Embracing Inclusivity: Sensory-Friendly Activities in Minnesota

Navigating a world filled with sensory stimuli can be challenging for individuals with sensory sensitivities. However, creating inclusive environments and offering sensory-friendly activities can make a world of difference for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), allowing everyone to participate fully and enjoy their surroundings. Whether it’s a museum visit, a theatrical performance or a fun day out at the zoo, these activities provide welcoming and accommodating experiences for all. By exploring these adaptive opportunities, families can enjoy meaningful and enjoyable moments together.

Museums and Exhibits

Science Museum of Minnesota: Sensory Friendly Sundays (St. Paul) held on select Sundays, feature dimmed lights, reduced sound levels and limited visitor numbers to create a calm environment. The museum also provides a designated quiet space for guests to use as needed. Additionally, they offer sensory-friendly tools like weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys.

Website: Accessibility, Amenities and Museum Navigation

Bell Museum of Natural History: Sensory-Friendly Saturdays (St. Paul) occur monthly and offer a modified museum experience with lowered lighting, quieter sounds and sensory items available for checkout. The museum also provides visual schedules and sensory maps to help visitors navigate the space comfortably.

Website: Accessibility at the Bell Museum

Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota: Quarterly Sensory-Friendly Events (Mankato) are designed to accommodate children with sensory sensitivities by limiting the number of visitors, lowering noise levels and providing a calm and supportive environment. The museum also offers sensory backpacks with noise-canceling headphones and other tools.

Website: Sensory Friendly Accommodations

Walker Art Center: Sensory Friendly Sunday (Minneapolis) is a monthly event, from 8–11 a.m. on the second Sunday of the month. The galleries will be closed to the general public, allowing visitors to enjoy the museum in a calm environment. The accommodations include quiet spaces, fidgets and sunglasses available for use.

Website: Sensory Friendly Sunday

Entertainment and Performances

Children’s Theatre Company: Relaxed Performances (Minneapolis) include adjustments such as lower sound levels, house lights kept on at a low level and a relaxed atmosphere where movement and noise are allowed. The theater also provides sensory-friendly resources like social stories and pre-show guides.

Website: Relaxed Performances

Minnesota Orchestra: Relaxed Family and Sensory-Friendly Concerts (Minneapolis) are held in the Target Atrium, and feature individual musicians or small ensembles performing in a relaxed setting. The concerts have flexible seating, quiet rooms and sensory-friendly resources to ensure a comfortable experience.

Website: Sensory Friendly Performances

Northrop Dance Theatre: Relaxed Matinee Performances (Minneapolis) are designed with lower sound levels, dimmed house lights and a relaxed audience environment. A Sensory Friendly Lounge is available for visitors who need a break during the performance.

Website: Relaxed Matinee Performances

Northern Starz: Northern Starz Theatre (Ramsey) offers three different opportunities for individuals that want to be a star on and off the stage including a theatre camp near Lake Itaska, a once year Broadway Musical theatrical performance and theatre classes/workshops all designed specifically for people with disabilities.

Website: Sensory Friendly Performances

A Great Day Farm: A Great Day Farm (Northfield) is committed to being a free and flexible space for their community with a goal of supporting a diversity of ages, access needs and levels of adventure. Some of their accessibility features include sensory gardens, adaptable bicycles, fidgets and wheel chair accessible bathrooms including an adult changing table and Hoyer lift.

Website: Visit A Great Day Farm

Aquariums and Zoos

Minnesota Zoo: The Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley) provides a sensory-friendly environment with accessible exhibits, educational programs and quiet areas. They also offer sensory-friendly maps and resources to help visitors navigate the zoo comfortably.

Website: Minnesota Zoo Accessibility

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory: Sensory Friendly Mornings (Saint Paul) happen two mornings a month from 9–10 a.m. Como Park offers an inclusive environment specifically for individuals with ASD and their families. Accommodations include exploring without the crowds, a social story to prepare for the morning and a visual schedule designed by Autism Society of Minnesota.

Website: Sensory Friendly Mornings

Conclusion

Embracing inclusivity and providing sensory-friendly activities ensures that all individuals can participate fully in various experiences, especially those with IDD. Minnesota’s diverse offerings–from museums and theaters to play areas and zoos–create welcoming environments for all. By exploring these options, everyone can enjoy meaningful and enjoyable activities.

If your family is looking for other means of support in creating a world of ample opportunities for your loved one with IDD, Laura Baker Services Association’s Family Navigation Service is here to help. Whether it be exploring access to therapeutic services, respite care, guardianship or county resources; we are here to do the research and guide you along the process of reaching your family’s goals.

For more information on our Family Navigation Service or to schedule a free consultation visit: Family Navigation Services – Special Needs Support.