Sensory Inclusive Activities & Events - Lansing, MI 

Lansing is proud to be a sensory-inclusive destination. Whether you're looking for modified lighting/sound shows, quiet spaces, or sensory toolkits, explore our partner venues designed to welcome neurodiverse visitors and their families. 

• Choose Lansing is an AbleVu Accessible Certified Business
• Throughout the Greater Lansing community, over 850 individuals have completed a customized training to have a better understanding of how to serve and welcome our neurodiverse guests
• AbleVu 360 virtual tours are available for key venues.
• Sensory-friendly toolkits are available at select locations

Lansing was named one of the top destinations for autistic families in the U.S. by Accessible Journeys Magazine. 

Find Specific Sensory Inclusive Information

• Sensory Inclusive Events
• Shows, Movies, and Live Performances
• Museums, Zoos, and Hands-On Experiences
• Special Accommodations
• Front Line Training
• Attractions With Toolkits
• Personalized Assistance

Sensory Inclusive Events

 Shows, Movies & Live Performance

Abrams Planetarium

Attend a monthly Sensory-Inclusive Show (3rd Sunday of the month at 11:30 a.m.). These shows will run with the lights up, the sound down, and the theater door open so people can move about as needed. A place to "chill out" is provided in the lobby. Visit Abrams Planetarium or call (517) 355-4676 for more information. 

Celebration Cinema

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.

NCG Eastwood Cinema

Sensory-Friendly movies are shown without previews, the sound lowered, and the lights up. Talking, shouting, screaming, and running in the theater is allowed.  Find sensory-inclusive movies at NCG Cinema or Call (517) 316-9101 for more information.

Wharton Center for Performing Arts

Find live Sensory-Friendly Performances (SFPs) throughout the season. These shows have lowered light/sound, quiet spaces, and pre-show social stories. Find Wharton Center SFP Information or call 1-800-WHARTON for more information.

Museums, Zoos, and Hands-On Experiences

Impression 5 Science Center

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!

Play Michigan! All-Inclusive Playground

Visit downtown Lansing's fully accessible play space featuring sensory play elements, ramped structures, and adaptive swings. Learn more about Play Michigan!

Potter Park Zoo

Potter Park Zoo is the first Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoo in Michigan to become a Certified Sensory Inclusive Zoo. It is also the first to provide braille maps for guests!

In addition to being a Sensory Inclusive Zoo, Potter Park Zoo also offers a FALCONERS program. This program is designed to allow children or adults of all ages with special needs and unique challenges, and their whole family to have an educational experience in a safe, welcoming, and sensory-friendly environment. All monthly events are free. Many also include hands-on activities and crafts. Call (517) 342-2713 for more information. Join the FALCONER'S group on Facebook.

 Facilities that Offer Accommodations

Front Line Training

Throughout the Greater Lansing community, over 850 individuals have completed a customized training to have a better understanding of how to be prepared to serve and welcome our neurodiverse guests through specialized instructors from Residential Options, Inc., Michigan State University and the Mid-Michigan Autism Association. (Since 1984, ROI has specialized in evidence-based practices and therapeutic intervention for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related developmental disabilities. We have worked alongside families to provide real opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities. We know that a lifetime of support services that fit your family can make a world of difference.)

The following locations have had the majority of their team members participate in the local trainings:

Attractions with toolkits

The following attractions have a sensory toolkit available on site to borrow while you visit.  The toolkits contain noise-canceling headphones and a variety of fidgets and are available to guests who may feel overwhelmed by the new environment.

Personalized Assistance

Proud Partners