Upcoming Special Events for Children with Special/Sensory Needs

When you have a special needs child or family member you aren’t always able to plan family activities in the same carefree way that others do. Many local businesses and museums have begun to recognize that there is a need to allocate time for families who may need extra time, or less stress about noise and behaviors, to enjoy all that they have to offer.

Here is our list of upcoming events specifically designed for local families in Hampton Roads with special needs. Some events are ongoing, and some are one-time events. Please check links to confirm the information and to RSVP if needed. Additions to our FREE Listings can be Submitted HERE.

Also, be sure to check out our program listings for Activities for Children with Special Needs and Athletic Programs for Children with Special Needs and Resources for Families with Special Needs.

CHESAPEAKE

Tidewater ASA Respite Night at We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym (Chesapeake) – March 18, 2023 from 6-8:30pm

*FOR SIBLINGS* Sibshops (for Siblings of Individuals with Special Needs) at Inside Out Learners (Chesapeake) – ongoing dates

Play Days at Our Sensory Farm (Chesapeake) – now scheduling March 2023 dates

Sensory Sunday at Chuck-E-Cheese (Chesapeake, Hampton & Virginia Beach) – First Sunday of each month from 9-11am

Sensory Friendly Showing at Cinema Cafe (Chesapeake) – Check upcoming dates here.

HAMPTON

Sensory Hours at Sky Zone (Hampton) – Every Sunday from 10am-11am

Sensory Sunday at Chuck-E-Cheese (Chesapeake, Hampton & Virginia Beach) – First Sunday of each month from 9-11am

Sensory Friendly Movies at AMC (Hampton and Virginia Beach) – The second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.

NEWPORT NEWS

Ales for Autism at Tradition Brewing Company (Newport News) – April 2, 2023 from 1-5pm

Sensory Swim Pool Party at Windsor Great Park Pool (Newport News) – June3, July 8 & August 5, 2023 from 10am-12pm

Sensory Play Wednesday at Surge Adventure Park (Newport News & Virginia Beach) – Every Wednesday from 11am-1pm

CP Warriors FC at HR SportspleX (Newport News) – the third Saturday of every month

Friendly Hours at The Mariners’ Museum (Newport News) – Second Sunday of each month from 9-11am

NORFOLK

Wings for All at Norfolk International Airport (Norfolk) – March 25, 2023 at 12:30pm

Bunny Cares at MacArthur Center (Norfolk) – March 26, 2023 from 10-11:30am

PORTSMOUTH

Sensory Sundays at The Children’s Museum of VA (Portsmouth) – the second Sunday of each month

Special Day for Special Needs at The Children’s Museum of VA (Portsmouth) – Special Day for Special Needs Community Resource Fair on Sunday, February 26, 2023 from 9 am – 12 pm

SUFFOLK

Therapeutic Recreation Princess Spa Day at East Suffolk Recreation Center (Suffolk) – February 11, 2023 from 11am-1pm

VIRGINIA BEACH

Tidewater ASA Respite Night at Virginia Beach Bounce House (Virginia Beach) – March 26, 2023 from 6-8:30pm

Sensory Sunday at Chuck-E-Cheese (Chesapeake, Hampton & Virginia Beach) – First Sunday of each month from 9-11am

Sensory Play Wednesday at Surge Adventure Park (Newport News & Virginia Beach) – Every Wednesday from 11am-1pm

Sensory Friendly Movies at AMC (Hampton and Virginia Beach) – The second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.

Sensory Hour at Splash House VB (Virginia Beach) – the third Wednesday of the month from 12-1pm

Sensory Friendly Hour at APEX (Virginia Beach) – the first Saturday of each month from 10-11am

A Special Time for You at Get Air Trampoline Park (Virginia Beach) – the first Saturday of each month from 8-10am

All Abilities Night at iFly Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach) – February 24, 2023 at 4pm.  Check for additional upcoming dates here.

YMCA Camp Grom Family Days (Virginia Beach) – Check upcoming dates here.

Hope Haven Recharge Respite (Virginia Beach) – upcoming dates January 21, Feb 18 and March 18, 2023

WILLIAMSBURG

Next Chapter Book Club (Williamsburg) – Check upcoming dates here.

YORKTOWN / YORK COUNTY

Sensory Saturday with CHATS (Yorktown) – Check upcoming dates here.