Mar 19, 2025, Little Guide: Sensory-Friendly Destinations for Metro Detroit Families This Spring
April is Autism Acceptance month and Metro-Detroit offers a growing number of sensory-friendly experiences to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. Whether you’re looking for a sensory-friendly film experience, a fun and safe play space, or a special event with sensory considerations we’ve rounded up some of the best this season.
4316 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Sea Life Aquarium has partnered with KultureCity® to become a sensory inclusive venue. Being Sensory Inclusive creates daily accessibility with training, tools, and other modifications that do not remove the overwhelming stimuli, but instead help the guest cope with this potential sensory over stimilation or under stimulation better, ensuring an accepting and inclusive experience for all. Sensory bags are available for check out at the front desk.
1099 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302April 26th 11:00am – 11:30am
Enjoy an adaptive story time experience for youth of all abilities, including those who have difficulty in large groups and who have sensory integration challenges. Participants can expect stories with gentle multisensory engagement, visual aids, adaptive movement, low lights, and low sounds. For children ages 3 and up with a grown-up. Registration is required and begins March 22.
20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124
April 12, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Minions (2015) – Register HereMay 10, 11:00 a.m.-11:40 a.m., Train Time – Register Here
Join The Henry Ford’s Giant Screen Experience for a customized movie experience designed for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Sensory Processing Disorder and their loves ones. What to expect: house lights stay on, volume lowered, and a welcoming environment. Pre-registration is required.
1801 Atwater Street, Detroit, MI 48207April 6th, May 4th, June 8th
Enjoy the opportunity to explore and experience the OAC with building sounds and ambient noises at a lower volume. During your visit, there will be a quiet room with sensory materials available to use. Check the schedule for more sensory friendly days.
32737 W. 12 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334April 25 4:30pm – 5:30pm
This storytime holds space for families that have children with disabilities or special needs. Visuals, stories with sensory engagement, and adaptive movement for neurodiverse and disabled youth with their grown up are what you’ll find here. Play and parent networking follows storytime.
1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236April 2nd, 6:30pm
Step into the extraordinary world of magician Cody Clark, a performer whose journey is as captivating as his magic. Diagnosed with autism at just 15 months, Cody defied expectations and overcame challenges that once seemed insurmountable. Cody has crafted a one-of-a-kind performance that combines magic with personal stories, stand-up comedy, classic country tunes, and his commitment to autism advocacy. FREE event, but registration is required.
20680 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236April 21st 11:00am – 1:00pm
Lights up. Sound down. Enjoy recent releases in an accepting environment. Sensory Showtimes make movies extra welcoming to guests with special needs, including autism. No registration required.
15175 E Jefferson Ave, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230April 4th 10:30am – 11:00am
Sensory Storytime is a fun, interactive and educational storytime designed for children with sensory needs or who are on the autism spectrum and welcoming all ages and abilities. Join us for stories, songs and play that incorporate the five senses. Registration required.
22064 Novi Rd, Novi, MI 48375
Head to We Rock the Spectrum for an inclusive gym experience. Drop in for an open play session to experience suspended equipment with swings, crash mats and pillows, zip slider, trampoline, indoor play structure, a calming room, and more. Open play schedule: Mondays – Thursdays: 9:30am – 6:30pm, Fridays 9:30am – 5:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays 9:00am – 3:00pm. WRTS also offers camps, classes, birthday parties, and special events.
223 South Main St., Plymouth, MI 48170May 1st 6:30pm – 7:00pm
As part of the “Wellness Storytime” series, join the Plymouth Library for a storytime that keeps children with sensory issues in mind. Enjoy stories, songs and activities to help youngsters calm down and learn some important lessons in being mindful. This storytime is intended for children ages 4-8 and their families.
8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Enjoy sensory-friendly hours at the Detroit Zoo on the second Monday of each month from opening – noon. Some of the things you can expect are reduced or altered volume and lighting throughout the zoo and special attractions, limited effects and adjusted lighting in the 4D Theater, KultureCity sensory bags available for check out at Customer Care, and weighted lap pads and strobe glasses are available upon request.
The Great Marshmallow Drop (Royal Oak)
Lexington Blvd & Crooks Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48073Friday, April 18th
The Great Marshmallow Drop for individuals with disabilities of all ages will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, April 18 at Worden Park in Royal Oak. During this free event, 15,000 marshmallows will be dropped from a helicopter, Participants need to collect just one marshmallow to exchange for a prize. No registration is necessary. American Sign Language interpretation will be on site. For more information, call 248-221-8040 or email OCPrecreation@oakgov.com
13777 Eureka Rd, Southgate, MI 48195
Friends Like Me is a a gymnastics class designed to focus on gross motor skills & physical play adapted for our friends of all ability levels with special needs. Students may attend independently, or parents can be present in class to explore and help students reach their goals. Great for kids who have not thrived in a traditionally structured class.
42301 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314
Play-Place’s mission is to provide a fun-filled, judgment-free, haven of hope for families affected by autism and other special needs. Enjoy a chalk room, computer cafe, art studio, reading fort, rock wall, swing central, bounce house, and preschool room during their open play. Other activities offered include haircuts, weekend respite, birthday parties, and summer camps. Open play hours are Wednesdays-Saturdays: 12:00pm – 6:00pm & Sundays: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Canton, Hartland, Macomb, Novi, Palladium, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Saline, Quality 10 powered by Emagine
This sensory friendly program makes going to the movies a more enjoyable and accessible experience for families, children, and teens with sensory needs. A sensory friendly film experience means brighter lights and lower volume, audience interaction (movement, speaking, singing) and electronics are welcome, and finally guests are welcome to bring a safe snack for food allergies or food avoidance/restrictions.
Canton & Sterling Heights
Sensory Sensitive Sundays are special hours designed to provide children with sensory sensitivities and their families a quieter, more comfortable experience. With dimmed lighting, reduced noise levels, and a calm atmosphere, we’ve made it easier for everyone to enjoy our games, food, and activities in a setting that feels just right. Sensory Sensitive Sundays happen the first Sunday of each month.
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