More and more places around central Iowa understand the importance of making everyone feel welcome, and that includes people with autism and special needs. Whether you’re looking for an event that the whole family can attend together or you’re looking for an activity for your child, who doesn’t like large crowds, loud music, or bright lights, we’ve got some sensory-friendly events and activities for you to consider.
For additional fun, check out our list of Inclusive & Accessible Playgrounds for Des Moines Kids. And, if you’re thinking about sending your kids off to camp this summer, check out Summer Camp 2022: Special Needs Summer Camps for Des Moines Kids.
You can find more information about family friendly activities for Des Moines families on our Event Calendar. And, be sure to sign up for our FREE Weekend Fun Guide so you can get posts like this delivered to your inbox.
Here are just some of the many institutions and attractions in Des Moines that have embraced people with special needs and sensory sensitivities:
Arts & Culture
Adventures in Social Drama
Adventures in Social Drama (ASD) offers drama classes to individuals with autism to enhance their social and communication skills. They also address problematic social issues through theatre-based role-play workshops to promote artistic expression and generate awareness of a wide variety of social issues. They offer Special Needs Classes, Dramatic Social Skills Exploration, Improvisational Classes and Small Group Social Skills classes. Check their website often for new classes and to register.
Community Support Activists Momentum Art Program
CSA believes in the transformative power of art. Art is a tool that can build confidence, inspire hope, and develop resilience. Often individuals with disabilities see art as inaccessible to them due to a lack of money for art supplies, knowledge or confidence, or the lack of a safe space to create. Momentum provides free art opportunities to underserved populations that include an annual juried art competition and exhibition as well as art workshops offered throughout the year. In addition, Momentum offers studio space and mentorship programs.
Sensory Friendly Shows at the Des Moines Civic Center
Des Moines Performing Arts offers sensory-friendly shows as part of their Wellmark Family Series. Sensory-friendly performances are geared towards those on the autism spectrum, individuals with other sensory sensitivities and their families. These dedicated performances contain all the joy of a typical theater setting with a few adjustments to help those in attendance feel more comfortable. This includes alterations to light and sound, a variety of seating options, an environment that will encourage movement and breaks when needed, ASL interpretation, and inclusive staff that will welcome guests from the moment they arrive.
Sports & Movement
Adaptive Sports Iowa
Adaptive Sports Iowa provides sports opportunities for Iowans with physical disabilities. They offer a number of sports programs, have introduced adaptive sports in the Iowa Games and sponsor a RAGBRAI cycling team. These programs offer Iowans with physical disabilities the chance to showcase their athletic abilities while promoting an atmosphere of fun and community. Sports currently offered are Beep Baseball, Goalball, Sled Hockey and Wheelchair Basketball. They also assist local middle and high school athletes by providing equipment, so they can participate in track and field events. In addition, they will work closely with the school coaching staff so that the athlete’s experience is a positive and meaningful one.
Can Play
Can Play offers year-round programming for children and adults with special needs. They offer a variety of programs for all ages and ability levels. By adapting the pace, equipment, or nature of an activity, Can Paly can provide a safe and accessible environment where participants can go at their own speed. They offer activities ranging from sports like volleyball, soccer and basketball to arts related activities like music, drama and painting classes. They offer their programs in partnership with many area Parks and Recreation departments. Visit their website for a complete list of programs, camps and clinics and information on how to find a class near you.
Menagerie Stables
Menagerie Stables is dedicated to improving the wellbeing of children and adults living with physical, cognitive, and/or emotional disabilities through the benefits of equine-assisted activities. Therapeutic riding lessons are offered during the spring, summer, and fall. Lessons are staffed by certified instructors. Give them a call to find out more.
Spirit Taekwondo
Spirit Taekwondo provides master instruction and family-oriented service with a view toward the overall health and well-being of every student. Their philosophy ensures that learning will take place in a safe, nurturing environment. Modifications have been made in their program so a student with special needs can succeed and be empowered in life. Master Ratekin is a Certified Para-Taekwondo Instructor with the World Para-Taekwondo Instructor’s Association and member of the Adaptive Martial Arts Association. Visit their website for additional information.
Attractions & Play Places
Science Center of Iowa
Sensory Friendly Hours provide a quieter, less crowded SCI experience for families with children on the autism spectrum. The Science Center of Iowa is an exciting place, bustling with sights and sounds… but for a couple of hours each month, they provide a quieter, less crowded visit. Families with children on the autism spectrum or children with sensory processing disorders will enjoy exploring the Science Center of Iowa with the help of Sensory Guide signage, which indicates audio, visual and activity stimuli. Admission is FREE, but advanced ticket registration is required.
B & B Ankeny 12 & B-Roll Bowling
To better accommodate their guests with varying levels of physical or mental challenges, B & B Ankeny 12 hosts Sensory Friendly Film viewings in association with particular films. These showtimes feature brighter auditorium lighting, lower audio levels, and are open and available for folks that may have trouble in conventional cinema settings. The family-friendly show times are 12:00 noon. Check their website for specific film listings.
Blank Park Zoo
With the Zoo’s partnership with KultureCity, families with children who have Sensory Processing Disorders have access to many resources at the Zoo including noise canceling headphones, fidget toys and weighted lap pads. The Zoo has installed signage identifying “quiet zones” and “headphone zones” to help visitors as they explore the Zoo grounds. In addition, the Zoo’s Education department adjusted classes and summer camps to make them more sensory friendly.
Des Moines Children’s Museum
A designated Sensory Inclusive venue by KultureCity, the Des Moines Children’s Museum offers sensory bags, which includes noise cancelling headphones and fidget toys, and designated quiet areas for their guests. Kids of all abilities will enjoy having a safe place to play and explore. Young visitors can build, craft, play dress up, imagine and more.
Wells Fargo Arena & Iowa Events Center
People with sensory sensitivities can enjoy watching a sporting event or concert at this downtown entertainment venue, which has been certified by KultureCity, as a sensory-inclusive space. Wells Fargo Arena provides sensory bags, which include weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools, to guests who might feel overwhelmed by the noise and activity of the game or event they are attending. The Arena and attached Event Center also provides designated quiet spaces around the venue.
Know of any events or activities that are sensory friendly? If so, let us know below so we can share the love!
