Sensory-Friendly Activities for Kids in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

As a parent of a child with special needs, it can be difficult to find events and activities for them. But if you’re looking to find a community of people you and your child can connect with, these events might be a good place to start.

Movie Night Out

• Address: Emagine Theatre, 200 Barclay Circle, Rochester Hills
• Cost: $6/residents, $8/non-residents, plus movie ticket and concessions

Teens ages 14 and up can enjoy a movie at Emagine Rochester one Wednesday a month. Movies and show times will be emailed the week of the program. Assistance will be provided. Spots are extremely limited so pre-registration is required.

Movie Pizza Night

• Address: Rochester Avon Recreation Authority, 500 E. Second St., Rochester
• Cost: $17/residents, $21/non-residents

Teens ages 14 and up can enjoy a pizza movie night at RARA one Friday a month. This event is designed for people with special needs.

Sensory Story Time

• Address: Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor
• Cost: $5/child, free/under 1 and adults

The story time happens one Tuesday every month. Children ages 2-5 with special needs can enjoy interactive stories, sensory play and a tour of the shelter. Pre-registration is required.

Sensory Story Time for Adults and Teens

• Address: Bloomfield Township Public Library, 1099 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Township
• Cost: Free

On the second Monday of each month, adult and teens with intellectual or developmental disabilities (along with their caregivers) can join the library for songs, interactive stories, art projects and sensory crafts.

Sensory Sundays

Addresses: Chuck E. Cheese, various locations in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

Cost: Free

On the first Sunday of every month, the play area will open two hours early for children with autism or sensory sensitivities. It will have reduced lighting and noise.

Scarlet’s Playground

Address: Dodge Park 5, off South Commerce Road, Commerce

Cost: Free

Kids of all ages and abilities can enjoy a barrier-free all-inclusive playground named after a little girl named Scarlet who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy.. 

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