By Teresa Mills-Faraudo
Finding an outing with an inclusive environment for those with sensory sensitivities or other cognitive and developmental disabilities isn’t always easy for families. But there are some great shows and museum events with accommodations so the whole family can enjoy. While some places don’t offer specific events, they may provide special kits for those with sensory sensitivities.
AMC Theaters Sensory-Friendly Films – AMC, along with the Autism Society, provides unique showings where the lights are turned up and the sound down, so movies goers can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing. A family-friendly film is shown on the second and fourth Saturday every month. There are no trailers, so arrive on time. Check your local listing for specific movies.
amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
Berkeley Playhouse: “Shrek the Musical” – Berkeley Playhouse is providing a performance of “Shrek the Musical” for people with autism, sensory input disorders, sensory sensitivities and other cognitive or developmental disabilities, and their family members and care teams. Theater house lights will be dimly lit throughout the performance; strobe lights and special effects will be reduced; sound levels will be lowered; theater etiquette will be relaxed; and there will be a designated quiet space in the lobby. June 5, 2027. 1pm. $22.95-49.95.
Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley
Black Diamond Ballet’s Sensory-Friendly “Nutcracker” – Black Diamond Ballet has a special production of the “Nutcracker” with low house lights during the performance, reduced sound, a quiet area in the lobby, fidgets and earplugs and a relaxed atmosphere. Dec. 5. 11am.
El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch
Children’s Discovery Museum San Jose: Play Your Way – The museum offers these events three times a year for children with autism ages 2-15. Each event includes season-themed activities throughout the museum that encourage hands-on learning. The events are held during quiet evening hours. The next date is April 24, 2027. 5-8pm. Check website for ticket prices.
Children’s Discover Museum San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose
cdm.org/recurring-event/play-your-way
Chuck E. Cheese: Sensory Sensitive Sundays – Participating locations have specific hours designed to provide children with sensory sensitivities and their families a quieter, more comfortable experience. This includes dimmed lighting, reduced noise levels and calmer atmosphere. Participating locations in the Bay Area include Gilroy and Hayward. chuckecheese.com
CuriOdyssey: Sensory Sundays – These events are designed for guests of all ages who are neurodivergent, have sensory access needs, and/or have a difficult time in large groups or museum settings. It includes access to the exhibit galleries, zoo and playgrounds; guided science activities and animal encounters; varied sensory experiences with a keyed map; sensory support kits; and break areas with fidget toys, dimmed lights and sitting spaces. Check website for details about the next event. Free.
CuriOdyssey, 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo
curiodyssey.org/exhibits-events/sensory-sundays
Noe Music Kids: Trio Gaia – This trio, featuring violin, piano and cello, will perform a concert designed for autism and neurodiverse communities. It will feature classical pieces and new songs. Tickets are available online. Feb. 6, 2027. 12-12:45pm.
Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez St., San Francisco
noemusic.org/2026-2027/trio-gaia-kids
San Francisco Ballet Sensory-Friendly Performances & Adaptive Programs – The San Francisco Ballet provides a variety of programs for children and adults with disabilities. It offers weekly dance classes for students ages 5 to 7 with Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and other developmental, physical or cognitive disabilities. Drawing on the principles of creative dance, improvisation and the basics of ballet technique, these classes will help students develop balance, strength and coordination, while building confidence and community.
It also offers family and sensory-friendly dance-alongs throughout the year. The 60-minute dance-along workshops explore the story, choreography, music and characters from some of ballet’s most beloved productions. Family and sensory-friendly dance-alongs for the “Nutcracker” are scheduled for Dec. 20 at different times. Also, the fifth annual “Nutcracker Sensory Friendly Performance” is scheduled for Dec. 27 at 11am in the War Memorial Opera House.
San Francisco Ballet, 455 Franklin St., San Francisco
sfballet.org/community/sensory-friendly-adaptive-programs
San Francisco Chamber Orchestra’s Family Concert – The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra will perform a sensory-sensitive family concert where musicians refrain from playing sudden loud sounds, fidget toys are available and seating is arranged so there is plenty of space for movement and expression. The instruments of the string quartet will be introduced, and a variety of musical styles will be performed. For extra engagement, hands-on activities will be available for those who wish to participate. April 10, 2027. 2-3pm. Free. Make reservations online.
sfballet.org/community/sensory-friendly-adaptive-programs
Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way, San Francisco
thesfco.org/events/seasonannouncement-nwg3h-awb9h-ejw6b-7xtyp-6sb72-w2fer-b3smy
The Walt Disney Family Museum: Sensory-Friendly Screenings – The Walt Disney Family Museum offers special screenings with lights dimmed instead of turned off, volume slightly lowered and closed captioning turned on. Check website for details.
The Walt Disney Family Museum, the Presidio, 104 Montgomery St., San Francisco
Teresa Mills-Faraudo is an associate editor at Bay Area Parent.
