Adaptive Needs Events Calendar 2023

Metro Detroit Special Adaptive Events Calendar – Special needs events calendar for Metro Detroit and Oakland County, Michigan. Events, activities, things to do for individuals with special needs.

 

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.

Metro Detroit Adaptive Needs Events Calendar

MORE METRO DETROIT SPECIAL NEEDS SPORTS LEAGUES
OAKLAND COUNTY MOMS SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES

Monday, December 4, 2023 from 5:15p-6:30p (Also January 8, February 5, March 4, April 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 per participant. To register, visit www.rararecreation.org.

Monday, December 4 from 5:30p-7p (Also…January 29, February 26, March 25, April 22)
Troy Special 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.

Friday December 8, 2023 from 6p-8p (Also February 9)
Special Needs Events – RARA Recreation Themed Dance
RARA Recreation (500 E Second Street, Rochester, Michigan 48307)
Hosted by RARA Recreation. This dance is designed for persons who have special needs. Music and dancing with a fun theme. Refreshments will be served. Cost is $20 for residents & $24 non-residents. Register via RARARecreation.org. Each dance has a holiday theme (St Patrick’s Day / Cinco De Mayo etc)

Friday, December 8, 2023 from 7p-9p (Also Friday, February 9, April 12…)
Troy Special Needs Events – Friday Frolic Dance
Troy Community Center (3179 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48083)
Dancing with DJ with a fun holiday theme and refreshments. $6 admission via punch card. The Friday Frolic Punch Card costs $36, is good for 6 admissions, and can only be used for Friday Frolic Dances. For more info, visit rec.troymi.gov.

Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 10a
Special Needs Events – AMC Sensory Friendly Film Showing
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 and showings begin at 10a on Saturdays. Wednesday evening movie showings may be geared to an older audience and begin at 7p. Dates and films are subject to change. Movie Listings / More Info…

Saturday, December 9, 2023 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…

Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 1p-4p
Rochester Adaptive Needs Events – OUCARES Holiday Party
Oakland Center at Oakland University
Ages 15+. This party is for Teens and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders ages 15 and up. Join us for DJ, dancing, games, pizza, a photo booth and more! Come to have a great time and meet friends. This program is to encourage independence. A parent or caregiver is permitted to register only if the participant requires 1:1 support. There is a $15 registration fee for any parent or caregiver attending. To register, visit www.oakland.edu/oucares.

Sunday, December 10, 2023 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.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 9a-5 and Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 1p-7p
Brighton Special Needs Santa Visits – Sensory Friendly Santa Visits
Oxford Recovery Center (7030 Whitmore Lake Rd, Brighton, MI 48116)
Sensory Friendly Santa and Mrs Claus event. This event is completely FREE. Participants must register for a date and time at oxfordrecoverycenter.com.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 6p-8p
Oakland County Parks Adaptive Needs Events – Jingle Bell Ball
Waterford Oaks Activity Center (2800 Watkins Lake Rd, Waterford, MI 48328)
Jingle Bell Ball, an event for individuals ages 18 and older with developmental disabilities, will include music, dancing, a visit from Santa and pizza. Each participant will also receive a gift. Cost is $12/participants and $6/caregiver, Preregistration with payment required by Friday, Dec. 8. Call 248-858-0916 to register. Call 248-221-8040 for program questions. Hosted by Oakland County Parks and Recreation.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023 (Also January 17, February 14, March 13, April 17)
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, December 15, 2023 from 9a-5p
Troy Santa Claus Visits for Special Needs Children – Sensory Santa Visits
Oxford Recovery Center (165 Kirts Blvd Ste 500, Troy, MI 48116)
Sensory Friendly Santa and Mrs Claus event. This event is completely FREE. Participants must register for a date and time at oxfordrecoverycenter.com.

Friday, December 15 from 5:30p-7:30p (Also January 17, February 14, March 13, April 17)
Special 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.

Friday, December 15, 2023 at 6p (Also )
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.

