Finding autism-friendly holiday activities in Central Indiana used to mean missing out on community celebrations. Not anymore. Area venues now offer sensory-accommodating events specifically designed for families of children with autism & individuals with sensory processing disorder–they’re absolutely magical!
These aren’t just “regular events with lower lights.” Central Indiana’s sensory-friendly holiday programming features reduced crowds, trained staff, quiet spaces, modified sensory input & autism-aware support that makes participation enjoyable for neurodivergent families.
Christmas at the Zoo: Sensory-Friendly Evenings
Indianapolis Zoo 1200 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
The Indianapolis Zoo’s Christmas at the Zoo transforms into one of the nation’s premier holiday light displays each winter & select evenings are modified for people with autism.
December 3 & 17, 2025
5 – 9 pm (regular Christmas at the Zoo dates run through January 4, 2026)
What Makes It Sensory-Friendly:
- Lower volume holiday music throughout the zoo
- Flashing lights turned off
- Strong scents removed (holiday candles, etc.)
- Limited ticket sales = smaller crowds
- Calming room available in HIX Institute (across from Oceans building)
- Staff and characters trained in autism awareness
- Visual schedules available at guest services
Autism-Friendly Visit Tips:
- Parking: Enter from Washington Street; arrive early as lot fills quickly
- Best time: First hour (5 – 6 pm) is typically calmest before families arrive
- Warm-up spots: Oceans exhibit, Deserts pavilion & Dolphin Pavilion offer indoor breaks
- Skip if needed: Polar Pathway is the most crowded/photo-heavy area
- Animals active: Brown bears, arctic foxes, tigers & red pandas love cooler weather
- Sensory toolkit essential: Bring noise-canceling headphones even for “sensory-friendly” nights
Jingle Rails at Eiteljorg Museum: Sensory-Friendly Morning
Eiteljorg Museum 500 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (White River State Park)
The beloved Jingle Rails train exhibit featuring model trains chugging through miniature Western landscapes & Indianapolis landmarks opens early for autism families.
December 14, 2025
10 am – 12 pm (ticket valid through 5 pm for full museum access)
What Makes It Sensory-Friendly:
- Early access before regular crowds
- Reduced lighting in Jingle Rails exhibit
- Lower sound levels (train sounds, music)
- Significantly reduced visitor capacity
- Trained staff and volunteers on-site
- Quiet sensory room available in R.B. Annis Western Family Experience (just downstairs)
- Marshmallow craft activity included
Autism-Friendly Visit Tips:
- Parking: White River State Park garage at 801 W Washington St
- Extended access: Your 10 am – 12 pm sensory-friendly ticket includes museum access until 5 pm at regular sensory levels
- Don’t miss: R.B. Annis Western Family Experience has nursing area, quiet sensory room, single entrance/exit
- Activity guide: Pick up I-Spy game at entrance; return completed guide to museum store for prize
- Walking distance: Indiana State Museum & NCAA Hall of Champions nearby if energy allows
Register for Sensory-Friendly Morning →
Sensory Snow Day at Damar Services
Damar Services 6054 Remarkable Way, Indianapolis, IN 46241 (Decatur Township, Ameriplex area)
This FREE autism-friendly event is specifically designed by autism & developmental disability specialists for maximum sensory comfort and inclusion.
December 6, 2025
9 am – 12 pm
Two Sensory Levels:
Calm Hour (9 – 10 am): Softer lighting, quiet sounds, minimal activity for extreme sensitivities
Festive Hours (10 am-12 pm): Brighter lights, more upbeat sounds, fuller activity schedule
What’s Included (all free):
- Grinch-themed holiday crafts & activities
- Professional face painting
- Complimentary snacks & hot chocolate bar
- Coffee for parents
- Ornament & stocking craft led by Damar ABA team
- Calm-down zones on both sides of building
- Autism specialists on-site
Autism-Friendly Visit Tips:
- Registration required: Event is free but you must register in advance
- Choose your hour: If your child has extreme sensitivities, arrive at 9 am for Calm Hour
- Location: Near Indianapolis International Airport, accessible from I-70 (Decatur Township)
- Parking: On-site at Damar Village Center
- Questions: Email damarevents@damar.org or call 317-856-5201 ext. 231
Register for Sensory Snow Day →
Year-Round Sensory-Friendly Options in Indianapolis
Beyond holiday events, these Indianapolis venues offer ongoing autism-friendly programming:
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Museum My Way sensory-friendly days (typically quarterly)
3000 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis
Conner Prairie (Fishers)
Sensory-Friendly Sundays – Second Sunday of every month
13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038
Features: Noise-making exhibits turned off, quiet spaces available, trained staff, fully inclusive Estridge Family Park playground
Chuck E. Cheese Indianapolis Locations
Sensory Sensitive Sundays – Every Sunday morning
Various Indianapolis locations
Features: Dimmed lighting, reduced noise, calm atmosphere, 2-hour early opening
AMC Theatres
Sensory-Friendly Films – Select Saturdays
Various Indianapolis locations
Features: Lights up, sound down, freedom to move & make noise
SkyZone Trampoline Parks
Sensory Hours – Check website for schedule
Indianapolis, Plainfield & Southside locations
Features: Low music, discounted admission, minimal crowds
Making the Most of Sensory-Friendly Events
Before You Go:
- Register early—sensory-friendly events have limited capacity & sell out
- Preview venues with photos or videos from their websites
- Create visual schedules showing arrival, activities & departure
- Pack your sensory toolkit with noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidgets & safe snacks
During the Event:
- Arrive at opening for smallest crowds
- Locate exits & quiet spaces immediately upon arrival
- Take sensory breaks proactively, not reactively
- Remember: Leaving early is always okay
After the Event:
- Allow recovery time—sensory regulation takes energy
- Celebrate what went well rather than focusing on challenges
- Note what worked for future planning
Connect With the Autism Community
Successfully navigating sensory-friendly events is just one part of supporting your family through the holidays. Noble’s Family Support Network connects Central Indiana families raising children with autism & developmental disabilities, offering parent education & community built on understanding.
Whether you need strategies for managing holiday stress, connections to other families, or ongoing support throughout the year, Noble’s team understands that supporting one family member means supporting the whole family—especially during the demanding holiday season.
