It’s June, and Summer is in full swing for Midwest families. And, while we love a good routine, Summer is a great chance to break away from the norm and try something new! To help kickstart your summer plans, we’ve put together a list of upcoming ability-friendly events for the entire family.
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Benefits of Summer Activities
For families with a child on the Autism Spectrum, going to local events can be scary. It’s easy for kiddos to get overstimulated, and transitioning between activities can be challenging. But, attending ability-friendly events gives your child an opportunity to practice skills they’re learning in ABA therapy! Plus, a chance to build social skills in a controlled setting with children that have similar needs, time to practice adapting to new stimuli (sensory integration), and physical activity, which is crucial for overall health and well-being.
Prepping Your Child for Events
Parents and caregivers know that preparing for family outings is no small task. To help things go more smoothly, we suggest gradually introducing your child to similar environments before attending the event. If you don’t have time to do a practice run, talk your child through the event or write out a social story narrative so they know what to expect. (Pro Tip: some events have social stories available on their website!).
When packing for an event, remember to bring essentials like a change of clothes and extra pull-ups especially if your child is practicing toilet training. We also suggest keeping preferred food items or toys with you during the event so your child has familiar options available. For kiddos who struggle with sensory overload, items like noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, or a sensory compression shirt are great to have on hand.
Extra Tips for Parents
During the event, remember to be patient and flexible, adapting plans if your child becomes overwhelmed. Stay close but allow your child to have some independence to explore and interact with their environment.
If your child is at risk for elopement, make sure they have an identification card with your contact information, this is extra important if your child is not able to identify themselves. It’s a great idea to also have a GPS tracker, like an AngelSense or AirTag, attached to your child’s clothes or hooked to a wristband, necklace, etc. as an added precaution. And, don’t forget to connect with other parents for mutual support and shared experiences!
Now, let’s dive into the local events we promised!
Iowa Events:
Movies & Shows with B&B Theaters
- B&B Theaters hosts Sensory Friendly viewings of certain films for those that may have difficulty attending regular showtimes. During shows, the audio level is decreased, there is brighter auditorium lighting and Sensory Backpacks are available for checkout. Check their website for the next Sensory Friendly viewing.
Museum Dates with the Des Moines Children’s Museum
- Sensory Sensitive Playdates: The fourth Friday of each month from 5:00-6:30 PM
- Museum Babies: Wednesdays from 8:45-9:45 a.m., this free, inclusive opportunity is designed for parents and caregivers of infants.
- Little Learners: Wednesdays from 10:00-10:45 a.m. A special time for 0-3 year-olds to share an activity and a story.
- Crafty Labs: Fridays at 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Join Ms. Lily for a small group activity to explore something new, messy, and crafty! No registration is required, this class is included with museum admission!
Sensory-Friendly Hours with the Science Center of Iowa
- Sensory Friendly Hours: the second Tuesday of each month from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Advanced registration is required and admission is free. A Sensory Guide shows where the audio, visual, and tactile stimuli are located in each space.
Art Spectrums Class with the Des Moines Art Center
- The Des Moines Art Center is a museum of Modern and Contemporary Art as well as a school for art education. They offer a free class called Art Spectrums for children on the Autism Spectrum, ages 5-12 years old, and their families to learn about and make art together. Currently, it’s held on the second Sunday of the month.
Horseback Riding with Menagerie Stables
- Menagerie Stables provides adaptive riding lessons, saddle seat riding lessons, and volunteer opportunities. During the adaptive riding lessons, children learn how to ride, care for horses, practice social skills, and receive sensory input.
Iowa Miss Amazing Pageant
- This annual pageant is for girls (starting at age 5) and women with disabilities to help build confidence, self-esteem, and friendship. Register to participate or volunteer on their website.
“A Special Time for You” with Get Air Trampoline Park
- This trampoline park features activities like a Kiddie Court for younger kids, dodgeball, foam pit, and ninja activities. They have a designated “Toddler Time” and “A Special Time For You” for jumpers with disabilities. It’s held on the first Saturday of each month from 8 AM to 10:00 AM. There is less of a crowd and music is played at a lower volume. Caregivers can talk with a team member before playing to ensure appropriate accommodations are in place.
Alternative Access Programs with Adventureland Park & Adventure Bay
- This theme park provides rides, shows, and attractions for Adventureland and the waterpark Adventureland Bay. They have an accessibility guide on their website explaining their Ride Admission Program to help guests understand which rides they can safely enjoy. This guide also describes individual rides with the type of movements and any physical restrictions each has. Alternative Access Programs allow individuals who qualify to use the accessible (ADA) entrances for the rides with minimal wait time. Each pass can be used with three additional guests.
Minnesota Events:
Events with Three River Parks
- Movies on the Hill: Food begins at 5:00 p.m.; movies begin at dusk $0
- June 19th: The Super Mario Brothers Movie
- July 17th: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
- August 21st: Sing 2
- Big Year of Bugs Programs
- June 28th: Exploration in Evening Bugs – Silverwood Park – 5:00-7:00 p.m. $0
- An evening exploring the enchanting realm of nighttime bugs, featuring fireflies and moths. This multifaceted event will weave together elements of gaming, natural history, and artistic expression. Open for all ages from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Participants ages 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- July 13th: Dragonfly Festival – Eastman Nature Center – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. $0
- Explore with microscopes and visit the dragonfly tent, catch adults and nymphs, test water quality at the pond, and learn about human actions that affect dragonfly health. Create art inspired by dragonflies and talk to the Minnesota Dragonfly Society. Come-and-go style event from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- August 3rd: Summer Pollinator Fest – Gale Woods Farm
- June 28th: Exploration in Evening Bugs – Silverwood Park – 5:00-7:00 p.m. $0
Events with the Bell Museum
- Sensory-Friendly Saturday – June 15th: 8:00-10:00 a.m. Free with museum admission ($0-15)
- A monthly series providing a welcoming and accessible environment for families who have sensory sensitivities. Experience the Minnesota Journeys gallery, temporary exhibits, the Touch & See Lab, a brief planetarium show at 8:45, all with lowered lighting, quieter sounds, and fewer visitors.
- Open Birding – June 15th: 10:00-11:00 a.m. $0 (Museum admission not included)
- A drop-in guided experience for visitors who love birds! Binoculars will be available and the group will remain on the flat, paved sidewalk just outside the museum.
- Summer Solstice Solar Observing – June 20th: 12:00-2:00 p.m. Included with the cost of museum admission ($0-15)
- Celebrate the longest day of the year with solar telescopes. This event in the Learning Landscape will observe the closest star, and explore why the amount of daylight we see changes throughout the year!
- Open Birding – July 20th: 10:00-11:00 a.m. $0 (Museum admission not included)
- A drop-in guided experience for visitors who love birds! Binoculars will be available and the group will remain on the flat, paved sidewalk just outside the museum.
Events with the Science Museum of Minnesota
- Maker Saturdays – Every Saturday in June: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
- Meet with talented crafters from the museum to learn about topics surrounding fabrication, think fiber spinning, marshmallow catapults, kite construction, and beyond.
- Sensory Friendly Sundays -First Sunday Every Month
- The Science Museum strives to create a learning environment that is fun and fulfilling for all explorers. During Sensory Friendly Sundays, families can enjoy a quieter, less sensory-stimulating museum experience created in consultation with the Autism Society of Minnesota.
- Summer Camps – June through August – To register your camper, please contact (651) 221-9444. Availability is subject to change.