Sensory Friendly Fun

Things to Consider:

Community outings can be difficult for some individuals and families. The crowds, noises and over stimulation can be difficult to overcome. Some individuals avoid events all together or are hesitant to try new things because of their fear of overstimulation. Are you nodding in agreement? Fortunately, organizations are recognizing the need to have sensory friendly hours and events. Sensory friendly hours are dedicated times when businesses reduce environmental stimuli. This could include lowering or eliminating music, turning down the lights, avoiding the use of strong smells or reducing event capacity so that the crowd is smaller. Sensory friendly events are activities designed to reduce sensory stimulation so that everyone can enjoy the event comfortably within a supportive environment, ideally free of judgement.

Some events will offer fidgets but don’t hesitate to bring a sensory tool kit specific to you or your family. Tool kits are a collection of things that can help regulate your nervous system in times of stress. Items like fidget spinners, bubbles, pop-its, stress balls, play-doh, noise canceling headphones, weighted items, visual aids like timers, social stories, communication boards, treats, sunglasses.. anything that helps you!

These sensory friendly times and events can be really helpful. I encourage you to at least try them out if you’re hesitant. Our family has done some of the events and I am always shocked to see how few people take advantage of them. If the events receive little support or are not attended, they likely won’t be offered much longer.

Pro tip: If you’re looking for a place to have a birthday party, grab some friends and take advantage of the sensory friendly time offerings. Most times you won’t need to book a traditional birthday package and they’ll usually let you bring in a treat if you ask ahead of time.

Activities to Consider

These are designed to help everyone enjoy a movie. Typically the lights are on but dimmed, the volume is lowered and there are relaxed rules. Attendees can get up to walk around, jump, dance, sing or make noise. Some screenings don’t show previews but some do, so make sure to check the listings for an accurate time of when the movie will begin. Sensory friendly screenings are more lowkey and devices are permitted just make sure to take device volume into consideration so it’s not a distraction from the movie volume. Some organizations partner with local theaters to host events.

Click on the links below to find sensory friendly showings:

Sensory Friendly Movies

The places listed below are businesses that offer Sensory Friendly times at their location. Check out their specific calendars for event details.

Click on the links below to find sensory friendly fun:

These places offer sensory friendly events randomly. Follow us on social media and we’ll always share the details!

Be sure to check out our Calendar of Local Events to find events hosted by our Community Partners!

Sensory Fun - Special Hours Available

Sensory Friendly Experience Support Organizations

These organizations help venues and businesses learn how to support sensory needs. They each certify organizations to be sensory-inclusive.
Kulture City is national. Pal Experiences is local. Many of the certified locations offer a sensory room.

Kulture City

Services: As the world’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance, We Make the Nevers Possible by creating sensory accessibility and inclusion for those with invisible disabilities. Certified locations offer toolkits to borrow.

Contact Information
Website: https://www.kulturecity.org

Pal Experiences

Services: Everyone gets to go. Pal Experiences is a nonprofit dedicated to making places more accessible and inclusive for guests living with developmental disabilities. From the urgent care to the aquarium to an NBA game, your community is ready to explore. Arizona based. Includes social stories and tips for each venue.

Contact Information

Website: https://palexperiences.org

Annual Autism Events in the Valley

The events listed below are events that typically take place every year within Maricopa County. We recommend signing up for the organization newsletters and/or following them on social media to get information for upcoming dates, as some events sell out quickly. Larger scale events will be featured on our Calendar of Events.

Click on each title to learn more about the event.

  • Autism Expo: A free resource fair for families, caregivers, and individuals with ASD to connect with local service providers and support organizations in Arizona. Hosted by the Arizona Autism Coalition. Typically held in April.

  • Night to Shine: Night to Shine values, honors, and supports honored guests and their families through a prom, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs held simultaneously around the world on the Friday before Valentine’s Day each year. Events are held at various churches across the Valley. Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

  • Surfer’s Healing: Our mission is to enrich the lives of people living with autism by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing. Events held in California, Mexico and Puerto Rico. I know not AZ but I have heard they are very cool if you’re able to travel.

  • Surfing with Nixon: An unforgettable day of surfing community, food, raffles and fun while supporting children with autism and other disabilities through surf therapy.

  • Wings for Autism: An event designed to alleviate some of the stress that families who have a child with autism experience when traveling by air. The program provides families with the opportunity to practice entering the airport, obtaining boarding passes, going through security, and boarding a plane. Hosted by the Arc of Arizona.

  • Yes Day for Autism: Walk for Autism at Tempe Beach Park, typically held in October. Hosted by SARRC.

  • Zoowalk for Autism Research: An annual charity event at the Phoenix Zoo that is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the Autism/Asperger’s Research Program at Arizona State University, and Autism Nutrition Research Center. Each year, attendees gather at the Phoenix Zoo to walk for autism research and enjoy a fun day together at the zoo.