Now enrolling for center-based services at our new Cary Learning Center! Learn More
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Our new Cary, NC 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 the Cary/Raleigh area.
Finding activities that work for kids with autism isn’t always easy. Many children on the autism spectrum experience sensory sensitivities, meaning certain sounds, lights, textures, or crowded spaces can feel overwhelming. That’s where sensory-friendly activities come in.
Across North Carolina, families can find inclusive spaces designed with sensory needs in mind. From serene nature trails to thoughtfully designed play areas, these environments create opportunities for enjoyable, stress-free outings.
The Cary community has taken significant steps to create welcome places such as quiet spaces in parks, sensory-friendly events, and recreational programs specifically adapted to support children with sensory sensitivities. These efforts go beyond standard accessibility features, focusing instead on fostering environments where kids can feel at ease and families can connect.
For families, the availability of such spaces can transform outings, offering opportunities for children to engage, explore, and play in settings designed with their needs in mind. Cary’s focus on inclusivity and accessibility has made it a leader in creating sensory-friendly opportunities, providing families with spaces they can truly enjoy together.
Here are five sensory-friendly activities in Cary that you and your family can try.
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve features gentle walking trails, shaded areas, and a peaceful environment filled with natural sounds. The scenic setting allows children to explore at their own pace without the overstimulation of busy parks.
The Stevens Nature Center at Hemlock Bluffs offers interactive exhibits and educational programs, with staff members trained to create a welcoming atmosphere for children with different sensory needs.
Tip for Families: Visit on weekday mornings for the quietest experience. Bring noise-canceling headphones if your child is sensitive to natural sounds like birds and rustling leaves.
Marla Dorrel Park is home to Kids Together Playground, an inclusive play space designed for children of all abilities. The playground features wide, accessible pathways, shaded play structures, and sensory-friendly elements such as textured surfaces and quiet areas for breaks.
Kids Together Playground was designed with input from parents of children with disabilities, making it one of the most inclusive play spaces in the region.
Tip for Families: Visit early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Bring a picnic and enjoy the surrounding green space for a relaxing family outing.
Cary’s YMCAs offer adaptive sports programs for children with special needs, including sensory sensitivities. From day camps to summer camps, private swim lessons, and inclusive lacrosse leagues, there are a variety of offerings at different YMCA locations.
Tip for Families: Contact your neighborhood YMCA to learn about specific programs and schedules that cater to sensory-friendly needs.
The Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary offers adaptive swim programs for children with sensory sensitivities. The pool environment is calm, and instructors are trained to work with kids on the autism spectrum, making it a great way to build confidence in the water.
Tip for Families: Bring your child’s favorite swim gear or toys to help them feel more at ease.
The Cary Regional Library provides a welcoming environment for children who enjoy books and quiet spaces. The library offers designated sensory-friendly story times, where children can listen to stories in a low-stimulation setting with soft lighting and limited background noise. The library also has cozy reading nooks and calming areas where kids can take a break.
Tip for Families: Ask library staff about quieter times or sensory-friendly events. Bring a favorite book or fidget toy to help your child feel more comfortable.
Check out our LEARN Behavioral blog on 5 simple play ideas for more sensory-friendly ideas.
Looking for additional support for your child in Cary, NC? At Priorities ABA, 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 Cary area and contact us today!
Priorities ABA, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the grand opening of its new Cary Learning Center with a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 3-6 p.m. at 598 East Chatham Street, Suite 135, Cary, NC, 27511. This event is open to the public.
Priorities ABA is Cary’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of in-home and center-based autism services for children and adolescents ages 1-13 years. The new Cary Learning Center provides key services in addition to center-based, in-home, and community-based ABA therapy, including diagnostics.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held with the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, and attendees will have an opportunity to tour the facility and meet the leadership team.
Spring-themed activities for families will be offered during the Open House, including photos taken with the spring bunny in a sensory-friendly and supportive environment.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services to greater Cary, including Wake County and surrounding areas,” said Emily Cogdell, HSP-PA, BCBA, Regional Clinical Director of the Cary Learning Center. “We value being a part of the Cary community and look forward to collaborating with fellow organizations and professionals to help find success for every child and adolescent in our care.”
The center is now enrolling new clients in Cary, West Raleigh, Apex, Morrisville, and the Research Triangle Park areas with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.
The Cary Learning Center is the third center-based ABA therapy location for Priorities ABA to open, with existing Learning Centers in Jacksonville and Fayetteville, NC.
Priorities ABA, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, is one of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. For more than 20 years, Priorities ABA has been delivering evidence-based services, helping children and adolescents with autism find success and reach their unique potential.
For more information or to enroll a child at the Cary Learning Center, call (252) 341-4192 or visit https://prioritiesaba.com/locations/cary/
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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. With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of research-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family.
We’re excited to provide center-based services at our new Fayetteville, NC ABA Therapy Learning Center!
