Looking for Sensory-Friendly Activities? Try These 5 Spots in Sheboygan, WI

Some children experience sensory sensitivities that make bright lights, loud sounds, and crowded spaces a challenge to navigate. For some families, calmer, quieter places help make outings more manageable. 

Sensory-friendly activities are designed to be quieter and more adaptable. These environments may lower lighting and sound levels, provide space to move around, and offer accommodations to support a range of needs. 

In Sheboygan, a lakeside city on Wisconsin’s eastern shore, several spots offer calm, sensory-friendly spaces. Here are five places where families can relax and explore — without sensory overload. 

1. Play and Discover at Above & Beyond Children’s Museum 

Looking for a hands-on learning space that feels welcoming? The Above & Beyond Children’s Museum in downtown Sheboygan features interactive exhibits designed for curious kids. On select days, the museum offers sensory-friendly hours with reduced lighting and sound, creating a calmer experience. 

Tip for Families: Visit during sensory-friendly hours, or call ahead to ask about accommodations. 

2. Explore Nature at Kohler-Andrae State Park 

If your child feels more comfortable outdoors, Kohler-Andrae State Park offers plenty of peaceful options. Located along Lake Michigan, it features quiet hiking trails, sandy beaches, and open space for kids to roam at their own pace. 

Tip for Families: Weekday mornings are especially quiet. A Wisconsin State Park admission sticker is required for vehicle entry. 

3. Read and Recharge at Mead Public Library 

The Mead Public Library offers a calm, inviting space with cozy corners and soft lighting in the children’s section. The library also provides sensory kits with tools such as noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys to help kids feel more comfortable. 

Tip for Families: Ask at the desk about upcoming sensory-friendly programs, or request a sensory kit for your child to use during your visit. 

4. Play Freely at Evergreen Park 

Evergreen Park provides wide open green space, shaded picnic areas, and paved trails. It’s a great spot for unstructured play or quiet time in nature. The nearby Storybook Trail is a family favorite, pairing simple storytelling with a gentle walk through the woods. 

Tip for Families: Go in the late morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful setting. 

5. Attend a Sensory-Friendly Show at the Stefanie H. Weill Center 

The Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts sometimes hosts sensory-friendly performances with lower sound levels, adjusted lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere. These shows allow families to enjoy the arts without pressure. 

Tip for Families: Contact the box office to ask about upcoming sensory-friendly events or to request accommodations. 

Check out our LEARN Behavioral blog on 5 simple play ideas for more sensory-friendly inspiration. 

Looking for additional support for your child in Sheboygan, WI? At the Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP), part of LEARN Behavioral, we use science and data to deliver contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, tailored to your child’s unique needs, interests, and personality. Learn more about our services in Sheboygan and contact us today. 

5 Sensory-Friendly Activities in Kalamazoo, MI, for Kids on the Autism Spectrum

Outings with bright lights, loud noises, or large crowds can sometimes feel overwhelming for kids on the autism spectrum. 

Sensory-friendly options can help by offering quieter spaces with fewer distractions. 

Kalamazoo has several places that offer sensory-friendly activities for kids. From quiet trails to special movie showings, here are five to check out. 

1. Sensory-Friendly Screenings at Celebration Cinema Crossroads 

Celebration Cinema Crossroads in Portage offers Sensory Showtimes, where lights stay on, the sound is turned down, and kids are free to move around. Some families find it to be a more relaxed way to watch a movie, without the usual sensory overload. 

Tip for Families: Bring noise-canceling headphones or a comfort item to help your child settle in. Check the schedule in advance, as showtimes vary by location. 

2. Sensory Playtime at Jungle Joe’s Family Fun Center 

Jungle Joe’s Family Fun Center in Portage is an indoor play center with inflatables. They sometimes offer sensory-friendly sessions with dimmed lights, no loud music, and fewer kids. It can also be a good option if you go during off-peak hours. 

Tip for Families: Call ahead to ask about quieter times. Bring socks and something familiar to help your child feel comfortable. 

3. Quiet Exploration at Kalamazoo Nature Center 

The Kalamazoo Nature Center has quiet trails, wooded areas, and simple indoor exhibits. It’s a calm place for kids to explore without too much noise or distraction. Weekday mornings are usually the quietest. 

Tip for Families: Pack snacks, water, and a sensory tool or fidget for breaks. 

4. Sensory-Friendly Storytime at Kalamazoo Public Library 

The Kalamazoo Public Library’s Central Branch hosts events like Family Storytime and Sensory Shenanigans, which feature soft lighting, quiet voices, and predictable routines. These storytimes are designed to welcome all children, including those with sensory sensitivities. 

Tip for Families: Ask the staff about sensory-friendly programs and quiet areas. Midweek mornings tend to be the least crowded. 

5. Adaptive Swim Lessons at YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo 

The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo offers adaptive swim lessons for kids with disabilities and sensory needs. Instructors are trained to create a calm, supportive space, and the lessons are flexible so each child can go at their own pace. It’s a great way for kids to build confidence in the water while feeling safe and supported. 

Tip for Families: Call ahead to ask about class times and details. Bring familiar swim gear or a comfort item to help your child feel more at ease. 

Creating a More Inclusive Community 

Finding sensory-friendly activities can make all the difference when planning family outings. These five places in and around Kalamazoo offer welcoming spaces where kids with sensory sensitivities can feel comfortable and included. 

These kinds of activities, like quiet walks, calm storytimes, or low-key play, can make it easier for kids to take part and enjoy what’s around them in a way that works for them. 

Check out our LEARN Behavioral blog on 5 simple play ideas for more sensory-friendly inspiration. 

Looking for additional support for your child in Kalamazoo, MI? At Total Spectrum, we use science and data to deliver contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, tailored exclusively to your child’s unique needs, behavior, and personality. Learn more about our services in Kalamazoo and contact us today! 

Haircuts with Heart: Vernon Jackson’s Mission as an Autism Friendly Barber

Vernon Jackson is an award-winning barber, author, and advocate known for transforming the haircut experience for neurodivergent children and their families. In this conversation, he shares his journey of founding The Gifted Event, a nationally recognized initiative providing free, sensory-friendly haircuts to children with special needs. His viral videos and heartfelt storytelling have inspired millions, spotlighting the power of patience, empathy, and inclusion. Vernon emphasizes the importance of community support, trust-building with families, and the emotional aspects of haircuts. In his work, he empowers kids to feel seen, valued, and confident, while challenging the world to embrace differences with compassion and creativity.

View the transcript, show notes, and previous episodes at: https://www.allautismtalk.com/episodes/haircuts-with-heart-vernon-jackson

All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral.