Local Events

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

Museum My Way An adaptive museum experience

Oct. 14, Dec. 9, 

This special event is an opportunity for visitors with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivities to experience the museum in a new way. Families and groups of all abilities are welcome to play and learn together!

Limited capacity. Quiet area with sensory items. Some music is turned down or off. Edited lighting effects in some areas.Tickets go on sale 6 weeks before events. https://www.childrensmuseum.org/museum-my-way

The Children's Museum Guild's Annual Haunted Bewitched BOOseum.

Oct. 10 through 31

Something magical—and a little mysterious has happened.

Guilda, your friendly resident witch of The Children's Museum Guild, wanted to celebrate the museum's 100th birthday and decided to bring our beloved exhibits and icons to life.

A magical mishap happened instead. Explore a creepy mashup of your favorite exhibits and iconic museum moments, all brought eerily to life in one haunted adventure—Bewitched BOOseum  There’s so much more that has gone wrong!

https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/event/165

First Thursday Night- First Thursday every monthOct. 2, 4:00 pm

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

Various Events scheduled through the month Opens at 10 AM  

3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, 317-334-4000

https://www.childrensmuseum.org

Conner Prairie — Indiana’s Living History Museum

Headless Horseman

Oct. 2 through 26

Throughout the month of October, immerse yourself into a world of mystery and seasonal thrills at the Headless Horseman Festival. Explore fall family traditions throughout the festival grounds, including fun activities and rides, seasonal treats, specialty drinks, and entertainment to delight everyone. Wander into a new story surrounded by the ghosts of Indiana circus history. Throughout the journey, try your hand at axe-throwing, marvel at how fire becomes art with Circle City Fire, and dare to venture into the haunted corn maze. There, you will investigate the folklore involving an Indiana circus train accident. The hayride will be waiting to take you out into the woods and into Sleepy Hollow that puts you into the story and the legend of the Headless Horseman. Make sure you stop by the Apple Store and help celebrate their 40th anniversary.  https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/things-to-do/headless-horseman/

Sensory-Friendly Hours

Oct.12, 10:00 am to Noon

The second Sunday of every month, from 10 AM to noon, are sensory-friendly 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 

10:00 am- 10:00 pm

13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038. Phone: 317-776-6000 or 800-966-1836  https://www.connerprairie.org/events/list

Indiana State Museum 

Sensory Friendly Afternoon 

Oct. 19, 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm

650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204

Experience the Indiana State Museum in a sensory-friendly way. Each month, the museum lowers the lights and reduces 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 sensory-based activities are spaced throughout the museum. Sensory Bags are also available to enhance your visit.

https://9529a.blackbaudhosting.com/9529a/tickets?tab=3&txobjid=ec16dc0b-45af-4c86-987b-2150481851de

Check the calendar for upcoming October Fun! and various events through the month: https://www.indianamuseum.org/calendar/

Family Fun

Indianapolis Zoo

ZOOBOO

Sept. 24 through Nov. 2, Wed, Thur, Sun 2 pm-7 pm | Fri & Sat 2 pm-9 pm No ZooBoo Mon-Tues

1200 West Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222

Is regular October too humdrum, but haunted houses too creepy-crawly? Come to the Zoo for Halloween activities, amazing animals and pumpkins galore! ZooBoo is a fun family experience for itty-bitty ghouls and goblins as well as the bigger kids. October weather means active animals, colorful foliage and a new season to explore. Combine that with engaging, hands-free activities, spooktacular costumes and trick-or-treating, and you’ve got an unforgettable family tradition! Many more activities!  https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/zoo-events/zooboo/

Various events scheduled daily through the month

https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/

Sensory Sensitive Saturdays at Smiley Indoor Play

Oct, 4 and  Oct. 18, 9 am-11:00 am

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

Oct. 5, 9:00 am- 11:00 am

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

Oct. 6, 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm  Every first Monday of the month

Sensory Fun Fridays runs every Friday from 9:00 am-10:00 am.

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 PM-7 PM: 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 

Autism Community Connection Truck or Treat

Oct. 18, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

5307 W Fairview Rd, Greenwood, Indiana FREE! Trunk or Treat for all attendees at the parking lot at New Hope Church

Autism Community Connection will be hosting a special event featuring first responders with a Touch-a-Truck experience and a medical helicopter on site. Families can also enjoy a food vendor, along with character appearances from princesses and superheroes throughout the day. There will be an Autism Resource Fair as well.

For more information contact: info@autismcc-in.org

Monster Bash presented by DDSI & FUSE- New Palestine

Oct. 18, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

2615 S 700 W, New Palestine, Indiana

DDSi and FUSE are hosing Monster Bash!This will be held on Saturday, October 18 at the Borgmann Farm. We will have a petting zoo, bounce house, crafts, hayrides, trick or treating, costume contest, dinner and lots of fun and fellowship.This is an inclusive evening of fall fun for all ages and abilities.Dinner by Park Place Catering: $1 for ages 14 & Under $5 for 15 & upDinner tickets must be purchased in advance.Get your tickets at fuseinc.org

Inclusive Fun Day with Uniquely You & We Rock the Spectrum

Oct. 26, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

We Rock the Spectrum, 13644 N Meridian St, Carmel, IN 46032

Get ready for an unforgettable day where families and children of all abilities can play, create, and connect in a safe, supportive, and joyful environment.

