Where: JamTime indoor play and enrichment center 

When: Thursday 5:30-6:30pm: May 16th, June 20th, July 18, August 15th. 

What: Join us at Jam Time in Maynard, West Natick (not Mall) & Norwood locations the 3rd Thursday, for our monthly Sensory-Friendly Hour. We are a newly certified Autism Welcoming businesses with a dedicated monthly hour including dimmed lighting and quieter sensory-sensitive environment with reduced number of guests. We offer a relaxed “shoe wearing policy” for little ones that need to keep their shoes on during play. You can even wear pajamas for a late-night play session! Children that would benefit from a limited capacity visit are welcome. Admission of $15/child.  Siblings welcome. Sensory kits available upon request.

 

Where: Apex , 21 APEX Drive, Marlborough

When: Sunday 10:00am-11:00am: May 5th, June 2nd, July 7th, August 4th. 

What: Enjoy reduced crowds, noise, and dimmer lighting during this time. Stress balls/squishy toys, sunglasses, water toys/timers, and access to quiet rooms will be available. Though the sensory-friendly time is not advertised on Apex website, they are open, and you may pay for attractions upon your arrival.

 

Where: Burtons Grill and Bar, 193 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury

When: Tuesday 3:00pm - 6:00pm: May 7th, June 4th, July 2nd, August 6th. 

What: During this time, customer traffic will be light, music will be off, and Burton's staff will apply their knowledge acquired from their Autism Welcoming training and certification process. We have provided them supports to help make visitor experiences more enjoyable. When visiting, ask for a sensory toolkit or a visual menu.

 

Where: Dave and Buster’s, 250 Granite Street, Braintree

When: Sunday 9:00am to 10:00am: May 5th, June 2nd, July 7th, August 4th. 

What: The large screen TV's will be turned off, there will be a reduced number of people, and a designated "quiet area" with sensory kits will be made available. Be sure to speak to a staff member if you have any questions or need help.

 

Where: Dave and Buster’s Natick Mall, 1235 Worcester St, Natick        

When: Saturday 9:30am to 10:30am: May 4th, June 1st, July 6th, August 3rd. 

What: The large screen TV's will be turned off, there will be a reduced number of people, and a designated "quiet area" with sensory kits will be made available. Be sure to speak to a staff member if you have any questions or need help.

 

Where: Plaster Fun Time, 796 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough

*Announcing UPDATED Sensory Friendly Hours. 

When: Saturday 9:00am to 10:00am: May 11th, June 8th. July 13th, August 10th. 

Tuesdays 1:00pm-6:00pm and Wednesdays 10:00pm-1:00pm

*Effective Feb 1st, 2024 *Marlborough, MA location only

What: Creativity is fun for all ages. Plaster Fun Time prides themselves on being positive and supportive of everything that kids create there, regardless of what it looks like or how “right” it is. Adults can also get in on the creativity and enjoy the relaxing benefits of painting. Let the wonderful people at Plaster Fun Time in Marlborough know you are an Autism Alliance family upon arrival and receive 10% off your visit. Please note, that this offer is only valid for the Marlborough location. Call 508-251-1592. if you have any questions.

 

Where: Southwick's Zoo, 2 Southwick St, Mendon

When: NOW OPEN FOR THE SEASON

What: Southwick’s Zoo has partnered with the Autism Alliance of Metrowest to help us better accommodate guests with sensory processing needs and to provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for guests of all abilities.

Sensory Bags

Available at the Guest Services window. Visitors can borrow a sensory bag which includes: a ID badge/sticker, lanyard, noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, water timer, squishy toy, grip stick, and social story booklet.

Social Stories

Guests can view and download Social Stories to help prepare for their visit. Click here to view social stories.

 

Where: Discovery Museum

When: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 5pm to 8pm

What: All Access Evening 

Registration required: Register Now

 

NEW PROGRAM

Sensory-Friendly Evening for Visitors 18+

Join us during this special free evening for visitors 18 years and older with developmental disabilities, including having autism or Downs Syndrome, and their families or caregivers. Enjoy a fun, friendly experience in our accessible and universally designed museum while exploring our interactive exhibits and participating in hands-on activities. Any person 18 years old and older who can benefit from a limited capacity visit are welcome at this event; a medical diagnosis is not required.

The Museum will be closed to the general public during the event. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided. 

Saturday, September 14, 5pm to 8pm

Registration required: Please check back for registration link

For more Discovery Museum sensory-friendly programming and information

 

Where: Trustees of Reservations Powisset Farm Dover

When: Saturday May 25th 7:30pm 

What: Sensory-Friendly Full Flower Moon Hike at Powisset Farm. This program offers a low-key guided hike with a reduced number of guests and a quieter, sensory-friendly environment. Families that would benefit from a limited capacity visit are welcome. We will open after hours for you to enjoy a tranquil evening walk under a full moon or near-full moon as it waxes or wanes. Your guide, Trustees Ranger Stacie, will lead you along the farm trails as we take in views of the night sky and share an informal discussion about the traditional significance of May’s Full Flower Moon.  Pre-registration is required.

 

Where: Build-A-Bear Natick Mall

When: Every Tuesday morning for the first hour of the day. 

What: Build-A-Bear Workshop means fun for everyone! We’re proud to support children with autism and other special needs by providing sensory-friendly events at all Workshop locations. Sensory-Friendly time is designed to provide a less-stimulating Workshop experience that’s still fun-filled and unforgettable. Our Bear Builders are here to make sure each Guest goes through the Build-A-Bear experience in a way that’s comfortable for them. Link to step-by-step guide before your visit.