With a child who is sensitive to loud noises and is easily overstimulated, it can be tough to pick which events to attend. It can be a relief to find some options that have sensory-friendly activities for your little one to enjoy. We put together a list of some of those local activities. Make sure to visit our Inclusive Toledo page at toledoparent.com for more resources and listings.
Sensory Friendly Sundays
at Chuck E. Cheese
Chuck E. Cheese is open from 9-11am the first Sunday every month for children with disabilities and their siblings. There is also no music playing overhead. The loud games are turned off and some games with sound are still on. There is no stage show and lights are dimmed. Chuck E may make an appearance and management will give a warning before he does. They offer a separate area for children who do not wish to see Chuck E. Food can be ordered during these hours.
Chuck E. Cheese
5577 Monroe St.
(419) 841-9714
Imagination Station
One of Toledo’s hotspots for children offers sensory friendly activities and spaces. Imagination Station has two sensory friendly theater times: Tuesdays at 4:15pm and Sundays at 12:30pm for 3-D movies. There are quiet rooms available throughout the facility in the event that your child becomes overstimulated. Headphones and ear plugs are available. Kulture City-friendly sensory bags include headphones, fidget spinners and social storyboards. They also have a sensory map as well as lap pads available. Prior to visiting, your child can view a social story presented by Kulture-City on the Imagination Station website allowing your child to know what to expect. Find more information here.
1 Discovery Way
(419) 244-2674
Get Air
Get Air provides a calm atmosphere on the first Saturday of every month from 8-10am. This is open to those with disabilities and family or caregivers only. Jumpers can have a parent or guardian accompany them on the trampolines for free. Music is played at a lower volume and the park is less crowded. Siblings are welcome to jump at the same time but need to be aware of others around them.
Cost: Big Air (over 46 inches) $15.99 and Little Air (under 46 inches) $10.99
5055 Jackman Rd.
(419) 216-9216
Sylvania Playland
“Indoor Playground & Bounce House”
AB Education and Behavior Consulting has partnered with Sylvania Playland with sponsorship from Avenues for Autism and Jed’s Sylvania to provide inclusive and supportive programming for families with children with ASD. The purpose of the monthly specialized playdates is to provide safe and intentional fun for families and their children navigating the world of Autism. Provider resources and support will be available each month while children engage in peer play and build functional communication skills. Board Certified Behavior Specialists and other professionals volunteer their time to help facilitate each event. Please feel free to join this event to network, relax and discover available resources at your disposal! Cost is $8 per child under 12. There will be resources available to determine if you’re eligible to apply for a grant or scholarship to pay the admission cost for the year.
The dates are as follows: September 27, November 29, January 24 and March 27 from 4-6pm.
Sylvania Playland
3620 Centennial Rd., Sylvania
419-517-9094
Visit http://www.abeducationbehaviorconsultingllc.com for more information.
Toledo Lucas County Library
TLCL partners with Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities for a special story time called “Rhythm and Rhyme” that will resume in the fall. Check their website for any upcoming events and dates.
The National Museum of the Great Lakes
The National Museum of the Great Lakes is now offering Sensory Friendly Mornings, an inclusive environment for families and individuals with sensory sensitivities to explore the museums exhibits. They will be open an hour earlier from 9-10am on April 20, June 22, September 21 and December 14.
National Museum of the Great Lakes
1701 Front St., Toledo.
