2019 Inclusive Fall and Winter Activity Guide

Looking for fun activities to get you through the fall and winter seasons? Well you’re in luck, because we compiled this comprehensive list with loads of inclusive events and activities to choose from. Be sure to visit this page often, because we’ll keep it updated throughout the remainder of the year!

Fall Events and Activities

Summit Metro Parks 56th Annual Fall Hiking Spree

  • September 1st to November 30th
  • The annual Fall Hiking Spree is the largest and longest-running event of its kind in the nation. Trails range from easy to challenging for people of all abilities.

Summit DD BLAST Events

  • September 20th (Dinner and a Movie), October 12th (Hale Farm Harvest Fest), October 24th (Halloween Party), November 16th (Stonehedge Bowling), December 12th (Holiday Dinner and Dance)
  • The mission of BLAST is to provide safe social and recreational activities to people with developmental disabilities. BLAST events are a great way to develop and foster friendships with peers.

Lights Up Sound Down Sensory Friendly Movies

  • October 20th (The Addams Family Halloween), November 17th (Arctic Dogs), December 1st (Frozen 2), and December 22nd (Jumanji: The Next Level)
  • Looking for a sensory-friendly night at the movies? Lake 8 Movies is hosting events this fall and winter that are fully inclusive! Showtime is typically between 4-5:30PM. Call 330-848-6566 for all the details about a week prior to the showing. Tickets are $7.50 and include a small popcorn and small drink!

Zoothing Hours at the Akron Zoo

  • September 14th and October 19th (Boo at the Zoo)
  • The zoo will open an hour early for guests with special needs who don’t like crowds or loud noises.
  • The Akron Zoo is also sensory-certified by KultureCity, making sensory bags and zones available for patrons.

Playhouse Square Sensory-Friendly Jungle Book

  • October 27th
  • Playhouse Square is proud to present a sensory-friendly performance of Jungle Book. This performance is intended for individuals with sensory sensitivities, autism spectrum disorders and other sensory, social and cognitive challenges or issues. They welcome family and friends to experience the show together. For more sensory-friendly Playhouse Square information, click here.

The Best Fall Festivals in Northeast Ohio

  • September through October
  • Choose from 50+ fall festivals in the area…including pumpkin patches, corn mazes, carnivals and more!

Northeast Ohio Fall Color Driving Tours

  • Peak foliage colors in the second and third weeks of October
  • There’s no better way to savor the excitement and diversity of fall color than with a drive through the state’s rural countryside.

Winter Events and Activities

Akron Zoo Wild Lights

  • November 29-30, December 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 26-30
  • Come enjoy the wildest lighting display this holiday season. Nearly the entire zoo is decorated and many animals will be on exhibit. It’s a holiday tradition you can’t miss! The Akron Zoo is sensory-certified by KultureCity, making sensory bags and zones available for patrons.

Caring Santa with Autism Society of Greater Akron

  • November 18th and December 2nd
  • The Autism Society of Greater Akron has been hosting this sensory-sensitive Santa event for seven years. Advanced registration is required.

Deck the Hall Winter Wonderland at Stan Hywet

  • November 29, December 1, 5-8, 12-23, 26-30
  • Bring the whole family to enjoy one of Ohio’s largest and most spectacular holiday traditionsThe estate is illuminated inside and out with over ONE MILLION LIGHTS!

The 37th Annual Holiday Tree Festival at John S. Knight Center

  • November 23rd through December 1st
  • Every year, more than 200 decorated trees, 85,000 strings of lights, and countless other holiday creations are displayed at the John S. Knight Center to benefit Akron Children’s Hospital.

Holiday Lantern Tours at Hale Farm and Village

  • November 30, December 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19-23
  • Take a lantern-lit tout of the village and visit historic homes, bustling with holiday preparations. Experience the sights and sounds of the season through a series of charming holiday vignettes presented by costumed players.

Breakfast with Santa at Akron Children’s Hospital

  • December 7th
  • Breakfast with Santa is a community-wide celebration for the entire family. This exciting event features holiday music and dancing, face painting, local entertainment, mascot parade, crafts, a children’s chance auction and a gift for every child from Santa.

Other Events and Activities

Cedar Point Fun for All

  • Resources available throughout the entire 2019 Season
  • First and foremost, Cedar Point is about fun. Fun for everyone. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about navigating and enjoying the park and all of its experiences for those with disabilities.

Home Depot Kids Workshops

  • Home Depot is not just for adults! The store offers DIY projects for even the youngest builders. The free Home Depot Kids Workshop offers a different building project each month and provides a safe, creative and hands-on parent-child experience.

Sky Zone Sensory Hours

  • Enjoy the freedom of jumping. Sensory hours provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs.

Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays

  • Chuck E. Cheese is proud to support families who have children with autism and other special needs. They offer a sensory-friendly experience on the first Sunday of every month at participating locations, opening their stores two hours before their normal opening time. The Sensory Sensitive events include a trained and caring staff that work to ensure each guest has a fun-filled visit. They realize that the Chuck E. experience can be very stimulating for any child, so their mission is to create an event that allows ALL kids to be a kid.

Leave a Reply

  • Sign Up for our eNewsletter informDD

    Get all the latest news and information delivered right to your inbox! Just down to the blue banner at the bottom of the page and enter your email address. It’s that easy!

© Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board