With fewer crowds, gentle lighting, decreased noise levels, and SPARK kits at the ready, families can enjoy safe and inclusive spaces that adapt to their unique sensory needs during designated Sensory-Friendly Days at various venues throughout the Denver metro area.
While many venues offer sensory-friendly amenities every day of the year, the following highlighted events provide fun, exclusive opportunities just for families looking for more accessible experiences.
Dates are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead or make reservations in advance as requested.
AMC Theatres
AMC Arapahoe Crossing 16, Aurora and other AMC Theatres throughout the country
AMC Theatres and the Autism Society have teamed up to offer special movie showings where the lights are turned up, the sound is turned down, and audience members can get up, dance, walk, shout, or sing!
The Sensory Friendly Film program is available on select Wednesdays and Saturdays of the month.
Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities
6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada | (720) 898-7200
In addition to sensory-friendly performances, the Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities offers ASL-interpreted shows, Shadow-interpreted performances, and audio-described performances. Sensory-friendly performances vary by date and are added as show dates are confirmed.
Butterfly Pavilion
6252 W 104th Avenue, Westminster | (303) 469-5441
During quiet afternoons, guests can experience exhibits in a unique way that meets the needs of their families. With natural lighting, quiet tones, and limited admission, this event provides an enjoyable, low-key experience just for them. Each Sensory-Friendly Afternoon offers guided interpretation in each exhibit, optional activity guides, and access to the playroom.
Sensory-Friendly admission is 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm with the last entry at 4:15 pm. Pricing is $14.95 for adults, $9.95 for children (ages 2-12), and $12.95 for seniors.
- Wednesday, April 24
- Wednesday, May 29
- Wednesday, June 26
Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
2121 Children's Museum Dr., Denver | (303) 433-7444
Admission is free for families of children with disabilities during Low-Sensory Evenings. Email KayceM@cmdenver.org for info and to reserve your spot (required).
- Wednesday, May 8, 2024 @ 4:30-7:30 pm
Chuck E. Cheese
Participating CO locations: Greeley and Colorado Springs
Sensory Sensitive Sundays™ are available at participating locations on the first Sunday of the month. They offer a quieter environment, dimmed lighting, and a trained and caring staff to ensure each guest has a safe, fun-filled visit for two hours before opening to the public.
Colorado Symphony
Pinnacle Performing Arts Complex
Sensory Friendly concert experiences are meant to be shared among students, family members, and caregivers. They are specifically designed for people with memory loss, autism, Down syndrome, sensory processing disorder, and any condition that might cause someone to feel uncomfortable at traditional symphony concerts.
Concerts are typically 45 minutes in length. Tickets are $7.50 per guest.
Sensory-friendly concerts are also part of the Symphony's free virtual curriculum.
Denver Art Museum
100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver | (720) 913-0130
The museum’s Sensory-Friendly Mornings is a program for kids with neurodiversity or sensory processing disorders and their families to visit the museum in a safe and fun way. The museum will open early, dim the lights, and provide tools to aid and guide a sensory-friendly experience for the whole family.
Sensory-Friendly Mornings take place quarterly on the second Sunday of the month.
- Sunday, April 14 at 9:00 am
- Sunday, July 14 at 9:00 am
- Sunday, October 13 at 9:00 am
Denver Botanic Gardens
Chatfield Farms, 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton | (720) 865-4346
York Street, 1007 York St., Denver | (720) 865-3500
Sensory Processing & Autism Resource Kits are available for use, free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. They may be checked out from the Helen Fowler Library in the Freyer–Newman Center at the York Street location. Each pack includes a garden-themed Seek & Find weighted lap pad, wiggle seat cushion, noise-reducing headphones, visor, fidget keychains, hand-operated fan, turquoise sunglasses, calming strategies card, and an outdoor blanket.
Low-Sensory Mornings offer a crowd-free experience on select Saturdays throughout the year:
- Saturday, April 27 at 8:00 am
- Saturday, May 25 at 8:00 am
- Saturday, June 22 at 8:00 am
- Saturday, July 27 at 8:00 am
- Saturday, August 24 at 8:00 am
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver | (303) 370-6000
Resources for guests with Autism or sensory needs (e.g. wiggle cushions, noise-reducing headphones, and fidget toys) may be checked out at no charge from the Information Desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Event frequency varies, so check the DMNS calendar for upcoming programs.
Denver Zoo
2300 Steele St., Denver | (720) 337-1400
Sensory Kits are available for checkout at the Zoo's Concierge booth (just inside the main entrance). These free kits include ear defenders, sunglasses, and fidget tools. Weighted lap blankets, coloring pages, and crayons are also available for checkout.
