You and your child should feel safe, comfortable, and happy when you visit a place in our community and many of Lansing’s business owners have made sure that you can enjoy your experience. There are a variety of inclusive and accommodating businesses in our city. Check out our comprehensive listing of sensory-friendly places, activities, and events in Lansing. You’ll find these to be appropriate for neurodiverse children including those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and developmental disabilities.
Parks and Nature
- Potter Park Zoo The first Certified Sensory Inclusive Zoo in Michigan! Join the FALCONERS (Families of Alternative Learners Connecting Empathy, Responsibility, and Stewardship) program which aims to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive zoo experience monthly. Families come from all over Michigan for these events and it is a great opportunity to meet other families. Be up close with ambassador animals and experience hands-on stewardship activities. Visit their website to sign up for informational emails about the FALCONERS and any off-site local partnership events happening. In addition, Potter Park Zoo has sensory-sensitive hours from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. in season from April-August. Cost (summer admission): resident adults $6, non-resident adults $11; resident seniors $5, non-resident seniors $10; ages 3-12 $4; ages two and under free. Resident parking $3, non-resident parking $5. Residents admitted on non-holiday Mondays from 9 a.m.-noon for free.
- MSU 4-H Children’s Gardens Explore nature and the butterfly garden. For on-site events, visit the website or call ahead. Call ahead for sensory-sensitive accommodations. Be aware that it is right next to the railroad tracks. Bring ear protection if needed. Cost: MSU parking charge.
- Fenner Nature Center Accommodations with a variety of learning levels and varying stimulation. Recently installed sensory-safe LED lighting and auditory technology keep lights and sounds at sensory-safe volumes. Guests are encouraged to call before their visit to check on sensory-friendly hours. Cost: donations are appreciated; you can donate on the website.
- Woldumar Nature Center Open 365 days a year from dawn until dusk. Sensory-trained staff on board to assist. Small groups are shown around the vast property with knowledgeable staff encouraging children to learn and love nature in a come-and-go structure. Contact Daniel Auer at 517-322-0030 or [email protected] to find the best program for you and your little(s) or to have a specially-tailored tour. Cost: $2 donation or membership fee.
- Fitzgerald Park and Lincoln Brick Park All ages welcome! Join for awareness walks that work with the five senses or call ahead to have any program tailored for any accommodations. Skis and snowshoes are available. Lincoln Brick Park has a heated building and has facilities. Fitzgerald Park has a wood stove heated building. Cost: $2 donation or membership fee.
Theaters and Shows
- Abrams Planetarium Sensory-friendly shows every third Sunday of each month. Shows run with the lights up, sound down, doors open, and there are more frequent breaks. People are welcome to move as much as needed. A “chill out” zone is located in the lobby. Cost: adult $4.50; seniors and students $4; kids 12 and under $3.50. Tickets are not sold in advance.
- Celebration Cinema (Edgewood) “Lights up! Sound down! Enjoy the big screen experience in an accepting environment.” Developed in partnership with the Family Hope Foundation. Cost: $7. Ask for coupons at the box office!
- Wharton Center Sensory-friendly performances with lower sound and light levels and all house lights kept on low. All strobe light effects are removed. The story is portrayed in a theatre-going experience with pictures and text. There is a character guide with pictures identifying each character. Guests are welcome to stand, move around, and leave at leisure. Quiet areas are provided as well as an activities area with crafts. Autism specialists and sensory-trained volunteers are on hand. Guests are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, headphones, electronics, snacks, and support items; fidgets and earplugs are provided. ASL interpretation available– ask at the Ticket Office when purchasing in advance. (Check website for type of performance.) Cost: $8 per ticket.
- NCG Movies (Eastwood) Sensory-friendly movie experience once a month. All shows at 10 a.m. Lights on, volume is quieter. Guests are welcome to stand up, talk, and sing! No previews are shown. Visit the website to find which movie is playing for the month. Cost: dependent upon movie; visit website.
Museums, Tours, and Galleries
- Michigan History Center The second Saturday of each month is Super Saturday– docents and other volunteers lead visitors with hands-on experiences. Experiences vary such as: Motown music, Great Lakes shipping history, throwback to 1970’s, tour Michigan’s State parks, etc. Self-guided scavenger hunt every Saturday. Scavenger hunt themes vary such as: I Spy, nature, Michigan women, the five senses, etc. Sensory toolkit bags available at the admissions desk- first come, first serve. Cost: adults $6; seniors (65+) $4; youth (6-17) $2; under five free.
- Sensory Friendly Saturdays @ the MSU Museum Provides sensory-friendly museum hours on the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon through May 2020. Cost: $5 per adult guest donation suggested.
- Lansing Art Gallery Sensory toolkits provided by Impression 5 Science Center (including weighted blanket, fidgets, noise-cancelling headphones, and social cards.) Take a virtual tour of the space ahead of time on the website. Workshops and classes in progress, please check back soon. Cost: free. Donations taken on website.
- State Capitol Building. Sensory-trained staff and sensory toolkits available at front desk upon request. ASL upon request on days not listed. If you would like a group tour tailored for sensory needs, please call ahead so they can provide the best accommodations. Cost: free.
Inside Fun
- Preuss Pets Events partnering with Mid-Michigan Autism Association allows guests to learn and interact with animals in a calm classroom setting. Event date and times vary; check the website or follow on Facebook. Private tours are available; contact the store ahead to schedule. Cost: On-site presentations start at $30/half-hour or $60 for a full hour for groups up to 20 people. Beyond that, $2/additional group member.
- DEFY Trampoline Park Sensory-friendly hours the first Wednesday of every month and they host event awareness events. Call for more information. Cost: varying.
- Launch Trampoline Park V.I.P. Time every second Monday of the month from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. A calmer and quieter jumping environment and a dedicated “quiet” room available. Cost: $10/jumper.
- Outback Steakhouse of Okemos Sensory-friendly on the second and fourth Monday of each month from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Lights on low, music and televisions turned off. Picture menus are given to guests and sensory toolboxes are available to use. Cost: your meals; no reservations necessary.
- Capital Area District Libraries (Lansing South) Sensory-friendly hours every second and fourth Saturday from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. (Check website for other locations and varying hours.) Enjoy story time with free movements and no noise restrictions. Cost: free.
- Impression 5 Science Center Sensory-friendly hours on select dates from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Dates: March 20, April 24, May 22, and June 26. (Check website for further dates.) Limited number of guests with sensory rooms, quiet spaces, and select exhibits tailored to reduce sounds, scents, and lighting. Enjoy a 360-degree interactive map, sensory backpacks, and family check-in social stories. Cost: $6.50; toddlers one and under and members are free.
Visit the Greater Lansing Michigan Convention and Visitors Bureau for a list of sensory-trained staff, businesses, and virtual tours. We hope you’ll find these sensory-friendly places in Lansing to be be calming and fun.
