We live in an area rich with culture. While our town may be small, we are bordered on all sides by so many possibilities to enrich our lives through art, entertainment, and education. For families with children with special needs, it often feels like all of these opportunities are not an option for us. We worry will it be too much for my child? Will it be too much for me? Will it be too much for the other patrons?
While I wholeheartedly believe that all families are welcome in all places no matter the circumstances, it is much easier to venture out when we know that the environment and tone of a setting will support those in our families who may need extra support. I have compiled a list of ongoing and upcoming sensory-friendly events in the surrounding area. It is my greatest hope that these events will offer you all peace of mind to explore this beautiful place we call home.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Children's Theatre of Charlotte offers a sensory-friendly show for most of their productions. These shows are designed for those with sensory sensitivities and accommodations are made including:
Softened theatre lighting & sound
Dimmed house lights that remain on
Extra room in the house to move around as needed
Quiet spaces and headphones
Fidgets and other sensory objects
The theater also partners with the Autism Strong Foundation, to provide these shows free of charge to families with children on the autism spectrum and other sensory sensitivities (maximum 6 tickets per show). This provides access to all sensory-friendly shows throughout the 2023-24 season.
Upcoming Shows:
Catching the Moon (Sensory Friendly Performance)
Elephant & Piggie's "We Are in a Play!" (Sensory Friendly Performance)
Danny, King of the Basement (Sensory Friendly Performance)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
SENSORY SENSITIVE SUNDAYS AT CHUCK E. CHEESE
Participating locations open two hours early on the first Sunday of the month. They offer a quieter environment, dimmed lighting, and a trained and caring staff to ensure each guest has a safe, fun-filled visit. The closest participating location to us is 7701 PINEVILLE-MATHEWS RD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28226.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium hosts Sensory-Friendly Sundays on the second Sunday of each month from 10 to 11a.m. Exhibits are adjusted to reduce sensory triggers and there is a dedicated quiet space for visitors who may need privacy. The aquarium is located inside of Concord Mills Mall at 8111 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, North Carolina 28027.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Adventure Air Sports - Rock Hill offers sensory sensitivity jump times on the second Sunday of each month. These events are limited to those with sensitivities and their family/siblings. Adventure will open for this event before opening to the public. Private access is from 10a-11:30a on Sunday morning. The price for 90 minutes is $18 per person. To ensure that the environment is inclusive for everyone, Adventure will
turn down the music
turn off the strobe lights and color lights
reduce the amount of jumpers
overhead announcements will not be used
The park will also provide the special pricing above with a “Neurodivergent Pass” outside of this event. At all times, this price includes a parent or therapist’s admission. Socks are not included in this pricing. For more information give them a call at 803-326-5867. Adventure Air Sports is located at 2375 Cherry Rd Suite 101, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The South Carolina State Museum hosts a morning designed for families who would benefit from a quieter, sensory-friendly and disability-adapted experience.
Guests who are neurodiverse, autistic, or have other disabilities are welcome to participate in special activities or explore the museum at their own pace. General admission for this event is free. The next event will be Saturday, February 10th, 2024 from 9 - 11 a.m. The museum is located at 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
All my love and support, Anna