19 Sensory-Friendly Activities in Toronto

Sensory-Friendly Activities in Toronto | Toronto, a bustling metropolitan hub, is known for its inclusivity and the array of experiences it offers to people from all walks of life. For families of children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing disorders, the city provides a number of sensory-friendly activities and venues. These initiatives ensure that every family member can enjoy the diverse entertainment and cultural experiences that Toronto has to offer. Below is a guide to some of the city’s most accommodating and enjoyable sensory-friendly options.

Sensory-Friendly Activities in Toronto

1. Ontario Science Centre

The Ontario Science Centre is dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for all visitors. They host Sensory-friendly Saturdays, offering early openings and adapted programming for those with sensory sensitivities. With reduced sound levels and dimmed lighting, the Science Centre becomes a calming space for families to explore and learn.

2. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

The Royal Ontario Museum acknowledges the diverse needs of its audience by occasionally offering sensory-friendly events. During these events, modifications are in place to ensure a comfortable environment, including reduced audio and visual stimulation, and a designated quiet room is available for those needing a break from the sensory-rich environment. ROM Sensory Guide

3. Sensory-Friendly Activities In Toronto Zoo

The Toronto Zoo hosts special mornings dedicated to visitors with sensory sensitivities. These mornings provide an opportunity for guests to enjoy the zoo with early entry, limited crowds, and sensory-friendly programming. It’s an ideal setting for sensory-sensitive children to experience wildlife and nature at their own pace. Check out the sensory map https://www.torontozoo.com/!/pdfs/accessibility/KultureCity-SensoryMap.pdf

4. Tangled Art + Disability

Tangled Art + Disability is a gallery specifically focusing on showcasing artists with disabilities. The gallery leads the way in accessibility, offering a welcoming and inclusive space that considers sensory sensitivities, ensuring a comfortable art-viewing experience for everyone.

5. Sensory-Friendly Performances at Theatres

Many theatre companies in Toronto have embraced sensory-friendly performances designed to cater to audiences with autism or other sensory sensitivities. For instance, Mirvish Productions has been known to offer autism-friendly performances, adjusting sound and light levels, and providing quiet spaces outside the main auditorium.

6. Autism Ontario Events

Autism Ontario often partners with various venues to offer sensory-friendly programming. From movie screenings with adjusted audio and lighting to sensory-friendly shopping hours at local stores, they’re advantageous resources that provide the latest information on events throughout Toronto and the wider region of Ontario.

7. Recreational Facilities and Quiet Spaces

Parks and recreation centers across Toronto, such as Variety Village, have been built or modified with inclusivity in mind, providing various sensory-friendly facilities. These spaces include quieter playgrounds, swimming sessions with reduced noise, and other tailored activities.

8. Libraries’ Sensory Storytimes

Several Toronto Public Library branches offer sensory storytimes designed to engage children with sensory processing issues. These storytimes include a combination of books, songs, movement, and play, creating an inclusive and sensory-friendly literacy experience.

Toronto’s commitment to inclusivity is evident through its wide range of sensory-friendly activities. These opportunities allow children with sensory sensitivities to experience all the educational, cultural, and recreational activities that the city has to offer, ensuring everyone can participate and enjoy. Toronto truly exemplifies a city that embraces diversity and ensures accessibility for all its inhabitants and visitors alike.

9. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

At Ripley’s Aquarium, children are invited into a tranquil underwater universe. This attraction creates a sensory-friendly experience, providing calm, spacious environments, and has resources like sensory advisory maps to help plan a visit that is pleasant for everyone.

10. Playtime Bowl & Entertainment

Playtime Bowl & Entertainment understands the joy of a family outing that everyone can enjoy. They offer times with reduced noise and dimmer lighting, making the exciting game of bowling accessible and enjoyable for those with sensory sensitivities.

11. Black Creek Pioneer Village

Black Creek Pioneer Village serves as a serene retreat from the fast-paced city. It gives a glimpse into a simpler time, which can be particularly soothing for those with ASD. The historical and quieter environment allows for exploration without the common sensory triggers of modern life.

12. Centreville Amusement Park

Centreville Amusement Park on Toronto’s Centre Island offers a range of rides and attractions suited to children of all abilities. With select sensory-friendly times and detailed maps, families can plan their adventure to ensure it fits with their child’s needs and comfort levels.

13. Solar Stage Children’s Theatre

The magic of performance is made welcoming at Solar Stage Children’s Theatre, which tailors shows to be inclusive, with considerations for volume, lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere. This allows children to enjoy the wonder of theatre in a supportive setting.

14. AGO – Art Gallery of Ontario

The AGO opens up a world of art with inclusivity at its heart, offering programs and tours for all children, including those with ASD. These initiatives provide a supportive environment to interact with and appreciate art in a way that can be especially meaningful for those who experience the world differently.

15. Sensory-Friendly Shopping

Understanding the challenges of navigating the hustle and bustle of conventional shopping, select retailers and malls, like the Eaton Centre, have introduced sensory-friendly shopping hours. This creates an inviting shopping experience and decreases potential stress for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

16. Toronto Public Library

Our libraries are more than just buildings with books; the Toronto Public Library provides programs like sensory-friendly storytelling that are structured and conducive to children with ASD. They provide a nourishing environment to foster literacy skills and a lifelong love of learning.

17 . Sensory-Friendly Parks

Parks like Kew Gardens, located in the Beaches neighborhood, offer spacious and welcoming environments with natural elements that can have a calming effect on individuals with ASD^[3].

18. Autism Ontario Events

Through heartfelt collaboration, Autism Ontario extends its hand in partnership with various venues and organizations, weaving together a tapestry of sensory-friendly events and experiences tailored to the beautiful spectrum of needs seen throughout Toronto. Each event is carefully curated to provide spaces where children on the spectrum can thrive and be themselves without the worry of overwhelming sensory input. To discover events and become part of these lovingly crafted experiences, please visit Autism Ontario Events.

19. Sensory-Friendly Movie Screenings

Lights dimmed to a gentle glow, volumes softened to a soothing level – this is the nurturing environment of Sensory-Friendly Movie Screenings. Joining hands with Autism Canada, select Cineplex theatres re-imagine the movie-watching experience. This allows individuals on the autism spectrum to enjoy the latest films in a space that acknowledges and respects their sensory preferences. The shared joy of storytelling through film is made accessible to all, creating cherished family memories in a supportive setting. To find a screening that resonates with your family’s needs, check out Cineplex’s special screenings.

These specialized initiatives demonstrate the dedication of Toronto’s institutions to inclusivity by providing safe, accommodating, and enjoyable experiences for individuals with ASD and their families. For the most current information on events and programming, visiting the respective websites or directly contacting the venues before planning your visit is advised.