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We’re thrilled to have a local ABA therapy Learning Center in Oak Creek, Wisconsin! To learn more about our center, visit here.
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.
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.
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.
The Mead Public Library offers a calm, inviting space with cozy corners and soft lighting in the children’s section.
Tip for Families: Ask at the desk about upcoming sensory-friendly programs.
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.
Tip for Families: The accessible Shaw Family Playground is right next door. The inclusive play space is designed for children of all abilities and is a popular destination for families.
Marcus Theaters Sheboygan Cinema regularly offers sensory-friendly movie screenings. These showings have lower sound, gentle lighting and a more relaxed environment for those with sensory needs.
Tip for Families: If you need additional assistance with accommodations, reach out to the theatre about its “Reel Movies for Real Needs” program and schedule.
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.
Do you have a child who experiences sensory sensitivities? Outings can sometimes feel overwhelming when loud noises, bright lights, and crowds are involved.
For families looking for a quieter experience, sensory-friendly places can offer a refuge. These spaces adjust their environment to create calm, welcoming experiences.
In Western Wisconsin, along the Red Cedar River and Lake Menomin, the city of Menomonie offers a few hidden gems that provide a peaceful and sensory-considerate experience. Here are five sensory-friendly places for families craving connection without sensory overload.
Looking for a quieter way to spark curiosity? The Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum provides a low-pressure learning environment. With hands-on exhibits exploring local history, it allows kids to thrive on discovery without too much noise or distraction.
Tip for Families: Plan your visit during the morning hours or weekdays for the calmest experience. Call ahead to let the staff know about your needs, and they’ll be happy to provide accommodations for a more relaxed visit.
If your child feels most at ease in natural surroundings, head to the Red Cedar State Trail. It offers miles of peaceful walking and biking paths along the Red Cedar River. Nature sounds replace city noise, and there’s plenty of space for kids to roam or pause as needed.
Tip for Families: The trail is especially quiet on weekday mornings.
With its wide, open green spaces and shaded picnic areas, Wakanda Park is a great spot for families seeking unstructured play in a peaceful environment. It features a playground for active adventures, ball fields and pickleball courts for some low-key competition, and borders scenic Lake Menomin.
Tip for Families: Don’t miss the nearby lakeside beach, another quiet and picturesque spot for relaxing or playing.
The Menomonie Public Library offers a cozy children’s section, calm lighting, and quiet reading areas. Staff are welcoming and often happy to help create a relaxing experience. The library sometimes offers sensory-friendly story times or special programs.
Tip for Families: Ask about noise-reducing headphones or sensory kits available at the desk.
The historic Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts occasionally hosts sensory-friendly performances. These shows feature lower volumes, softer lighting, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Tip for Families: Contact the box office to find out when sensory-friendly events are scheduled or to request accommodations.
Check out our LEARN Behavioral blog on 5 simple play ideas for more sensory-friendly ideas.
Looking for additional support for your child in Menomonie, WI? At Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP), part of LEARN Behavioral, 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 the Menomonie area and contact us today.
No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Milwaukee County Area Families
Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) and Total Spectrum, providers of LEARN Behavioral, are proud to announce the grand opening of its new Milwaukee Learning Center at 5369 N 118th Court, Milwaukee, WI 53225.
WEAP and Total Spectrum are Milwaukee’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children. The new Milwaukee Learning Center provides center-based ABA therapy, in-home ABA therapy, diagnostics, and Youth Club and Social Skills Programs.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held with the Greater Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce in September 2025. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the facility and meet the leadership team, including Heather Bania, WEAP Senior Regional Clinical Director – Milwaukee Region; Brooke Marcellis, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, Total Spectrum Regional Clinical Director – Wisconsin; Mary Smith, BCBA, Vice President Clinical Services; and Hannah Rue, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Chief Clinical Officer.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services to greater Milwaukee area,” said Heather Bania, WEAP Senior Regional Clinical Director – Milwaukee Region. “We value being a part of the Milwaukee community and look forward to collaborating with fellow organizations and professionals to help find success for every child in our care.”
The center is now enrolling new clients based in Milwaukee County with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.
WEAP and Total Spectrum, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, are two of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. Together, they have provided evidence-based autism services for over 30 years and are dedicated to delivering personalized ABA therapy, helping children and families find success.
The Milwaukee Learning Center is WEAP and Total Spectrum’s sixth center-based ABA therapy location in the Greater Milwaukee area. The companies already have Learning Centers in Glendale, Oak Creek, Brookfield, Mount Pleasant, and West Bend, WI.
For more information or to enroll a child at the Milwaukee Learning Center, call (262) 432-5660 or visit https://wiautism.com/locations/milwaukee.
LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of evidence-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.
Planning everyday outings is something many families do without a second thought.
