While Houston is a bustling city with tons to do, see, taste and explore, venturing out into it all can be overstimulating and exhausting for anyone, especially those managing sensory overload. But don’t worry. There are sensory friendly options in Houston that will have you embracing all that is our city without the stress of loud noise, unruly crowds, and blinding lights!
We Rock the Spectrum
We Rock the Spectrum is known as “the gym for children of all abilities.” With equipment to accommodate growing kids with all kinds of needs, it’s the perfect place to play and explore with the safety of “never having to say ‘I’m sorry.'” It’s all about learning and enjoying!
Main Street Theater
Just when it seems to be a little too overwhelming to enjoy a live performance on stage, the Main Street Theater has just what you need.
Each performance is offered as Sensory-Friendly, to include increased lighting near the seat to allow children to safely move around, lowered sound volume, a friendly trained staff to provide assistance and tickets at a special rate.
The Main Street Theater even allows fidget toys, tablets and other devices to use headphones with, if your kiddo needs it!
Just choose “accessible” from the dropdown menu when you are purchasing your tickets and enjoy the theater!
Chuck E. Cheese
Places like Chuck E. Cheese have all the bells and whistles. Literally! All the noises and lights can be difficult to handle, but on Sensory Sensitive Sundays, enjoy a quieter environment with dimmed lighting!
And on April 30th, Chuck E. Cheese will celebrate World Autism Month by hosting a Sensory Sensitive Sundays event at locations nationwide. Locations will open two hours early to provide a sensory-friendly experience specifically for children with autism and other special needs.
AMC Theatres
Head to the movies to experience a sensory-friendly flick suitable for all! Feel free to dance, talk, giggle or shout in these showings, and enjoy softer volumes and dim lights!
The Little League Challenger Division
Play ball! Founded in 1989, the Little League Challenger Division is an adaptive baseball program for players with physical and intellectual challenges. Children ages 4 to 18 have the chance to play and have loads of fun in this league when other leagues may be a bit too intense for them.
iFLY
All people of all abilities should be able to fly. At iFLY, they can!
A highly-trained, world-class iFLY instructor will help your kiddos experience an indoor flight they’ll never forget!
Exploration Park
The summer months are right around the corner, and everyone loves a day in the sun! Exploration Park has tons of different surfaces and textures to explore, equipment to climb and the perfect hill to take some time alone and relax!
Children’s Museum Houston
The Children’s Museum Houston offeres Sensory Friendly Days and Explore Abilities Day for children of special needs, sensory processing differences, learning differences and disabilities to join in on the fun at the own pace!
At a discounted rate of $7, all you need to do is register and enjoy a comfortable, quiet experience.
Space Center Houston
There’s nothing more Houston than Space Center Houston! Blast off for an incredible experience, brought to us all by THINK Neurology for Kids, that is sure to amaze!
These excusive sensory friendly events are limited to ensure an atmosphere without large crowds, low noise and dimmed lighting, and they feature special educational activities with the help of trained instructors. If things become overwhelming, there’s a quiet room to allow sensory sensitive kiddos to relax and unwind!
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Wandering through the Museum can be an incredible way to learn more about our world. Thankfully, the Houston Museum of Natural Science makes visits as comfortable as possible for those with sensory challenges.
Sensory guides help you and your family better navigate each exhibit with information about noise levels, visual stimulation, and tactile components. Sensory backpacks are available to include items like sunglasses, ear defenders and much more to many your time most enjoyable!
Playgrounds Without Limits
Houston has tons of really cool parks and playgrounds, but six in particular were created to encourage children of all needs and abilities to get out and play!
Would the Sloomoo Institute be recommended as well? I visited there in the spring, and have thought about taking my brother with sensory sensitivities there, but I have not been to their sensory-friendly hour. Advice is appreciated!