Kids of all abilities deserve to enjoy all that Northeast Ohio has to offer so I’ve put together helpful info on sensory friendly experiences & amenities at popular area attractions for anyone who may need it.
AMENITIES AT LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
ROOMS
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF CLEVELAND
- Sensory Friendly Resources – CMC offers a range of resources for our neurodiverse visitors including a sensory friendly room. These resources are designed to support your family before, during, & after your visit so that our facility is as accessible as possible.
CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO
- Calming Cove Sensory Room – the new Calming Cove Sensory Room at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo was designed to include a variety of sensory experiences that can help individuals feel calm and comfortable during their Zoo visit.
GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER
- Sensory Space – A newly developed sensory regulating space is located on Level 2. The space features lower lighting and adaptive materials, including hands-on interactives, fidget materials and weighted blankets, inside the room.
PROGRESSIVE FIELD
- Sensory Room – The Sensory Room is located inside the Kids Clubhouse.
ROCKET ARENA
- SENSORY POD – The Sensory Pod is located in our Sherwin Williams Atrium on Street Level. The pod is a space that can provide a safe and calming environment for guests that feel overwhelmed or overstimulated.
BONUS: While the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame does not have a dedicated room, they do offer sensory bags with fidget toys, noise-dampening headphones, & communication cards upon request. Quiet area is located in the Museum near the elevator on Level 0.
EVENTS
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF CLEVELAND
- Sensory Friendly Time – a special program for families with children with sensory processing disorders or other special needs. During these sessions, CMC provides exclusive access to the Museum for families who thrive in a less crowded and lower-stimulation environment.
CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART
- Sensory Friendly Saturdays – Sensory-Friendly Saturday events offer adaptations to meet diverse sensory-processing needs every third Saturday of each month from 9-10am.
GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER
- GLSC for Me – every Sunday from 10am-noon altering some of the regular exhibits to create an atmosphere that will be adapted for guests with sensory needs, and providing additional supports for guests with a wide range of accessibility needs.
GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM
- The aquarium hosts a variety of sensory events such as Sensory Hour an hour before they open & offers sensory bags, headphone zones, & quiet areas.
HOLDEN FORESTS & GARDENS
- The botanical garden & Holden periodically hosts sensory friendly events throughout the year.
PLAYHOUSE SQUARE
- Playhouse Square is proud to commit to arts education, providing a variety of free and low-cost programs dedicated to inspiring and invigorating people of all ages, perspectives and abilities.
OTHER EVENTS
- Touch-A-Trucks – almost all Touch-A-Truck events offer a sensory hour
- Libraries – many of the library systems offer sensory friendly programming
- Nature Centers – many of the nature centers offer sensory friendly spaces &/or programming
PLAY SPACES
- We Rock The Spectrum – with several different locations across Northeast Ohio, We Rock The Spectrum is an indoor playground for kids of all abilities to enjoy.
- Sky Zone – enjoy the freedom of jumping. Sensory hours provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs, making our special needs playground the perfect place to have fun and feel included. Check your closest location for days & hours.
You can also visit KultureCity.org to find social stories on these sensory inclusive locations as well.
*TAP HERE for the Autism Support Community Resources Page*
