NOTE:

Don’t forget to apply for the Access Pass! The Access Pass program allows qualifying families to visit The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and participating locations for $5 per family member, per visit, for up to two adults and all dependent youths in the household. Eligible families must receive one of the following:

• 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 at: https://www.childrensmuseum. org/visit/hours/access-pass

Museums

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS

First Thursday Night- First Thursday every month Closed Jan. 1.

Feb. 5, 4-8 p.m.

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

IN 46208, 317-334-4000 https://www.childrensmuseum.org

CONNER PRAIRIE — INDIANA’S LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM

Sensory-Friendly Hours

Jan. 10, 10 a.m.-12 Noon

The second Sunday of every month, from 10 AM to noon, are sensoryfriendly 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 scheduled through the month

10 a.m.-10 p.m.

13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038. Phone: 317-776-6000 or 800-966-1836 https://www. connerprairie.org/calendar distractions to create a welcoming environment for children and adults with sensory processing differences. Guests can enjoy interactive learning in a comfortable, accepting setting. Social narratives are available at the ticket counter, and sensorybased activities are spaced throughout the museum. Sensory Bags are also available to enhance your visit. https://9529a. blackbaudhosting.com/9529a/ tickets?tab=3&txobjid=ec16dc0b45af-4c86-987b-2150481851de https://www.indianamuseum. org/calendar/

Family Fun

INDIANAPOLIS ZOO

Christmas at the Zoo

Jan. 2 – Jan. 4, 2026 | 5-9 p.m. SunThu & 5-10 p.m. Fri-Sat | Closed Jan. 1

1200 West Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222

Experience Our Beloved Holiday Tradition!

A light sprinkling of snow and the glow of twinkling lights will fill the sky, creating a magical nighttime experience that has become one of Central Indiana’s most beloved holiday traditions.

Dating back to 1967, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to hold a holiday lights event. Year after year, Christmas at the Zoo presented by Indiana Members Credit Union continues to grow. For our 57th year, we’re adding beautiful new decor and experiences, to enhance your next holiday trip to the Zoo. And the best part is it’s all included with regular admission! Don’t forget to visit Santa’s Village! Various events scheduled daily through the month https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/

SENSORY SENSITIVE SATURDAYS AT SMILEY INDOOR PLAY

Jan. 3 and Jan. 17, 9-11 a.m. 5729 E. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46250

Smiley Indoor Playground in Indianapolis offers Sensory Sensitive Saturdays, a special playtime for children with sensory sensitivities, autism, or other special needs. Held on the first and third Saturday of each month. During Sensory Sensitive Saturdays, several adjustments are made to create a more soothing experience:

Reduced Sensory Stimuli – Music, certain lights, and air compressor guns will be disabled or set to minimal levels.

• Play Areas Open – All play areas inside the facility will be available, except for the arcade.

• https://www.smileyindianapolis.com/.

SENSORY FRIENDLY PLAY AT URBAN AIR NOBLESVILLE

Jan. 4, 9-11 a.m. 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

SKY ZONE SOUTH

Sensory Play

Jan. 5, 5-7 p.m. Every first Monday of the month

Sensory Fun Fridays runs every Friday from 9-10 a.m. 4150 Kildeer Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46237

Jump and socialize in a comfortable, friendly environment. Enjoy the freedom of jumping. Sensory hours provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs. https://www.skyzone.com/ programs/sensory-hours/

TANGRAM SOCIAL CLUBS

5155 Pennwood Drive,Indianapolis, IN 46205

Tangram offers a variety of social clubs for everyone to enjoy! Whether you’re into games, books, or advocacy, there’s something for everyone and it’s all free!

• Bingo - 1st & 3rd Mondays at 6 PM: Play a classic game of bingo and connect with friends!

• Self Advocates - 3rd Thursday at 6-7 p.m.: Discuss self-advocacy topics and empower yourself with like-minded peers.

• Game Night - 3rd Tuesday at 6 PM: Card games, board games, and more! Feel free to bring your favorites too!

• Book Club - 2nd & 4th Mondays at 6 PM: Read and discuss books with a fresh pick each quarter!

Check out the schedule below and join us for some fun, learning, and great conversations. We can’t wait to see you there! For more information about Tangram’s clubs, please email jrice@ thetangramway.org.

#TangramClubs

#CommunityConnection #InclusiveFun

#JoinUs #TheTangramWay

AMC Theatres

Check the 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

WISHES DANCE STUDIO

12810 Ford Dr, Fishers, IN Abilities Dance Class Free

Every Monday 5:15-5:45 p.m.

This movement class is designed for exceptional learners age 3+. This class is great for students with autism, down syndrome, or other developmental disabilities. Dancers will have fun in class while building gross motor skills, gaining confidence in rhythm, and expressing creativity. No fee for this class but pre-registration is required.

WONDERS ON WHEELS FREE

Every Monday, 5:45-6:15 p.m.

This class is designed for dancers in a wheelchair. We’ll place an emphasis on upper body dance technique. The choreography will also give dancers the opportunity to move around the dance floor working on rhythm and patterns. Wonders on Wheels is a fun environment in which dancers build confidence and express creativity. No fee for this class but pre-registration is required. https:// www.wishesdance.com/adaptive

THE ARC OF HANCOCK COUNTY ADAPTIVE DANCE ( ADAPTIVE BALLET COMING SOON)

Feb. 5, 5-6:00 p.m.

Hancock Wellness Center, 8505 N Clearview Dr, McCordsville, IN 46055

Join us for an adaptive dance class every 1st Thursday of the month at Hancock Wellness Center, McCordsville! This program is designed for individuals with disabilities of ALL ages. Siblings are welcome to join. To Register: https:// thearcofhancockcounty.com/adaptivedance. Parents/Guardians must stay for the duration of the class.

Jubilate Choir

Butler University, Lilly Hall, Room 133 Thursdays, 6:30-7 p.m.

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, partsinging, 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

ASK THE ARC WEBINARS SERIES of Indiana Academy and on our YouTube channel.

Jan. 8, 6-7:00 p.m.

Our Ask The Arc webinar series will provide information and discussion on timely topics relevant to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and their support systems.

Registration is for the complete webinar series. You can pick and choose which ones you want to attend without having to register each time. https:// us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_hTnwxka_S--MknIpiQoNrA#/ registration

COMMUNITY FUN & RESOURCE

FAIR WITH CARTER’S PLAY PLACE

Jan. 16, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm Carter’s Play Place, 1021 Kendall Ct, Westfield, IN 46074

Join us for a fantastic evening dedicated to the disability community! Uniquely You and Carter’s Play Place are excited to host a Community Fun & Resource Fair that welcomes individuals, families, DSPs, caregivers, and supporters of all ages. Event Highlights:

• 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 Free Spot: https:// buytickets.at/uniquelyyou/1839174

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!

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