Family Autism Night

Thursday, September 22 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM 

This special evening is an opportunity for children and their parents/siblings/caretakers to enjoy The City in a sensory-friendly environment, along with other families. Our community partners, who specialize in supporting the neurodiverse community will be on-hand to enrich your family’s play experience with welcoming smiles and practical support. Watch a video tour of our museum here. 

Specifically, for: Families with children of all ages from the neurodiverse community and with other disabilities. Pretend City will be closed to the public.

Smart Art (all day): Sensory bag exploration with various materials including water, glitter, paint, and beads. Kinetic sand and playdough tools in the sensory bin.
Purpose: Sensory bags are the perfect activity for kids that do not want to get their hands messy but can still feel different textures and see how things are moving. Kinetic sand is soothing and easier for kiddos creations to stay in tact! 

Story Time: Rainbow Joe and Me by Maria Diaz Strom
Synopsis: Eloise’s neighbor is blind and can’t see the colors she paints, however he uses his imagination to see and feel all the colors. Gather around to see what happens when Mr. Rainbow Joe shows Eloise his musical skills! 

Fee: FREE to behavioral therapists and neurodiverse children or with other disabilities and their immediate families 

Grown-up Tip: Talking through upcoming events or changes in routine is extremely important for children. Sudden change can cause stress and anxiety for our little ones. Try talking about the future beforehand to help prepare your child for changes. For instance, if they are starting a new school, parents could show them the website, drive by the school, meet the teacher and of course make sure to acknowledge and discuss their feelings during these transitions. 

AN IMPORTANT NOTE: We have a reoccurring predicament that we need your help with! Consistently, 200 guests register, but don’t attend. To mitigate this, we’ve decided to open registration closer to the event’s date so parents can better gauge their ability to attend. We know that a child’s temperament, nap schedule, energy level, will and desire to play can be unpredictable – we don’t want to discourage you from signing up for that reason! We simply want to spread awareness: When you sign up knowing that you likely won’t come, you are taking the spot another neurodiverse family might use! Thank you for your consideration and kindness! 

RSVP HERE: max: 250 guests* Only families that preregistered will be allowed to enter the museum. Please have your ID ready to show at the front desk to confirm your registration. Thank you!