A Sensory-Friendly Guide to Visiting Grand Rapids

Travel can be a challenge for kids and adults with heightened sensory sensitivities. New and unfamiliar environments and experiences can trigger sensory overload for people with autism, ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions.

Fortunately, travel doesn’t have to mean chaotic airports, noisy hotels and crowded attractions – at least, not when you visit Grand Rapids, Michigan. With a little advance planning and understanding of the city’s resources, you can embark on an awesome sensory-friendly getaway.

Here are some tips for a smooth and enjoyable Grand Rapids experience:

Ease the Stress of Air Travel

Our Gerald R. Ford International Airport – named the easiest, cleanest and friendliest airport in North America – offers a calming, immersive Sensory Room for people of all ages with sensory processing needs.

Developed in partnership with Disability Advocates of Kent County, the room features sensory aids that help reduce the anxiety and agitation sometimes caused by air travel. it includes a transition zone, active zone, respite zone and an airplane simulation zone that helps travelers practice the process of boarding a plane, walking on a jet bridge and finding a seat.

The airport also participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, a global initiative aimed at providing support and assistance to travelers with autism, ADHD, aphasia, dyslexia, fibromyalgia, lupus and many other non-visible conditions. Passengers with hidden disabilities can request a free Sunflower item at the airport’s Visitor Information Desk and security screening checkpoint. Airport staff and partners are trained to recognize the Sunflower symbol and provide appropriate assistance.

Find a Quiet Place to Stay

There are nearly 100 hotel rooms in Grand Rapids offering a wide range of budgets and amenities. The Canopy by Hilton Downtown, AmericInn by Wyndham Grand Rapids North, Candlewood Suites Grand Rapids Airport, Holiday Inn Grand Rapids South, Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront, Sleep Inn & Suites and Springhill Suites Grand Rapids West are among the local hotels offering soundproofed guest rooms to minimize noise and distractions. The Finnley Hotel in downtown GR has just five boutique rooms along with contactless check-in to further reduce sensory stimulation.

Plan a Sensory-Friendly Itinerary

Many of Grand Rapids’ top attractions strive to make visitors with sensory needs feel welcome and comfortable. Blandford Nature Center, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Grand Rapids Public Museum and John Ball Zoo offer sensory bags/tool kits that contain such items as fidget toys and noise-canceling headphones. The nature center, public museum and zoo have been Sensory Inclusive certified by KultureCity, the world’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance. Their staff are trained to recognize and assist people with special sensory needs.

Here’s a look at these and other attractions that provide sensory tools, accommodations and/or sensory-friendly events. Check attraction websites and social media pages for event dates.

See a Show

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, one of the nation’s largest and oldest community theatres, presents Low Sensory performances with reduced sound volume, adjusted lights, limited seating and an opportunity to learn about the show ahead of time. The Civic’s Relaxed Environment performances are ideal for anyone who benefits from being able to make noise, leave and return to their seat, or access restrooms during the performance.

DeVos Performance Hall and Van Andel Arena host a wide range of concerts, sporting events and family entertainment shows in downtown Grand Rapids. Both offer sensory bags with a wiggle seat, lap pad, noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys for patrons to use free of charge. GLC Live at 20 Monroe, another downtown entertainment venue, offers sensory kits with verbal cue cards, strobe-canceling glasses, wiggle seats, lap pads and other items.

Celebration Cinema North offers a series of Sensory Showtimes through the year, during which the lights remain dim (but not completely dark), and the volume is lower to avoid overwhelming sensory input. Kids are welcome to move around or make noise during the movie, creating a judgment-free zone for families. 

Explore a Museum

Sensory Sundays at the Grand Rapids Public Museum are designed to support visitors on the autism spectrum and individuals with other sensory processing needs. Taking place on the second Sunday of each month, they feature adjusted sound and lighting, a low-sensory planetarium show at the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, and additional quiet spaces.

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum hosts sensory-friendly playtimes several times a year for families to play in a calmer, quieter environment outside of regular hours.

The Grand Rapids Art Museum offers Sensory Kits to help kids and adults reduce sensory inputs while viewing world-class art exhibits.

Discover Art & Nature

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the city’s most popular attraction – and one of the world’s 100 most visited art museums – is an oasis of art and nature in the city. Its annual spring Butterflies are Blooming exhibit includes a sensor-friendly night with reduced noise and lighting levels along with smaller crowds. Throughout the year, guests can take advantage of the venue’s quieter spaces, including The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden and various pathways through the outdoor sculpture park, to relax and refocus. Try to visit at less busy times – Monday through Saturday between 9 and 10am or after 4pm, and Sunday after 4pm.

Blandford Nature Center, which features 143 acres of hiking trails, educational programs and animal ambassadors, also offers a dedicated quiet room for those who may need a respite and hosts a few sensory-friendly experiences each year. John Ball Zoo identifies quiet hours throughout its grounds.

Of course, you can always find a quiet space away from crowds in our Grand Outdoors, including parks, beaches, and hiking and biking trails.

Play Around

We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym is a safe, inclusive gym for all kids of all abilities. Featuring sensory-based toys and equipment, a calming room and monthly Sensitive Saturdays, it offers open gym times along with scheduled classes and therapies.

The newly opened GameTime Fun Park is planning to introduce sensory hours. Craig’s Cruisers, a long-beloved family fun park featuring go-karts, bumper boats, kiddie rides, arcade games, laser tag and mini golf, hosts a sensory-friendly night each year.

Altitude Trampoline Park offers Sensory Jump the first and third Saturday of the month, providing a softer, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs.

Go to a Library

All eight branches of the Grand Rapids Public Library have sensory tool kits for patrons to use. Kits include a Sensory Story Guide, which you can also be downloaded here in advance to learn just what to expect on a visit to Downtown’s Main Library as well as the Madison Square, Ottawa Hills, Seymour, Van Belkum, West Side, West Leonard and Yankee Clipper branches. 

For more information about sensory-friendly resources and activities, visit Autism Support of Kent County and Family Hope Foundation on the web. And don’t hesitate to call hotels and attractions in advance to discuss your sensory needs!