15 minute read
Local Events
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
NOTE: Don’t forget to apply for the Access Pass! The Access Pass Program allows families that meet the specific requirements listed below to visit The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and all participating locations for $5 per family member per visit for up to two adults and all dependent youths living in the household. You qualify if you receive:
• 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 here: https://www. childrensmuseum.org/visit/ hours/access-pass.
Museums
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Bunnysaurus Rex Egg Hunt
Apr. 12, Starts at 8:30 am
You’re invited to a dinosaur egg hunt of prehistoric proportions!
Meet Bunnysaurus Rex
Discover dino-bunny activities
Explore select galleries before finding the hidden eggs in Dinosphere® and beyond
Choose the right path for your family with our two trackways: the T. rex Toddler Trail or the faster moving Raptor Route.
Tickets required: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/event/32
Museum My Way An adaptive museum experience
July 15, 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
First Thursday Night- First Thursday every monthApr. 3, 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
Apr.1- Apr. 30, Opens at 10 AM
3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, 317-334-400Santa's BIG Snowball Fight0
https://www.childrensmuseum.org
Conner Prairie — Indiana’s Living History Museum
Springtime on the Prairie
Apr. 19, 10:00 am- 5:00 pm
Celebrate the joys of spring with a day full of adventure, featuring an exciting Easter egg hunt organized by age. Explore fun springtime activities in Prairietown that immerse yourself in the beauty of the season as our grounds bloom with new discoveries.
https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/things-to-do/springtime-on-the-prairie/
Enjoy a delicious Easter breakfast buffet and visit with the Easter Bunny for a photo op. Don't forget to bring your own camera to capture the memory! There will be open seating for preregistered guests.
First seating at 9 a.m. (to 10:30 a.m.)Second Seating at 11:30 a.m. (to 1 p.m.) For tickets: https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/things-to-do/breakfast-with-the-bunny/
Sensory-Friendly Hours
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
Apr. 1- Apr.30, 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
Apr. 27, 3:00 pm- 6:00 pm
650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
Experience the Indiana State Museum in a sensory-friendly way! Each month, we’ll lower the lights and reduce distractions to give children and adults with sensory processing differences a chance to enjoy an interactive learning experience in a comfortable and accepting environment. Social narratives will be available at the ticket counter and sensory–based activities will be spaced throughout the museum. Plus, check out a Sensory Bag to make your experience even more enjoyable. Check calendar for dates https://www.indianamuseum.org/calendar/
Various events
Apr. 1- Apr. 30, check website for events and times.
https://www.indianamuseum.org/calendar/
Family Fun
Tangram Social Clubs
5155 Pennwood Drive,Indianapolis, IN
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 @ 6PM: Play a classic game of bingo and connect with friends!Self Advocates - 3rd Thursday @ 6-7PM: Discuss self-advocacy topics and empower yourself with like-minded peers.Game Night - 3rd Tuesday @ 6PM: Card games, board games, and more! Feel free to bring your favorites too!Book Club - 2nd & 4th Mondays @ 6PM: 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
Indianapolis Zoo
Sensory Friendly Day
Apr. 6, 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm
Sensory Friendly Adjustments
Music will be at low levels (or off) throughout the Zoo.
Lights will remain on for the Dolphin presentation and the music/sound will be reduced.
Quiet rooms will be available in Hix for guests.
Carousel will run without lights and sound.
Sound will be off in the Shark/Ray area.
Gift shop will reduce the music volume.
XZOOBERANCE SPRING FESTIVAL
Mar. 20 through Apr. 20, 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm Thursday through Sunday
Sprouting up just in time for spring break, xZOOberance is the perfect family-friendly experience to overcome the winter cabin fever. The Bicentennial Pavilion will be buzzing with spring-centric activities, a DJ, dancing, living artworks and animals.
https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/zoo-events/xzooberance/Various events scheduled daily
Apr.1- Apr. 30, 9:00 am- 4:00 pm
1200 West Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222
https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/
Sensory Friendly Play at Urban Air Noblesville
Apr. 6, 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
Apr. 7, 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm Every month first Monday of the month
Sensory Fun Fridays runs every Friday from 9:00am-10:00am.
4150 Kildeer Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46237
Jump an 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/
Inclusive Fun Day with Uniquely You & We Rock the SpectrumApr. 15, 2:00 pm- 5:00 pm
We Rock the Spectrum, 13644 N Meridian St, Carmel, IN 46032
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of fun, laughter, and connection! Inclusive Fun Day brings together families and children of all abilities to experience the joy of purposeful play in an inclusive environment.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Swings, trampolines, and zip lines to spark excitement and build strength.
Sensory rooms and crash pits designed to support children with sensory processing challenges.
A chance to explore a nurturing and inclusive space that fosters motor skills, social interaction, and creativity.
