“Sensory friendly” is a term families hear often, but in practice it usually comes down to something simple. Does a place allow kids to move, pause, or step away without turning an outing into a negotiation? 

For many families, the places that work best are not flashy or specialized. They are spaces where the environment stays consistent. In these settings, expectations are clear, and visits do not require constant adjustment. Noise stays manageable. Lighting does not shift suddenly. Activities allow children to engage in their own way. 

Lansing has a number of places like this. Some offer designated sensory-friendly programming. Others work because of how they are designed and how flexible a visit can be.  

Here are five sensory-friendly places in and around Lansing where many families who have children with autism or sensory needs find comfortable to visit. 

1. Play Michigan! All Inclusive Playground gives kids room to choose 

Play Michigan! All Inclusive Playground, at 201 E. Shiawassee St., feels calm as soon as you arrive. Wide paths and open sightlines help kids see what’s ahead and decide where to go. The space never feels rushed or packed into one area. Families often like that the play spreads out, which keeps the energy lower and the park easier to manage. 

Tip for Families: Go earlier in the day, when the playground is quieter, and kids have more space to explore at their own pace. Starting on the outer edges first can also help children get comfortable before moving toward busier areas. 

2. Potter Park Zoo supports calmer visits 

Potter Park Zoo feels easier to take in than many larger zoos. It was Michigan’s first certified sensory-inclusive zoo, with designated sensory-friendly days that lower noise and crowds. Even on regular days, families often say the pace feels manageable because exhibits are spread out and visits can move slowly, without pressure to see everything at once. 

Tip for families: Check the zoo’s calendar for sensory-friendly days. Going early in the morning also tends to be quieter and easier to navigate. 

3. Impression 5 Science Center allows flexible exploration 

Impression 5 is a hands-on science center that works well for kids who learn through movement and touch. The open layout lets families choose what to engage with and how long to stay, without pressure to follow a fixed route. The center offers sensory-friendly sessions with lower lighting and sound. Quiet areas give families options when stimulation builds. Staff are familiar with kids engaging differently and with families stepping away as needed. 

Tip for families: Start with one or two exhibits near the entrance and see how your child responds before moving deeper into the space. 

4. Abrams Planetarium keeps the experience predictable 

Abrams Planetarium offers sensory-friendly shows that feel intentionally calm. Sound levels stay lower. Lights remain on. Kids are welcome to move during the presentation, and families can step out quietly if a break helps. The predictability is part of what makes the experience work. Each show follows a clear structure, with a defined beginning and end, so kids know what to expect and when it will be over. That kind of clarity can ease anxiety and help families settle in. 

Tip for families: Sit near an aisle so stepping out feels simple. Arriving a little early can also help kids adjust to the space. 

5. Fenner Nature Center lets families reset 

Fenner Nature Center works for families who want an outing without decisions to make or directions to follow. Once you arrive, you can step outside, walk, and notice what is around you. For some kids, that simplicity is the draw. Nature does the work, without added layers of stimulation or instruction. 

Tip for families: Treat this as a reset, not an activity. Even a short walk can be enough to make the visit feel worthwhile. 

Looking for more support? 

Outings are one part of daily life. Support also comes from routines, skills, and services that fit a child’s needs over time. For easy, sensory-friendly activities to try at home, visit 5 Simple and Fun Imaginary Play Ideas.

Families in Lansing and across Michigan who are looking for additional support can turn to Total Spectrum, part of LEARN Behavioral. Total Spectrum provides applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy designed around each child’s needs, strengths, and everyday life. Learn more at https://totalspectrumcare.com/.