Sensory-Friendly Bay Area: Activities for Children with Disabilities

Get the scoop on sensory-friendly activities and events for children with disabilities around the Bay Area! These all-inclusive events and activities are designed to reduce noise and activity while increasing engagement and the ability for kids to move about. Enjoy this list of resources and information from Sarah Doherty, Executive Director/Owner at COMPASS (Community of Mindfulness Psychology & Social Services), lovingly gathered to connect families for emotional support, social activities and play dates. Don’t forget to check with your local library and museum for Sensory-Friendly Storytimes and Activities.

If there is a special needs resource serving Bay Area families that should be added to this list, please let me know. It's free, of course.

Sensitive Santa Sighting

December 3rd, 2-5 pm

Sign up for the holiday parade! See Santa on a horse-pulled carriage, get professional photos and receive a gift from us to you! If you are interested in sponsorship to help enhance the reach and magic of the event, please contact All Children Academics.

International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)

Requesting accommodations at an attraction can be stressful and frustrating. Luckily, many parks and attractions are providing options so that everyone in the family can still enjoy the fun. The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) created the digital IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC) as a free resource for individuals who need to request accommodations or assistance at participating amusement parks and attractions.

National Park Access Pass

The Access Pass, part of the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series, is available free for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. The Access Pass may be issued to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of any age that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability) that severely limits one or more major life activities. Applicants must provide documentation of permanent disability and residency or citizenship.

Disabled Discount Pass

$3.50 (Lifetime Pass) - For persons with permanent disabilities, this pass entitles the bearer to a 50% discount for vehicle day use, family camping, and boat use fees at California State Park operated units.

Swings & Wings

Swings and Wings is a indoor sensory-based play place for kids between 6 months to 8 years, designed and owned by an Occupational Therapist. At Swing and Wings, we encourage each child to find their wings and soar, and each parent to take flight with them!

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Six Flags’ Attraction Access Program is designed to accommodate guests with disabilities or certain other qualifying impairments so they may participate in the enjoyment of our Parks. Each attraction at Six Flags has been evaluated for the criteria necessary for an individual to ride safely. We strive to make sure that Six Flags is fun and accessible for everyone and lots of guests with disabilities enjoy the park every day.

Chuck E. Cheese

Sensory Sensitive Sundays

Chuck E. Cheese's is proud to support families who have children with autism and special needs. We now offer a sensory-friendly experience on the first Sunday of every month. Our trained and caring staff is there to make sure each guest has a fun filled visit. The Sensory Sensitive Sundays experience includes: Less crowding and noise, Dimmed lighting, Show and music turned off or down, Limited appearances by Chuck E., Food and games are offered, Check the link above for dates and locations.

Spirited Play Labs

When your child has delays or disabilities, finding a safe play space can feel impossible. SPL was created to be the inclusive play space for children aged 0-6 where you relax while your child plays their own way. Yes – including children who may flap, yell, jump, hide, or whatever else… We’ve created this space with YOUR CHILD in mind!

Sonoma County YMCA

Santa Rosa, Thursday 11-11:55am; Friday 2:20-4pm; Sunday 9-10:30am

Sensory Friendly Swim: No reservation needed. Quiet time for kids with different abilities. 6 sessions for $50 and the child can have an aide (professional, paraprofessional or parent/family member)...to be started soon (August 2022 is the intention)! It’s in the smaller warm pool.

The MovementLAB

Our All Abilities classes are run workshop style. Short 4-6 week sessions. Most dancers in our All Abilities classes have developmental, cognitive and or physical disabilities. Dancers who need physical assistance can have a parent/caretaker participate to help with movement. We ask that ONLY 1 parent/caretaker assist in the class as we want to keep the classes small and focused.

EpiCenter

This location is over 130,000 square feet of gross motor and sensory-based fun. It is best to check out their site for hours of operation and call in to learn where there may be quieter locations to bring your child in between activities or if they need down time. There is food and bathrooms located at the site. They are included in this list due to their sheer size and amount of activities, but they do not have events that specifically cater to neurodivergence, and it could be overwhelming for many unless you bring noise canceling headphones or go during a time where there are less people.

Children’s Museum of Sonoma County

The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County hosts free Sensory Friendly Afternoons exclusive to families of children with special needs. These Tuesday afternoons are great for children and families to play with hands-on exhibits, explore the Art Studio, and enjoy family time in a safe, accessible and welcoming environment.

Bay Area Discovery Museum

Playful learning experiences that inspire a passion for discovery for children 0-8.

Wings for Autism / Wings for All

Making the Skies Friendlier for Everyone

Part of living a full life in the community includes being able to travel to faraway locations for both work and pleasure. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are entitled to this piece of community participation—just like anyone else—and should be able to navigate air transit comfortably to experience the same opportunities as every other traveler.

