Sensory friendly outings for kids

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Sensory friendly outings for kids

For some kids, including those living with autism, the hardest part of seeing a play or a movie can be the theater itself – too loud, too much contrast between dark and bright, too long sitting still.

With this in mind, some arts organizations offer “sensory-friendly” shows – lower sound, smaller crowds, house lights lit and an easy-going attitude – so that it’s fine for kids to make a bit of noise and move around. Theatres also offer sensory support equipment like fidget toys, earplugs and noise-canceling earmuffs. Furthermore, staff provide storybooks outlining the theatergoer experience and prompts that serve as a guide to lighting and sound cues that may be overwhelming.

For sensory programs around the Seattle area, check these arts organizations for more information.

AMC and Regal Movie Theaters amctheatres.com • regmovies.com

Pacific Northwest Ballet pnb.org

Seattle Children’s Theatre sct.org

Seattle Symphony seattlesymphony.org

Seattle Theatre Group stgpresents.org

Storybook Theatre storybooktheatre.org

Village Theatre villagetheatre.org