Finding family-friendly events that fit your needs in the metro Detroit area doesn’t have to be a challenge. With so many wonderful options in and around our city, you’re sure to fill your calendar with plenty of family fun outings you can all enjoy. While there are many events to choose from this fall, we’d like to help you focus on finding things to do that will be more sensitive to your child’s needs. This will also help you and your child work on implementing and strengthening skills learned during his or her ABA therapy sessions.
The Detroit area has such an array of choices your whole family can take advantage of. From art to fitness, you’ll love the chance to explore new areas around the city and try new experiences as a family in environments with your needs in mind.
Detroit Events
SatARTdays at the Anton Art Center
The second Saturday of each month offers fun-filled art events for the family to enjoy! The events are always free and welcome the whole family to participate. This fall, the Anton Art Center is offering a jewelry making class in September and a dance class in October. The non-profit center also offers free gallery admission if your family would like to visit the many exhibits on display.
Storytime for All Ages
Visit the Canton Public Library on September 21 for storytime dedicated to meeting special needs in the Detroit area. Count Me In! is open to children and adults with special needs without restrictions to age or ability level. Your family will enjoy picture books, singing, and even learn a bit of sign language.
The library offers a variety of events worth looking into. Family Storytime sessions are offered six days a week, while ABC Activity Time gives parents and caregivers the perfect opportunity to engage in learning and play with their children. Promoting social skills and cooperative play, you’ll find many chances to work on ABA therapy skills with your child.
Dancing and Fitness Fun in the Detroit Area
Looking for fitness programs or dance opportunities that may fit your child’s needs and abilities? Kiwanis is hosting a fall event at the Downriver Family YMCA. Children and families are encouraged to join in while trying out various dance styles and working on building social skills; the perfect way to incorporate new ABA therapy skills. Find more information on registering for their fall classes, open to ages three and up from September 21 through November 9.
Sensory-Friendly Jump Event
Your family will love the Special Needs Sensory-Friendly Jump session coming up on October 6. Offered at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park near the Detroit area, you’ll find the park covered in trampolines for your child’s enjoyment. Sky Zone will be hosting a two-hour session dedicated to families with children with special needs, including sensory-processing disorders. The first hour will be music-free while the second hour will provide music.
Metro Detroit Family Fun Night
Kiwanis also sponsors a Special Needs Family Fun Night at the Downriver Family YMCA. Coming up in November, your family can enjoy the use of their rock climbing wall, learn to make rockets, or play a family-friendly game of “dodgebowl.” This event is open to all ages and abilities and offers a fantastic way to bond as a family as well as strengthen social skills and other ABA therapy practices your child is working on. You’ll find more information on registering for this event here.
Family Movie Outing at AMC
Various AMC movie theaters have built a partnership with the Autism Society to offer sensory-friendly movie experiences. AMC designates the second and fourth Saturday of each month, as well as each Tuesday evening, to their Sensory Friendly Film Program. AMC knows how to make families and children with autism and sensory sensitivities feel at home. Your family will find showings with the house lights on, the volume turned down, and the aisles open for your kids to move about! They encourage dancing, exploring, singing, and talking during their Saturday family nights, while Tuesday evenings offer showings geared towards a bit older audience with special needs.
While most family events with special needs accommodations are open to all ages, it can be nice to find some that may cater to your older children. This fall, you’ll find a few teen and adult activities that are definitely worth looking into!
Teen Storytime
If you’re looking for a storytime option for older children to adults with special needs, the Sensory Storytime at Bloomfield Township Public Library may be just what you’re looking for. This family time offers stories with songs, arts, and movement opportunities. You and your child, or even a caregiver, are encouraged to come, listen, and participate. This is another excellent chance to practice and strengthen skills you and your child are working on through ABA therapy sessions and social skills programs.
Teen Time Music and Dancing
In mid-September, the Troy Community Center will be hosting their Friday Frolic at the Troy Community Center. This is a low-cost evening event for teens and adults with special needs. Encourage your child to come and join a safe, welcoming environment full of music, dancing, and social interaction.
While there aren’t specific sessions designated for families with special needs, the center also offers a water slide and play area, beach parties, and fun dance and sports options for the entire family to try!
Helping you meet the needs of your child as well as your family is what we do best at Blossom Children’s Center. From parenting training and family counseling to individualized ABA therapy for your child, our team of caring professionals is here to accompany you through this journey. We believe in offering an all-encompassing approach, which includes multiple programs, school readiness, and even helping you find and plan family outings for all of you to enjoy together. For more information on how to choose events that may be best suited for your child with special needs or to inquire about our ABA therapy and related programs, contact us today!
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