6 Sensory-Friendly Activities in Grand Rapids, MI 

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!

7 Tips for Snow Day Fun

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.

  1. 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!

  2. 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!”

  3. 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.

  4. 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!”

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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!