Adaptive Needs Events Calendar 2025

Metro Detroit Adaptive Needs Events / Special Needs events calendar for children and young adults in Metro Detroit and Oakland County, Michigan. Events & Things to do for kids and adults with mental or physical impairments in SE Michigan.

To submit an event for consideration for this Metro Detroit Special Needs Events Calendar, please fill out this form. I try to post special needs events for adults and children with special needs that are free or low-cost.

This Metro Detroit Special Needs Events Calendar is for informational purposes and the events are not necessarily endorsed by Oakland County Moms. Oakland County Moms is not responsible for venue changes, description changes, cancellations etc.

These events are just some of the programs offered by the various organizations featured here. Feel free to contact them to learn more about their special needs sports, leagues, and other fun events for adults and children with special needs.

MORE METRO DETROIT SPECIAL NEEDS SPORTS LEAGUES
OAKLAND COUNTY MOMS SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES
ADAPTIVE NEEDS SUMMER CAMPS IN METRO DETROIT

Metro Detroit Adaptive Needs Events Calendar 2025 (All Events Subject To Change)

Adaptive Needs Events Calendar 2025 – August

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 10a
Special Needs Events – AMC Sensory Friendly Films
AMC Forum 30 – 44681 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48314
AMC Livonia 20 – 19500 Haggerty Rd, Livonia, Michigan, 734-542-3191
AMC Star Gratiot – 35705 South Gratiot Ave, Clinton Twp, Michigan 48035
Sensory film showings feature lowered sound and dim lighting. Patrons can bring their own gluten-free or casein-free snacks and the kids can “dance, walk, shout or sing” or move about the aisles. No previews or advertisements will be shown before the movies. The movies are geared toward children ages 5 & up. Dates and films are subject to change. Movie Listings / More Info…

Saturday, August 30, 2025 (Varies – first Emagine Theatre Showing of the Day) (Every Saturday in July & August)
Metro Detroit Adaptive Needs Events – Emagine Theatres “Emagine Together” Sensory Friendly Movie Screening
ALL Metro Detroit Emagine Theatre Locations (Emagine Birch Run, Canton, Hartland, Macomb, Novi, Palladium, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Saline, Quality 10 Powered by Emagine, Birmingham 8)
This movie is open to friends, families, children and teens with sensory needs along with their supporters. Lights up a bit, sound down a bit. If your child needs to get up, move, dance, sing…. No problem. This film series takes place each Saturday. First Showing of the Day. Check theaters for showtimes. View upcoming listings here. Tickets are available at the box office, online at Emagine-Entertainment.com.

Adaptive Needs Events Calendar 2025 – September

Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 9:30a-2p
Troy Adaptive Needs Events – Adaptive Field Trip / Detroit Zoo
Troy Community Center (3179 Livernois, Troy, MI 48083, 248-524-3484)
Field trips for children and adults with adaptive needs. Pre-registration required. $25 resident / $35 non-resident. For more info, visit rec.troymi.gov.  Online registration. Hosted by Troy Recreation.

Wednesdays September 3 through October 8, 2025 from 5:30p-6:30p (each Wed)
Clarkston Adaptive Needs Events – TR Buddy Theater Camp
Lakeview Room (6970 Andersonville Road, Clarkston, MI 48346)
Staff will work directly with participants to plan, write, and produce their own show. Live performance on the last day of camps. $40 resident. $50 non-resident. For ages 7-14. To register, visit itpr.org. Hosted by Independence Twp Parks & Recreation.

Friday, September 5, 2025 at 6p (Also… October 3, November 7, & December 5)
Clarkston Adaptive Needs Events – TR Pizza and Movie Night
Clintonwood Park (6000 Clarkston Road, Clarkson, MI 48348)
Enjoy and evening with your friends for a favorite movie and some delicious pizza. This program is for persons, ages 14+, with cognitive disabilities, with or without physical impairments. Call 248-625-8223 to register. $10. Hosted by Independence Twp Parks & Recreation.

Monday, September 8, 2025 from 5:15p-6:30p (Also October 6, November 3, December 1)
Special Needs Events – RARA Diner’s Club
Select Rochester/Rochester Hills Area Restaurants
This opportunity is designed to support persons with special needs. Participants pay for their own meal, beverage, and tip. PRE-REGISTER EARLY as spots are very limited and so that we have enough assistance and space reserved in the restaurants. Exact restaurant choices will be announced at a later date. 14+ Years. $6-$8 per participant. To register, visit www.rararecreation.org.

