For children with sensory sensitivities, autism or other types of neurodivergence, attractions usually thought of as fun can be overwhelming. Places like amusement parks and indoor playgrounds can be too loud, there may be too many people or there can be other factors preventing these children from having as much fun as they can.
But there are still plenty of options for them that aren’t as overstimulating. From attractions designed for kids with neurodivergence to museums and parks that hold special events meant to be more sensory-friendly, here are some of the best options in the Frederick area for kids with sensory sensitivities.
Frederick County
Spinners Pinball Arcade — Frederick
Pinball arcade that is also a Certified Autism Center, focused on inclusion for people on the autism spectrum (Currently closed; will be reopening later in the year)
Sophie & Madigan’s Playground – Frederick
(Open 6 a.m.-10 p.m.)
Barrier-free playground; aims to provide a play space for children of all abilities
Urban Air Adventure Park – Ballenger Creek
(Sunday hours 11 a.m.-8 p.m.)
Hosts Sensory Friendly Play sessions on the first Sunday of every month with limited entry and reduced stimuli for guests
Warehouse Cinemas – Frederick
Offers sensory-friendly movie screenings as part of its Lil’ Monster kids’ movie club; also has Hagerstown location
Pediatric Movement Center – Ballenger Creek
(Open 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday)
Sensory gym with physical therapy offerings and drop-in events; also has Hagerstown location
National Museum of Civil War Medicine – Frederick
(Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday)
Civil War history museum; often quiet and does not have large crowds, making it ideal for kids who are easily overstimulated
Hagerstown
Sky Zone – Hagerstown
(Thursday hours 1-8 p.m.)
Holds sensory hours on the last Thursday of every month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Discovery Station – Hagerstown
(Sunday hours 11 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Children’s museum; holds Sensory-Friendly Sunday events on the fourth Sunday of the month
Carroll County
Barrier-Free – Sykesville
(Open noon-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, closed Saturday)
Parents can participate in theater and art classes and social opportunities for neurodivergent adults.
Mount Airy Lanes – Mount Airy
(Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday)
Duckpin bowling alley; has bowling leagues for children and adults with disabilities and neurodivergence
Montgomery County
AMC DINE-IN Rio Cinemas 18 – Gaithersburg
About a half hour from Frederick, this theater holds Sensory Friendly Films screenings of kid-friendly movies on the second and fourth Saturday of the month; also available at other AMC locations throughout Maryland
