Columbus has fun activities, events, and offerings for ALL. It is an inclusive city, and we want to make it easier to find activities that are disability friendly and sensory friendly in Columbus for those living with disabilities, special needs, and autism spectrum disorders.
We need your help! This resource is new, and we want to gather as many fun activities as we can, so please comment or email info@columbusonthecheap.com if you are aware of ongoing or single events that are inclusive to all abilities.
Accessible Playgrounds in Columbus
Looking for accessible and all-abilities, all-ages playground options? Check out this list of accessible playgrounds in Columbus.
The Best Accessible Playgrounds in Columbus for all abilities
Activities for all
Pickerington Public Library is Certified Sensory Inclusive
KultureCity has partnered with Pickerington Public Library to make the library and all of the classes and events that the library hosts to be sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests with a sensory issue that visits both Pickerington Main and Sycamore Plaza Library.
Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards (produced in conjunction with Boardmaker) and weighted lap pads will also be available to all guests visiting the library who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.
Prior to attending an event, families can download the free KultureCity App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event at either library location. Find more details here.
DanceAbility classes at Leap of Faith Dance Company
Leap of Faith Dance Company in Westerville is a nonprofit organization serving the central Ohio region. They offer Ballet and Hip Hop geared toward special needs students (ages 7 to 24). The DanceAbility classes are taught by certified integrative instructors who have a passion for this community and for dance! It is amazing to see how these students blossom when given the correct tools!
For more information, you can visit the Leap of Faith Dance website.
DanceAbility offers Summer programs too!
Empower Sports at The Ohio State University
Empower Sports at The Ohio State University is a free community program that helps athletes with special needs develop social skills, self-esteem and overall well being. Events will bring Ohio State students together with our athletes for fun activities Sessions fill up quickly. Follow them on Instagram feed for upcoming programs and virtual events.
Movement Lab Ohio Adaptive Events
Movement Lab Ohio offers fun and challenging parkour and Ninja Warrior classes for kids and adults, as well as open gyms, adaptive ninja events, family open gyms, and more.
Memberships and birthday parties are available, as well as elite obstacle course training opportunities. 7086 Huntley Rd Columbus, OH 43240
“Ninja is for everyone! We want to share our sport with all individuals, no matter what challenges they face. Ninja is not only an exciting sport to watch, but it’s also great for helping develop coordination, social skills, and motor strength. For those with special needs, ninja can be beneficial if traditional exercise routines aren’t enjoyable, or if you need something new to spark their interest in physical activity!
Adaptive event will be lead by Jesse Wildman and Sophia Oster, who are both veterans on American Ninja Warrior and are Physical Therapist Assistants.
Adaptive Ninja at Movement Lab: Currently on hold
Cost: $15 for a drop-in session. Adaptive memberships will be coming soon!
See website for upcoming adaptive events.
Sensory Friendly Series at New Albany Symphony
Saturday at the Symphony Sensory Friendly concerts are designed for those on the autism spectrum, our friends in the dementia/Alzheimer’s community, or for those audience members needing a more relaxed concert experience. Performances are never longer than an hour and include pre-concert lobby activities.
During these concerts, audience members can feel free to move around, talk and BYO reinforcements and motivational systems. House lights will be turned on but dimmed, and “chill-out” zones, will be available in the lobby for those needing a break.
Concerts are on Saturdays. Tickets are $9. Buy here.
Saturday, September 10, 2022: The Rhythm is Gonna Getcha! at 4 pm
Saturday, December 17, 2022: Santa & the Symphony at 11 am
Saturday, March 11, 2023: Trailblazers at 11 am
Autism Awareness Open House with City of Hilliard Division of Police
Saturday, April 2, 2022 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. The agency’s 5th Annual Autism Awareness Open House will be held Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Safety Services Building, 5171 Northwest Parkway. This event provides participants the opportunity to socialize with First Responders in a calm and reassuring environment.
Sensory Friendly Movies
NOTE: Movie theatres have not restarted the sensory friendly series due to seating limitations and health restrictions.
AMC Sensory friendly Films
AMC Sensory-Friendly Films are geared towards enjoying an outing to the theatre in a safe and accepting environment. The theatres will have the lights up, sound turned lower, and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing! The series will feature four showings per month, on select Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Family-friendly movies will be shown on Saturday mornings, and the Wednesday evening showing are films that may appeal to a mature audience on the autism spectrum. See schedule here; regular admission applies
Sensory Friendly Marcus Theatres Reel Movies for Real Needs
Marcus Theatres hosts sensory friendly movie outings that are welcoming to all! The Reel Movies for Real Needs series features an inclusive environment, which makes it possible for families with special needs children to go to the movies together.