Tuesdays September 9, 2025 through October 14, 2025 from 5:30p-6:30p
Adaptive Needs Sports Leagues in Clarkston – Buddy Soccer League
Sashabaw Plains Park (5620 Maybee Rd, Clarkston, MI 48348)
6 week soccer league for boys and girls ages 7-14 with cognitive disabilities with or without physical impairments. Each player will be paired with a buddy, ages 10-17, to assist as needed. Minimum of 10 players/buddies. Hosted by Independence Twp Parks & Recreation.. MORE INFO…

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 10a
Special Needs Events – AMC Sensory Friendly Films
AMC Forum 30 – 44681 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48314
AMC Livonia 20 – 19500 Haggerty Rd, Livonia, Michigan, 734-542-3191
AMC Star Gratiot – 35705 South Gratiot Ave, Clinton Twp, Michigan 48035
Sensory film showings feature lowered sound and dim lighting. Patrons can bring their own gluten-free or casein-free snacks and the kids can “dance, walk, shout or sing” or move about the aisles. No previews or advertisements will be shown before the movies. The movies are geared toward children ages 5 & up. Dates and films are subject to change. Movie Listings / More Info…

Friday, September 12, 2025 from 7p-9p (Also October 10)
Troy Special Needs Events – Friday Frolic Dance
Troy Community Center (3179 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48083)
A social dance event with a seasonal theme, a live DJ, and fun for adults 18+ with disabilities. All dances provide light snack for participants. No refunds. Advance registration required $10 admission. For more info, visit rec.troymi.gov.

Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 11a (Also…  )
Flint Adaptive Needs Events – Sensory-Friendly Planetarium Shows
Longway Planetarium (1310 E Kearsley St, Flint, Michigan 48503, 810-237-3400, sloanlongway.org)
Every 2nd Saturday, a new show at Longway Planetarium. During sensory-friendly shows, staff turn the lights up and turn the sound down to provide a safe, welcoming environment for friends with special needs. Purchase tickets here…

Sunday, September 14, 2025 from 10a-noon (Also… )
Flint Adaptive Needs Events for Kids – Sensory Sunday at the Flint Children’s Museum
Flint Children’s Museum (1602 W University Avenue, Flint, MI 48504, 810-767-5437, flintchildrensmuseum.org)
Quality quiet family time at the Children’s Museum with a calm space, foam pit, bubble tubes, soft lighting and marble wall. Admission is $8. For more info, visit flintchildrensmuseum.org.

Saturdays in Rochester Hills – September 20 through November 8 at 10a
Mondays in Troy – September 15 through November 10 at 6p
Rochester Hills Adaptive Needs Events – OU Cares ASD Bowling League
Troy Adaptive Needs Events – OU Cares ASD Bowling League
Classic Lanes Rochester Hills (2145 Avon Industrial Dr, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, 248-852-9100)
Troy Lanes (1639 14 Mile Rd, Troy, MI 48083, 248-588-4850)
9-Week bowling leagues for ASD adults 18+. Leagues are held in Fall, Winter, & Spring. $120 to register. Limited scholarships available. Click here to register for the 2025 Fall Bowling League for individuals with autism or autism spectrum disorders. MORE INFO…

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at from 6p-9p (Also October 21, November 11 … )
Rochester / Auburn Hills Adaptive Needs Events – OUCARES After Hours Adult Social
Oakland University Oakland Center (Lake Michigan Room)
This is a support group for adults with the diagnosis of Asperger’s, High Functioning Autism or PDD/NOS. Come join us for pizza, conversation, cards, games, and fun! No registration required, come when you are able. Ages: 18+ yrs. No cost for this program. For more info, visit www.oakland.edu/oucares/

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 (Also … October 15, November 12, December 10)
RARA Special Needs Events – RARA Movie Night Out
Emagine Theatre Rochester Hills (200 Barclay Circle, Rochester Hills)
Hosted by RARA Recreation. Enjoy a movie with your friends at the theater one Friday a month. You will pay for your own ticket and concessions. Plans are based on the current theater schedule. You must pre-register so that enough assistance is provided and space reserved. Ages 14+. Fee is $6 for residents & non-residents. Register via RARARecreation.org.

Friday, September 19, 2025 at 6p (Also October 17, November 21, December 19)
Clarkston Adaptive Needs Events – TR Bingo Night
Clintonwood Park (6000 Clarkston Road, Clarkson, MI 48348)
This program is for persons ages 14+ with developmental disabilities, with or without physical limitations. A minimum of 4 participants are required to hold the program. Call 248-625-8223 to register. $10 includes refreshments & game prizes. Hosted by Independence Twp Parks & Recreation.

