5 Sensory-Friendly Activities in Kalamazoo, MI, for Kids on the Autism Spectrum

Updated On August 5, 2025

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Outings with bright lights, loud noises, or large crowds can sometimes feel overwhelming for kids on the autism spectrum.

Sensory-friendly options can help by offering quieter spaces with fewer distractions.

Kalamazoo has several places that offer sensory-friendly activities for kids. From quiet trails to special movie showings, here are five to check out.

1. Sensory-Friendly Screenings at Celebration Cinema Crossroads

Celebration Cinema Crossroads in Portage offers Sensory Showtimes, where lights stay on, the sound is turned down, and kids are free to move around. Some families find it to be a more relaxed way to watch a movie, without the usual sensory overload.

Tip for Families: Bring noise-canceling headphones or a comfort item to help your child settle in. Check the schedule in advance, as showtimes vary by location.

2. Sensory Playtime at Jungle Joe’s Family Fun Center

Jungle Joe’s Family Fun Center in Portage is an indoor play center with inflatables. They sometimes offer sensory-friendly sessions with dimmed lights, no loud music, and fewer kids. It can also be a good option if you go during off-peak hours.

Tip for Families: Call ahead to ask about quieter times. Bring socks and something familiar to help your child feel comfortable.

3. Quiet Exploration at Kalamazoo Nature Center

The Kalamazoo Nature Center has quiet trails, wooded areas, and simple indoor exhibits. It’s a calm place for kids to explore without too much noise or distraction. Weekday mornings are usually the quietest.

Tip for Families: Pack snacks, water, and a sensory tool or fidget for breaks.

4. Sensory-Friendly Storytime at Kalamazoo Public Library

The Kalamazoo Public Library’s Central Branch hosts events like Family Storytime and Sensory Shenanigans, which feature soft lighting, quiet voices, and predictable routines. These storytimes are designed to welcome all children, including those with sensory sensitivities.

Tip for Families: Ask the staff about sensory-friendly programs and quiet areas. Midweek mornings tend to be the least crowded.

5. Adaptive Swim Lessons at YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo

The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo offers adaptive swim lessons for kids with disabilities and sensory needs. Instructors are trained to create a calm, supportive space, and the lessons are flexible so each child can go at their own pace. It’s a great way for kids to build confidence in the water while feeling safe and supported.

Tip for Families: Call ahead to ask about class times and details. Bring familiar swim gear or a comfort item to help your child feel more at ease.

Creating a More Inclusive Community

Finding sensory-friendly activities can make all the difference when planning family outings. These five places in and around Kalamazoo offer welcoming spaces where kids with sensory sensitivities can feel comfortable and included.

These kinds of activities, like quiet walks, calm storytimes, or low-key play, can make it easier for kids to take part and enjoy what’s around them in a way that works for them.

Check out our LEARN Behavioral blog on 5 simple play ideas for more sensory-friendly inspiration.

Looking for additional support for your child in Kalamazoo, MI? At Total Spectrum, we use science and data to deliver contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, tailored exclusively to your child’s unique needs, behavior, and personality. Learn more about our services in Kalamazoo and contact us today!

A Guide to 5 of Milwaukee’s Sensory-Friendly Venues for Families

Published: June 4, 2025

Planning everyday outings is something many families do without a second thought.

However, for families with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory challenges, outings can sometimes feel overwhelming. Simple trips to the store, playground, or events can be especially tough for kids who see the world differently.

Some kids on the autism spectrum may experience the world more intensely. For them, bright lights can feel harsh, loud sounds overwhelming, and busy places stressful.

That’s why some families seek out sensory-friendly activities.

Sensory-friendly spaces are areas designed to reduce overwhelming sights, sounds, and other sensory inputs. They often have softer lighting, quieter environments, and calming features to help kids who experience sensory challenges feel more at ease. These spaces are important because they give families a place where their children can feel safe and comfortable, allowing them to enjoy activities without sensory overload.

Here are five places in Milwaukee designed with this in mind.

