Spending time with family is always enjoyable, and engaging in activities everyone can participate in makes it even more enjoyable. There are plenty of sensory-friendly family activities in El Paso that the whole family will love. They are inclusive and cater to a wide range of sensory needs, ensuring that all family members can participate and have a great time.
Adventure Zone
AUsome Sundays at Adventure Zone all started when our son was diagnosed with Autism at age 3. Their goal is to spread Autism awareness and acceptance to the El Paso community. As well as, allowing our children a time and place to be kids and have fun!
Sensory-friendly hours:
Adventure Zone will be open the 1st Sunday of each month exclusively to families with children on the autism spectrum and other special needs from 10am to 12pm.
El Paso Zoo
The El Paso Zoo is proud to announce its attainment of sensory inclusion certification through KultureCity. They have established designated quiet areas and headphone zones to accommodate visitors with sensory sensitivities.
Sensory-friendly hours:
Their sensory-inclusive day on the first Sunday of each month.
La Nube
Their Sensory Kit backpacks are designed to support the sensory needs of both adults and children. They’re filled with items to help reduce sensory overload and keep you engaged. You can check out Sensory Kit backpacks and noise-canceling headphones for free on the first floor. Just bring your ID!
Sensory-friendly hours:
Tuesdays from 2 PM–4 PM on Floors 2 and 3 & from 4 PM-5 PM on Floor 4.
Thursdays from 10 AM–11:30 AM on Floors 2 and 3 & from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM on Floor 4.
Sensory play and programming will be available on the first Thursday of the month from 5 PM–7 PM.
Sensory-friendly spaces are available throughout La Nube on Saturdays and Sundays!
Southwest University Park
The stadium is certified to be a sensory-inclusive venue for all events including the El Paso Chihuahuas baseball and the El Paso Locomotive FC games. All employees are certified and trained to recognize guests and fans with sensory needs. Sensory bags can be checked out at Guest Services located at Section 112.
The Museums & Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD)
The Department includes specific sensory -friendly programs for The El Paso Museum of History, El Paso Museum of Art (EPMA), and Chalk the Block where have sensory kits available, along with individual quiet spaces and designed activities.
Every second Saturday, the Museum of History will host low-sensory hours between 10 AM and 6 PM. During this time, lights are dimmed in the exhibits and sound is lowered. Visitors can also enjoy easy hands-on crafts as well as access to different quiet spaces. Please note there is no Low Sensory Saturday in October due to festival programming throughout the month.
Urban Air
An event specifically designed for children with Autism and special needs to enjoy time at the park without loud music, flashing lights- and to have a lot of fun! See calendar for timing and details at participating locations.
And More…
There are many other local places that offer specific days for sensory friendly programs like El Paso Library, GG’s Play Cafe, Jungle Reef, Monkey Rock, and others. Check out their websites for their monthly schedule, and participating locations. Have fun!
For additional support, feel free to reach out to our partners in Help Me Grow. We’re here to support your family, every step of the way!
Do you know of any sensory-friendly activities that we didn’t list? Email us at [email protected] so we can add it to the list!
Related articles:
Resources and Organizations for Kids with Disabilities in El Paso
