Since Mother Nature has not allowed for a lot of outdoor time this season, we suspect your kids are probably tired of being stuck in the house! The Learning Spectrum has compiled a list of fun activities and happenings around the city of Columbus that you might be interested in checking out. Some are sensory-friendly events, and others are events we thought would be fun to enjoy as a family.
Please be sure to visit the websites below or call the venues to confirm ticket information, pricing and hours:
Think Outside the Brick, Columbus Museum of Art, through March 21.
If your child likes LEGOs, look no further than the Think Outside the Brick exhibit at the Columbus Museum of Art! The exhibit runs through March 2 and highlights an enormous model of Columbus, its landmarks and imaginative creations.
2nd Sundays, Ohio Wildlife Center, Second Sunday of each month
The Ohio Wildlife Center’s 20 acres is home to 59 different animals, and is the perfect place to learn, explore and discover. 2nd Sundays is a family-friendly event that offers an animal enrichment activity, teaches kids how to coexist with their wild neighbors, and makes memories with wildlife and nature. The cost is $5 per person, and kids under 5 are free. Visit their website for more information.
Wild Story Time, Ohio Wildlife Center, first Wednesday of each month
If your preschooler loves to read stories, join the Ohio Wildlife Center for their monthly Wild Story Time! Participants will meet an Animal Ambassador, read a book, complete a related craft and visit with other Animal Ambassadors throughout the center. Cost is $5 per person, and kids under 5 are free.
Sensory Sensitive Sundays, Chuck E Cheese Dublin, first Sunday of the month
Chuck E Cheese is an exciting place, but can be an overwhelming environment for children with autism and special needs. The first Sunday of every month, Chuck E Cheese of Dublin will dim the lights, turn the music down or off, and offer limited appearances of Chuck E during Sensory Sensitive Sunday. Games and food will be offered, with fewer crowds and less noise.
Sky Zone, Sensory Hours, January 29
Sky Zone’s sensory hours offers a quieter, calmer jumping experience for those with special needs from 5-8 p.m.
AMC Theaters, Sensory-Friendly Films
AMC Theaters is offering a sensory-friendly film showing of the movie “Ferdinand” on January 13, and “Paddington 2” on January 27. Visit their website for details.
Columbus Children’s Theatre, Sensory Friendly Performances of Little Red Riding Hood
The Columbus Children’s Theatre offers two sensory-friendly performances during each of their main stage season productions. The next one is Little Red Riding Hood on 1/19 at 1 p.m. and 1/27 at 10 a.m. You can get the full schedule here:
Charlotte’s Web, Gateway Film Center, January 20
The childhood classic Charlotte’s Web will come to life at the Gateway Film Center January 20 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The screening will be presented at a lower volume, lights-turned-up atmosphere especially for families and individuals with autism or developmental disabilities. Tickets are free.
Disney on Ice – January 24-28, Nationwide Arena
Disney on Ice returns to Nationwide Arena with “Reach for the Stars,” featuring your favorite Disney characters such as Elsa, Olaf, Ariel, Rapunzel, Belle and many more.
We hope you can enjoy time outdoors whenever possible this season, and find something fun to do around the city when it’s too cold to be outside.
If you have questions about The Learning Spectrum, our locations, or the services we offer, please visit our website or call us at 614-844-5433.