10 minute read
Local Events
Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 1,000 museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their EBT card and a photo ID. Check here for participating museums. https://museums4all.org/
Museums
Impression 5
June 18 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm and June 22 from 9:30 am - 11:30
Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Dr., Lansing, MI 48933
Explore your Science Center with select exhibits altered to reduce sounds, scents, and lighting stimuli. Guests can expect a limited building capacity, pop-up activity, and map designating the sensory experiences in each exhibit. Thank you to MiABLE for supporting Sensory Friendly.
Admission: Regular admission prices apply. Free for members.
Abrams Planetarium Sensory Friendly Shows
755 Science Road, East Lansing, MI
These shows will run with the lights up, the sound down, and the theater doors open so people can move about as needed. We also provide a place to “chill out” in our lobby. All shows include a live star talk about what is up in the sky that night. We will include a short break between the main show and the star talk. Information about what to expect during the show will be provided when you purchase tickets.
Unveiling the Invisible Universe
June 15, 11:30 am
For thousands of years humans observed the light coming from the night sky with their eyes. In the beginning of the 17th century, the invention of the telescope by Galileo revolutionized our knowledge of the Universe. Finally, in the 20th century with the advent of rockets, it became possible to go above the earth's atmosphere and observe X-ray and gamma ray radiation which are the marks of the hot and violent Universe. But it is not only light that can give us information about the cosmos. Neutrinos and cosmic rays also provide vital information. Finally, the detection by the LIGO experiment of gravitational waves from two merging black holes opened a new window in astrophysics. This show presents images of the cosmos as revealed by all these different messengers.
Under the Weather
June 15, 1:00 pm
The stalwart heroes of The Zula Patrol are on an expedition collecting samples of weather for scientist Multo's research. When the Zula gang inadvertently hurts their loyal pet Gorga's feelings, he decides to leave Zula and find another planet to live on. Villain Dark Truder then tricks Gorga into helping with his latest nefarious scheme to rule the universe. The Zula Patrollers find out and go after him-in the process learning all about weather, both terrestrial and interplanetary. Based on the hit TV series.
Cost: Adults, $5.50, Students and senior citizens, $5.00, Children (age 12 and under), $4.50Friends of Abrams Planetarium Members, FreeFree with Museums For All (with valid EBT, Medicaid, or WIC card and photo ID)
https://www.abramsplanetarium.org/Programs/Sensory.html
Ella Sharp Museum
Sensory Time
Every Saturday at 9:00 am
3225 4th Street, Jackson, Michigan 49203
During Sensory Friendly Hours, the Ella Sharp Museum will open its galleries at 9 a.m., an hour before the museum opens to the public. Families with members who are neurodiverse, autistic, or have other sensory processing disorders or cognitive disabilities are welcome to visit the museum for a quieter experience in a more controlled environment. Designated quiet zones will allow visitors to decompress and experience the museum at their own pace.
Before each program, families are invited to browse our “pre-visit” materials to help them prepare for their visit including social narratives and maps of our facility. These pre-visit materials are also available to help families plan for visits that take place outside of program hours and a sensory backpack is available at the front desk for use.
To provide the most sensory-friendly environment possible, we will limit the capacity for these special times to 50 people. https://ellasharpmuseum.org/classes-and-events/sensory-time/
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Sensory Friendly Play
Aug. 4, Nov. 3, 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Together with Autism Support of Kent County, GRCM welcomes families to play in a calmer, quieter environment outside of regular Museum hours.
Registration required.
