Events for Special Families

SPECIAL FAMILIES COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Opportunities for recreation and socialization are extremely valuable for children and families living with any kind of special need. Events and activities listed are sourced from our community of parents. While not every event included is specifically designed for families with special considerations, many may still be of interest to our community and successful for our families. Although specific dates are not generally listed, these are typically recurring opportunities to get out and play in our neighborhoods. Visit the links below for more details and dates, where appropriate.

Listings should not be construed as endorsements, and times or other details are subject to change; please confirm before attending activities. Contact us with additional events that may be of interest to the greater Shoreline Connecticut parent and caregiver communities.

SPECIAL MONDAYS AT THE CHILDREN’S MOVEMENT CENTER

(Monday evenings, 5:30-8:00 p.m.)

Monday evenings, the Children’s Movement Center in New Milford opens its doors to children with sensory and other special needs. No pre-registration is required, but please bring an IEP. (Call ahead to inquire whether a 504 will suffice.) $5 per child per session.

SENSORY JUMP AT JUMP OFF INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARKS

(Saturdays, 8-9:00 a.m.)

Saturday mornings at Jump Off (two locations, in Stratford and Manchester), children with sensory needs are invited to enjoy the trampoline parks in a more welcoming environment. Video games are turned off, lights and music are low, and the facilities are closed to the general public. The $12 fee covers one child and one caregiver for bouncing, and each will need a pair of (reusable) Jump Off socks ($2). 

SENSORY SENSITIVE SUNDAYS AT CHUCK E. CHEESE                                                    

On the first Sunday each month, early openings at select locations (Manchester, Newington, Orange, Waterbury) offer reduced lighting, reduced sound, special staffing and refreshments to accommodate guests with sensory sensitivities.

TONE DOWN THURSDAYS AT KIDSPLAY (TORRINGTON)

(Thursdays, 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.)

Thursday afterschool KidsPlay museum in Torrington hosts a sensory-friendly experience with reduced (half price) admission. Children under 1 are always free. 

HOME DEPOT KIDS WORKSHOP

(Typically the first Saturday of each month, sessions beginning at 9 a.m.)

Home Depot has a FREE kids workshop at locations throughout Connecticut offering craft projects appropriate for families. Children can use simple tools to create a decorate a wood project to bring home. Aprons and pins to commemorate the occasion are provided, along with snacks. There is no charge, but advance registration is required. This is not a program designed specifically for children with special needs. Those with fine motor challenges may need assistance with hammering and other activities; headphones are recommended for anyone with noise sensitivity. 

SENSORY-FRIENDLY MOVIES AT AMC THEATERS

Sensory-friendly screenings are coordinated at select AMC theaters on the second and fourth Saturdays and Tuesday evenings. Participating Connecticut theaters are in Lisbon, Southington and Plainville. Rates are reduced (tickets can be purchased in advance online), lights are not completely turned down, children aren’t required to stay in the seats or remain quiet during the film, and coming attractions are generally limited or eliminated for a more sensory-friendly experience.

SENSORY SATURDAY AT IMAGINE NATION MUSEUM

Sensory Saturdays are the second Saturday of each month and free to families thanks to a generous grant from the McPhee Foundation. Sound and lighting will be lowered for the Sensory Saturday period (9-10 am), and hands-on activities are available.

ACCESSIBILITY DAY AT STEPPING STONES MUSEUM

Accessibility Day is offered twice per month at Stepping Stones museum in Norwalk. Admission is free for families with children with special needs through the museum’s Open Arms initiative one Sunday each month, and one Thursday afternoon. Special programming is planned, including workshops and/or sensory-friendly performances, and the museum opens an hour earlier to allow play in a less stimulating environment.

SKY ZONE SENSORY HOURS

Monthly sensory hours are held at Sky Zone in Bethel, CT the third Sunday of each month for children with sensory needs who enjoy the stimulation of bouncing. Lighting is adjusted for a more comfortable environment.

MORNINGSTAR ACCESS AT THE BOSTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

On select dates, the Boston Children Museum offers a quieter environment. Advance registration is required for this program, which provides discounted (half price) admission and limited capacity for a sensory-friendly museum experience. A social story is available on the website.