During the month of April, Visit Lauderdale, the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale, is helping to raise awareness for autism. From sporting events to museums, there are plenty of sensory-friendly activities for families to enjoy in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
The following list of venues feature fun options to explore during Autism Awareness Month and beyond:
Museum of Discovery and Science
401 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Families are invited to visit the Museum of Discovery & Science (MODS) on Sunday, April 7, for special access to sensory-friendly activities, including a neurodiverse museum exploration experience and an IMAX film presented in 2D.
Touch-A-Truck 2024
On Saturday, April 13, the City of Pompano Beach invites families to a Touch-A-Truck event. Children can enjoy creative exploration of a fire truck, a sanitation truck, a dump truck, a police car and more. With support from the Autism Society of Florida, the event will kick off with a sensory-friendly hour from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with no sirens, horns, music or lights. The Zensory Zone Van will also be on-site with sensory products like fidget tubes, tactile books, stress balls and more.
We Rock The Spectrum
5159 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33328
This kid’s play space includes sensory-based toys, an indoor play structure, crash mats and pillows which help children learn motor, planning and playground skills. The gym also serves as a space where children can engage in social interactions while playing in an inclusive environment.
Flamingo Gardens
3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330
One of the oldest and largest botanical gardens offers a sensory-inclusive experience for everyone. Enjoy watching a variety of animals, and don’t forget to stop and feed the flamingos.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
3109 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Known as Greater Fort Lauderdale’s “Central Park,” Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers direct beach access and provides a calming environment with scenic walking trails.
Pompano Beach Autism with Art & Fashion: Spectrum Expressions
450 Northeast 10th Street Pompano Beach, FL 33060
This event will celebrate autistic youth, teens, and adults while offering immersive art workshops on Thursday, April 11, and Friday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will explore various art mediums, refine their skills, and discover new ways to express their creative vision. On Saturday, April 13, the excitement culminates in an art show held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the stunning Sample-McDougald House, a 5-acre masterpiece nestled in the heart of Pompano Beach.
Broward Center For The Performing Arts
201 Southwest 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
On Saturday, April 20, and Saturday, April 27, join the cast of Junie B. Jones and The Magic of Kevin Spencer for a sensory-inclusive, autism-friendly performance. Enjoy special access to pre-show arts and craft activities and a post-show character meet and greet. The show will feature reduced sound levels and minimal special effects.
Florida Panthers Game at Amerant Bank Arena
One Panther Pkwy., Sunrise, FL 33323
Sports fans can now visit the first ever sensory room at the Amerant Bank Arena while attending a Florida Panthers game. The sensory room caters to the neurodivergent community, but can be utilized by all attendees of Amerant Bank Arena. Cheer for the home team at upcoming games on April 9 versus the Ottawa Senators, April 11 versus the Columbus Blue Jackets, April 13 versus the Buffalo Sabres, and April 16 versus the Toronto Maple Leafs.
For a list of upcoming events or sensory friendly venues, go to visitlauderdale.com/events/.