Various Events Scheduled
Jan.1 - Jan. 31 various events scheduled
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Check calendar for Sensory Friendly evenings https://www.grpm.org/visit/
https://www.autismsupportofkentcounty.org/new-products/p/2024-night-at-the-gr-childrens-museum
Sports
TheraplayYoga: Therapeutic Playful Yoga for Diverse Abilities
Adaptive Yoga Studio, 2015 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912
Inclusive & Accessible Yoga for Diverse Bodies, Brains, and Abilities. Check website for schedule. Gloria@TheraPLAYoga.com https://theraplayoga.com/
Family Fun
High Caliber Karting – Sensory Friendly Sundays
June 1,11:00 am - 2:00 pm $50High Caliber Karting and Entertainment1982 W Grand River Ave #800. Okemos, MI 48864
The first Sunday of every month, High Caliber offers Sensory Friendly Hours from 11 am – 2 pm! Got someone in your life who would love to drive a go kart or play some arcade games but needs it to be sensory friendly? High Caliber is making strides and opening its facility earlier on the first Sunday of every month! https://highcaliberkarting.com/sensory-hours/
Adult Adaptive Social Engagement: Diner's Club
June 2, First Monday of the month.
Ages 14+ check,website for times and to register enjoy a meal with friends at various local restaurants. This opportunity is designed to support persons with special needs. Participants pay for their own meal, beverage, and tip. Spots are EXTREMELY limited, so you must pre-register so that we have enough assistance and space reserved. Selected restaurant will be emailed the week before the program.
https://rararecreation.org/programs/social_engagement.php
Fascination Factory Sensory Friendly Play
June 3, 2:30 pm- 5:30 pm
2295 E Lincoln St; Suite 150, Birmingham, MI
What to expect in our new sensory sensitive hours: Back door locked for safety No music Noise Cancelling Headphones Oral chews offered at check-in Calming corner tent Minimized Capacity Families $30.00 https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/events/list/?tribe-bar-date=2024-10-01
Together Let’s Sing, Dance and Jam!!
June 4, 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm Virtual
Please join us for our monthly "virtual" music therapy event!! Please RSVP by February 25 to Cathy Blatnik at blatsie63@yahoo.com with your name, age, contact phone number and e-mail address
DNR Outdoor Adventure Center Sensory Friendly Play
June 8, July 13, Aug. 10, Oct. 5 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
Outdoor Adventure Center, Globe Trading Company Building, 1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI
The DNR Outdoor Adventure Center welcomes friends and families with sensory processing differences to our sensory-friendly building hours! Enjoy the opportunity to explore and experience the OAC with building sounds and ambient noises at a lower volume. During your visit, there will be a quiet room with sensory materials available to use, and a limited building capacity. At noon, the building will open to the public, with volumes returning to standard operating levels. All staff are KultureCity-certified to ensure the best possible experience.
Various Activities scheduled May 1- May 31 Check website https://www.michigan.gov/oac
Detroit Zoo
Sensory Friendly Evenings Second Monday of Every Month
June 9, 10:00 am - !2:00 pm
Throughout 2025, we’re bringing you Sensory-Friendly Hours — a monthly opportunity to experience the Zoo with adjusted lighting and quieter surroundings.These special hours, hosted once a month from opening until noon, are tailored to meet the needs of guests with sensory sensitivities and different sensory needs. During this time, the Zoo and its attractions remain open to all, with thoughtful adjustments to ensure everyone can enjoy a welcoming and accessible experience.
Reduced or altered volume and lighting throughout the Zoo and at special attractions
Limited effects and adjusted lighting in the 4D Theater
KultureCity sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards will be available to guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Guests can check out the bags at Customer Care, the 4D Theater and the Park Safety Office.
Weighted lap pads and strobe glasses are available upon request.
A dedicated indoor space is available near the wolf habitat for those who may need a quieter and more secure space.
Included with Zoo admission | Free for members | No event registration required
https://detroitzoo.org/events/sensory-friendly-hours/
Sensory Friendly Jump at Launch Lansing
June 11, 4:00 pm- 8:00 pm $17
1982 W. Grand River Ave., Okemos, MI 48864
1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month*Special 2 hr reduced pricing. Additional discount for more than one participant. Reduced music volume. No special effects lights. Free rental of noise reducing headphones and/or sunglasses.Rental items must be returned at conclusion of visit to be sanitized and stored for the next guest to use. Program will be postponed during school and holiday breaks (including Christmas, Spring, and Summer Breaks)Park will be open to all guests to enjoy are park on these evenings, however this is typically a low volume evening for our park so their should be plenty of space for all to enjoy.
