Quiet Hours + Halloween Character Experience at Columbus Zoo
The Columbus Zoo Family of Parks will offer “quiet hours” and sensory-friendly events throughout the year for families to enjoy the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay in a calm and relaxed atmosphere, without added background sounds (such as music throughout the parks) that can be challenging for individuals with sensory needs.
- Fall Quiet Hours (October 9) 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sensory-Friendly Halloween Character Experience (October 9) 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Did you know you can request a sensory bag from Guest Relations during your visit? A refundable deposit of $10 is required. Bags must be returned to Guest Relations at the end of each visit and are sanitized before the next use. Bags include: noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, visual cue card and KultureCity VIP lanyard. You can read more here.
Halloween Hop with Columbus Speech and Hearing
Halloween Hop is a sensory friendly Halloween experience for those children who need it most. Seven years ago the Speech Language Pathologists at Columbus Speech & Hearing (CSH) created the Halloween Hop event to educate families with children who have special needs on ways to provide speech-language enhancing strategies and sensory support within a safe, fun Halloween event. We’ve created a Halloween experience that eliminates scary decorations, minimizes challenges that children with special needs often face and encourages participation at each child’s own level and pace. This event is open to all!
Fun and Safe Activities:
- Magician experienced in working with children with diverse abilities
- Interactive musician to engage kids in communication
- Halloween-themed crafts led by our speech-language pathologists and volunteers
- Character Room to meet and take photos with
- Quiet sensory room for families who need a break
Date: October 15, 2022
Address: Graves Hall: 333 W. 10 Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43210
Time: 11am, 12pm or 1pm
More Information Here
ExtraOrdinary Days at Lynd Corn Maze
Extraordinary Days are designed for our friends of any age, who might have autism, down syndrome, disabilities or any other factor that makes it extra nice to have a caring staff, and fun, appropriate activities.
Extraordinary Days include:
- Guided Gnomesville Mini Maze tours
- Barrel Train rides for 80 lbs and under (whenever possible)
- Inclusive play equipment
- Bouncing fun
- Wagon rides (wheelchair ramp)
Date: October 13, 2022
Address: 9851 Morse Road, Pataskala. Look for the 2-story tower , just 30 seconds east of the farm market.
Time: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Cost: Tickets are $11 for Extraordinary Friends and Siblings and free for parents and care givers (on Extraordinary Days only). Purchase on site.
More Information Here
Sensory-Friendly Pumpkin Parade at Upper Arlington Library
A sensory-friendly Pumpkin Parade event, before the general public can enter the library. Come dressed in costume for a silly (and a little spooky) storytime.
During this program, participants can expect:
- Smaller crowds.
- Access to the program space. The rest of the library will open at 1 pm.
- Limited number of fidgets available at the program entrance.
- Access to a quiet break area.
Date: October 30, 2022
Address: 2800 Tremont Rd, Upper Arlington, OH 43221
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
More Information Here, Registration is required to participate.