Saturday, December 16, 2023 (first Emagine Theatre Showing of the Day)
Metro Detroit Adaptive Needs Events – Emagine Theatres Sensory Friendly Movie Screening
ALL Metro Detroit Emagine Theatre Locations
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. Guests are welcome to bring a safe snack for any food allergies or food avoidance/restrictions. First Showing of the Day. Check theaters for showtimes. Tickets are available at the box office, online at Emagine-Entertainment.com. FEATURED MOVIE – Wonka

Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 10a
Special Needs Events – AMC Sensory Friendly Film Showing
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 and showings begin at 10a on Saturdays. Wednesday evening movie showings may be geared to an older audience and begin at 7p. Dates and films are subject to change. Movie Listings / More Info…

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 6p-8p
Oakland County Parks Adaptive Needs Events – Almost New Year
Royal Oak Community Center (3500 Marais, Royal Oak, MI 48073)
Social events for adaptive needs adults often include dancing, music, and fun at various locations throughout Oakland County. A new, fun theme (nearly) every month. Events require preregistration with payment for individual PLUS caregiver. Call 248-858-0916 to register or call or text 248-221-8040 for program questions and information. Hosted by Oakland County Parks and Recreation.

Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 6p-8p
Oakland County Parks Adaptive Needs Events – Almost New Year
Waterford Oaks Activity Center (2800 Watkins Lake Rd, Waterford, MI 48328)
Social events for adaptive needs adults often include dancing, music, and fun at various locations throughout Oakland County. A new, fun theme (nearly) every month. Events require preregistration with payment for individual PLUS caregiver. Call 248-858-0916 to register or call or text 248-221-8040 for program questions and information. Hosted by Oakland County Parks and Recreation.

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at from 6p-9p (Also February 13, March 19)
Special 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/

Mondays, January 22 through March 4, 2024 (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 www.itpr.org.

Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 9:30a-2p (Also, )
Troy Adaptive Recreation Field Trips – A Day at the Movies (at Troy MJR Theatre)
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Field trips for children and adults with adaptive needs. Pre-register by 9/8. Pre-registration required. For more info, visit rec.troymi.gov.

PREVIOUS EVENTS

Sunday, December 3, 2023 from 9a-10a
LEGOLAND Great Lakes Crossing 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.

Friday, December 1, 2023 at 6p (Also …)
Special 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.

Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 9a, 10a, or 11a
Waterford Adaptive Needs Events – Dreams & Wings
Oakland County International Airport (6500 Highland Road, Waterford, Michigan, USA, 48327, 248-666-3900)
For individuals ages 6-17 with disabilities. Each child with a disability receives a Dreams & Wings T-shirt, gold aviator wings, commemorative flight certificate and lifelong memories. There is no charge to attend. All costs are covered by philanthropic contributions. Registration is due by September 18. For more information, call or text 248-221-8040 or email Adaptive@oakgov.com. To register. Hosted by Oakland County and Oakland County International Airport.

Saturdays through September 9, 2023 (SATURDAYS) through October 28 from 10a-noon – ROCHESTER HILLS
Mondays through September 11, 2023 (MONDAYS) through October 30 from 6p-8p – TROY
Special Needs Events – OUCARES Autism Spectrum Bowling League – Oakland County
Classic Lanes (2145 Avon Industrial Dr, Rochester Hills, MI 48309)
Bowl One (1639 14 Mile Rd, Troy, MI)
Our friends at Classic Lanes in Rochester Hills have teamed up with OUCARES (Oakland University Center for Autism Research, Education and Support) to form a bowling league for individuals ages 16-plus on the autism spectrum. This opportunity will allow ASD students (over 16) and adults to enhance physical activity in a social, community setting. No bowling experience is necessary to participate. The cost of the bowling league is $120. Click here for registration info.

Mondays September 11, 2023 through October 16 from 5:30p-6:30p
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 www.itpr.org. MORE INFO…

Friday, May 12, 2023 at 6p
Clarkston Adaptive Needs Event – TR Prom
Bay Court Park (6970 Andersonville Road, Clarkson, Michigan 48346, 248-625-8223, www.indtwp.com)
This years theme will be everything 60’s. 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”. $15. To register, visit itpr.org. Hosted by Independence Twp Parks & Recreation.

Saturday, March 18, 2023 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, swimming from noon – 2p (bring your own towel). Hosted by OUCares. MORE INFO

Monday, June 5, 2023 from 11a-1p (All Mondays through August 7)
West Bloomfield Adaptive Needs Events – Sensory Friendly Mondays at Lily Pad Spring Splash Pad
Lily Pad Springs (6200 Farmington Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, 248-451-1900, wbparks.org)
Sensory Friendly Mondays beginning June 13 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.

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.

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