While Northeast Ohio has many family-fun places to visit in the winter, some families still face the challenge of finding sensory-friendly venues to visit with their loved ones with autism. Here are a few larger attractions that provide accommodations for individuals with sensory processing issues.
Cleveland Museum or Art Sensory-Friendly Saturdays
The Museum of Art offers adaptations to meet diverse sensory-processing needs every third Saturday
from 9-10 a.m. Museum visitors on the autism spectrum, along with those experiencing dementia and any guests of all ages who have intellectual or developmental disabilities can participate in a calm museum experience with less stimulation prior to the building’s opening to the public. The Museum also features a calming corner. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, clevelandart.org
Cleveland Cavaliers/Cleveland Monsters
As you take in a basketball or hockey game this winter, know that Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has
developed several offerings that accommodate guests’ special needs. Those include: Sensory sensitivity: The Cavs and many other pro sports teams have partnered with KultureCity, an organization that advises venues, organizations and small businesses on sensory needs and how to better engage with individuals with sensory needs. At the venue, the team offers KultureCity Sensory Bags, which contain special KCVIP badges, fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones and other resources. *Be sure to bring a jacket to Monsters games, if you go. The ice keeps it surprisingly chilly in the stands. rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
Children’s Museum of Cleveland
This popular destination for area children features several accommodations for neudiverse guests. Those include noise-canceling headphones, sensory toys and visual supports upon requests. The museum also includes a sensory-friendly room on the building’s first level, across from the Arts and Parts exhibit. This private space contains special lighting, calming music and other sensory-support resources designed to create a space for respite if a visitor becomes overwhelmed or overstimulated. cmcleveland.org
Playhouse Square
Playhouse Square will host a sensory-friendly performance of “The Rainbow Fish” on Jan. 28 at the Mimi Ohio Theatre. Sensory-friendly performances at PlayhouseSquare include lower sound levels, especially for startling or loud sounds; low lights; and designated calming areas staffed by volunteer specialists. playhousesquare.org
Akron Children’s Museum
The museum partners with Akron-area agencies, including the University of Akron’s Inclusioneers, to
spread awareness of inclusion and the importance of providing every child a chance to engage fully,
contribute and participate in their community. The museum also has partnered with KultureCity to offer the organization’s sensory bags. akronkids.org
Akron Zoo
The Akron Zoo launched its sensory-inclusive programming in 2017, and was the second zoo in the
United States to be certified sensory inclusive. In addition to sensory bags in partnership with KultureCity, the zoo also provides quiet areas, which typically have less activity and more spaces to sit and regroup after becoming overstimulated. Additionally, guests are aware of areas that are noisy from guests or animals, labeled as headphone
zones so they’re aware of the stimulation in those areas. The zoo also offers a guest comfort station, a private room where guests can go for a few minutes of privacy. akronzoo.com
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
The Aquarium plays host to a Sensory Hour on Jan. 6, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., opening an hour early exclusively for guests with Autism Spectrum Disorders and sensory processing differences. The Sensory Hour provides an opportunity exploring nearby lakes and faraway oceans in a comfortable and accepting environment. Not only will fewer guests be in the venue, but the Aquarium also limits the use of microphones, softens lighting and reduces noise to ensure a comfortable environment for all participants. 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium.com
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