Sensory-Friendly Activities and Resources in KC

Kansas City offers a variety of accommodations and sensory-friendly activities for families with children on the spectrum. From our new airport to theaters and other public places, many resources are available to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Kansas City International Airport (MCI)

Traveling can be a stressful experience for anyone, but it can be particularly challenging for children with autism. The new Kansas City International Airport has taken several steps to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all travelers. For example,  MCI offers several specialty rooms designed to help travelers with sensory sensitivities that include:

• Family Restrooms and Nursing Rooms: These rooms have adjustable lighting, comfortable seating, and a lockable door. This provides families a private and peaceful space to take a break from the airport’s hustle and bustle.
• Kansas City Air Travel Experience Room: This room provides a true-to-life space where little travelers can gain experience with checking-in, security screening, boarding, and flight procedures in a calm and controlled atmosphere. The experience helps children with autism become familiar with traveling on an airplane and reduces anxiety on the day of travel.
• MCI also has airport staff trained to assist travelers with special needs. Families can request assistance ahead of time to help ensure a smoother and more comfortable travel experience.

Theaters

The KC area offers several theaters that provide sensory-friendly performances and accommodations, making it easier for families to enjoy cultural and entertainment experiences together. Some include:

• Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: The Kauffman Center is one of KC’s best-loved treasures! It is also known for hosting sensory-friendly shows throughout the year, including Kansas City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” During these performances, the center provides various accommodations such as serenity rooms, sensory kits, and universal changing tables. The serenity rooms offer a quiet space for children to take a break if they feel overwhelmed, while sensory kits include items like noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys to help children stay calm during the performance.
• Kansas City Repertory Theatre: This theater presents plays with special low-sensory performance designations. These performances have lower sound levels and dimmer lights and do not restrict talking or leaving the theater during the show. The relaxed environment allows families to enjoy the performance without the pressure of adhering to typical theater etiquette.
• AMC and B&B Theatres: These theatres offer sensory-friendly film screenings that cater to the needs of children with autism. During showings, the theater lighting is brighter, the soundtrack is turned down, and children can move around and make noise without disturbing other audience members. Please check with your local theater to find out their location-specific offerings.

Sensory Friendly Activities

In addition to the airport and theaters, Kansas City offers a variety of sensory-friendly events and attractions for families:

• Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium: The zoo is a popular destination for families and strives to be inclusive for all visitors. The zoo provides visitors with the Sensory Friendly KC Zoo app that helps families plan their visit and preview exhibits to help prepare children for what they might see. The zoo also offers the Variety KC Exploration Play area, which is dedicated to children with special needs, offering a safe and accessible space for them to play and explore.
• National WWI Museum and Memorial: The National WWI Museum and Memorial offers accommodations for visitors with sensory sensitivities. One feature includes audio tours that tell the story of World War I without distracting or overwhelming background noise. The museum also provides quiet spaces where families can take breaks if needed.
• Science City at Union Station: Science City is an interactive science center encouraging children to explore the world around them. The exhibits offer hands-on and engaging experiences, making it an ideal destination for children with autism. Highlights include a dinosaur dig site, a test kitchen, and various interactive science exhibits that cater to different sensory preferences.
• Libraries and Community Centers: Many libraries and community centers in the area offer sensory-friendly programs and activities for children. These programs include story time, craft sessions, and sensory play activities designed to be inclusive and engaging for all children.
• The Royals and the Chiefs: Kauffman and Arrowhead stadiums offer sensory-friendly options. The “K” offers 8 quiet zones located throughout the stadium and two sensory rooms. Specifically, one room is on the first-base side, and the other is on the third-base side of the ballpark). The Royals also have sensory bags available for checkout at guest relations. Each kit contains noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads. If you’re headed to see Mahomes and the Chiefs, Arrowhead also has sensory rooms and sensory bags available for checkout. For additional information, please follow these links: Royals Accommodations and Chiefs Accommodations
• Seasonal Options: Throughout the year, the seasons offer many different activities for families. These include holiday activities like the Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens, celebrating fall at the KC Pumpkin Patch or the Louisburg Cider Mill, or picking berries at Gieringer’s Family Farm or Weston Orchard.

Additional Information

If you have any questions or need further information about specific accommodations, please contact the organizations directly or visit their websites for more details. If you like, you can also reach out to Kincare too! Additionally, we’ve listed lots of information, but for even more activities and resources in the KC area, please check the following links:

• Variety KC: A local nonprofit providing access to medical equipment, therapy, and innovative programs aimed at helping kids be active, be social, and belong
• Kansas City Mom Collective: A locally run website that offers great information about what is happening in Kansas City, including sensory-friendly activities
• Visit KC: A continually updated guide for various sensory-friendly activities and events happening in the KC area.