The Autism Society of Greater Akron knows how challenging it is to find activities to do when you are living the Autism journey. We did some research and compiled a list of activities to help you plan.
This list is not meant to be comprehensive nor should it be considered an endorsement by ASGA. The Autism Society does not claim to have personal knowledge of these events offerings. We urge users of this list to use independent judgment and request additional information to determine if the event is a good fit for your family.
Click on the different tabs to see the event listing for that category.
2023 Holiday Festivities
LITTLES CLUB (Ages Birth to 6)
December 2, 2023 at 11am
Doylestown Branch Library, 169 Portage St, Doylestown, OH 44230
Come welcome winter with your Littles Club friends with a snow-themed play date. We'll be dancing to the Reindeer Pokey. We'll also play some snowy games like pin the nose on the snowman and the snowflake hop. After the program, extend your stay by exploring the library and children's area! Littles Club is a judgement-free social environment that allows parents and birth-6 year olds to connect while participating in a shared social opportunity.
COST: $10
FRIENDSHIP CLUB (Ages 7 to 12)
Come join your Friendship Club friends as we decorate holiday cookies at Spokes Café II! Each registered participant will receive 3 sugar cookies to decorate, hot cocoa, and a craft. While you're at the café, feel free to purchase a beverage or snack from their wonderful employees! Spokes Café II employs individuals with disabilities, so when you purchase items you’re not just buying a cup of coffee, you are providing opportunities for individuals to expand their vocational skills and build community connections.
Date / Time: December 9, 2023 at 11:00am
Space is limited to 20 participants so register today! Registration closes December 2, 2023.
Location: Spokes Café II
Cost: $13.00
SCUBA CLAUS MERRY MEET & GREET @ THE CLEVELAND AQUARIUM
Fridays, December 15 & 22, 5 – 7:30pm
Saturdays, December 16 & 23, 8:30 – 10am
Sunday, December 17, 8:30 – 10am
Get your photo taken with Santa as he swims underwater with sharks, stingrays, eels, and angelfish. This may be an alternative for individuals who may not enjoy traditional visits with Santa. Instead they get their picture taken standing next to the aquarium with Santa swimming behind them!
Scuba Claus Merry Meet & Greets include full Aquarium access, a seasonal I-Spy activity, an “I Saw Scuba Claus” sticker or pin, the unique opportunity to share “fish-mas” wishes with a Christmas icon and a digital photo of the memorable experience.
Events are limited capacity and only available with advance purchase. Tickets are $24.95 for guests ages 13+, $18.95 for children ages 2-12. Adult and child annual Passholders ages 2+ can reserve tickets for $5 each. Admission is always free for children younger than 2.
Akron Zoo @ 505 Euclid Avenue, Akron OH 44307
Thursday, Dec. 7 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
This special date is available for guests with different abilities who may not enjoy crowds or loud noises to enjoy the wildest holiday lighting display around! A limited number of tickets are available for our first ever Zoothing Wild Lights. Tickets are separate from general admission Wild Lights.
SILENT SANTA - SENSORY FAMILY NIGHT
The Workz @ 2220 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls OH 44221
Monday, Dec 4, 2023 from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
$5 per ticket
Santa Claus is coming to town, and he's bringing an extra special experience for your little ones! Say goodbye to long lines and overwhelming crowds, and say hello to a calm and welcoming environment!
Belden Village Mall @ 4230 Belden Village Mall Cir NW, Canton OH 44718
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season are not for everyone. For those who desire a quieter Santa experience, we invite you to join us for Soothing Santa photos.
Sunday, December 3, 6:30-8:30 pm
Sunday, December 10, 8:30-10:30 am
Reserve your spot by calling Belden Village Mall Management Office: 330-492-7779
Medina County - Brunswick Library in the Story Time Room
3649 Center Rd, Brunswick OH 44212-3619
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
A Santa visit for families with special needs, sensory/autism integration challenges. Register online and a staff member will contact you to reserve your timeslot.
Thank you Northeast Ohio Family Fun for putting this listing together.
Check the colored light bulb beside the listing to determine the type of display - see legend below.