1. Betty Brinn Children’s Museum

The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum offers sensory-friendly sessions on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. During these sessions, the museum provides a calmer environment with adjusted lighting and sound, allowing children to explore exhibits comfortably. A quiet room is also available, equipped with adjustable lighting, comfortable seating, and sensory toys for those needing a break.

Tip for Families: Reservations are recommended.

2. Marcus Theatres’ Reel Movies for Real Needs

Marcus Theatres hosts the “Reel Movies for Real Needs” program, offering sensory-friendly screenings of current films. These shows feature lower sound levels and brighter lighting to create a comfortable viewing experience. Participating locations in the Milwaukee area include Ridge Cinema in New Berlin and South Shore Cinema in Oak Creek.

Tip for Families: Screenings are typically held on Saturday mornings.

3. Urban Air Adventure Park

Urban Air Adventure Park in Milwaukee West offers Sensory-Friendly Play sessions designed for children with autism and special needs. During these events, the park reduces noise levels and eliminates flashing lights, providing a comfortable environment for children to enjoy various attractions.

Tip for Families: Check the park’s calendar for specific dates and times.

4. First Stage Sensory-Friendly Performances

First Stage offers sensory-friendly theater performances tailored for children who benefit from adjusted sound and lighting. These performances also provide quiet areas staffed by educators experienced with developmental differences.

Tip for Families: The upcoming sensory-friendly performance schedule is available on their website.

5. Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Sensory-Friendly Concerts

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra hosts sensory-friendly concerts designed for individuals with autism or sensory sensitivities. These performances include modifications such as dimmed house lights remaining on, flexible seating, and relaxed house rules for an inclusive experience.

Tip for Families: Visit the Milwaukee Symphony’s KultureCity Venue page here for more about their inclusivity program and to download their app.

Check out our LEARN Behavioral blog on 5 simple play ideas for more sensory-friendly ideas.

Looking for additional support for your child in Milwaukee, Wisconsin? At Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP), part of LEARN Behavioral, we use science and data to deliver contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, tailored exclusively to your child’s unique needs, behavior, and personality. Learn more about our services in Milwaukee and contact us today!

6 Sensory-Friendly Activities in Grand Rapids, MI

Author: Total Spectrum | Updated On March 4, 2025

It can be hard to find activities for kids who need sensory-friendly spaces. But Grand Rapids is adding more spaces to support families.

Sensory-friendly spaces are designed to be calm and quiet. They help reduce bright lights and loud sounds. These small changes create a more comfortable environment for kids who might otherwise feel overstimulated.

For children with autism, these spaces can feel like a safe haven. They help kids relax and enjoy themselves without feeling anxious or stressed. Sensory-friendly movie theaters, parks, and events all share the same goal: making the experience fun and accessible for everyone.

Here’s a guide to the best sensory-friendly activities in the area.

1. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is a haven for kids craving hands-on fun. Recognizing the needs of children with sensory sensitivities, the museum hosts Sensory Toolkits that include noise-canceling headphones, sensory toys, and visual schedules to help families feel at ease. They also offer Sensory Friendly Hours with reduced noise levels and dimmed lighting to create a calming atmosphere.

Tip for Families: Visit during the sensory-friendly time slots, and bring familiar comfort items to help your child adjust to the new environment.

2. John Ball Zoo

The John Ball Zoo is a favorite destination for families in Grand Rapids, and they take extra steps to make the zoo accessible for everyone. Their Quiet Area Maps guide you to tranquil spots where you and your family can take a break if the exhibits become overwhelming. The zoo also offers sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, lap pads, and fidget toys, available for free rental.

Tip for Families: Start your visit early in the day when it’s less crowded, and plan your route to include quiet zones for breaks.

3. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Nature lovers will find peace and joy at the Frederik Meijer Gardens, a sprawling park with manicured gardens and inspiring sculptures. The sounds of birds and water fountains create a soothing environment. The Children’s Garden features interactive musical instruments and spaces for quiet reflection designed to meet diverse needs.

