Kids may be heading back to school, but that doesn’t mean an end to adventures with your favorite people! Our August round-up of events and activities for children with special needs is full of ideas for inclusive weekend fun and after-school excitement.
Don’t miss summer’s last opportunities for sensory-friendly swims! This month’s list also includes boating, Bingo, and even a retreat especially for moms of children with Down syndrome. Mark your calendar now and register ahead of time for these can’t-miss events.
This list is created in partnership with Tendercare Home Health. For over 30 years, Tendercare has been helping medically complex children and their families thrive at home. Whether through paying family members to deliver care or connecting children with experienced pediatric nurses, Tendercare strives to enrich children’s lives at home in every way.
August Events for Children with Special Needs
Sensory Friendly Play
Urban Air Adventure Park, 1172 North Main Street, Franklin
Sunday, August 3, 9 am-11 am
If an indoor adventure park full of trampolines, zip lines, and other activities sounds like a blast — but also totally overwhelming for your child — this is your chance to check out Urban Air! On the first Sunday of each month (excluding holidays), the Franklin location hosts Sensory Friendly Play times, when the facility turns off all music and lighting effects to create a more relaxing environment for families with children with sensory sensitivities. Cost is $13.99 per person and includes all Deluxe attractions.
Cereal Cinema
Newfields, 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis
Saturday, August 9, 10 am-12 pm
While not expressly billed as sensory-friendly, Cereal Cinema at Newfields comes highly recommended by past attendees for families of children with sensory sensitivities. Lights are left on in the Tobais Theater and captions play along with the movie. For $6, you can load up on all your favorite breakfast cereals from the buffet and settle in to watch a classic kid-friendly favorite. August’s offering is 1993’s Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey. As a bonus, your Cereal Cinema admission gets you complimentary access to the rest of the museum’s galleries after the movie. Get your tickets ahead of time and remember — kids 5 and under are free but still require a reserved ticket.
Sensory-Friendly Swim
The Waterpark, 1235 Central Park Drive East, Carmel
Tuesday, August 12, 5-7 pm
Last call for summer sensory-friendly swim times! The Waterpark at the Monon Community Center in Carmel is hosting its last of these events for the year. Enjoy the pool without all the distractions — music will be turned off and the concession stand closed. Float on the lazy river, plunge down the waterslides, or play in the activity pool with your crew. Cost is $22 per family, and preregistration is required.
Bingo Hour
Shares Inc, 645 South State Street, Greenfield
Friday, August 15, 4:30-5:30 pm
Join the community from The Arc of Hancock County for a fun, free hour of Bingo, with plenty of prizes to be won. Siblings are welcome to attend. A parent or guardian must stay with any participants under the age of 18. Be sure to register in advance!
Lucky Mama Project Retreat
Lucas Estate, 1143 W 116th St, Carmel
Saturday, August 16, 8:30 am-4 pm
Are you one of the lucky mamas raising a child with Down syndrome? You’re invited to attend this relaxing retreat just for you! Recharge, connect with other moms, and discover inspiration from several speakers scheduled throughout the day. Your ticket also covers a catered breakfast with a mimosa bar, a catered lunch, and a mini pampering session. Tickets are $150 each. If this price is a burden, you may also join the Lucky Mama Project fundraising team to help cover the cost of your ticket or apply for a scholarship. Register now!
Sensory Friendly Afternoon with the Autism Society
Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis
Sunday, August 17, 3-5 pm
These monthly opportunities to explore the Indiana State Museum in a less-stimulating environment are presented in partnership with the Autism Society of Indiana. Expect edited lighting and sound effects, providing a more comfortable experience for children and adults with sensory processing differences. Stop by the ticket counter to pick up a social narrative to prepare for your visit and to collect a Sensory Bag to take with you as you explore. This event is included with museum admission and qualifies for $5 admission for those utilizing the Access Pass.
Indiana Children and Family Weller Day Boat Outing
Four Winds Lakeside Inn & Marina, 9301 S Fairfax Rd, Bloomington
Sunday, August 17, 10 am-2 pm
Drive an hour south to Bloomington for the day and spend some time boating on Lake Monroe! This event is hosted by the Freedom Waters Foundation, especially for children with special needs and their families. Enjoy cruising around the lake from 10 am until noon, then head back to the docks for a BBQ lunch, music, and fun activities. This event is totally free, but please register ahead of time.
Beneath the Stars End of Summer Sensory Experience
Sunpetal Pediatric Therapy, 9505 Delegates Row, Indianapolis
Saturday, August 23, 2 pm
Sunpetal Pediatric Therapy is offering yet another fun sensory playtime at their offices in Indianapolis. This end-of-summer event celebrates evenings under the stars with plenty of themed activities. Visit the Glow Zone, decorate a paper lantern, snuggle up in a tent to read some stories, and make a Moon Snack for a tasty treat. This event is free to attend.
Adaptive You Deserve a Break
Rhodius Park Family Center, 1720 W Wilkins Street, Indianapolis
Saturday, August 23, 10:30 am-1:30 pm
Parents and caregivers can take a few hours for themselves, confident that their children are safe and having a great time in the care of trained staff at Rhodius Park. Kids must be at least 6 years old and under 13 to participate, and the cost is $5 per child. During the 3 hour event, kids will have time to play in the gym, interact with new friends, and enjoy a light snack. Space is limited and preregistration is required.
GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge – Sports Circuit Challenge
Dr. James A. Dillon Park, 14801 Midland Ln, Noblesville
Sunday, August 24, 10 am
Celebrate inclusion, acceptance, and friends of all abilities at this fundraising event hosted by GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis. Register online to start a team and begin your efforts to raise money to support this amazing organization that provides free programs to children with Down syndrome. On the day of the event, show up with your team to complete all the physical challenges along the course on your way to the finish line.
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