Friday September 19, 2025 from 6p-7:30p (Also… )
Rochester MI Adaptive Needs Events – RARA Social Nights
RARA Recreation (500 E Second Street, Rochester, Michigan 48307)
Hosted by RARA Recreation. Social Nights are seasonal events designed for persons ages 14+ who have special needs. Sometimes, music, sometimes, dancing, sometimes games, always fun. Refreshments will be served. Cost is $20 for residents & $24 non-residents. Register via RARARecreation.org. Each Social Night has a holiday theme (St Patrick’s Day / Cinco De Mayo etc). September Theme – Yates Cider Mill Social.

Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 11a-3:30p (Also… October 19)
Oakland County Parks Adaptive Needs Events – Disability Dirt Day at Holly Oaks ORV
Holly Oaks ORV Park (13536 Dixie Hwy, Holly, MI 48442, 248-653-0710)
Individuals with disabilities are invited to experience off-roading at Holly Oaks ORV Park with rides provided by volunteers. This is a FREE event. Rides are provided for the participant, who must be at least 10 years old, and one guest. To register, scan the QR code on this page. Hosted by Oakland County Parks and Recreation.

Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 10a
Special Needs Events – AMC Sensory Friendly Films
AMC Forum 30 – 44681 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48314
AMC Livonia 20 – 19500 Haggerty Rd, Livonia, Michigan, 734-542-3191
AMC Star Gratiot – 35705 South Gratiot Ave, Clinton Twp, Michigan 48035
Sensory film showings feature lowered sound and dim lighting. Patrons can bring their own gluten-free or casein-free snacks and the kids can “dance, walk, shout or sing” or move about the aisles. No previews or advertisements will be shown before the movies. The movies are geared toward children ages 5 & up. Dates and films are subject to change. Movie Listings / More Info…

Friday, September 26, 2025 from 5:30p-7:30p (Also… October 17, November 21, December 19)
Rochester Adaptive Needs Events – Movie/Pizza Night
RARA Recreation (500 E Second Street, Rochester, Michigan 48307)
Hosted by RARA Recreation. Enjoy a movie and a pizza snack with friends one Friday a month. This opportunity is designed to support persons with special needs. Supervised event. Ages 14+. Fee is $17 for residents and $20 non-residents. Register via RARARecreation.org.

Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 10a
Special Needs Events – AMC Sensory Friendly Films
AMC Forum 30 – 44681 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48314
AMC Livonia 20 – 19500 Haggerty Rd, Livonia, Michigan, 734-542-3191
AMC Star Gratiot – 35705 South Gratiot Ave, Clinton Twp, Michigan 48035
Sensory film showings feature lowered sound and dim lighting. Patrons can bring their own gluten-free or casein-free snacks and the kids can “dance, walk, shout or sing” or move about the aisles. No previews or advertisements will be shown before the movies. The movies are geared toward children ages 5 & up. Dates and films are subject to change. Movie Listings / More Info…

Monday, September 29, 2025 from 5:30p-7p (Also… November 24)
Troy Adaptive Needs Events – Monday Mingle
Troy Community Center (3179 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48083)
Enjoy a variety of activities including: music, karaoke, games, pizza, and refreshments. All ages are welcome, however those under 14 must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver. $12 Res, $15 Non-Res. Pre-registration required. For more info, visit rec.troymi.gov.

Adaptive Needs Events Calendar 2025 – October

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 10a
Special Needs Events – AMC Sensory Friendly Films
AMC Forum 30 – 44681 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48314
AMC Livonia 20 – 19500 Haggerty Rd, Livonia, Michigan, 734-542-3191
AMC Star Gratiot – 35705 South Gratiot Ave, Clinton Twp, Michigan 48035
Sensory film showings feature lowered sound and dim lighting. Patrons can bring their own gluten-free or casein-free snacks and the kids can “dance, walk, shout or sing” or move about the aisles. No previews or advertisements will be shown before the movies. The movies are geared toward children ages 5 & up. Dates and films are subject to change. Movie Listings / More Info…

Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 6p-8p (Also… )
Rochester MI Adaptive Needs Events – RARA Social Nights
RARA Recreation (500 E Second Street, Rochester, Michigan 48307)
Hosted by RARA Recreation. Social Nights are seasonal events designed for persons ages 14+ who have special needs. Sometimes, music, sometimes, dancing, sometimes games, always fun. Refreshments will be served. Cost is $20 for residents & $24 non-residents. Register via RARARecreation.org. Each Social Night has a holiday theme (St Patrick’s Day / Cinco De Mayo etc). October Theme – Halloween Game Night.

