Things to do in Atlanta for those with sensory issues

Metro Atlanta is home to many fun activities, but for children or adults with sensory processing issues, large crowds and loud noises can pose some challenges.

The following are hosting sensory events in June or offering tools to help make your visit more fun and welcoming.

Sensory play time

9 a.m.-11 a.m. Sunday June 2. Adults and children $15.95, adults with free SNAP EBT, children with SNAP EBT $2.68 (EBT and photo ID required for these discounts), members free. Higher prices at the door. Children’s Museum of Atlanta, 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437.

Enjoy a modified sensory recreation with Science Bar: The Science of Sound and Art Studio: Qualeasha’s Quilts. During this recess, entry is limited and the museum is making sound adjustments. A social story is available to help you prepare for your visit and sensory packs are available at the visitor centre. After your recess, you can stay for the rest of the day.

Cherokee County Aquatic Center: Tropical Night at the Oasis

4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. $5 per person. Saturday June 8. Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760.

Enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools at the Cherokee Aquatic Center for swimming, eating pizza, playing and having fun. The event, part of the venue’s Therapeutic Recreation program, is specially designed for people with special needs and is sensory-friendly. All ages are welcome.

“Sesame Street, the musical”

1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sunday June 23. $52 and up. Puppet Arts Center, 1404 Spring St. SW, Atlanta. Ticket sales 404-873-3391, administration 404-873-3089.

“Sesame Street the Musical” features two sensory performances that include considerations such as reduced sound levels, no abrupt/surprising sounds or light cues, and house lights remaining half-on throughout the performance. Tickets include entry to the Puppet Worlds Museum.

Friendly sensory afternoons at the Musée du Sud

2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 25. Included with general admission $5 to $10, free for children 2 and under and members. Museum of the South, 2829 Cherokee St. NW, Kennesaw. 770-427-2117.

On the last Tuesday of each month, the Musée du Sud organizes a sensory and friendly afternoon. Visitors with autism, sensory issues or special needs will be able to explore the museum at their own pace and all ages are welcome.

Neurodivergent stories and melodies

11 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Monday June 10 and Monday June 24. Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 404-612-9707.

Join Miss Jessica for a special small group story time for neurodivergent clients. Call or email the branch to register before the Saturday before the event. Storytime is aimed at children ages 2-6 and you will need to stay with your child during the program.

Sensory film screenings

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday June 27. Swiss Library, 266 Roswell St., Marietta. 770-528-2331.

Bring your own blanket and make yourself comfortable to watch a screening of a children’s sensory film in the downstairs program room. All ages are welcome.

Sensory films at the NCG cinema

Saturday June 8, 15, 22 and 29. Several metro Atlanta locations of NCG Cinemas.

Watch sensory films at NCG Cinemas on Saturdays in June with “Despicable Me” on June 8, “Shrek 2” on June 15, “How to Train Your Dragon” on June 22 and “The Land Before Time” on the 29th June. The films will be screened without a preview, with the sound turned down and the lights on. The environment is free from judgment and it is okay to talk, sing, walk and dance.

Chuck E. Cheese on Sensory Sundays

Sunday June 2. Participating locations in metro Atlanta open two hours early.

Chuck E. Cheese opens early the first Sunday of the month for Sensory Sunday. Guests can enjoy a calmer environment, soft lighting, a friendly sensory arcade, trained and attentive staff, and much more.

Adapted swimming evening

6 p.m.-8 p.m. Sunday June 16. Free. Wills Park Pool, 1815 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. 678-297-6107.

Cool off at Wills Park Pool’s Adaptive Swim Party in a pool with zero-depth entry, interactive play stations, water slide and more.

Studio Movie Grill Special Needs Screening

11 a.m. Saturday June 15 and Saturday June 29. Free for all participants. Studio Movie Grill, Mansell Crossing, 7730 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta. 470-657-0300.

Watch “The Garfield Movie” on June 15 and “Inside Out 2” on June 29 with the lights on, the volume low and with welcome movement, talking and even dancing in the aisles. Tickets are available at the box office from the Wednesday before the Saturday film.

Additional Experiences in Atlanta

Atlanta Braves Outstanding Fan Program: The Atlanta Braves feature a social storybook, sensory map with detailed first aid and other important locations, dedicated accessible seating specialists and much more. Purchase tickets from the Accessible Seating Department and you will receive a welcome kit with an exceptional Braves fan ID that will allow you to skip the lines if necessary. The kit will be delivered to you during the game and includes Braves fidgets.

In addition to this program, the Braves also offer a “Matt Pack” at each home game for a family affected by autism. The seats are complementary and include a friendly sensory play experience, a gift box and proximity to a quiet space. They are funded by first baseman Matt Olson’s donation to the Atlanta Braves Foundation. For more information, email [email protected] or [email protected].

Zoo Atlanta: Zoo Atlanta lets you borrow free sensory bags containing noise-canceling tools, noise-cancelling headphones and more, as well as weighted knee pads. Quiet zones and headphone areas are also available, and zoo staff receive ongoing training on assisting and accommodating visitors with sensory needs.

Georgia Aquarium: The aquarium offers a sensory room and bags, as well as sensory hours. The hours (8 a.m. to 9 a.m. or 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., depending on opening hours) have reduced reception capacity, lighting and audio and silent spaces in the galleries. Staff receive ongoing training to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs.

Top Art Museum: A social story is available to help you prepare for your visit, as well as a sensory guide with information about the stimuli you may encounter. You can also access a sensory map online or at the museum to help you locate spaces that tend to be quieter and less crowded, low light, and allow for tactile engagement and activities.