These first-run movies will be shown on select Saturdays at 10:30, locally at Crosswoods and Pickerington. There are no movies on the schedule currently.
Sensory Friendly Films at Gateway Film Center
Gateway Film Center wants to make it easier for families and individuals with autism and developmental disabilities to enjoy a trip to the movies with Sensory-Friendly Films.
Screenings are played at a lower volume and the lights are kept up, plus no ads or previews. It’s an inclusive environment that encourages expression and prohibits “shushing”. Tickets to the screenings and popcorn are free and are presented in conjunction with The Ohio State University Nisonger Center. A craft will be available 30 minutes prior to the movie.
No movies currently on the schedule.
Sensory Series at The Strand
On select dates, The Strand Theatre provides showings for children, families, and adults in the community who may benefit from an alternative movie experience, such as patrons on the autism spectrum or those living with other special needs. Lights are up, sound is down, and singing dancing, and movement are welcome. Closed Captioning and Assisted-Listening Devices are available. Tickets can be purchased at the Strand Theatre Box Office. The Box Office opens 30 minutes prior to the first show time daily.
No movies currently on the schedule
Indoor play places
We’ve gathered a huge list of fun indoor play places and activities for kids in Columbus. Every option isn’t suitable for kids with special needs, but there are plenty of places to check out. We hope you can find some options that are perfect for your child’s needs, but We Rock the Spectrum is particularly recommended. As always, check for sign up requirements, closures or adjustments to schedules before you go.
Get Air – A Special Time for You
Dedicated time for jumpers with special needs.
Pickerington: 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 8 am to 10 am. (except January 8 instead of 1)
Hilliard (Columbus): 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 9 am to 11 am. (except January 8 instead of 1)
Big Air – $14, Little Air – $9
Music is played at a lower volume and the park’s atmosphere is calmer. One parent or guardian can support jumpers on the trampoline for free. Siblings of jumpers are welcome to jump for the same price, but should be more careful during this time.
We Rock the Spectrum: Oak Creek Center, 1250 E Powell Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035 614-396-8773
This amazing place offers an environment full of sensory equipment that is specifically designed to aid children with sensory processing disorders while they play and form friendships with their peers of all abilities.
Open play includes includes full use of the gym with all equipment (swings, crash mats and pillows, zipline, trampoline, play structure, sensory toys), and an arts & crafts section that has: beading, painting, lanyards and much more.
Better Together Playnasium: 5089 York Rd. SW, Pataskala, Ohio 43062
Safe, sensory-friendly play space focusing on inclusion and acceptance of all children, advocating for children with special needs and spreading awareness so that young children of all abilities can grow, learn and play together. See play times and pricing here.
So many Indoor Play Places and Activities for kids around Columbus
See upcoming disability- and sensory-friendly Columbus events below!
Some in-person events in Columbus have been cancelled for the time being.
Saturday, March 25, 2023
Sunday, March 26, 2023
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Saturday, April 15, 2023
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Disability and Sensory Friendly Columbus Resources
Autism Society Central Ohio
The ASCO offers an amazing plethora of information, resources, referrals, family activities, support and more for individuals and families living with autism in Central Ohio.
Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio
Looking for a great location for a birthday party? You can rent out the party area at Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio! While it’s not specific to sensory friendly or disabilities friendly parties, it’s a great option for kid of all abilities. The 3 hour package is $250. They also offer resources for support of families living with disabilities and special needs.
Bridgeway Ohio has put together a great resources for learning at home for families with a child on the autism spectrum or with special needs. Check it out here: Tips for Remote Learning During School Closures.
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Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts
100 E. Dublin-Granville Road
New Albany, OH 43054
marsha williams says
I am trying to come up with fun things to do with mentally challenged adults that go to a day program monday thru friday any ideas you can supply would be most appriciated
Val says
Also – if you find something that is helpful for her, please let me know and I can add it to the article!
Val says
Hi! While I don’t personally know of adult-specific activities, you could check the links for the resources within the article to see if they have any options. Easterseals may be especially useful. You could also look at some of the senior centers in Columbus (depending on where she lives) since she would qualify to participate in their programming. They typically offer some art and craft activities, and you may find some for her abilities. Best of luck! https://www.easterseals.com/centralohio/
Cindy Moore says
My sister is 68 years old and has some disabilities. She cannot read or write. She is self sufficient as far as dressing, bathing. I am trying to find some activities for her: art or crafts (no tiny pieces)..anything fun to break up her days. In a city as large as Columbus there must be something for her.