Long Island, with its scenic beauty and bustling communities, is a treasure trove of opportunities for families with special needs. From sensory playgrounds to inclusive theaters and even sensory-friendly shopping, here's your guide to an enriching and inclusive experience on the island.
1. Bay Park in East Rockaway
Location: East Rockaway
Bay Park opens its arms to children with special needs with its innovative sensory playground. Filled with equipment meticulously designed to stimulate the senses and promote physical activity, this park ensures a day of fun and engagement for all.
2. Sensory Beans in Wantagh
Location: Wantagh
Sensory Beans is the place to be for sensory-friendly playtime. It offers a safe and welcoming environment where kids with special needs can have fun and interact with others, fostering both play and socialization.
3. Children's Museum of the East End in Bridgehampton
Location: Bridgehampton
The Children's Museum of the East End goes the extra mile by offering sensory-friendly programs and events. It's the perfect setting for kids to explore, learn, and have a blast, all while being themselves.
4. Planting Fields Sensory Garden in Oyster Bay
Location: Oyster Bay
Oyster Bay's Planting Fields Sensory Garden is a serene oasis designed to awaken the senses and promote relaxation. It features an array of plants and features tailored for kids with special needs.
5. Long Island Children's Museum in Garden City
Location: Garden City
The Long Island Children's Museum welcomes children and families with a range of sensory, learning, and communication differences with its Sensory-Friendly Theater performances. Here, live theater becomes an inclusive experience.
6. Family Center for Autism in Garden City
Location: Garden City
The Family Center for Autism in Garden City offers a wide range of sensory-friendly classes and activities for children on the autism spectrum. From obstacle courses to cooking classes to horseback riding, there's something for everyone.
7. Planet Play in Bellmore
Location: Bellmore
Planet Play is your go-to place for Sensitive Space Playtime. Every week, they provide two hours of fun and interaction in a safe and welcoming environment.
8. Theatre Three in Port Jefferson
Location: Port Jefferson
Theatre Three offers sensory-friendly performances of their children's theater productions. They modify sound and lighting to ensure a more comfortable experience for children with sensory sensitivities.
9. Noel S. Ruiz Theatre in Oakdale
Location: Oakdale
The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre also provides sensory-friendly performances of their productions, making theater accessible to all.
10. Chuck E. Cheese's Sensory Sensitive Sundays™
Location: Various
Chuck E. Cheese's, a beloved entertainment spot, offers the Sensory Sensitive Sundays™ program. Participating locations open two hours early on the first Sunday of the month, creating a quieter and more sensory-friendly environment.
11. Dave & Buster’s
Location: Various
Dave & Buster's understands the needs of children with sensory, social, or learning disabilities. Their Sensory Friendly Sundays offer a quieter experience with TVs and music turned off and game volumes reduced until 10:30 AM.
12. Sky Zone Sensory Hours
Location: Various
Sky Zone offers Sensory Hours providing a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs. The last hour is private for sensory hour guests only.
Sensory hours take place every last Sunday of the month from 8:00am – 10:00am.
13. AMC Movie Theaters Sensory Friendly Hours
Location: Various
AMC Theaters runs Sensory Friendly Film programs on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the magic of the movies.
14. Walmart Sensory-Friendly Shopping
Location: Various
Walmart has introduced sensory-friendly shopping hours, offering a calmer and more comfortable environment every Saturday from 8 AM to 10 AM. This initiative caters to those who appreciate a quieter shopping experience.
From parks and museums to theaters and shopping centers, Long Island, NY, has made significant strides in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for children with special needs. So, embark on your sensory-friendly journey and explore the beauty and diversity of this vibrant island with your loved ones.
***Disclaimer: The information provided on this platform is for general informational purposes only. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, I make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained herein. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. It is important to note that laws, regulations, and circumstances may have changed since that time. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you independently verify and validate any information I provide before making decisions or taking actions based upon it. I am not responsible for any errors or omissions, nor for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the use of the information provided. It is always recommended to consult with relevant professionals or experts in specific fields for tailored advice and guidance. Please be aware that interactions and communications on this platform do not establish a professional-client relationship. The responsibility for evaluating and validating the information provided rests solely with the individual readers. By using this platform, you agree to hold me harmless from any liability or claim in connection with the use of the information provided. Always seek professional advice and consult with appropriate authorities or experts regarding specific legal, financial, medical, or any other professional matters. Thank you for understanding.***
**Disclaimer: Mama, It Takes a Village has not been a client of any of the listed services or products mentioned in this blog post, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Mama, It Takes a Village does not endorse or guarantee the quality or effectiveness of any of the mentioned establishments or their services. The information provided is based on publicly available information and recommendations. Individuals are advised to conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when selecting and utilizing the services mentioned. Mama, It Takes a Village is not responsible for any issues or experiences that may arise from engaging with the mentioned services or products. Thank you for understanding.**