If you’re looking for the perfect sensory-friendly activity for your family in the Dallas area, you’re in the right place. From sensory-friendly movies and plays to athletic programming modified to include children of all abilities, everyone is invited to play in more accommodating and comfortable environments at these local gems!

Studio Movie Grill Special Needs Screenings

Studio Movie Grill’s sensory-friendly Special Needs Screenings present movies with the lights up and the volume low, and moving around, talking, and even dancing in the aisles is welcome, too. Tickets are free for children with special needs and their siblings, and adult tickets are available at before-noon prices at the Box Office only. 

Find the location nearest to you and learn more here.

Explorium
Denton

Children with sensory friendly needs can come visit when the museum is not as crowded and noisy. They will alter light levels and display volumes for these visiting hours. Noise canceling headphones are available upon request. Please reach out if you have any questions to info@exploriumdenton.org.

Learn more here.

Carter’s Museum Sensory Exploration
Fort Worth

Sensory Explorations 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!

Learn more here.

Dallas Children’s Theater

With the mission of inspiring young people to lead creative and productive lives through the art of the theater, DCT is now proud to be able to create a positive, fun atmosphere for families with sensory friendly needs. A child with autism or some other sensory challenge who loves theater and the arts will be excited about this new program at DCT and, hopefully, with the transformational experience of theater, will be inspired to creatively contribute to the world and their community in their own way.

Showing adaptations include leaving the house lights up a few levels higher than during standard performance and reducing the sound level. We also offer a “Quiet Room” for children who need a break. Tickets are $5 per person.

Learn more and get tickets here.

We Rock the Spectrum
Dallas and Plano

We Rock the Spectrum gyms feature: 

  • Suspended equipment with swings – for balance and vestibular treatment
  • Crash mats and crash pillows – for fun, motor planning, and strength building
  • Zipline – for stress release and joint and body relaxation
  • Trampoline – for building leg and core strength
  • Indoor play structure – for climbing and increasing playground skills
  • Sensory-based toys – for improved auditory processing and fine motor skills
  • Fine Motor and Arts and Crafts Area – for improved hand-eye coordination

Learn more here.

Crayola Experience Sensory Sundays
Plano

Enjoy the attraction adapted just for sensory needs. 

  • Lights will be dimmed
  • Music will be turned off
  • Quiet room available

Crayon Factory Show available at 11 a.m. The Factory Show is currently running as a pre-recorded video. Based on staffing, show may be live!

Learn more here,

Beyond Karate

Beyond Karate has lots of locations throughout the Dallas area. Beyond Karate is an inclusive Martial Arts school for students with special needs and disabilities. Their mission is to create an environment for individuals with special needs and disabilities where the ability and friendships/connections become the norm and lead to a joyful and fulfilling life.

Learn more here.

WaterKids
Richardson

WaterKids has special swimming lessons for special needs kids. Plus, they have indoor classes so lessons can happen any time of the year! Children with autism are unique and learn best with specialized techniques. A combination of various teaching tools are used to customize lessons for these exceptional children.

Learn more here.

Equest

Equest was created to help enrich the quality of life for not only children, but also adults, with diverse cognitive, physical, intellectual, learning and social-emotional differences! At Equest, they partner horses with individuals in order to help bring hope and healing through equine assisted activities and therapies.

Learn more here. 

Texans Lions Camp 

Every year Lions club organizes free lions camps for kids with special needs. The summer camps are for a week and are free! There is also a family camp you can enjoy together.

Learn more here.

ABA Therapy

ABA therapy is offered throughout the Dallas area, including Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Coppell, Flower Mound, Frisco, Garland, Irving, Lewisville, Mesquite, Plano, and Richardson!

 

About the Authors

Apara Autism Centers 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 Centers 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.