With smaller crowds, gentler lighting, lower noise levels, and SPARK kits ready to go, families can relax and enjoy spaces designed with sensory needs in mind during Sensory-Friendly Days at venues across the Denver metro area.
Many places offer sensory-friendly supports year-round, but the events below add a little something extra, special opportunities created just for families looking for a calmer, more comfortable way to have fun together
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of event information. However, we recommend checking with the venue to make sure an event is not changed or canceled. Find Sensory Friendly events on our Events Calendar by looking for the blue heart emoji (đź’™)
Alamo Drafthouse
Aspen Grove: 7301 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton
Sloan's Lake: 4255 W Colfax Ave, Denver
Westminster: 8905 Westminster Blvd, Westminster
Ticket prices and showtimes vary by movie
All Ages, Kid Friendly, and Sensory Friendly Shows: Special showtimes are designated for kids. Check showtimes for details. Be sure to select family friendly when searching for movies.
AMC Theatres
AMC Flatiron Crossing 14: 61 West Flatiron Crossing Dr., Broomfield
AMC Highlands Ranch 24: 103 W Centennial Blvd, Highlands Ranch
AMC Westminster Promenade 24: 10655 Westminster Blvd., Westminster
Ticket prices start at $12 | Showtimes vary by movie
AMC Theatres and the Autism Society have teamed up to offer special movie showings where the lights are turned up, the sound is turned down, and audience members can get up, dance, walk, shout, or sing! **Please note: Sensory Friendly Screenings begin immediately at the scheduled showtime, no trailers will be played before the show starts. Please arrive on time so you don’t miss the movie!**
The Sensory Friendly Film Schedule:
- Second and fourth Saturday of the month for family friendly movies
- Wednesday evenings of every month for mature audiences
Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities
6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada
Ticket prices and showtimes vary by show
In addition to sensory-friendly performances, the Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities offers ASL-interpreted shows, Shadow-interpreted performances, and audio-described performances. Sensory-friendly performances vary by date and are added as show dates are confirmed.
Butterfly Pavilion
6252 W 104th Avenue, Westminster | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:15 pm)
$12.45 - $17.45
During quiet afternoons, guests can experience exhibits in a unique way that meets the needs of their families. With natural lighting, quiet tones, and limited admission, this event provides an enjoyable, low-key experience just for them. Each Sensory-Friendly Afternoon offers guided interpretation in each exhibit, optional activity guides, and access to the playroom.
- Wednesday, January 21
- Wednesday, February 18
- Wednesday, March 25
- Wednesday, April 22
- Wednesday, May 20
- Wednesday, June 24
- Wednesday, July 15
- Wednesday, August 19
- Wednesday, September 16
- Wednesday, October 21
- Wednesday, November 18
- Wednesday, December 16
Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
2121 Children's Museum Dr., Denver | 4:30pm - 7:30pm
FREE - Reservations required
Limited attendance and turned down ambient Museum noise, allows the museum to offer an enjoyable space for children to play with their families. Admission is free for families who require a low-sensory environment to enjoy the Museum, and reservations are now open!
- Wednesday, January 21
- Wednesday, March 18
- Wednesday, May 6
Chuck E. Cheese
7510 Pkwy. Dr, Lone Tree | 9:00am - 11:00am
Prices vary
The Sensitive Sundays program offers families a quieter dining and entertainment environment, dimmed lighting and a sensory-friendly arcade experience. These events also include a trained and caring staff to ensure each guest has a safe, fun-filled visit.
- Sunday, January 4
- Sunday, February 1
- Sunday, March 1
- Sunday, April 5
- Sunday, May 3
- Sunday, June 7
- Sunday, July 5
- Sunday, August 2
- Sunday, September 6
- Sunday, October 4
- Sunday, November 1
- Sunday, December 6
Colorado Symphony
Location may vary
Tickets start at $7.50
Sensory Friendly concert experiences are meant to be shared among students, family members, and caregivers. They are specifically designed for people with memory loss, autism, Down syndrome, sensory processing disorder, and any condition that might cause someone to feel uncomfortable at traditional symphony concerts.
Sensory-friendly concerts are also part of the Symphony's free virtual curriculum.
Denver Art Museum
100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy, Denver | 9:00am - 12:00pm
FREE - Registration required
The museum’s Sensory-Friendly Mornings is a program for kids with neurodiversity or sensory processing disorders and their families to visit the museum in a safe and fun way. The museum will open early, dim the lights, and provide tools to aid and guide a sensory-friendly experience for the whole family.
- Sunday, January 11
- Sunday, April 12
- Sunday, July 12
Denver Botanic Gardens
York Street, 1007 York St., Denver
FREE - Registration required
Experience the York Street gardens without the crowds. The Gardens will open early on select Saturdays for those who wish to connect with plants in a safe, restful location. Mordecai Children's Garden will be also open during Low Sensory Mornings
- Saturday, April 25
- Saturday, May 23
- Saturday, June 27
- Saturday, July 25
- Saturday, August 22
Sensory Processing & Autism Resource Kits are available for use, free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. These kits are appropriate for people of all ages with autism or sensory needs to help them feel safe and supported while exploring the York Street gardens.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver | 9:00am - 5:00pm
Museum admission $20.95 - $25.95 | Infinity Theater $7 - $9
The Museum offers Sensory Friendly films in the Infinity Theater. These showings are 2D 45-minute films with increased lighting and reduced sound levels to create a comfortable experience for all. Quiet spaces are available for attendees of these shows, and guests are welcome to move, dance, clap and talk during the film.