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 10a
Special Needs Events – AMC Sensory Friendly Films
AMC Forum 30 – 44681 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48314
AMC Livonia 20 – 19500 Haggerty Rd, Livonia, Michigan, 734-542-3191
AMC Star Gratiot – 35705 South Gratiot Ave, Clinton Twp, Michigan 48035
Sensory film showings feature lowered sound and dim lighting. Patrons can bring their own gluten-free or casein-free snacks and the kids can “dance, walk, shout or sing” or move about the aisles. No previews or advertisements will be shown before the movies. The movies are geared toward children ages 5 & up. Dates and films are subject to change. Movie Listings / More Info…

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 6p-8p
Oakland County Parks Adaptive Needs Events – Halloween Happiness
Southfield Civic Center (26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48076)
Social dances and events with a seasonal theme hosted by Oakland County Parks and Recreation. $10 per person / $5 per caregiver. Registration opens six weeks prior to each event date. Pre-registration required. Call 248-221-8040 or 248-858-0916 for questions and to register.

Monday, October 27, 2025 from 5p-7p
Troy Special Needs Events – Halloween Party
Troy Community Center (3179 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48083)
A social dance event with music, games, and a pizza dinner for ages 14+ with disabilities. Come in costume! No refunds. $15 Resident / $20 Non-Resident. Online registration. Hosted by Troy Recreation.

Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 9:30a-2p
Troy Adaptive Needs Events – Adaptive Field Trip / MJR Theatre
Troy Community Center (3179 Livernois, Troy, MI 48083, 248-524-3484)
Field trips ages 18+ with adaptive needs. Pre-registration required. $25 resident and non-resident. For more info, visit rec.troymi.gov.  Online registration. Hosted by Troy Recreation.

Adaptive Needs Events Calendar 2025 – November

Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 6p-8p (Also… )
Rochester MI Adaptive Needs Events – RARA Social Nights
RARA Recreation (500 E Second Street, Rochester, Michigan 48307)
Hosted by RARA Recreation. Social Nights are seasonal events designed for persons ages 14+ who have special needs. Sometimes, music, sometimes, dancing, sometimes games, always fun. Refreshments will be served. Cost is $20 for residents & $24 non-residents. Register via RARARecreation.org. Each Social Night has a holiday theme (St Patrick’s Day / Cinco De Mayo etc). November Theme – Friendsgiving Bingo.

Adaptive Needs Events Calendar 2025 – December

Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 6p-8p
Oakland County Parks Adaptive Needs Events – Jingle Bell Ball I
Waterford Oaks Event Center (2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48328)
Social dances and events with a seasonal theme hosted by Oakland County Parks and Recreation. $10 per person / $5 per caregiver. Registration opens six weeks prior to each event date. Pre-registration required. Call 248-221-8040 or 248-858-0916 for questions and to register.

Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 6p-8p (Also… )
Rochester MI Adaptive Needs Events – RARA Social Nights
RARA Recreation (500 E Second Street, Rochester, Michigan 48307)
Hosted by RARA Recreation. Social Nights are seasonal events designed for persons ages 14+ who have special needs. Sometimes, music, sometimes, dancing, sometimes games, always fun. Refreshments will be served. Cost is $20 for residents & $24 non-residents. Register via RARARecreation.org. Each Social Night has a holiday theme (St Patrick’s Day / Cinco De Mayo etc). December – Christmas Karaoke.

Friday, December 12, 2025 from 6p-8p
Oakland County Parks Adaptive Needs Events – Jingle Bell Ball I
Waterford Oaks Event Center (2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48328)
Social dances and events with a seasonal theme hosted by Oakland County Parks and Recreation. $10 per person / $5 per caregiver. Registration opens six weeks prior to each event date. Pre-registration required. Call 248-221-8040 or 248-858-0916 for questions and to register.

Adaptive Needs Events Calendar 2026 – January

Friday, January 9, 2026 from 6p-8p
Oakland County Parks Adaptive Needs Events – Kick-Start 2026
Royal Oak Community Center (3500 Marais, Royal Oak, MI 48073)
Social dances and events with a seasonal theme hosted by Oakland County Parks and Recreation. $10 per person / $5 per caregiver. Registration opens six weeks prior to each event date. Pre-registration required. Call 248-221-8040 or 248-858-0916 for questions and to register.

Tuesdays, January 20 through February 24, 2026 (Mondays at 7:15p)
Adaptive Needs Sports Leagues in Clarkston – Independence Twp Parks Buddy Basketball League
Everest Academy Gym (5935 Clarkston Rd)
7 week (6 games) basketball league for boys and girls ages 7-13 with cognitive disabilities with or without physical impairments. Each player will be paired with a buddy, ages 10-17, to assist as needed. Minimum of 10 players/buddies. Hosted by Independence Twp Parks & Recreation.

