For families looking for sensory-friendly fun this summer, here are some places that are hosting special events.
Detroit Zoo
Starting in June, the Detroit Zoo is hosting three Sensory Friendly Evenings for guests with different sensory needs. Sensory Friendly Evenings will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. June 28, July 24 and Aug. 30. During these times, the Zoo and its attractions will be open to all visitors, but special accommodations will be in place to ensure the Zoo can be enjoyed by families and individuals of all abilities.
Blue Heron Bay Spray Park
Blue Heron Bay Spray Park will be staying open exclusively for children with special needs after normal business hours and their families to experience the splash pad in a stress-free, relaxed, accepting environment. Staff will be on sight to have the slides open and gently enforce the rules to keep everyone safe on the spray pads on July 21 and August 12. Concessions will stay open until 7:00pm if your family would like to purchase dinner. Blue Heron Bay will be closing to the general public starting at 6:00pm.
Oakland County
Oakland County’s Adaptive Recreation is hosting a variety of summer events for those in need of special accomodations. Sit in a plane during Dreams & Wings at Oakland County Airport on July 15, play games and go on a boat ride at Independence Oaks County Park on July 19 from 6pm to 8pm or make a splash at Waterford Oaks pool on July 26 from 4pm to 7pm. Adaptive recreation activities will be avaialble at St. Clair Metropark (August 17) and Kensington Metropark (August 31). And enjoy the Oakland County Fiar on July 13 from 10am to 3pm.
DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
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. Sensory-Friendly Days are July 1 and August 5 from 10am to 12pm.
Emagine Theater
Multiple Emagine Theaters in metro Detroit hosts Sensory-Friendly showings of new release films with brighter house lights and lower volume,audience interaction and electronic devices are allowed and safe snacks are allowed.
The Henry Ford
Join The Henry Ford’s Giant Screen Experience on the second Saturday of each month for a customized movie experience designed for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Sensory Processing Disorder and their loves ones. Registration is required. (See links) Enjoy Princess and the frog July 8th. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory August 12th. Or Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs September 9th
Photo credit: Detroit Zoo