Open play and activities tailored for children with autism, ADHD, and sensory integration challenges, as well as neurotypical kids—everyone is welcome!
The event highlights the mission of We Rock the Spectrum: to provide a safe, fun, and supportive environment where children of all abilities can thrive together while celebrating their unique strengths.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the community and enjoy a day filled with joy and inclusion!
Reserve your spot today: Space is limited, so register early to secure your place.We can’t wait to see you there! Register Now: https://buytickets.at/uniquelyyou/1539003
Family Game Night Hosted By Autism Community Connection
Apr. 25, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pmGreenwood Community Center, 100 Surina Way, Greenwood, IN 46143
Family Game Night is for families affected by autism to have a fun night in the community. The event will feature board, individual and group games for ALL ages to enjoy. Come play a game with your family, meet new families for a group game, or chat with each other having fun at Kid City. There will also be a sensory space available. All families will have access to Kid City at the Greenwood Community Center. Parents/guardians must be with their loved one with autism at all times. Family Game Night is free, and registration for the event is required. We will have pizza, snacks and water available during the event.
If you have any questions contact Kelli Higgins, Executive Director at k.higgins@autismcc-in.org. To register: https://autismcc-in.org/family-game-night/
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
Adaptive Dance
Apr. 4, 5:00 pm- 6:00 pm Every first Thursday through May 2025
the Arc of Hancock County, 8535 N Clearview Dr, McCordsville, IN 46055
We are proud to announce that we received a mini-grant from the Community Foundation of Hancock County to turn our Adaptive Dance (Body Rock) classes from March and April into a regular monthly program. These classes will be held at Hancock Wellness Center - McCordsville in the Community Room every first Thursday of the month from August 2024 through May 2025 from 5:00-6:00pm. This class is free, but you must be registered. Parents of participants under 18 years old must be present. We cannot wait to see you there! Please use the link to register: https://arcofhcadaptivedance.eventbrite.com
Beef and Boards
Jersey Boys
Feb. 14- Apr. 13
Church Basement Ladies
Apr. 17- May 18
9301 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268
https://beefandboards.com/Online/default.asp
Sensory-Friendly Performance of "Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical"
May 5, 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm
122 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404
8-year-old Lily Polkadot just moved to the small, “Squares Only” town of Rockaway. As the first Polkadot in an all Square school, Lily faces an almost impossible task of gaining acceptance from her peers. Lily’s quest seems hopeless until she meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her polkadot skin blooms into an unexpected friendship. Inspired by the events of The Little Rock 9, Polkadots serves as a colorful history lesson that reminds us that our individual differences are what make us cool. Fun for all ages!
Constellation offers select sensory-friendly performances for our Constellation for Kids series. This special performance is designed to create a theater experience that is welcoming to all families with children with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Tickets to Constellation’s Sensory-Friendly performances are Pay What You Will, meaning you get to choose your own ticket price (from $5-$75). For Tickets: https://seeconstellation.org/kids/polkadots/
Jubilate Choir
Butler University, Lilly Hall, Room 133
Wednesdays, 6:45-7:30 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
Lake Central School Corporation TAP & SEPAC Resource Fair
Apr. 1, 5:30 pm- 8:00 pm
Lake Central High School, 8400 Wicker Ave, St John, IN
The Lake Central School Corporation Transition to Adulthood Program and Special Education Parent Advisory Committee is hosting a resource fair in April.
South Bend Disability Resource Fair 2025
Apr. 5, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm
Ivy Tech Community College, 220 Dean Johnson Blvd, South Bend, IN
Connections Case Management, Self-Advocates of Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College present the 2rd Annual South Bend Disability Resource Fair, now located at the Ivy Tech Community College in South Bend!This resource fair will provide information about community resources and services for individuals disabilities and their families. Exhibitors will talk about the services and resources to assist individuals and families. There will be interactive areas, raffles, and food vendors.
On The Wings of A Dove Disability Conference and Resource Fair
Apr. 5, 10:00 am- 5:00 pm
Christ Church Apostolic, 6601 Grandview Drive, Indianapolis, IN
The Arc Advocacy Network will have information about Medicaid Waivers, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, guardianship and alternatives, Special Needs Trusts, the Erskine Green Training Institute, and a variety of other topics available for families and self-advocates.
Fpr more information: https://www.ccaindy.org/
Ask The Arc Webinars Series
Apr. 10, May 8, 6:00pm- 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
Taking Steps for Autism Walk- Hosted by Autism Evenasville
Apr. 19, 8:00 am- 12:00 pm
201 E Boonville-New Harmony Rd, Evansville, IN
We are excited to see everyone in person this year at the 2025 Taking Steps for Autism Walk & 5K, sponsored by Field & Main Bank and 14News.The event is being held at the Vanderburgh County 4H Center, located at 201 E. Boonville-New Harmony Road, Darmstadt, Indiana 47725.***Those who register ON or BEFORE April 5, WILL receive a t-shirt with all sponsors!***
For additional information and to register: https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Darmstadt/AutismEvansvilleWalk5K
Elkhart County Resource Fair
Apr.19, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm
Elkhart High School Freshman Division in conjunction with a Unified Track meet.Advocacy Links, LLC, in partnership with Elkhart Community Schools, welcomes you to its annual community disability resource fair.