PREVIOUS EVENTS TBA FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 9a-10a
Auburn Hills Adaptive Needs Events – Sensory Friendly & Inclusive Mornings at LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan (Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, 4000 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, 248-409-6009, legolanddiscoverycenter.com/michigan)
Reduced lighting and the music will be turned off. Sensory sensitive and special needs adults are welcome to visit during Sensory Friendly & Inclusive Mornings, too. Tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance for this special event. Purchase tickets to Sensory Friendly by clicking this link and then scrolling to Sensory Friendly under “Attractions”.

Sunday, December 3, 2023 from 9a-10a
Sea Life Great Lakes Crossing Events – Sensory Friendly & Inclusive Mornings at Sea Life Michigan
Sea Life Michigan (4316 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, 248-409-6009)
Reduced lighting and the music will be turned off. Sensory sensitive and special needs adults are welcome to visit during Sensory Friendly & Inclusive Mornings, too. Tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance for this special event. Purchase tickets here and then search for Sensory Friendly under the “What’s Inside” Tab.

Saturday, April 5, 2025 from noon-3p
Rochester Adaptive Needs Events – OUCares Family Fun Day
Oakland University (569 Pioneer Dr, Rochester, MI 48309)
Enjoy a day of fun for families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorders. All ages are welcome to attend. There is no cost and no registration is needed. Activities include – information fair, art projects, bouncy inflatables, and more. Hosted by OUCares. MORE INFO

Friday, May 9, 2025 at 6p
Clarkston Adaptive Needs Event – TR Prom
Bay Court Park (6970 Andersonville Road, Clarkson, Michigan 48346, 248-625-8223, www.indtwp.com)
Invite your friends for this can’t miss night of music, fun and dancing. Cost is $15 per person and caregivers are FREE. “Fancy attire is optional”. Ages 14+. $15. To register, visit itpr.org. Hosted by Independence Twp Parks & Recreation.

Monday, June 2, 2025 from 11a-1p (Also …)
West Bloomfield Adaptive Needs Events – Sensory Friendly Mondays at Lily Pad Springs Splash Pad
Lily Pad Springs (6200 Farmington Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, 248-451-1900, wbparks.org)
Sensory Friendly Mondays beginning June 3 from 11a-1p will offer limited capacity visits where the Big Splash Bucket and other overhead spray features are limited. You can pre-register for tickets HERE.

Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 4p-7p
Oakland County Parks Adaptive Needs Events – DiversABILITY Days
Independence Oaks County Park (9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston, MI, 248-625-6473)
Kayaking, boat ride, archery, use of adaptive equipment and more. Hot dog lunch provided.
Registration Deadline: June 20. This is a FREE event. To register – Call 248-221-8040 or email OCPrecreation@oakgov.com. Hosted by Oakland County Parks and Recreation.

Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 9a, 10a, or 11a
Waterford Weekend Events / Oakland County Parks Events – Dreams & Wings
Oakland County International Airport (6500 Highland Road, Waterford, Michigan, USA, 48327, 248-666-3900)
For individuals ages 6-17 with disabilities. Children ages 6-17 and up to two guests can enjoy a flight with an experienced pilot. Participants will receive a T-shirt, snacks and flight certificate. All costs are covered by philanthropic contributions. Registration is due by June 30. For more information, call or text 248-221-8040 or email Adaptive@oakgov.com. Register online. Hosted by Oakland County and Oakland County International Airport.

Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 10a-noon
Oxford Adaptive Needs events – Urban Air Oxford Sensory Friendly Play
Urban Air Oxford (925 N Lapeer Rd, Oxford Charter Township, MI 48371, UrbanAirOxford.com)
A sensory-friendly event every third Sunday of the month. Kids can enter for just $10.99, and parents jump for FREE. It’s the perfect way for kids to enjoy fun in a calm, welcoming space.

A portion of the special needs events listed on this page are from the Parent Advisory Committee via Rochester Community Schools calendar , OUCARES, Destination Oakland, Far Conservatory, RARA, Independence Twp Parks & Rec, AMC Theaters, and more.

OC PARKS ADAPTIVE EVENTS LOCATIONS – VARY

Waterford Oaks Event Center (2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48328)
Royal Oak Community Center (3500 Marais, Royal Oak, MI 48073)
Southfield Civic Center (26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48076)
Oakland County International Airport (6500 Highland Road, Waterford, Michigan, USA, 48327, 248-666-3900)

More info on the Metro Detroit Adaptive Needs Events Calendar in our Health / Special Needs section