Here’s your guide to holiday fun for everyone! If you’re celebrating Christmas or another winter holiday with a family member with special needs, you might be on the lookout for some festive options that are adapted to fit your requirements. Thankfully, Indianapolis and the surrounding communities have plenty of inclusive events to make December magical.
We’ve rounded up a variety of opportunities, from Caring Santas to ASL-interpreted storytimes and theater performances to sensory-friendly movie screenings. We’re always searching for more places offering events for children of all abilities, so let us know in the comments your favorite place to play with your family!
This article was made possible by Tendercare Home Health. Indy with Kids is excited to partner with Tendercare to highlight opportunities in our community for families of children with unique developmental and medical needs.
December Events for Children with Special Needs
Sensory Santa at Bierman Autism Centers
Bierman Autism Centers of Westfield, 16414 Southpark Drive, Westfield
December 5, 5-7 pm
Bierman Autism Centers of Westfield is hosting a FREE special needs community event designed to provide a calm and sensory-friendly experience for children with autism. Families can meet and take photos with Santa and participate in cookie decorating and winter-themed games and fun. The holiday celebration is free, but you must RSVP to secure your spot.
Sensory Santa at Smiley
Smiley Indoor Playground, 5729 E. 86th St. Indianapolis
December 7, 9-11 am
Santa is coming to Smiley Indianapolis on December 7 from 9 to 11 am. Sensory Friendly hours will allow families to enjoy Santa and the adventure park with low music and dimmed lights. There will also be a free sensory toy giveaway. The event is free but please RSVP each member of your family.
A Christmas Carol Inclusive Programming
Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis
Sensory Friendly Performance: December 7, 2 pm
ASL/AD Performance: December 8, 2 pm
Treat your family to a performance of Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic with adaptations to fit a variety of needs. The afternoon show at IRT on Saturday, December 7 will offer adjusted lighting and sound effects for those with sensory sensitivities. The 2 pm performance on December 8 will have an ASL interpreter and seating in the interpretation zone for those with hearing needs. IRT also provides Assisted Listening Devices at all of its performances, free of charge.
Museum My Way
The Indianapolis Children’s Museum, 3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis
December 10, 4-7 pm
This special event provides an inclusive environment for guests of all abilities to play and learn together. Families are invited to visit together and enjoy time at the Children’s Museum with smaller crowds, quieter sound effects and music, and adapted lighting. Limited tickets are available.
Open exhibits include:
WinterFaire & WinterSlide (visits with Santa included!)
American POP
Beyond Spaceship Earth & Schaefer Planetarium and Space Object Theater
Fireworks of Glass
National Geographic Treasures of the Earth
All Aboard!
Sensory Swim at the YMCA
Fort Ben YMCA, 5736 Lee Rd, Indianapolis
December 8, 15, 22, & 29, 12-4 pm
Every Sunday, visitors are invited to the Fort Ben YMCA for a sensory-friendly swimming time. Starting at noon, sound and lighting will be adjusted to create a calmer environment and all water features will be turned off. Registration is required and free for both members and non-members.
ASL Bilingual Storytime
Indianapolis Public Library – Lawrence Branch, 7898 Hague Rd, Indianapolis
December 11, 10:30-11 am
Both Deaf and hearing patrons are welcome at this bilingual storytime at the library! Stories will be presented in both English and ASL by a Deaf presenter and an American Sign Language interpreter. This program is designed for children of all ages, from toddlers through school-aged kids, and their adults.
Wicked: Sensory Friendly Screening
AMC Indianapolis 17, 4325 S Meridian Street, Indianapolis
December 11, 7:25 pm
AMC Castleton Square 14, 6020 E 82nd Street, Indianapolis
December 11, 7 pm
Catch the newest musical blockbuster to hit the theaters at a sensory-friendly screening in Indianapolis. Lights will be turned up, sound will be turned down, and movement, talking, and singing are welcome during the film. AMC offers these special opportunities in partnership with the Autism Society. You can also check the schedule this month at a theater near you for sensory-friendly screenings of Moana 2.
Adaptive Skating with Santa
Perry Park Ice Skating Rink, 451 East Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis
December 14, 5-6 pm
Skate with Santa in a sensory-friendly environment at Perry Park Ice Arena! Reserve your free spot ahead of time, then head to the rink from 5-6 pm for this classic winter activity.
Sensory Friendly Afternoon
Indiana State Museum, 650 W Washington St, Indianapolis
December 15, 3-5 pm
Enjoy another sensory-friendly opportunity to visit an essential Indianapolis holiday attraction. Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum is a whimsical wonderland complete with a train ride and Santa visits. Stop by the ticket counter when you arrive for social narratives and sensory bags. You’ll find other sensory activities throughout the exhibits and Celebration Crossing will feature lower lighting and sounds.
Build and Decorate Gingerbread Houses
Options Fishers, 10029 E 126th Street, Fishers
December 17, 4:45-5:45
Practice collaborative skills while building gingerbread houses together at Options Schools Fishers ABA Campus. This sensory-friendly event designed for children with autism promises a sweet afternoon for all. The event is free, but please RSVP in advance.
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