Manhattan

ACTIVITIES

YM-YWHA Washington Heights and Inwood Sunday Funday - Sunday Funday is a free social and recreational program for children ages 5-16 with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) who are not eligible, or who are awaiting approval, for services funded by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and/or other state agencies. Sunday Funday provides opportunities for children to learn and practice key social skills while participating in a variety of engaging activities together. In addition to weekly social skills lessons, children engage in activities such as fitness, music, art, and cooking. Classes are taught by specialists, who are assisted by support staff who receive training on disabilities and inclusive practices provided by Ramapo for Children. 

SHOWS

TDF Autism Friendly Performances - TDF Autism Friendly Performances present Broadway musicals and plays in a friendly, supportive environment for children and adults who are diagnosed with autism or other sensitivity issues along with their families and friends. TDF Autism Friendly Performances launched in 2011 with a performance of Disney’s beloved The Lion King on Broadway. Since then, we have presented dozens of Autism Friendly Performances, including Broadway's & Juliet, Aladdin, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes®, Hadestown, Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Kinky Boots, MJ The Musical, New York City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, SIX, Wicked and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, the first autism-friendly performance of a non-musical in Broadway history.

AMC Sensory Friendly Films - We turn the lights up and the sound down, so you can feel free to be you at these unique showings for people living with autism or other special needs. AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. It’s important to note that Sensory Friendly Screenings will begin immediately at its scheduled showtime, without trailers playing before the show starts. Please arrive on time so you don’t miss the movie! (AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9)

MUSEUMS

Intrepid Museum - Access Program Events

American Museum of Natural History, Discovery Squad Tours - Discovery Squad is an engaging, hands-on program designed for neurodivergent children ages 5-12 and their families; this includes autistic children, as well as children with other intellectual or developmental disabilities. Before the Museum opens to the public, families can attend a 45-minute tour of select halls that fit the theme of that month’s program, followed by 45 minutes of free play and exploration in the Discovery Room. Participants can expect a sensory-friendly, neurodiversity-affirming experience where curiosity is welcomed in all its forms. Time: 9–10:30 am, Third Saturday of every month. Price: Free; Advance registration required. 

The Met Museum, Discoveries - For kids, teens, and adults with learning and developmental disabilities and those on the autism spectrum. These workshops welcome kids, teens, and adults with a range of developmental and learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum, together with family and friends. All can enjoy these multisensory workshops that include tactile opportunities and art-making activities. Explore a different theme in each session.  

MoMA, Create Ability - Create Ability is a monthly program welcoming individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with their families and friends, to explore works on view and create artwork together. In each session, participants focus on a different theme during interactive activities in the Museum's galleries and classrooms. Create Ability is offered free of charge. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Registration opens one month before the program date.

Jackie Robinson Museum - In addition to our KultureCity resources available at all times, ACCESS JRM hours will include availability of a dedicated quiet zone and interpretive offerings such as tours, picture book readings, and tactile learning opportunities for inclusive exploration. All age groups are welcome! ACCESS JRM is mostly a self-guided experience and not designed as a drop-off activity. All children and youth ticket holders must be accompanied by an adult.

SUMMER CAMPS

Camp Twelve Trails

Intrepid Museum, All Access Maker Camp