GREEN – Display Synchronized to Music
BLUE - Drive/Walk-thru Display
RED - Static Display
MEDINA COUNTY
https://northeastohiofamilyfun.com/must-see-christmas-light-displays-in-northeast-ohio/#Med
PORTAGE COUNTY
https://northeastohiofamilyfun.com/must-see-christmas-light-displays-in-northeast-ohio/#Por
STARK COUNTY
https://northeastohiofamilyfun.com/must-see-christmas-light-displays-in-northeast-ohio/#Sta
SUMMIT COUNTY
https://northeastohiofamilyfun.com/must-see-christmas-light-displays-in-northeast-ohio/#Sum
TUSCARAWAS COUNTY
https://northeastohiofamilyfun.com/must-see-christmas-light-displays-in-northeast-ohio/#Tus
WAYNE COUNTY
https://northeastohiofamilyfun.com/must-see-christmas-light-displays-in-northeast-ohio/#Way
SENSORY CINEMA FILM - POLAR EXPRESS
DEC 2 @ 11:00 AM with Doors Open @ 10:00 AM
Canton Palace Theatre
ADMISSION: $10, general admission, includes a jingle bell for each child and a hot chocolate station. Tickets sold in advance and at the door.
ABILITY INCLUSION CHRISTMAS CONCERT
DEC 8 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Christ Community Chapel
750 W Streetsboro Street, Hudson OH 44236
The Ability Inclusion Christmas Concert is for individuals and families with disabilities who cannot attend the traditional Christmas Concert. Enjoy snacks, table activities, sensory items, and watch the concert on the big screens free of charge. Come and enjoy Christmas music in an environment where you are free to be yourself!
THE NUTCRACKER SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE
WITH NORTH POINTE BALLET
Where: Lorain Palace Theatre, 617 Broadway Ave., Lorain, OH 44052
– Sensory-Friendly Performance: Saturday, December 2, 2023; 2:00 pm
Where: Berea-Midpark Middle School, 165 E. Bagley Rd., Berea, OH 44017
– Sensory-Friendly Performance: Sunday, December 17, 2023; 2 pm
SENSORY FRIENDLY SHOWING OF A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
Perry High School Mattachione Theatre
3737 13th Street SW, Massillon OH 44646
Saturday, DEC 2 @ 10:00 am
Tickets are $5
Show designed to be visually and auditorily accessible to sensitive students. A sign language interpreter will be there to sign the show. Anyone is welcome!
THE POLAR EXPRESS AT THE DENNISON DEPOT
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
400 Center Street Dennison, OH 44621
2023 Dates and Times:
November 30th, December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 2023
Thursday and Friday trips depart at 6pm and 8pm.
Saturday and Sunday trips depart at 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.
Puritas Nursery, 19201 Puritas Ave., Cleveland OH 44135
Puritas Nursery is proud to present, for the twentieth year, a truly unique landscaped holiday model train display that captures the spirit of the season and brings out the child in all of us. The display creates great family photos and cherished holiday memories for years to come!
Trains on Display: November 24 through December 31
Time: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Weekends, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Note: We will close at 3 p.m. on December 24 & 31
Cost: Free to One and All. Donations appreciated!
2023 MODEL TRAIN OPEN HOUSE
Presented by the Youngstown Model Railroad Assn
December 4-5, 11-12 2-3, 9-10
Open 12:00–6:00 p.m.
GPS ADDRESS: 751 N. Four Mile Run Rd. Youngstown, Ohio 44515
$5.00 Donation per person with children 11 and under FREE with adult
Medina Fairgrounds, Medina, Ohio 44256
Sunday, DEC 3 from 9 am to 3 pm, Admission is $7.00 with children under 12 free
Questions: 330-948-4400, Additional Information HERE
Perfect opportunity to get a jump on your Christmas shopping! Trains and planes and things that GO are on display at this Christmas Xtravaganza.
Knights of Columbus Hall, 988 Cherry Rd. NW, Massillon OH 44647
Sunday, DEC 10 from 10 am to 3 pm, Admission is $5.00
Questions - contact Jon Ulbright @ 330-262-7488