Fun Autism-Friendly Activities Around Indianapolis

Dawn Denning said:  Designed for kids with Autism, ADHD, Aspergers Syndrome, Down's syndrome and other sensory processing disorders, Senses Gym offers a great place for your child to play and increase their social skills. The giant indoor gym has places to climb and fine motor skill activities along the wall. Parents are expected to help guide their children around the gym.

Dawn Denning said:  Horseback riding has been studied as therapeutic for people with disabilities. By riding horseback, your kiddo will benefit from the cognitive, physical and social skills they will learn. Your kiddo will gain strength, balance, coordination and more while enjoying time with a horse.

Dawn Denning said:  This is a non-audition based choir for your child to stretch their vocal skills in a fun and inclusive environment. With one practice a week, your child will be introduced to music, learn proper breath control & posture of a singer and have fun. The one hour practice will spend the first half working on the fundamentals of a singer while the second half focuses on singing. Your child will get to have fun and learn a new skill.

Dawn Denning said:  This specialized class is focused on working with kids of all different abilities. The Aqua Abilities class allows your child to be evaluated by a trained swim instructor and placed into a small group class. If your kiddo needs more help, you can sign them up for private lessons. The small group lessons are offered weekly at a ratio of 4 to 1 class size.

t/fom said:  Indy Parks has many adaptive programs that they offer at various Indy Parks locations. They have karaoke nights, water aerobic exercises, and host dances every second Saturday of the month where those with physical and/or intellectual disabilities can socialize and dance to music. Also Rhodius Park is equipped with a state-of-the-art sensory room that can be rented out for parties or used as a place where kids ages 4-18 can unwind in the afternoon for just $3! Click Here to look at the programs they have to offer. Search keyword Adaptive.

Ages: Varies with programs

Cost: Varies with programs

Kristy Pepping said:  Come to Conner Prairie for one of their sensory friendly mornings. They will open one hour early to kids with sensory differences. The lights will be turned down lower and noises will be kept to a minimum so that the environment will be sensory-friendly to the kids. If you are not familiar with Conner Prairie, it is an outdoor museum focused on the fields of science, history, art, and nature.

Dawn Denning said:  This community based soccer game is for kiddos with intellectual and physical disabilities. Each player will get to experience and learn to play soccer with a buddy for the soccer season. The buddy will help your child play, learn and have fun while learning the fundamentals of soccer.

Dawn Denning said:  AMC has partnered with the Autism Society to make the movie experience more enjoyable for families with autism or sensory sensitivities. Twice a month, movies are shown with the lights up and the sound down. Your child will be allowed to stand up, dance and make noise while enjoy a current show!

Dawn Denning said:  This not for profit offers sports training and athletic training year round for adults and children with special needs. The goal of the program is to offer improved physical fitness, encourage social interactions and demonstrate courage.

Young Athletes is an introductory program for children under 8 with intellectual disabilities. The kids are encouraged to learn new things, play and have fun with other people. Kiddos aged 2-7 will do activities to improve hand-eye coordination and develop motor skills. The new skills can help your kiddo gain confidence to make new friends.

Dawn Denning said:  Whether your child would like to dance, play sports or try karaoke, Carmel Clay Parks has something for everyone with special abilities to try out.

Dawn Denning said:  Carter's is a great place to spend a few hours with your kiddo! Carter's Play Place offers a play area that is inclusive of kiddos with all abilities. There is an area to climb, a trampoline for jumping and things to push and pull around the padded play area. They also offer summer camps, birthday parties, special events and therapy.

Dawn Denning said:  Serving over 6,000 people of all abilities, the mission of ArtMix is to create opportunities for learning, self expression and socialization for kids with special needs. Breaking down barriers and providing unique opportunities for expression creates a positive & respectful environment for kids to learn and grow through art. The programs are run by professional artists trained to work with people of different abilities. The training allows the teachers to alter their teaching plans to work with your kiddos specific needs.

Dawn Denning said:  The Motor Activity Clinic offers instruction on motor, fundamentals and aquatics for children with disabilities. Through 2-1 instructor to student ratios, your kiddo will receive personalized attention for their unique needs. The instructors focus on fine motor skills, gross motor skills and physical activity through play and swim.

Beth Wood said:  Studio Movie Grill is a movie theatre that allows you to enjoy a movie while dining. They offer sensory-friendly screenings of family-friendly films for children with special needs and their families. During showtimes, lights are on, volume is lowered and children are able to move around and talk freely.

Dawn Denning said:  Indy Stars has an adaptive gymnastics program for kids of all abilities. The class allows kids of all abilities the opportunity to jump, tumble and leap! Your kiddo will gain confidence and make new friends while having lots of fun!