Sensory Fun for Special Needs Children...

Here are some Fall 2019 family ideas and things to do that are sensory friendly, Autism friendly and judgement free. Many of these experiences are located in and around the greater New Jersey area. The specials needs community can feel comfortable going to these indoor and outdoor places to enjoy and have fun.  Click here for more information on Special Needs

1. Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitivity Sundays

Play place for children with Autism & Special Needs at Chuck E. Cheese. Come play the first Sunday of the month, opening 2 hours before normal opening time. Less crowded, quieter, dimmed lighting, reduced music, caring and trained staff. Locations throughout NJ.

2. Sign up for Sensory Bounce at Bounce U

Membership based weekly program led by Occupational Therapist. Exciting Sensory Bounce fun for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, low muscle tone, sensory processing, motor and balance. Tuesdays 5PM-6PM and 6PM-7PM; Sundays at 8:45am. 201.843.5880,

3. Interactive Children’s Zoo @ Bronx Zoo

Explore interactive Children’s Zoo along with JungleQuest, Butterfly Garden, Congo Gorilla Forest, and other educational and interactive areas at your own pace. 2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx, NY, bronxzoo.com/experiences

4. STEM Learning at Liberty Science Center

Jersey City ADA compliant science center, mobility assistance, sensory map indicating bright lights, loud noises, strong smells. Explore exhibits Our Hudson Home, Energy Quest, Pixel Art, Microbe Rules and more. Check Liberty Science Center website for any upcoming Special Needs Day. lsc.org

5. Create a work of Art at Montclair Art Museum

CREATEabilities, Wednesday November 13, 2019, 9:30AM-11:30AM. Children of all abilities can explore artistic materials, story time, creative movement, sensory exploration and gallery visitation. Aimed at preschool and early elementary school children. 973.746.5555.

6. Mini golfing at Monster Mini Golf

Indoors glow in the dark mini golf at Monster Mini Golf. Wheelchair accessible, all on one level. Fairfield and Paramus locations.

7. Up close with animals @ Rizzo’s Wildlife World

Special Needs children have the opportunity to feed, touch and hold certain animals at Rizzo's Wildlife World. Programs can be modified according to needs. Interactive, educational and enjoyable. 1 Gold Mine Rd, Flanders, NJ, 973.586.0444

8. Water Fun at Sahara Sam’s Oasis Waterpark

Special Needs Night at Sahara Sam's is a judgment free evening for individuals with special needs and their families. Zero entry, transfer lift into pool, modified lighting, reduced noise, relaxed dress code. Book your ticket, 856.767.7580

Upcoming date: Friday, November 15, 2019, 6PM-9PM

9. Jump at Sky Zone

Sensory Hours, quieter and toned down jumping experience.

Sky Zone Allendale - 201.574.1800
Sky Zone Mt Olive - 973.527.7000
Sky Zone Pine Brook - 973.396.4001
Sky Zone Springfield - 973.671.5100

10. Sea Life at Adventure Aquarium

Accessible viewing areas, sound reducing headphones, weighted blankets, shark shack tour, tactile maps, and sign language interpreters. Pick a time, either early in the day or later in the evening to come to Adventure Aquarium, when crowds are less for a more relaxed experience. 844.474.FISH

11. Family Movies at AMC Theaters

AMC Sensory friendly family films shown on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month. Mature audience films shown Tuesday evenings of every month. Lights are turned up and sound is down. You can get up, dance, walk, or sing. AMC Brick, AMC Clifton, AMC Freehold, AMC Loews Jersey Gardens, AMC Mountainside, AMC New Brunswick, AMC Rockaway, AMC Wayne, AMC West Orange

12. STEM experience at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia

Offer sensory friendly Sundays. Exhibits are modified for a comfortable environment for all. Special adapted exhibits throughout the museum 8AM-12:00PM - including Your Brain, The Giant Heart, Electricity, Changing Earth, Amazing Machine & Franklin Air Show.

FREE ticket admission date from 8AM-9:30AM if you pre-register: Sunday December 1, 2019, call 215.448.1200

13. Play Outside at Central Park of Morris County

All access playground with swings, slides, music stand, and crawl tunnels. Accessible to children in wheelchairs so they can play with friends. 1 Governor Chris Christie Drive, Parsippany-Troy Hills, morrisparks.net

14. Discover Science at The Museum of Natural History in NYC

Take a Free Discovery Squad Tour on select Saturdays. Geared towards families affected by Autism spectrum disorders.

Upcoming dates: November 16, 2019, Dec 14, 2019, Jan 11, 2020, Feb 8, 2020, Mar 14, 2020. Reservations required, call 212.769.5200.

15. Muppet Adventures at Sesame Place

Sesame Place in Langhorne PA is the first theme park designated as a Certified Autism Center. Extensive sensory guide of services, rides, & shows. Meet Julia, a sweet 4-year old Muppet with Autism. Upcoming themes: Halloween & Christmas, 215.702-ELMO

Disclaimer: Check with establishment, information subject change.

Click here for more information on Special Needs