However, for families with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory challenges, outings can sometimes feel overwhelming. Simple trips to the store, playground, or events can be especially tough for kids who see the world differently.
Some kids on the autism spectrum may experience the world more intensely. For them, bright lights can feel harsh, loud sounds overwhelming, and busy places stressful.
That’s why some families seek out sensory-friendly activities.
Sensory-friendly spaces are areas designed to reduce overwhelming sights, sounds, and other sensory inputs. They often have softer lighting, quieter environments, and calming features to help kids who experience sensory challenges feel more at ease. These spaces are important because they give families a place where their children can feel safe and comfortable, allowing them to enjoy activities without sensory overload.
Here are five places in Milwaukee designed with this in mind.
The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum offers sensory-friendly sessions on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. During these sessions, the museum provides a calmer environment with adjusted lighting and sound, allowing children to explore exhibits comfortably. A quiet room is also available, equipped with adjustable lighting, comfortable seating, and sensory toys for those needing a break.
Tip for Families: Reservations are recommended.
Marcus Theatres hosts the “Reel Movies for Real Needs” program, offering sensory-friendly screenings of current films. These shows feature lower sound levels and brighter lighting to create a comfortable viewing experience. Participating locations in the Milwaukee area include Ridge Cinema in New Berlin and South Shore Cinema in Oak Creek.
Tip for Families: Screenings are typically held on Saturday mornings.
Urban Air Adventure Park in Milwaukee West offers Sensory-Friendly Play sessions designed for children with autism and special needs. During these events, the park reduces noise levels and eliminates flashing lights, providing a comfortable environment for children to enjoy various attractions.
Tip for Families: Check the park’s calendar for specific dates and times.
First Stage offers sensory-friendly theater performances tailored for children who benefit from adjusted sound and lighting. These performances also provide quiet areas staffed by educators experienced with developmental differences.
Tip for Families: The upcoming sensory-friendly performance schedule is available on their website.
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra hosts sensory-friendly concerts designed for individuals with autism or sensory sensitivities. These performances include modifications such as dimmed house lights remaining on, flexible seating, and relaxed house rules for an inclusive experience.
Tip for Families: Visit the Milwaukee Symphony’s KultureCity Venue page here for more about their inclusivity program and to download their app.
Check out our LEARN Behavioral blog on 5 simple play ideas for more sensory-friendly ideas.
Looking for additional support for your child in Milwaukee, Wisconsin? At Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP), part of LEARN Behavioral, 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 Milwaukee and contact us today!
Our new Mt Pleasant, WI Learning Center had a successful grand opening! 🎉 We are so excited to offer ABA services in a clinic-based setting at our new center in Mt Pleasant.
The Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) and Total Spectrum proudly announce the successful opening of the Mount Pleasant Learning Center.
The Learning Center, which focuses on providing specialized and comprehensive applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services for children with autism, officially opened on March 20.
It’s a place that fosters learning, socialization, and independence for children on the autism spectrum.
“At our Mount Pleasant location, we hope to bring families in the Greater Racine County area compassionate, contemporary ABA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder,” Linda Klotz, WEAP’s clinical director, said at the opening event.
“With a focus on tailored treatment, this new Learning Center offers individualized interventions to meet the specific needs and interests of each learner,” she said. “We couldn’t be more excited to open our doors to the community and provide these necessary services.”
Operated jointly by WEAP and Total Spectrum, organizations with a combined 35 years of experience serving children with autism across Wisconsin, the Mount Pleasant Learning Center provides a holistic approach to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to help children achieve their full potential.
The grand opening of the Mount Pleasant Learning Center allowed families to meet key members of the leadership team and featured participation from the local community, tours of the facility, and spring-themed activities for families.
“In Kenosha, we’re honored to be included at such a great event,” Kenosha Chamber of Commerce President Dave Strash said at the opening. “We are all about the business community celebrating business successes, and one of our favorite things to do is a ribbon cutting — especially celebrating a much-needed service like the one you guys are providing to the community goes beyond words.”
To find out more about the Mount Pleasant Learning Center, visit https://wiautism.com/blog/tour-our-mt-pleasant-aba-therapy-learning-center
We’re open! 🎉 Check out the Grand Opening of our Sun Prairie, WI Learning Center! We are so excited to offer ABA services in a clinic-based setting at our new center in Sun Prairie.
Contact us for more information by visiting our WEAP website!
Kerry Hoops the current President of the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin and the clinical director for Wisconsin Early Autism Project’s Green Bay region joins us to share about a unique clinic event and what can be learned. Kerry shares details of sensory-friendly covid vaccine events that utilized assent-based practice to create a comfortable experience for children. As Kerry put it, “When it was time for the shot, that was determined by the child. We were very open and honest with the child and let them know it would only happen when they said it was ok.”
