Summer brings longer days, warmer weather, and countless opportunities to connect as a family. For families of children with sensory sensitivities, planning summer activities that are both enjoyable and comfortable can take a little extra planning. Whether you’re staying close to home or venturing out, sensory-friendly outings can create lasting memories while supporting your child’s comfort, growth, and joy.

Using ABA strategies can help make these outings more successful. Preparing your child in advance is key—tools like social stories, visual schedules, and role-playing can reduce anxiety and increase predictability. Talk through the plan ahead of time, highlight what they’ll see or hear, and rehearse steps like walking through a crowd, waiting in line, or ordering food. These proactive supports help your child feel more confident, while reinforcing skills like flexibility, communication, and following routines.

In this blog, we’re sharing local family-friendly summer activity ideas designed with sensory needs in mind—because every child deserves a summer full of fun, connection, and inclusion.

Sensory friendly shows at the Abrams Planetarium in Lansing

The Abrams Planetarium offers sensory friendly shows on the third Sunday of every month at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. These shows will run with the lights up, the sound down, and the theater doors open so people can move about as needed. 

Sensory Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese in Sterling Heights

On the first Sunday of every month, the play area will open two hours early (9am-11am) for children with autism or sensory sensitivities. It will have reduced lighting and noise.

Sensory Friendly Mondays at Lily Pad Springs in West Bloomfield

For park visitors that may find a regular day at the splash pad a little overwhelming, this is the perfect special session. Mondays from 11:00am–1:00pm. Available from June 9 – Aug 18. There will be limited capacity and the big splash bucket and overhead spray features limited

Low Sensory Hours at Bowlero in Royal Oak

Bowlero is a Certified Autism Center. Join them on Wednesdays from 4pm-6pm for special low sensory hours designed for players on the spectrum or with other special needs. All you can bowl, 2 hours with shoe rental included for up to 5 players per lane: $10 per player – advance booking not required.

Sensory Friendly Evenings at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing

There will be one sensory friendly event in Lansing, Michigan per month throughout 2025. FALCONERS is designed to allow children or adults of all ages with special needs and unique abilities (such as autism or developmental disabilities) and their whole family to have an enriching educational experience in a safe, welcoming and sensory friendly environment. All monthly events are free and inclusive for the entire family/support group. Many events include hands-on activities. 

Sensory Friendly Days at DNR Outdoor Adventure Center  in Detroit

Enjoy the opportunity to explore and experience the Outdoor Adventure Center with building sounds and ambient noises at a lower volume. During your visit, there will be a quiet room with sensory materials available to use, and a limited building capacity. At noon, the building will open to the public, with volumes returning to standard operating levels. All staff are KultureCity-certified to ensure the best possible experience.

Sensory Friendly Go Karting at High Caliber in Lansing

High Caliber will offer sensory-friendly hours every First Sunday of the Month, 11 AM – 2 PM. This will be one hour earlier than they open on most Sundays, and run until 2 PM. Facility lights will be on with strobe lighting and music off. Sensory Friendly Kits will be available to borrow with a Sensory Friendly Breakroom if needed for cool down period. 

No matter your child’s interests, there’s a way to make summer activities work for your family—and we’re here to help. If you’d like personalized tips or support integrating ABA goals and strategies into your summer plans, don’t hesitate to reach out to your clinician. Here’s to a summer full of fun, flexibility, and progress!