers sensory bags to help make everyone's experience a positive one. If you need a sensory bag request one upon entry. You can buy your tickets online and they will send you an email with your entry time and a bar code they will scan upon entry. They require face coverings for everyone older than two years old however if you have a medical condition that prohibits you from wearing one they will make an exception. All buildings are closed. For a complete list of what to expect, please visit https://www.rwpzoo.org/reopen. | Learn More | 02907 | |
| Sky Zone Trampoline Park | Play Place | Providence, RI | ✔ | Sensory Hours: Enjoy the freedom of jumping. Sensory hours provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs. | Sensory Hours | 02916 | |||
| Chuck E. Cheese | Restaurant | Warwick, RI | ✔ | Sensory Sensitive Sundays: first Sunday of each month, dimmed lightning and music, limited appearances by Chuck E., no admission fees. | Sensory Sensitive Sundays | 02866 | |||
| ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain | Museum | Burlington, VT | ✔ | | ECHO understands that many of our exhibits and public spaces can be overwhelming to those with sensory processing differences, especially when crowded. visitors are welcome to call the front desk ahead of time and ask about upcoming less crowded times that week. | Sensory Accomodations | 05401 | ||
| The Nature Museum VT | Museum | Grafton, VT | ✔ | Visitors can crawl through an underground bear den; dig for fossils; find out about bats, bees, and catamounts; and learn about animal adaptations by dressing up as their favorite creature. Outdoors, wander in our wildlife garden and catch a glimpse of passing butterflies and our resident honeybees out collecting nectar. Take a hike through the maple, oak, beech, and birch forest in the Village Park behind the Museum. The three Village Park trails offer easy to moderate hiking. There are picnic tables in the Museum's backyard as well as several picnic areas and gazebos along the Village Park trails. | Learn More | 05146 | |||
| Montshire Museum of Science | Museum | Norwich, VT | ✔ | | Sensory Friendly Hours: Give families the opportunity to enjoy a less-crowded visit to the Montshire at a discounted rate. Visitors can enjoy a fun and interactive learning experience in a comfortable and welcoming environment. The Montshire will limit participation, reduce exhibit sound, provide pre-visit supports and offer quiet, respite space. | Morning Sensory Friendly Hours | 05055 |
Sensory Accommodations Legend:
Social stories
Headsets available
Fidgets available
Sensory map
Calm space available
Sensory app
Sensory Scout Coming Soon
Check back this fall – We are really excited to be launching our Sensory Scout project and expanding sensory inclusion by:
- Making it easier to locate sensory supportive businesses through our site.
- Adding more businesses to our directory.
- Including more details, by individual sense, so you can be better prepared for a succesful family outing.