With updated additional content by Kate Hagan Gallup
Sensory concerns don’t limit a child’s desire to play — and it shouldn’t limit their ability to do so either. Sensory special kids are often more aware of lights, sounds, crowds and colors than other children. In play, this means these same kiddos are looking for experiences that “turn down the volume” of these environmental factors, and let the focus be on fun instead. Check out these special spots for fun indoor play.
Indoor Play Spaces
Kids Club Fun & Fitness
On Mellow Mornings, kids can enjoy Kids Club Fun & Fitness in Vancouver without music blasting as well the Ballocity compressors. Children will love the slides, a giant ball room, suspension bridge, roller tubes, ball swings and an interactive light space floor. They also offer camps and swim, gymnastics, and dance lessons.
If You Go
Location: 13914 NW 3rd Ct., Vancouver
Hours: Mellow Mornings Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9 am-12 pm in the “Jungle”
Cost: 3-12 years $15.99 plus tax; walkers-2 years: $7.99 plus tax; non-walkers: free (pass options also available)
Outdoors In
Sensory Sensitive indoor play with pulled shades, dimmed lights, no noisy toys and library voices. Get the wiggles out weekly on this indoor play structure in Hillsboro. Kiddos will love the 16-foot bouldering wall, plus the variety of toys and games.
If You Go
Location: 124 E Main Street, Hillsboro (The entrance is located on the Civic Center Plaza.)
Hours: Mondays, 1:30-4:30 pm and Tuesdays, 9 am-12 pm
Cost: $4 for Hillsboro residents; $6 for nonresidents (five- and 10-visit punch cards are also available)
Storytimes
Enjoy a special storytime at your local public library — online or in person — designed for kids on the autism spectrum or with other sensory processing difficulties. All storytimes below are free!
If You Go
Multnomah County Libraries. Check for preschool sensory story times both online and in-person at multiple locations.
Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries. Second Saturdays at 10 am.
Washington County Cooperative Library Services. Check for inclusive storytimes at the Hillsboro Public Library, Brookwood the second and forth Fridays from 10:15-11 am.
Activities
Chuck E. Cheese
Sensory Sensitive Sundays offers dimmed lighting, quieter dining, and a specially trained staff the first Sunday of each month in Beaverton (as well as the Salem location) and Vancouver. The arcade and games restaurant opens two hours early giving families a fun way to start the day. Even better, sensory holidays such as Halloween are offered seasonally.
If You Go
Locations: Beaverton: 4145 SW 110th Ave. and Vancouver: 7721 NE Vancouver Plaza Dr.
Hours: 9-11 am, the first Sunday of each month
Cost: free
Sensory Friendly Movies
During Regal’s My Way Matinee, movie goers can see the latest flicks in a safe, welcoming space. These matinees are shown with the lights turned up and the volume turned down, allowing kids to move around, talk, sing and more.
Pro tip: Want even more theater experiences for your kiddos? Portland Center Stage, Northwest Children’s Theater, Oregon Children’s Theatre and The Reser offer sensory friendly family performances.
If you Go
Locations: Regal Bridgeport Village in Tigard (7329 SW Bridgeport Rd.) and Regal Vancouver Plaza (7800 NE Fourth Plan Blvd.)
Hours: Sensory friendly screenings happen on the first show of the day on select Saturdays each month.
Gyms
Oregon Gymnastics Academy
Adaptive Gymnastics and Adaptive open play is designed for families of children with sensory processing disorders. The program promote sensory integration while children can bounce, jump and climb.
If You Go
Location: 16305 NW Bethany Ct. Suite 109, Beaverton
Hours: Sundays from 2:45-3:30 pm
Cost: $8 for Oregon Gymnastic Academy members, $10 for non-members (weekly private and semi-private adaptive lessons are also available)
Spectra Gymnastics
Programs include gymnastics and ninja program, preschool and tutoring, summer camps and additional services such as speech therapy and Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy. Parent support and coaching are also available.
If You Go
Location: 11959 SW Garden Place
Cost: Dependent on program; monthly enrollment
St. John’s Community Center
Head to the gym for sensory-friendly open play for kiddos ages 6 months to 3 years on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to noon.
If You Go
Location: 8427 N Central Street
Cost: $1 per child
Swimming Pools
No music, limited whistles and smaller crowds. Monthly sensory friendly swims are available throughout the greater Portland area including at the Southwest Community Center, Southwest Community Center, and North Clackamas Aquatic Park. Check for seasonal updates.
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