What’s Happening:

Open Play Adventures – swings, trampolines, zip lines, sensory rooms, and crash pits

Pumpkin Bucket Coloring Craft – creative fall fun for all ages

Crafts & Activities – designed for both fun and skill-building

Howdy Ice Cream Treats – sweet refreshments to enjoy

Connect with Uniquely You Partners – discover resources to better support your family or loved one

Community Connection – meet other families, caregivers, and friends in an inclusive, welcoming space

This event highlights the mission of We Rock the Spectrum: to provide purposeful play and support for children of all abilities—including those with autism, ADHD, and sensory integration challenges—while welcoming siblings and friends, too.

Register Now to Save Your Spot!  https://buytickets.at/uniquelyyou/1829269

Space is limited and no cost thanks to We Rock the Spectrum —reserve today and join us for a day full of joy, creativity, and inclusion!

We can’t wait to see you there! 

AMC Theatres

Check 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

The ARC of Hancock County Adaptive Dance ( Adaptive Ballet Coming Soon)

Oct. 2, 5:00 pm

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/adaptive-dance. Parents/Guardians must stay for the duration of the class.

FLOW (Fueling Life On Wheels), KDO's Adaptive Dance Program

5-day program held Tuesday, 10/7; Thursday, 10/9; Tuesday, 10/14; Thursday, 10/16; Friday, 10/17 (Final Showcase)

IU Indy (formerly IUPUI) Campus

A collaboration between Kids Dance Outreach (KDO) and Skill on Wheels (IU + Riley Hospital for Children), FLOW offers children who use wheelchairs a joyful and empowering dance experience. Designed for young people ages 6 to 17 who use manual or power wheelchairs, FLOW encourages participants to explore movement, build confidence, and express themselves through dance—celebrating each child’s unique abilities and creativity. The program is tuition-free and prioritizes accessibility, inclusion, and fun in a safe, supportive environment led by experienced instructors.Visit KDO's website at the link below for more information: kidsdanceoutreach.org/dancers-with-disabilities/  Any additional questions email dvanderburgh@kdoutreach.org Event link:  To express interest in learning more about FLOW, please complete the following form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjJWomwU2qJr26qQ8SiVjwsoM1m93ZdQcXXDMODIfyaKlQcA/viewform

Jubilate Choir

Butler University, Lilly Hall, Room 133

Thursdays, 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM

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, part-singing, 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

28th Annual Buddy Walk Indianapolis [In-person]

Oct.4, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Celebration Plaza at White River State Park, 801 West Washington Street Indianapolis Indiana

Registration begins at 9:00am with opening ceremonies beginning at 10:00am.Since 1995, the Buddy Walk® has been the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States. It is also the world’s most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community. The Buddy Walk® attracts thousands of participants from coast to coast each year.A day of inspiration and celebration, the walk brings together the Down syndrome community all while raising funds to support the mission of Down Syndrome Indiana. Down Syndrome Indiana is a one-stop-shop for information and resources on Down syndrome. The programs it offers are intended to promote the inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome in their greater community, as well as to offer support and information to families, caregivers, educators, employers and the professionals who serve individuals with Down syndrome.For more information and to register https://dsindiana.org/buddywalkindy/

Ask The Arc Webinars Series

Oct. 9, 6:00 pm- 7:00 pm

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.

Webinars take place on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. EST. Past webinars will be recorded and posted to view on your own schedule in The Arc of Indiana Academy and on our YouTube channel.

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

Disability Days at Science Central

Oct. 18, 9:00 am- 9:00 pm

1950 N Clinton St, Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Disability Days is our program for people with developmental, intellectual, and emotional disabilities. Topics explored include botany, physics, chemistry, and astronomy.

Sessions are free to attend for those individuals, along with their caregivers.

Sessions feature these modifications:

Lower ambient sound levels

Increased light in areas that are usually dark

Access to listening devices

Less-crowded environment (Tuesday sessions)

Extra staff on hand

Access to a sensory room

Access to a private changing table

Additional demonstrations with extra tactile stimulation

https://tickets.sciencecentral.org/DateSelection.aspx?item=2705

SibShops

Oct, 23, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Shirley Brothers Irving Hill Chapel,5377 East Washington Street ,Indianapolis, IN 

Creative Pathways Sibshops are celebrations of the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of kids with special needs. Sibshops acknowledge that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs can bring challenges. They reflect a belief that brothers and sisters have much to offer one another – if given a chance.

Sibshops for Siblings of Kids with Special Developmental and Learning Needs includes, but is not limited to, autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, and developmental delays.

Sibshops for Siblings of Kids with Developmental Needs and/or Special Health Concerns includes, but is not limited to: diabetes, cancer, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, heart, kidney, liver, gastrointestinal or lung disease; autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, ADHD, and spina bifida.  https://www.creativepathwaysindy.org/sibshops/