For some children, the typical sights and sounds of a museum, performance, crowded venue, or play space can be overwhelming. For this reason, many organizations have begun offering sensory-friendly accommodations to make sure that children of all abilities feel welcome.
If your family member benefits from sensory-inclusive activities, then you’ll want to check out the experiences below.
Sensory-Friendly Experiences In and Around Colorado Springs
Chuck E. Cheese:
Sensory Sensitive Sundays
“Chuck E. Cheese is proud to support families who have children with autism and other special needs. Through our Sensory Sensitive Sundays program, we’re able to offer families a quieter dining and entertainment environment, dimmed lighting and a sensory-friendly arcade experience. Our sensory-friendly events also include a trained and caring staff to ensure each guest has a safe, fun-filled Participating locations will open two hours early on the first Sunday of the month to offer a sensory-friendly experience for families. First Sunday of the month, 9AM – 11AM.”
Air City 360:
Monday’s Special Needs Family Night
“Every Monday from 3:00PM-7:00PM, along with our general public open jump, we are offering our community with special needs children/young adults an opportunity to come and play at their pace. We will also offer a room for needs and offering sensory items. There is an in person discount for these families so everyone can join in the fun.”
PPLD:
Sensory Storytime
“Join us for a fun and interactive storytime that is specially created for children on the autism spectrum or with sensory integration challenges. Peak Autism Services will be available after Sensory Storytime. They would love to answer any questions about autism, ABA therapy, and other resources in the community. Registration is required. Various locations and times.”
CHS Martial Arts:
Para-Taekwondo (Spectrum)
“This intro Level of Taekwondo will teach while training in balance: Training rules, Home rules, Counting to 10 in Korean, Basic Korean martial arts terms for those on the Spectrum +. Class every Wednesday & Friday. 4 – 4:45pm. An 8 Punch card is $75. No Contracts.”
SafeSplash Swim School:
Adaptive Aquatics Lessons
“At SafeSplash Colorado Springs, we believe swimming is a life skill®, and that all children are safer and happier when they learn the basics of water safety, no matter the challenges they face. Adaptive Aquatics instructors have experience teaching the necessary skills at the appropriate time for children with a variety of special abilities, including: ADHD, Autism or ASD and other related developmental challenges, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, sensory struggles, or other physical challenges.”
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo:
Silent Night
“Come prepared for a peacefully quiet evening away from the pressures of the city below. Connect with our animals peacefully and quietly, enjoying the natural beauty of the Zoo. Turn off your phones, quiet your voices and tap into your own mindfulness. Embrace only the sounds of our animals and surrounding nature. 2023 Date: Monday, September 11, 2023 from 5:30-7:30PM”
Denver Downtwon Aquarium:
Low Sensory Mornings
“For people with autism or sensory processing disorders, the aquarium exhibits can be a bit overwhelming. Join us on a special morning when we open early and turn down the ambient sounds so you and your family can enjoy the Aquarium in a calmer and more quiet setting. Senory mornings take place monthly from 8:30AM – 10:00 AM. Click the button below to see the dates for 2023.”
Children's Museum of Denver:
Low Sensory Evenings
“We know the Museum can be a bit overwhelming for children with disabilities. By limiting attendance and turning down some of the ambient Museum noise, we offer an enjoyable space for children with disabilities to play with their families. Admission is free for families of children with disabilities, and reservations are now open! Please email [email protected] to reserve your space. The next low sensory evening is scheduled for Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 4:30 – 7:30 pm.”
Denver Art Museum:
Sensory-Friendly Mornings
“The museum’s Sensory-Friendly Mornings is a program for kids with neurodiversity or sensory processing disorders and their families to visit the museum in a safe and fun way. The museum will open early, dim the lights, and provide tools to aid and guide a sensory-friendly experience for the whole family. Please note: Sensory-Friendly Morning begins at 9 am in Hamilton, with Martin activities and galleries available at 10 am. The museum opens at 10 am for general admission. Light and audio will return to regular levels at 12 pm. Sensory-Friendly mornings are free with registration. Click the button below to see upcoming dates for 2023.
Other Accomodations
Social Stories:
The museum provides social stories to help children with autism and sensory processing differences prepare for their visit. Download a PDF version of My Visit to the Denver Art Museum in English or in Spanish.
S.P.A.R.K Explorer Packs:
Sensory Processing and Autism Resource Kit (S.P.A.R.K.) Explorer Pack are designed for “on-the-go” sensory needs of students. Designed and created by the Autism Community Store, these packs includes a wiggle seat, noise-reducing headphones, fidget keychains, a bright fan, a visor, and a unique art-themed Seek and Find Weighted Lap Pad. Contact us at [email protected] to reserve one for your upcoming visit.”
Lone Tree Arts Center:
Sensory-Friendly Performances
“Our sensory-friendly performances are for families of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, autism, sensory processing disorder, or other conditions. Our SF programming is a series designed to present performances in a relaxed, sensory-friendly way to ensure everyone has access to live entertainment at an affordable rate. Performers modify shows to ensure there are no startling noises or visually over-stimulating components. Our team keeps sound levels lower than normal and keeps the lights in the audience higher than normal, ensuring audience members can see each other. Audience members are free to come and go if need be (there is always a “quiet room” available) and are asked to wave hands rather than clapping. Click the button below to see upcoming shows for 2023.”
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema:
Sensory Friendly Screenings
“Welcome to Alamo for All – a movie program for young families and guests with special needs. All shows in all Denver Area locations starting before 2:05 PM on Tuesdays and select shows on weekends (depending on schedule) followAlamo for All rules. The schedule may vary during holidays. At sensory-friendly Alamo for All shows lights are turned up and sound is turned down. All ages are welcome (including infants). Talking and noise is allowed and guests can move around. Latecomers are admitted.Adaptive technology is welcome (but no other electronics, please).”
DICK'S Sporting Goods Park + Ball Arena:
Sensory-Friendly Bags
“Together with KultureCity, DICK’S Sporting Goods Park and Ball Arena are working to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests with sensory processing needs. To support this initiative, Sensory Bags are available for guests to check out.
At DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, sensory bags can be obtained at the Guest Relations Kiosk, across from Section 129, at no cost. Bags include a special badge for guest recognition, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and other resources.
At Ball Arena, please contact a Guest Relations representative for assistance. Ball Arena also provides designated quiet areas located in the elevator lobbies at Section 120, 228 and 340.”
