When you have a child or teen with special needs, it’s so nice to find places that can accommodate and appreciate your child and their needs, while keeping the stress lower for you. Luckily, there are many spots in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties that offer sensory-friendly or special need events that do just that.
Your son or daughter may even make some new friends, which is always a plus!
Be sure to call ahead and check COVID-19 protocols. Most places are still asking you to wear a mask indoors and remain socially distanced from others.
Adaptive Social Movie Night Out
March 4
- Address: Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Road, Troy
- Time: 7-9 p.m.
- Cost: $12/resident, $15/non-resident
Join other special needs people ages 16 and older for a fun and social movie screening of Tom & Jerry (2021). Popcorn and beverages included.
Sensory Friendly Jump at Urban Air Adventure Park
March 6, 13, 20, 27 and April 3, 10, 17, 24
- Address: 925 N. Lapeer Road, Oxford
- Time: 9-11 a.m.
- Cost: $15.99/child, free/adults
Every Sunday, Urban Air Adventure Park transforms into a calmer atmosphere for those with special needs and sensory processing difficulty, their siblings and caregivers. There won’t be any music, flashing lights or whistles.
Sensory Friendly Saturdays at the Giant Screen Experience
March 12 and April 9
- Address: The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Time: 11 a.m.
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a customized movie experience designed for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Sensory Processing Disorder and their families. On March 12, the movie will be Apollo 11: First Steps Edition and on April 9, the movie will be Toy Story.
3 Day Painting Adventure: Multi Media on Canvas
March 14, 21, 28
- Address: Paint a Miracle Art Studio, 400 Water St., Suite LL4, Rochester
- Time: 4-5 p.m.
- Cost: $105
Teens ages 14 and older can enjoy a painting event uniquely designed to offer people living with disabilities and other challenges the opportunity to develop their art skills through self-discovery.
Adult and Teen Sensory Story Time
March 14 and April 11
- Address: Bloomfield Township Public Library, 1099 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Township
- Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Teens and adults with special needs, along with a caretaker, enjoy an afternoon filled with stories, songs, movement and art. No registration needed.
Sensory Story Time
March 15 and April 19
- Address: Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor
- Time: 10-11 a.m.
- Cost: $5/child, free/adults and children under 1
A welcoming space for those with sensory sensitivities and special needs. All ages welcome, but it’s designed for ages 2-5. Advanced registration required.
St. Paddy’s Day Dance
March 18
- Address: Rochester Avon Recreation Authority, 500 E. 2nd St., Rochester
- Time: 5:30-8 p.m.
- Cost: $16
Enjoy great music and dancing during a fun evening with friends for St. Patrick’s Day. Refreshments served. For ages 14 and up.
Karaoke
March 23
- Address: Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Road, Troy
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Cost: $7
Have fun singing along to the latest hits. Feel free to bring your own CDs. Chips and pop provided.
Adaptive Nature Hike
April 21
- Address: Innovation Hills Park, 2800 W. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills
- Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Cost: $12/person
Join Ms. Wendy and a Rochester Hills naturalist for a light hike in the woods. For ages 14 and older with disabilities.
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