Bright lights, talking to strangers, the costumes and staying up late are popular traditions of those who celebrate Halloween—all of which can be overwhelming and scary for kids with differences and disabilities. To help make sure your child feels comfortable and safe this season, you might prefer to celebrate the holiday at an event that’s tailor-made for those with special needs. Below we’ve compiled a few sensory-friendly Halloween parties hosted by local nonprofits and therapy centers and more organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. For more, browse through our events calendar and select Special Needs Friendly.
Crayola Sensory Sunday
Where: Crayola Experience at The Shops at Willow Bend, 6121 West Park Blvd., Suite A100, Plano
When: Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024; 11am–1pm
Cost: Included with regular admission: $28.99 at the door for ages 3 and older; $25.99 online
Why go: Crayola gives guests the Screamin’ Green Hauntoween treatment for kids with special needs (dimmed lights and lowered music). You’ll get to trick-or-treat around the attractions and do spooky crafts at stations, like sculpting a pumpkin at Modeling Madness. A quiet room will be available too if your kids need a break from all the stimulation. Want more Crayola fun? Come back on the third Sunday every month. Learn more here.
Especially Needed Fall Carnival & Resource Fair
Where: Miracle League Field at Harold Bacchus Park, 13995 Main Street, Frisco
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024; 4–7pm
Cost: Free admission, donations encouraged.
Why go: McKinney-based nonprofit Especially Needed hosts its 13th annual festival specifically for those with special needs. Guests are required to register at eventbrite.com and come during one of two time slots: either 4–5:30pm or 5:30–7pm. This way they can space out guests and have ample room for everyone to enjoy the bounce house, games, and trick-or-treating. Feel free to dress up in costume. They’ll have costume contests every hour, so you’ll have a shot at winning. Learn more here.
RELATED: 8 Tips for a Trick-Free Halloween for Your Child With Autism
Boo Bash
Where: It’s a Sensory World! 4307 Alpha Road, Farmers Branch
When: Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024; 4–6pm
Cost: Free
Why go: This year, this nonprofit therapeutic center hosts its 10th annual Boo Bash in its parking lot. This Halloween party is open to the community and its clients alike. Come in a costume or don’t—it’s completely up to you and your kid. They can all join in the community trunk-or-treat where they can scoop up candy and non-edible treats too. They’ll get to jump in the bounce house and ride in the Boo Bush. They’ll have a sensory break area too for anyone who needs a break. Learn more at the Facebook event page.
Sensory-Friendly Halloween Carnival
Where: Success on the Spectrum (SOS), 1778 N. Plano Road, Suite 100, Richardson
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024; 11am–3pm
Cost: Free
Why go: The Richardson SOS location for this ABA therapy center (they’ve got centers around Texas and the country) hosts its second-ever Halloween. Inside the center, you’ll go trick-or-treating from room to room, make spooky crafts and get a prize from the cauldron. RSVP on eventbrite.com.
Autism-Friendly Fall Festival
Where: Success on the Spectrum, 1510 N. Hampton Road, Suite 150, DeSoto
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024; 11am–1pm
Cost: Free
Why go: If it’s a closer drive to this DeSoto SOS location, the community is welcome here too. The judgement-free zone at this ABA therapy center is where you can enjoy bouncing, games and food. RSVP on eventbrite.com.
The Cosmic Howl at Meow Wolf
Where: Meow Wolf, 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Suite 253, Grapevine
When: Oct. 11–31, 2024; times vary
Cost: Timed general admission tickets from $40 for adults and from $20 for children
Why go: True that these Halloween-themed activities at this immersive attraction aren’t exclusively for those with sensory sensitivities, but you’ll be happy to learn that this Grapevine location is a Certified Autism Center. They’ve got free sensory bags with noise reduction headphones, sunglasses and sensory toys you can request if you need, so you can focus on exploring all the spooky fun offered now through Halloween night. The Cosmic Howl includes game nights on Tuesdays, pumpkin painting on Fridays, and performances by “strange creatures” on Saturdays. Learn more here.
RELATED: Sensory-Friendly Attractions in DFW
Image: iStock
