Fall and Halloweencan be a wonderful time to celebrate as a family, but if you have children who are sensitive to sounds, lights, or large crowds or have mobility issues, it can become challenging to find activities that work for everyone. Fortunately, there are sensory friendly, inclusive fall activities in Kansas City that are specifically tailored to neurodiverse and disabled children that provide important accommodations as well as community.
All Abilities Trunk or Treat
October 5 from 2-4 p.m. (rain date Oct 6th)
The Summit Church
3381 NW Chipman Rd.
Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
Join “Geeks for Kids” for a trunk or treat for all ages and abilities. “Geeks for Kids” provides custom built electric cars and other assistive devices for children with mobility issues. This accessible event will feature treats and toys, characters, face painting, balloon animals, and costume contests. The event is free but please register online here so that enough treats will be available for all.
Costume Party Respite Night Event
October 11 from 6-8 p.m.
Blue Springs and Independence Campuses
October 12 from 3-6 p.m.
Lee’s Summit Campus
Abundant Life Church is hosting a respite night event at three different locations throughout the metro for individuals with special needs AND their siblings. During respite night, parents and caregivers and welcome to leave and relax while staff trained in working with special needs populations watch and assist the children at the event. There will be a pizza dinner as well as a costume contest, crafts, games, and more. This event is for special needs children of all ages and any siblings ages 5-12. Registration is required by Monday, October 7th to provide enough staff and resources for all. More information and registration can be found here. The event is free.
Trick or Treat by Children with Opportunity
October 12 from 3-5 p.m.
Children with Opportunity
860 Haines
Liberty, MO 64068
A therapeutic clinic providing a wide range of services for autistic children, Children with Opportunity is celebrating its one year anniversary with a sensory friendly trick or treat event. In addition to trick or treating, there will be sensory bins, face painting, and games for the whole family. Admission is free.
Kansas City Ballet’s “Alice in Wonderland
October 17, 6 p.m.
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Available for one showing, the sensory friendly “Alice in Wonderland” performance is for families, and adults with sensory sensitivities, autism spectrum disorder, or other special needs. This includes:
- Reduced sound levels, including loud and surprising noises
- House lights will remain half-lit
- Relaxed house rules…freedom to get up and move around, use of electronic devices is permitted, and permission to talk freely during the performance
- Designated quiet spaces will be available throughout the evening
- Trained staff, ushers, and volunteers to assist
The show runs two hours with an intermission. Tickets are $25 and can be ordered by calling 816-931-8993.
Trunk or Treat with Aspire Behavioral Solutions
October 23 from 4:30-6 p.m.
7050 W 107th St. Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66061
For families of children with autism, come join the annual event hosted by Aspire Behavioral Solutions. This is a great opportunity for your child to have some practice wearing their Halloween costumes and plenty of fun is provided. Free to attend. Please RSVP to [email protected] if you plan to attend.
Boo Bash Extravaganza! 
October 26 from 1-3:30 p.m.
Keystone CoLab District
800 E. 18th St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Hosted by the Neurodiversity Collective, this free event includes a day of festivities in a sensory-friendly environment. In addition to treats, there will be face painting, balloon art, and a bounce house. Space is limited to be sure to register as soon as possible here.
Even if you aren’t able to make it to any events, there are many ways to make Halloween accessible to your special needs child. Click here for tips on how to navigate this season!
