If you’re a parent of a neurodivergent child, you won’t want to miss these venues offering sensory-friendly accommodations.
Discovery Cube Orange County
The Discovery Cube in Santa Ana prides itself on providing every child a safe space to learn and discover. Sensory Friendly Mornings are the perfect time to enjoy a fun-filled environment and celebrate neurodiversity. Sensory-friendly maps, visual cue cards and a friendly staff allow guests to enjoy science without any stress. Sensory Friendly Mornings take place every third Sunday of the month and offer free admission for one aide per family.
discoverycube.org/sensory-friendly-mornings
The Frida Cinema
You might think that going out for a movie is a great, stress-free night — but not for everyone. The Frida Cinema in Santa Ana offers sensory-friendly screenings monthly, and offers opportunities to watch movies with the lights on rather than in a dark room. The sound is also turned down. The theater also encourages movie-watchers to get up, make noise and move around the theater as they please.
thefridacinema.org/film-series/sensory-friendly-screenings
Pretend City
Pretend City in Irvine hosts a free evening where both neurodivergent children and their caretakers are welcome to enjoy the fun in a sensory-friendly environment. Neurodivergent Family Nights are hosted on the second Tuesday and fourth Thursday of every month after closing for general admission. On these evenings, the lights are dimmed, sounds are turned off and there is a limited capacity of 250 guests at a time. There are also noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys and sunglasses available for those who need them.
pretendcity.org/neurodivergent-family-night
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
For those who want to spend a night at the theater, but feel it is too stressful for kids with neurodivergence, Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa has the perfect offering. SCFTA offers sensory-friendly, relaxed performances for those who have sensory sensitivities. Sound levels are reduced as well as bright stage lighting. Guests can speak and move around during the performance, too. All ages are welcome to attend the sensory-friendly shows.
scfta.org/shows-events/accessible-performances/sensory-friendly-relaxed-performances
The Children’s Museum at La Habra
Sensory Friendly Tuesdays at The Children’s Museum at La Habra welcomes kids with autism and other neurodivergences to explore the museum without loud noises, crowds or bright lights. Children as well as one free aide are welcome to see all the exhibits the museum has to offer from 2 pm to 4 pm. The museum offers a ton of fun-filled exhibits to enjoy, including an outdoor dinosaur garden and a historic caboose from 1942.
lhcm.org/360/Special-Programs-Events
Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach
It’s been said that riding a horse can soothe the soul and bring calm to anyone. No one believes this more than the Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach as it strives to empower those with both physical and developmental challenges. The riding center combines riding a horse with physical therapy to treat various neurological disorders. The ride itself offers the possibility for those with a neurological disorder to look beyond their disability and see the beauty in riding.
Chuck E. Cheese
What kid doesn’t like a fun afternoon at Chuck E. Cheese where they can play and eat a ton of pizza? The arcade reduces the noise, turns down the lights and allows for a calm play and dining environment for those with autism and other special needs. The staff is also available to help kids enjoy the arcade to the fullest. The arcade opens two hours early the first Sunday of every month and has a few locations that offer this fun morning throughout Orange County.
chuckecheese.com/sensory-sensitive-sundays
YMCA
There are plenty of fun activities to participate in at the YMCA, but did you know it also offers an inclusion program for kids with neurodivergent conditions like autism? This program allows kids to learn social skills, independent living skills and behavioral management during this after-school program. The games and activities are purposely low-stress so anyone with autism can participate.
Disneyland Resort
Waiting in line might not be the best plan for everyone — and lines at Disneyland can get pretty long. Good thing Disneyland offers the Disability Access Service (or DAS Pass) for those with autism or similar neurodivergences. Essentially, the pass gives you a return time for the respected line you are waiting in and you can wait in the queue without physically waiting in the line. Instead of waiting in line, the guest and family can watch a show, visit a character or just take a break.
disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/disability-access-service
Knott’s Berry Farm
Similar to the Disability Access Service at the Disneyland Resort, Knott’s Berry Farm also has a similar pass for those with autism. The child and family must meet with Guest Services to answer a few questions then will be given a Special Accessibility pass, which allows you to wait for a ride without physically waiting in line. The park also lets you provide a photo of your child in case they wander off — so the park can better help you find your lost child.
Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center
Whether your neurodivergent child enjoys acting, dancing or playing music, the Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center in Santa Ana can help them achieve their dream. OCCTAC offers programs that put on shows and concerts in the performing arts as well as training, mentorship and work experience when they are of age to get a job. Kids are encouraged to learn through self-expression and are free to enroll in any class that makes them feel good about themselves.
Pavion Park
Pavion Park in Mission Viejo is known for its inclusivity with its sensory-friendly features. The park has engaging play structures and rubber surfaces that provide a safe play area for all children with special needs. The park is also safely tucked away from the street, so if your child does make a run for it, they won’t be near heavy, on-coming traffic. It is a great place to bring the whole family for safe play.
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