Resources for guests with Autism or sensory needs (e.g. wiggle cushions, noise-reducing headphones, and fidget toys) may be checked out at no charge from the Information Desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
Denver Zoo
2300 Steele St., Denver | Hours vary by season
Zoo admission $19 - $26
Seasonal events, Glowing Wild, Boo at the Zoo and Zoo Lights, include a Sensory Friendly Night.
Sensory Kits are available for checkout at the Zoo's Concierge booth (just inside the main entrance). These free kits include ear defenders, sunglasses, and fidget tools. Weighted lap blankets, coloring pages, and crayons are also available for checkout.
Downtown Aquarium
700 Water Street, Denver | 8:30am - 10:00am
$22.99 - $28.99
For people with autism or sensory sensitivities, the Aquarium Exhibits can be a bit overwhelming. On the third Sunday of each month (except December), the Aquarium will open early and turn down the ambient sounds so you and your family can enjoy the Aquarium in a calmer and more quiet setting.
- Sunday, January 18
- Sunday, February 15
- Sunday, March 15
- Sunday, April 19
- Sunday, May 17
- Sunday, June 21
- Sunday, July 19
- Sunday, August 16
- Sunday, September 20
- Sunday, October 18
- Sunday, November 15
The Aquarium opens for regular business at 10am. You are welcome to stay as long as you wish, but the ambiance sounds and flash flood exhibit will be turned on at that time.
History Colorado Center
1200 Broadway, Denver | 8:00am - 10:00am
FREE - Registration required
Low Sensory Mornings, where the museum will be closed to the general public, attendance limited, and sounds in the exhibits turned down.
- Saturday, January 10
- Saturday, March 14
- Saturday, May 9
- Saturday, July 11
- Saturday, September 12
- Saturday, November 14
The museum has noise-canceling headphones which may be checked out at the admissions desk, free of charge and on a first-come first-served basis. Quiet spaces are available in the member’s lounge on the fourth floor, or the nursing room in the northeast corner of the third floor.
iFLY
9230 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree
All Abilities Night at iFly is an opportunity for participants to spread their wings regardless of physical or cognitive challenges. To book a session or learn more about the program, submit a Request More Information form online.
Lone Tree Arts Center
10075 Commons Street, Lone Tree | 4:00pm
$9 - $15
Sensory-inclusive (SI) performances are modified to create a welcoming and supportive environment for children and adults on the autism spectrum as well as individuals with other sensitivity issues or developmental disabilities.
- Sunday, January 11 - Locomotion
- Saturday, January 24 - The Jungle Book
- Sunday, February 22 - Journey to OZ
- Sunday, March 9 - Trekking Mexico
- Sunday, May 17 - Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
- Sunday, June 14 - Top Hogs
Parker Arts
The Schoolhouse, 19650 E Mainstreet, Parker | 12:00pm
$12
Enjoy all the excitement of the Family Discovery Series and other special screenings with a few thoughtful adjustments: lower seating capacity for more room to move, house lights left on, fidget toys welcome, and the option to use electronic devices with headphones. It’s the perfect way for families and friends to experience the magic of the arts together,comfortably and without worry.
- Saturday, February 7 - Family Discovery Series: Treasure Island, An Interactive Play
- Saturday, March 7 - Family Discovery Series: Heritage Irish Stepdancers
- Saturday, April 4 - Family Discovery Series: Denver Kid Magic
Regal Cinemas
Regal Interquest: 1120 Interquest Pkwy Colorado Springs, CO
My Way Matinee offers movie lovers the opportunity to experience a feature film with the lights turned up and the volume turned down. This becomes a safe space for guests to express themselves by singing, crying, dancing, walking around, talking, or shouting while enjoying Hollywood’s latest movies.
My Way Matinee showings are available on select Saturdays each month.
The Sensory Club
4301 S Federal Blvd Ste 102/103, Englewood | (720) 353-4044
Members across the spectrum get to experience a safe haven to explore and satisfy their sensory needs in a safe, nurturing, and fun environment.
Swallow Hill Music
71 E Yale Ave, Denver
Sound muffling headphones and/or earplugs are available at no charge. Please see our Front Desk staff to reserve upon arrival. Sensory friendly concerts are offered where the lights are turned up and the sound is turned down so individuals and their families can move around, dance, and sing along in a fun, judgment free environment. There is no “shushing” allowed and sitting still is optional. These events, while geared toward neurodivergent individuals, are open to everyone.
Wings Over the Rockies
7711 East Academy Blvd, Denver | 10:00am - 11:30am
FREE - Registration required
Experience the museum turned down and participate in sensory-friendly activities including a scavenger hunt, discovery carts, STEAM and sensory activities, and more. Sensory-Friendly hours are added on various dates throughout the year so refer to the museum's calendar for upcoming events. Admission is FREE for children or adults with sensory processing sensitivities and their families.
- Next event is Sunday, January 25
WOW! Children's Museum
110 N. Harrison Avenue, Lafayette | 10:00am - 12:00pm
$1 per person - Registration required
Designed as a low-sensory event, Sensory Friendly Playtime allows children and their families to explore the Museum without the noise, crowds, and stimulation of a typical day. There is a limit on the number of families who can attend and the museum turns down sounds and lights during this time. WOW! partners with a variety of local therapists and specialists to facilitate activities, provide resources, and answer questions for families.
- Sunday, January 25
- Sunday, February 22