There will be presenters and lots of local resources for individuals with disabilities.For more information: www.advocacy-links.com
2025 ROD Transition Fair- Milan, IN
Apr. 23, 8:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Milan High School, 609 N Warpath Dr, Milan, IN
2025 ROD Transition Fair, sponsored by the Ripley-Ohio-Dearborn Special Education Cooperative. This year’s event will take place at Milan High School
The purpose of the ROD Transition Fair is to provide families of students with disabilities with valuable information about educational and job-related services and programs that can assist them in planning for their future.
Crown Point High School Transition Fair 2025
Apr, 23, 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm
Crown Point High School,1500 S Main St, Crown Point, IN
The fair’s goal is to create a pathway of opportunities that will provide our students and families with the options that are out there for them to pursue after they graduate. We would be honored if you would participate in this event again at our high school. For more information contact Marissa Duppstadt at mduppstadt@cps.k12.in.us
6th Annual Resource Fair-Chesterton, IN
Apr, 24, 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Chesterton High School, 2125 S 11th St, Chesterton, IN
Over 40 regional agencies will be represented. Participants range from large and small non-profit organizations serving youth and adult populations, to financial planners and family legal services, colleges and other post-secondary transition supports, as well as local organizations providing specialized direct services. We are so excited to be hosting this Resource and Vendor Fair once again this spring. For more information contact Ezra Burke eburke@duneland.k12.in.us
BUDDYWALK TERRE HAUTE [In-person]
Apr. 26, 9:00 am- 12:00 pm
Indiana State University Memorial Stadium, 3300 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, Indiana 47803
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! Registration opens at 9:00am with opening ceremonies beginning at 10:00am and the 1 mile walk starting around 10:21am. There will be an activity area for all, snacks, exhibitors, and so much more!
ToRegister:
Central Indiana Disability Resource Fair 2025
Apr. 26, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm
2820 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
Self-Advocates of Indiana, Connections Case Management, and Ivy Tech Community College present the Central Indiana Disability Resource Fair.This resource fair will provide information about community resources and services for individuals disabilities and their families. Exhibitors will talk about the services and resources to assist individuals and families. There will be interactive areas, raffles, and food vendors.
The 2025 Republic Airways Plane Pull
Apr. 26,
Republic Airways Hangar, 3998 S. Hoffman Road, Indianapolis, IN
Ready to Help Some Great Kids in Need?
Join us for this family friendly event! The Republic Airways 13th Annual Plane Pull, presented by Lucas Oil, gives you an opportunity to engage in fun team building while helping benefit children, and also grant hope to those suffering from life-threatening or terminal illnesses.
Proceeds from this annual event benefit A Kid Again, Indiana Wish, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent, Riley Children’s Foundation and other charities whose mission supports children.
Kids will have a blast in our free Kids Zone, which includes activities, games and prizes. We’ll also have food and beverages so you can stay fueled for the big pull. Special guests and local celebrities will be part of the fun! For more information: https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Indianapolis/RepublicAirwaysPlanePull
Uniquely You - Special Needs Moms & Caregivers Weekend Retreat
May 2-4
Teter Organic Farms & Retreat Center, 10980 E 221st St, Noblesville, IN
Moms and caregivers of special needs individuals, this weekend is just for YOU! Escape the daily hustle and treat yourself to a transformative retreat designed to refresh your body, mind, and soul.
What to Expect: Healing and mindfulness workshops Art activities Make-and-take flower arrangements Nature hikes Campfire gatherings Music and yoga sessions… and so much more!
Choose how to spend your time—engage in all the activities or simply relax and recharge.
What’s Included: Two nights at our beautiful retreat center (Fri & Sat) Meals: Dinner (Fri), breakfast, lunch & dinner (Sat), breakfast (Sun) All activities, workshops, and your own flower arrangement Cozy accommodations: 4 rooms with private showers, each holding 6 ladies (bunk bed style).
Special Offer: Pre-registration: $229 per ticket (ends March 30th) Regular price: $279
Group Option: Have a group of 6? Reserve a room together for an even more memorable experience!
Important: Space is limited to 24 ladies. No childcare will be provided, so please make prior arrangements.
This is your time to fill your cup, connect with other amazing moms and caregivers, and nurture yourself. You deserve it!
Register Now: https://buytickets.at/uniquelyyou/1540455