A Low-Sensory Zoo Lights experience is available each year with tickets available in November.
Downtown Aquarium
700 Water Street, Denver | (303) 561-4450
For people with autism or sensory sensitivities, the Aquarium Exhibits can be a bit overwhelming. On the third Sunday of each month (except December), the Aquarium will open early and turn down the ambient sounds so you and your family can enjoy the Aquarium in a calmer and more quiet setting.
Sensory-Friendly hours are from 8:30am to 10am. The Aquarium will open for regular business at 10am. You are welcome to stay as long as you wish, but the ambiance sounds and flash flood exhibit will be turned on at that time.
Tickets must be purchased online and cost $26.50 for adults and $19.99 for children (3-11).
- Sunday, April 21
- Sunday, May 19
- Sunday, June 16
- Sunday, July 21
- Sunday, August 18
- Sunday, September 15
- Sunday, October 20
- Sunday, November 17
History Colorado Center
1200 Broadway, Denver | (303) 447-8679
Low-Sensory Mornings are available with limited admission during and quieted exhibits. Check the event calendar for upcoming opportunities.
iFLY
Lone Tree and Colorado Springs
All Abilities Night at iFly is an opportunity for participants to spread their wings regardless of physical or cognitive challenges. To book a session or learn more about the program, submit a Request More Information form online.
Lone Tree Arts Center
10075 Commons Street, Lone Tree | (720) 509-1000
Sensory-inclusive (SI) performances are modified to create a welcoming and supportive environment for children and adults on the autism spectrum as well as individuals with other sensitivity issues or developmental disabilities.
Adults and Children tickets start at $7.
- Cleo Parker Robinson Dance: Sunday, May 19 @ 4pm
- ArtistiCO: Sunday, June 23 @ 4pm
Marcus Theatres/Movie Tavern
18605 E Hampden Avenue, Aurora | (303) 680-9913
Marcus Theatres provides sensory-specific showings and technologies that make it easy to enjoy first-run films every month. Assisted listening devices and closed captions are available at select locations.
Regal Cinemas
Regal UA Colorado Mills | 14500 W. Colfax Avenue, Suite 600, Lakewood | (844) 462-7342
My Way Matinee offers movie lovers the opportunity to experience a feature film with the lights turned up and the volume turned down. This becomes a safe space for guests to express themselves by singing, crying, dancing, walking around, talking, or shouting while enjoying Hollywood’s latest movies.
My Way Matinee showings are available on select Saturdays each month.
SkyZone Trampoline Park
Arvada, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Parker, Thornton, and opening soon in Highlands Ranch
Sensory hours provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs, making our special needs playground the perfect place to have fun and feel included.
*Sensory Hours are available at participating locations only. Please check with your local park for availability and details.
The Sensory Club
4301 S Federal Blvd Ste 102/103, Englewood | (720) 353-4044
Members across the spectrum get to experience a safe haven to explore and satisfy their sensory needs in a safe, nurturing, and fun environment.
The Sensory Spot
18870 Plaza Dr., Unit 102, Parker | (720) 793-1460
The Sensory Spot is a place to ignite the senses, inspire creativity, and celebrate the uniqueness of every child. Open six days a week, this venue offers a limited capacity of 25 guests at a time to ensure a safe, fun experience for all.
Sensory-friendly amenities include themed sensory tables, comfort items (such as weighted lap pads, noise-cancelling headphones, and blackout tents), tactile bins, therapy dog visits, and special events like Silent Book Club and yoga.
Check out their calendar for date-specific opportunities.
Urban Air
15400 East Briarwood Circle, Aurora | (720) 466-7834
8181 S Quebec Street, Centennial | (720) 242-0579
Sensory-Friendly Play is an event specifically designed for children with Autism and special needs to enjoy time at the park without loud music and flashing lights- and to have a lot of fun! Event dates vary by venue.
Wings Over the Rockies
Air & Space Museum | 7711 East Academy Blvd, Denver | (303) 360-5360
Experience the museum turned down and participate in sensory-friendly activities including a scavenger hunt, discovery carts, STEAM and sensory activities, and more. Sensory-Friendly hours are added on various dates throughout the year so refer to the museum's calendar for upcoming events. Admission is FREE for children or adults with sensory processing sensitivities and their families. Register online.
WOW! Children's Museum
110 N. Harrison Avenue, Lafayette | (303) 604-2424
Designed as a low-sensory event, Sensory Friendly Playtime allows children and their families to explore the Museum without the noise, crowds, and stimulation of a typical day. There is a limit on the number of families who can attend and the museum turns down sounds and lights during this time. WOW! partners with a variety of local therapists and specialists to facilitate activities, provide resources, and answer questions for families.
