April Sensory-Friendly Events in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio

April showers bring May flowers! Unless you’re in Texas, and then you never know what kind of weather you’re going to get each day. With April being World Autism Month, there is no shortage of Autism specific events! Whether you need to dodge some raindrops or soak in the sun, we’ve got you covered.

Houston

Music for Autism FREE Concert with Apollo Chamber Players
The Westview School – 1900 Kersten Dr., Houston, TX 77043
April 15th, 11am – 12pm

The goal of Music for Autism is to expose those with autism and their families to high quality, professionally performed music in an environment where individual differences are celebrated and where no one will be embarrassed. Families say that Music for Autism’s unique and interactive “autism specific” musical programming greatly enhances their quality of life. In addition, since all U.S. concerts are free for those with autism and their families, anyone affected by autism, irrespective of socioeconomic status, is able to experience Music for Autism’s unique, interactive programming.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary season, Houston-based Apollo Chamber Players recasts music for a diverse and multi-ethnic generation through globally-inspired programming and multicultural new music commissions.

Learn more and RSVP here.

Autism Prom
20350 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77065
April 20th, 2 – 6pm

This year’s prom theme is LIGHT IT UP! The dance floor will be loaded with glow in the dark decor and we will be giving out light up accessories to the kids! This is a FREE sensory-friendly social event for everyone with Autism and their siblings. All ages are invited to attend. They may wear whatever they like and are encouraged to dress up in neon! The music will be kid-friendly and low volume. A free photobooth will be present for parents and kids to take pictures. Gallery Furniture will provide free food for all those that attend, including gluten free options.

Learn more and reserve a spot here.

Sensory Friendly Day at Children’s Museum Houston
1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
April 24th, 10am – 3pm

Sensory Friendly Days are opportunities for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, sensory processing differences, learning differences and disabilities to explore the Museum at their own pace and time. These days burst with valuable Autism resources and interactive activities, provide a comfortable, protected and accepting environment, and give parents opportunities to make connections with other families and the Autism community.

Learn more and register here.

Sensory Friendly Showing of James And The Giant Peach
Main Street Theater – 3400 Main Street Houston, TX 77002
April 30th, 12:30pm

After his parents’ tragic death by rhinoceros, James is sent to live with his horrible aunts, Spiker and Sponge. The contents of a magic bag transform an old peach tree into a portal to an amazing adventure with a host of fantastical creatures on a giant peach!

These Sensory-Friendly/Relaxed performances will provide children and their families an opportunity to attend a performance modified to meet sensory needs giving access to live theater to ALL children. Each performance offered as Sensory-Friendly will incorporate the following changes:

  • Increased lighting in the house/seats throughout the performance
  • Lower sound levels
  • Additional trained staff on hand to provide patrons with assistance when needed
  • Electronic devices such as tablets or smart phones may be used throughout the performance with headphones
  • Prompt books for family members to prepare for the show
  • Fidget toys are welcome

Learn more and get tickets here.

Dallas

ACEing Autism Dallas Racquet Run (5K/1K)
UTD Tennis Courts – 2400 Armstrong Dr, Richardson, TX
April 15th, 8:30 – 10:30am

This is the 4th Annual ACEing Autism Dallas Racquet Run (1K Fun Walk / 5K Timed Run) on the beautiful campus of UT Dallas in Richardson, TX. Help raise awareness for ACEing Autism Dallas and generate funds to support our local scholarship fund, provide tennis equipment, and enable our athletes to participate in various tennis events at the local and state level. First 50 finishers are guaranteed a medal. Awards for top male & female winners in various age groups.

Learn more and sign up here.

Sensory-Friendly Family Fun: Large & Small at Nasher Sculpture Center
2001 Flora St, Dallas, TX
April 13th, 4 – 6pm

Enjoy an early evening in the garden of the Nasher Sculpture Center presented by the Nasher Sculpture Center and Dallas Museum of Art. Explore and discover art through active and quiet learning activities designed for neurodiverse learners of all ages.

  • Scavenger hunts
  • Sensory tents
  • Art-making stations
  • Music therapy and performances
  • Storytelling
  • Sensory spaces

Learn more and register here.

Sensory Explorations: Flowers
Amon Carter Museum of American Art –  3501 Camp Bowie Boulevard Fort Worth, TX 76107
April 22nd, 10am – 12pm

Sensory Exploration is a free program for families with children of all ages who are on the autism spectrum. Families will have time to explore artworks in the galleries and get creative during a hands-on, art-making experience! While the needs of individuals with autism are the focus of this program, it is also intended to be fun for parents, siblings (of all ages), and other relatives! This program is free, but reservations are required.

Learn more and register here.

Be sure to check out our Sensory-Friendly Places in the Dallas Area for a Perfect Family Weekend blog for activities you can do any day!

San Antonio

Any Baby Can Walk for Autism
Palo Alto College – 1400 W Villaret Blvd, San Antonio, TX
April 22nd, 8 am  – 12:30 pm

Founded in 2003 with 200 participants, the Any Baby Can Walk for Autism has grown into an official Fiesta event bringing together over 6,000 participants and community partners from San Antonio, Bexar County, and South Texas to provide services and support for families raising individuals on the spectrum. All proceeds stay local to fund critical, one-of-a kind programs at Any Baby Can of San Antonio.

Learn more and register here.

Check out our San Antonio Sensory-Friendly Activities blog and our San Antonio Kid-Friendly Parks blog for fun activities you can do whatever day you feel up to it.

If you are still looking for more ways to celebrate Autism Awareness Month, then check out Autism Action (Awareness) Month: How You Can Take Action to Celebrate Neurodiversity to keep the celebration and awareness going!

 

About the Authors

Apara Autism Center is a leading provider of ABA therapy in Texas to children ages 18 months and up. We understand the difficulty of dealing with uncertainty and are prepared to assist you with our collaborative developmental therapy support. If you’re looking for ABA therapy near you, we have centers in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. Apara Autism Center employs a team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) that can assist you with resources to help comfort your child during stressful times. We include parent training as collaborative support for the whole family. If you need more information, don’t hesitate to call (844) 272-7223 or contact us at info@aparaautism.com with your questions or to enroll. We accept most insurance plans and offer full and part time programs as well as in-home therapy options with no waitlist.