https://launchlansing.centeredgeonline.com/areas/area/7bddf13d-221f-4833-a2fd-41f0d17bb22b
Inclusive Game Night
June 27, 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm
Therapeutic Concepts, LLC 38257 Mound Road, Building D, Sterling Heights, MI
For the whole family focusing on inclusion, safety, and enjoyment! $10 per family, register online https://therapeuticconceptsllc.com
MJR Digital Cinema Sensory-Friendly Film
Check the website for movie times
100 East Maple Road, Troy, MI, 48083, United States
Legoland Discovery Center Michigan Sensory Friendly Morning
Check website for upcoming dates
4240 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
During Sensory Friendly Mornings, we’ll reduce the lighting, turn off music & disable distracting stimuli for an hour before we open to the general public. This event is perfect for our friends on the autism spectrum.
Sensory-sensitive adults are welcome to visit during Sensory Friendly Mornings without a child (age 16 or under) in the party until the attraction opens to the general public at 10 am. Adults who are not accompanied by a child must exit the attraction upon opening. Groups that are accompanied by a child are welcome to stay past 10 am.
Tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance for this special event.
https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/michigan/tickets-passes/
Sealife Michigan Sensory Friendly Morning
Check website for upcoming dates
4316 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
During Sensory Friendly Mornings, we’ll reduce the lighting, turn off music & disable distracting stimuli for an hour before we open to the general public. This event is perfect for our friends on the autism spectrum.
The aquarium will open to the general public with normal lighting, sound, etc. at 10 am, but you're welcome to stay as long as you like and do not have to leave when the event ends at 10 am.
Tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance for this special event. Please check https://www.visitsealife.com/michigan/what-s-inside/events/sensory-friendly-mornings/
Arts
GiGi's Playhouse
10:00 am- 6:00 pm Monday- Thursday, Friday 10:00 am- 4:00 pm
19799 W. 12 Mile Road Suite L15, Southfield, Michigan
Various fun classes in art, dance, cooking, yoga and many more! Virtual or in person through out the month. See calendar: https://gigisplayhouse.org/detroit/sfcalendar/?eventId=a0VVS000001ahnZ2AQ
REC-IT Class: Inclusive Art
June 12, 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm
1709 John R Road, Troy, MI 48083
Join us for in-person art classes. Participants will learn new artistic skills using a variety of mediums, such as: acrylic painting, oil pastels, watercolor, and mixed media. Class includes group and individual instruction and meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. In order to promote inclusion for all, we request a maximum of 4 individuals from any one agency. All levels of experience and ability are welcome.
This class is limited to ten (10) participants, don’t miss out!
To register: rec-it@dnemichigan.org
Events
Come Join Scout Troop 1197! First All Inclusive Troop!
4920 Groveland Rd, Ortonville, MI 48462
The ONLY troop of its kind in MI, troop 1197 is being held right now at O.A.T.S. (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles) in Ortonville for those with special needs ages 11 and up. The troop, designed with experienced scout leaders, will include typical scouting activities including camping and outdoor skills. For more information, email walkonoats@gmail.com
Disability Dirt Days at Holly Oaks ORV Park
June 1, Sept. 21 and Oct. 19, 2025, 11:00 am- 3:30 pm
Holly Oaks ORV Park, 14551 Shields Rd, Holly, MI 48442
Ages 10 and up with disabilities are invited to experience off-roading at Holly Oaks ORV Park with rides provided by volunteers. Rides are provided for the participant and one guest. Registration required. https://www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks/parks-trails/holly-oaks-orv-park
DiversAbility Day at Independence Oaks County Park
June 26, 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm
9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston, Michigan
Enjoy kayaking, a boat ride, archery, use of adaptive equipment and more at DiversAbility Day. It also includes a hot dog lunch. Registration required. To register – Call 248-221-8040 or email OCPrecreation@oakgov.com
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
