Sensory Inclusive Activities
Sensory Inclusive Events | Sensory Inclusive Attractions | Performances & Shows | Special Programs | Virtual Tours | Special Accommodations | Front Line Training | Attractions With Toolkits | Personalized Assistance | In The News
The Lansing region prides itself on being a welcoming community and strives to provide the best experience to all guests that visit. It is our goal to be the most sensoryinclusive city in Michigan! Therefore, Choose LansingTM is collaborating with regional attractions to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental disabilities, sensory processing disorder, and other neurodiverse individuals and their families. Many attractions and hotels have undergone training to better meet the needs of our neurodiverse guests. Over 1,000 people have been trained and that number continues to grow! The facilities listed below offer sensory inclusive performances, activities and events. The majority of these attractions also have sensory toolkits available to check out as needed. Please contact the attractions directly for details on their offerings.
Lansing was named as one of the top destinations for autistic families in the U.S. by Accessible Journeys Magazine.
(517) 432-2000
Wharton Center offers live Sensory-Friendly Performances (SFPs) throughout the season, with activities, quiet spaces, and trained staff -- all within a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment. The lights are not quite as bright, or as black; sound is adjusted to accommodate sensitive ears. The audience is welcome to bring comfort devices and sound-cancelling headphones if needed.
Find Wharton SFP information or Call 1-800-WHARTON for more information.
The Abrams Planetarium offers sensory-inclusive shows on the third Sunday of every month at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. These shows will run with the lights up, the sound down, and the theater doors open so people can move about as needed. A place to "chill out" is provided in the lobby. All shows include a live star talk about what is up in the sky that night which follows a short break between the main show and star talk. Information about what to expect during the show will be provided when you purchase tickets.
Visit Abrams Planetarium or call (517) 355-4676 for more information.
A state-of-the-art facility with 20 screens including the IMAX® Experience and DBox.
Lights up! Sound down! Enjoy the BIG SCREEN experience in an accepting environment at Celebration Cinema. Developed in partnership with Family Hope Foundation, Sensory Showtimes make movies extra welcoming to all guests.
View Celebration! Cinema Sensory Shows or Call (517) 272-9289 for more information.
(517) 316-9101
NCG Sensory Friendly Movies are shown without previews, the sound lowered and the lights up. Talking, shouting, screaming and running in the theater is allowed. Certified by Special Need Communities. .
Find sensory-inclusive movies at NCG Cinema or Call (517) 316-9101 for more information.
Potter Park Zoo is the first Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoo in Michigan to become a Certified Sensory Inclusive Zoo as well as the first to provide braille maps for guests!
FALCONERS is designed to allow children or adults of all ages with special needs and unique challenges (such as autism or developmental disabilities) and their whole family to have an enriching educational experience in a safe, welcoming and sensory friendly environment at Potter Park Zoo (PPZ). All monthly events are free and inclusive for the entire family and/or support group. Many events include hands-on activities and crafts. The activities are designed to engage siblings and other family members in the fun and learning. Potter Park Zoo is the first Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoo in Michigan to become a Certified Sensory Inclusive Zoo as well as the first to provide braille maps for guests!
Call (517) 342-2713 for more information. Join the FALCONER'S group on Facebook.
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(517) 485-8116
Enjoy the Impression 5 Science Center's special hours designed for an experience that limits the number of guests, includes sensory rooms and quiet spaces with select exhibits, altered to reduce sounds, scents, and lighting stimuli. Register online to reserve space for your family!
Dates: More sensory-friendly dates to be announced soon!
Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Capacity: Up to 250 people in the building
VIDEO - Watch our video on how to make your own fidget!
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Founded on the virtues of inclusion and accessibility, TheraPLAYoga is the first inclusive children and family yoga studio in Lansing… and the first adaptive yoga studio; optimized for neurodivergent, disabled, and trauma-impacted children, teens, and adults in Mid-Michigan.
At TheraPLAYoga Adaptive Yoga Studio- in group and private environments; people with diverse bodies, brains, and abilities can practice sensory-integrated, therapeutic, playful yoga as resources for physical, mental, and emotional wellness and engagement.
High Caliber Karting and Entertainment has sensory-friendly hours on the 1st Sunday of the month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Fenner Nature Center
The Visitor Center at Fenner offers exhibits that accommodate a variety of learning levels , each with varying stimulation so all…
Preuss Pets
Preuss Pets is a Pet Store with a Purpose. We encourage meaningful connections between people and pets by providing healthy…
Woldumar Nature Center
Woldumar Nature Center sits on 178 acres of woodland, prairie and wetland terrains, with over a mile of shoreline on the Grand…
State Capitol Building
Step back into the Victorian era with a visit to Michigan's award-winning Capitol Building. The Michigan State Capitol Tour Guide…
Breslin Center
The Spartan Family Sensory Room is near the Breslin Center’s Northwest Kalamazoo Gate behind platform 133 and will be available…
Impression 5
Impression 5 Science Center’s name come from the five senses and is a dynamic, interactive space for families to play, create, and…
Choose Lansing has a Certified Autism Travel Professional able to assist with specific questions about traveling to our community. Please email jpingston@lansing.org to discuss any further assistance that we can provide.
Choose Lansing has someone certified in Accessible Tourism who is able to assist with specific questions about traveling to our community. Please email alucas@lansing.org to discuss any further assistance that we can provide.
