When you have a child with autism, it can take some time to get used to how to navigate the world in a way that makes sense for them. It can feel discouraging when your child wants to attend events and activities like their peers, but when they get there they find that the experience is too overwhelming to be enjoyable. The good news is, more and more establishments have begun to understand the need for inclusive experiences, opening up options, time slots or days specifically for children and families with sensory sensitivities. We’ve compiled a list here for your convenience that includes locations in the Kansas City and surrounding areas offering fun for those with sensory sensitivities!
B & B Movie Theatre
B & B Theatres wants to make going to the movies a magical experience for everyone. The KC Northland location occasionally hosts sensory-friendly film viewings where they lower audio levels and turn the lights up to create a sensory-friendly environment. To enjoy a movie during a regular showing, all B & B Theatre also offer sensory backpacks available to rent out during your movie. You can ask for these at the concession area and return once the film has concluded. These backpacks include noise-canceling headsets, a weighted lap pad, sunglasses, fidget toys and more.
Science City Sensory Sunday
Each Sunday, Union Station hosts Sensory Sunday at Science City from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. During this time, extra sound effects are turned off, lighting effects are minimized and designated quiet areas are provided. Additionally, special sensory-friendly activities will be available, including a special sensory-friendly showing of planetarium showings when available. Similar to B & B Theatres, Science City also has special sensory backpacks available for check-out to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Kansas City Zoo
The zoo can be be a great place for children of all ages and circumstances to visit. With plenty of space to spread out and rest, the zoo is often a great choice for a sensory-friendly activity, especially during slower days. The Kansas City Zoo also offers sensory bags that include noise-canceling headphones, with weighted blankets also available.
Legoland
While 2025 dates are not listed yet, Legoland in Kansas City offers sensory-friendly & inclusive mornings where children and adults on the autism spectrum, or with other special needs, are invited to enjoy Legoland in a more calming environment.
Wonderscope
The second Monday of each month, Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City offers Sensory Friendly Mondays that includes free play across all exhibits, as well as specialized pop-up activities modified to support certain needs. Families are asked to reserve a spot a week in advance.
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium offers two sensory rooms located just inside Gate G on the Plaza Level. These rooms include items and tools meant to help overwhelmed guests feel more calm and relaxed. Arrowhead also offers sensory kits to check out free of charge, located at multiple locations throughout the stadium.
Kauffman Stadium
Kauffman Stadium is another location that offers sensory kits that include headphones, fidget toys, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads. There are also two sensory rooms located near first and third bases for sensory regulation, as well as eight quiet areas located around the stadium.
Starlight Theatre
Live performances can be enjoyed with more ease at Starlight Theatre, another location that offers sensory kits, available to rent at the Guest Information Kiosk.
Mid-Continent Public Library
Some branches of the Mid-Continent Public Library offer Sensory Sensitive Storytimes for ages 3-5 that feature low lighting, softer music and more stories with less interactive elements. Currently the Liberty and a Kansas City location offer this on their schedule, but be sure to check the library’s website often for new programming announcements at your location
Kidscape at Johnson County Kansas Museum
The Johnson County Museum offers Sensory Friendly Mondays once per month. These sessions include changes to the museum spaces, including Kidscape, to create a more accessible and inclusive environment. These include fewer guests than typical, lower lights, a low-sensory room for breaks, visual checklists and narrative guides, less noise and sensory bags. Register in advance to make sure you save your spot. On the website you can also find convenient downloads of visual checklists, a sensory map and a social narrative for both the museum and Kidscape to prepare your child in advance.
Nelson-Adkins Museum
Coming up in March 2025, the Nelson-Adkins Museum is hosting a Low Sensory Morning evening from 9-10:30 a.m. During this event, participants will be able to enjoy the museum prior to it opening to the public to enjoy a more quiet environment. Hands-on art making activities will be provided, as well as visual resources, hand fidgets and more. Visit the website for more information on registering for tickets.
Bloom Behavioral Healthcare is committed to providing up-to-date information and resources that help make life easier and more fun for families with children on the autism spectrum. Hopefully this list will provide opportunities for fun for your family without the added stress of overstimulation and sensory overload. This is just a small list of local establishments we have collected, and we will add to it as we learn about more. Be sure to check back for more, and let us know in the comments of any we may have missed!
Bloom Behavioral Healthcare offers ABA Therapy services in the Northland and Kansas City areas. Please reach out if you are in need of an ABA therapist, have questions about ABA Therapy or need additional resources for your child.
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