Tip for Families: Take advantage of weekdays, as the gardens are not as crowded, and explore sensory-friendly paths that offer a peaceful experience.

4. Celebration Cinema GR North

Celebration Cinema GR North hosts Sensory Showtimes that provide a relaxed movie-going experience. During these screenings, the lights remain dim (but not completely dark), and the volume is lower to avoid overwhelming sensory input. Kids are welcome to move around or make noise during the movie, creating a judgment-free zone for families.

Tip for Families: Check Celebration Cinema’s calendar to catch the latest sensory showtimes and pick a movie your kids are excited to see.

5. The Salvation Army Kroc Center

This community hub has an inclusive environment offering sensory-friendly programming, such as open gym sessions and swimming time reserved for children with sensory sensitivities.

Tip for Families: Call ahead to ask about upcoming programs or events tailored for sensory-sensitive kids.

6. The Grand Rapids Public Library

The library offers sensory support and has a kit families can use during their visit that includes a weighted vest and suspenders, noise-reduction headphones, a tangle therapy toy, emotion flashcards, fidget, bracelet, and social story guide.

Tip for Families: Check the library calendar to see when librarians offer storytimes to read books to kids.

Tips for Families Exploring Sensory-Friendly Activities

Plan Ahead: Contact locations beforehand to confirm accessibility accommodations and plan your visit during sensory-friendly hours.

Pack Essentials: To ease transitions in new environments, bring snacks, headphones, or sensory toys your child is familiar with.

Pace Yourself: Plan shorter visits or include breaks to avoid overstimulation. Many venues offer quiet spaces where your family can regroup if needed.

Talk It Through: Preparing your child by explaining what to expect at the venue can help reduce any anxiety.

For more sensory-friendly ideas, check out our LEARN Behavioral blog on 5 simple play ideas.

Looking for additional support for your child in Grand Rapids, MI? At Total Spectrum, we use science and data to deliver contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, tailored exclusively to your child’s unique needs, behavior, and personality. Learn more about our services in the Grand Rapids area and contact us today!

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7 Tips for Snow Day Fun

Updated On January 19, 2023

By Karen Callahan

While no one can argue with the fun of traditional activities, such as building snowmen or snow angels, keeping your kiddo occupied throughout an entire snow day while confined to your house might require a few more tricks up your sleeve.

Consider the unique opportunities the snow can provide for you and your kiddo to explore different language concepts, social skills, academic tasks, and leisure activities. Think about bringing what winter has to offer indoors, where it is warm, for a unique way to learn and play together.

To get started, grab a few safe bowls (think plastic Tupperware), some pots, a muffin tin, and a few spoons of different sizes. Fill one bowl with cold water and another with hot water. Throw a big beach towel on the floor and grab some of that white, powdery stuff! Here are seven tips for snow day fun.

Let your child explore, figure out what they like about the activity, and add to what they find fun. If they’re watching you and waiting for what you will do next, you’ve got it right!
In the beginning, don’t demand your child’s attention. Show them some fun ways to play with the snow and “kitchen stuff” and talk about what is happening. “Wow, you smashed the snow!” “Did you see it melt in the hot water?” “You got more snow!” “Stir, stir, stir, good job stirring!”
Language Concepts: Once you’ve got the activity going, use the snow to start talking about fun, related language concepts like hot/cold, wet/dry, and melting/frozen.
Social Skills: Take turns using the spoons, stirring, and playing. Encourage and model social skills by commenting about the activity and what you or your child enjoy. “Watch it melt!” “Wow, that is cold!” “I like playing in the snow!”
Academic Tasks: Discuss weather, precipitation, seasons, and states of matter (solid, liquid, gas). Use your muffin tin and practice counting as you fill each cup.
Leisure Skills: Feel free to step away from the activity and let your child dig in on their own. Sustaining a play activity and incorporating newly learned play skills modeled by an adult play a crucial role in learning.
Be sure to set boundaries about where the snow must stay. We suggest prompting all snow activity back to the area of the beach towel.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy this new experience!