Lifehouse

Lifehouse offers a comprehensive skills training model focused on each individual’s needs. We support many individuals with varying disabilities, and the needs of the people we support vary; this can range from two hours per week to 24-hour care. At Lifehouse, each individual participates in developing individual goals and is supported by a team of professionals.

KEEN

During the Sports Program, athletes and volunteers come together for one-to-one activities. They have a group warm up, and then move to individual activities which are tailored solely to the needs of the athlete. They may throw a basketball or kick a soccer ball. Many love to bounce on 36” balls or be pulled along the floor on a flat wheeled scooter. A group may form for Duck, Duck, Goose.

Project Awareness and Special Sports (PAASS)

Together with high school and middle school volunteers, we work with participants to teach them the mechanics of sports and support recreational programs. What’s more, our volunteers socially engage participants developing long lasting bonds and relationships. Our coaches oversee participants and volunteers to help coordinate games and classes. Since its inception, PAASS has connected participants, volunteers, coaches, and parents together to build a community of support, awareness, and acceptance.

Spectrum Surf Camps

Spectrum Surf Camps is a unique therapeutic program that offers one-week surf camps for children with special needs, including, but not limited to, autism spectrum disorder, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, and emotional disturbances. The camp is limited to six (6) campers with a 1:1 and/or 2:1 camper/instructor ratio. Staff includes behavior specialists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, peer volunteers, and surf instructors who have experience working with both children and adults with special needs.

California Academy of Sciences

The Academy is committed to accessibility and inclusion. We strive to make our building, exhibits, programs, and services accessible to everyone, regardless of physical or developmental ability. Check out a sensory kit if someone in your party needs extra sensory support during their visit. Includes adjustable earmuffs and a variety of fidget-friendly toys. We updated our visitor map to include a sensory guide, which rates each area of the museum on the strength of four kinds of stimuli: noise, visual, touch, and smell.

Exploratorium

Visitors with disabilities can visit the museum at a reduced rate. We recognize that everyone is different, and what works best for one person may not be a good fit for another. We recommend calling our Reservations staff in advance of your visit. Whether you prefer a little or a lot of assistance, letting us know what you need will help us provide the best possible museum experience.

Acro Sports

Come to our Special Needs Open Gym and encourage your child in self-guided exploration of our facility. We have space to run, jump, crawl, swing, balance, bounce and climb.

Rotary Play Garden

The Rotary PlayGarden, the Rotary Club of San Jose’s centennial gift to our community, opened in May 2015. The $6 million PlayGarden enables children with disabilities to play alongside their siblings and friends.

AMC Sensory Friendly Films

AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don't forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.

Alamo for All

Welcome to Alamo for All - a movie program for young families and guests with special needs.  All shows starting before 2 pm on Tuesdays follow Alamo for All rules, with more shows on the weekends.  Schedule may vary during holidays.  At sensory-friendly Alamo for All shows, Lights are turned up and sound is turned down, All ages are welcome (including infants), Talking and noise is allowed and guests can move around, Adaptive technology is welcome (but no other electronics, please).

The Tech Interactive

The science center also hosts Sensory Friendly Hours where families can enjoy a quieter, less crowded visit at a discounted rate. The opportunity is appealing to parents of children who have mobility challenges, struggle to communicate or become easily overwhelmed by stimuli.

iFly

We believe that regardless of physical or cognitive challenges, everyone should be given the opportunity to spread their wings.
We’re proud to empower people to soar beyond their own expectations. To make this possible for every single person, we invite people of All Abilities to indoor skydive.

Oakland Zoo

For our visitors with disabilities or physical challenges, our Docents provide tours with specially-equipped electric carts. Most exhibits and areas of the Zoo are accessible to these tours. Reservations for docent tours must be made 2-3 weeks in advance.

Urban Air Adventure Park

Sensory friendly jump time for our special needs community only, every First Sunday of the month from 10am-12n (time/date varies per location). An event specifically designed for children with Autism and special needs to enjoy time at the park without loud music, flashing lights- and to have a lot of fun!

Proud to Be Me Dance

This dance class is designed for elementary and middle schoolers with any intellectual, developmental, or sensory impairments! Our beginner-level dance and movement classes currently take place through Zoom and provide a fun outlet for children to let out energy and meet new people. The free class is also designed to help refine and improve things like motor skills, concentration, social/communication abilities, and general happiness.

Autism Family Bay Area Activities

This group is the successor to Autism Fun Bay Area. Its purpose remains to share information about autism-friendly events around the Bay Area. At this time it is not an all-purpose autism support group. Although the mission may expand in the future, for now we are focused on events.

RockonMusic School

Use the positive power of music to learn to play instruments, sing and create. Each one-on-one session is tailored to the individual's skills and motivations. I specialize in those impacted by autism or other disabilities.

Sarah Doherty is the Executive Director/Owner at COMPASS (Community of Mindfulness Psychology & Social Services) providing behavioral, educational and social services, to clients with differing abilities, aged 2 to adulthood.