Milwaukee With Kids

Sensory Friendly Night at The Big Backyard (New Berlin)
2025-09-22 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | The Big Backyard, 2857 S 160th St, New Berlin, WI, 53151, United States
The Big Backyard’s sensory friendly night is a special event designed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities, including those with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder or other sensory needs.
When: Monday September 22, 2025Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pmLocation: The Big Backyard2857 South 160th St. New Berlin, WICost: $9 per child, adults and infants under 1 yr old free
Things to know:The Big Backyard will turn off the music to have a quiet experience. However, there is a gym on the other side of the wall with potential of hearing the music/weights. Headphones are recommended. The party rooms will be open to have a quiet area to sit.
Pre-registration is preferred so we can ensure a comfortable environment for everyone. Please include how many people are attending.
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Sensory Day at Urban Air Adventure Park (Waukesha)
2025-09-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, 2440 E Moreland Blvd, Waukesha, WI, 53186, United States
Join us for a special Sensory Day designed for families with children who thrive in a calmer, quieter environment. From 10 AM–11 AM, the park will open exclusively with low lighting, no loud music, and limited capacity to provide a safe and welcoming space for sensory-sensitive guests.
Enjoy all the fun of Urban Air’s attractions with a thoughtful atmosphere tailored to comfort and joy.
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Fall Fest at St. Francis Children's Center (for special/support needs families)
2025-10-19 10:00 - 12:00 | St Francis Children’s Center, 6700 N Port Washington Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53217, United States
Join us for our Annual Fall Fest, a fun and inclusive event created especially for families with children who have special or support needs.
🎃 Enjoy a low-pressure, family-friendly morning on our large outdoor playground, with access to ADA-compliant indoor bathrooms.
🍬 Children are invited to visit no-pressure Trick-or-Treat stations, where they can choose candy or a sensory toy at their own pace.
🎃 Explore a mini Pumpkin Patch experience with small pumpkins for all to enjoy!
🍦☕ Treat yourself at our vendor stations:

Ice Cream Truck
Baked Goods Truck

We can’t wait to celebrate the season together in a safe, welcoming environment designed with your family in mind!

Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.

EDtalk: The Village Speaks | Navigating Autism Together at St. Francis Children's Center
2025-10-29 16:00 - 18:00 | St Francis Children’s Center, 6700 N Port Washington Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53217, United States
Join us for an informative and supportive community conversation designed to help families, educators, and caregivers better understand and navigate the autism journey. This panel will bring together experts from early intervention, education, therapy, and clinical practice to answer common questions and provide resources.
Whether you’re a parent, professional, or community member, this discussion will provide valuable insights and practical takeaways for supporting children on the spectrum.

Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.

Frozen 2 Sensory Friendly Movie at St. Francis Children's Center
2025-11-01 13:00 - 15:00 | St Francis Children’s Center, 6700 N Port Washington Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53217, United States
Join us for a special screening of Frozen 2 at St Francis Children’s Center! Our sensory-friendly event is perfect for kids who may need a more relaxed environment. The lights will be slightly up, the sound will be slightly down, and everyone is welcome to move around and make noise. Let’s enjoy this magical movie together in a comfortable setting. Don’t miss out on this fun and inclusive experience!

Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.

Bonding for dad's and children with Special/Support Needs at St. Francis Children's Center
2025-11-01 15:30 - 17:00 | St Francis Children’s Center, 6700 N Port Washington Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53217, United States
Welcome to the Daddy and Me: Bonding event! This is a special opportunity for dads and children with Special/Support Needs to come together and create lasting memories. Join us at St Francis Children’s Center for a day filled with fun activities, bonding moments, and a chance to connect with other families facing similar experiences. Let’s celebrate the unique bond between fathers and their children with special needs. We can’t wait to see you there!

Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.

First Stage’s The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza! At The Todd Wehr Theater (Runs through December 28)
2025-11-21 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-06 15:30 - 17:30, 2025-12-28 15:00 - 17:00 | Todd Wehr Theater at the Marcus Performing Arts, 929 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
First Stage’s The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza! November 21 – December 28
Saturday, December 6 – 3:30 PM (Sensory Friendly Performance)
When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! The Unlimited Squirrels deck the halls and Elephant and Piggie come ready to celebrate! But will The Pigeon join in the festivities, or will he run all the way to the North Pole in search of the greatest gift ever? Catchy tunes, silly stories, goofy gifts, audience antics: it’s all in this brand-new musical party that sleighs!
Recommended for families with young people ages 4-14 and festive celebrators of all ages.

Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Sensory Santa at Southridge Mall
2025-12-07 09:00 - 10:30 | Southridge Mall, 5300 S 76th Street, Greendale, WI, 53129, United States
𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗹 In partnership with the 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗻, experience the magic of Santa in a calm and welcoming environment.
Designed especially for children with sensory sensitivities, 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 offers a quiet, relaxed atmosphere where your child can connect with Santa at their own pace. Enjoy a memorable, stress-free visit tailored just for your family.
Enjoy breakfast snacks for the whole family, activity tables, and giveaways.
Lower Center Court Entrance: Please use the Southeast Mall Entrance ONLY (located between JCPenney and Macy’s). 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀.
Learn more bookmysantavisit.com
A morning of calm, connection, and holiday joy awaits.

Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Milwaukee Ballet's The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer's Imaginarium (Sensory Friendly)
2025-12-11 18:00 - 20:30 | Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N Water St., Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Thursday, December 11, 2025 – 6:00pm (Sensory-Friendly performance)

Milwaukee Ballet’s The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium is back and more magical than ever! After two whimsical years of record-setting audience attendance and universal critical acclaim, journey into the Imaginarium to experience the wonders of the holidays once again. Find your tickets here!
The annual sensory-friendly performance is designed to welcome guests who have sensory-processing sensitivities, identify as neurodivergent, or benefit from greater accessibility. Production modifications include the removal of flashing lights, stage fog, and sudden sounds; relaxed house rules include house lights remaining on, doors remaining open, and the ability for attendees to move around the theater as needed. A pre-show meet & greet with dancers is also an opportunity for kids to familiarize themselves with characters who may otherwise be scary or unfamiliar onstage, such as the King Rat.
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Winter Formal: Teens with Special Needs Dance at St. Francis Children's Center
2025-12-12 17:30 - 20:00 | St Francis Children’s Center, 6700 N Port Washington Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53217, United States
You’re invited to our Winter Formal on Friday, December 12th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, as we step into a magical Winter Wonderland!
Get ready for music, milestone photos, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
Dressing up is completely optional—come as you are and ready to dance, connect, and enjoy the evening! The night begins with Red Carpet Drop-Offs from 5:30 to 6:00 PM, followed by a warm welcome from our Executive Director. Gluten-free appetizers will be served at 6:00 PM, and dancing will be happening all night long.
This special evening is designed for teens ages 14–19 who have a support need or special need, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you. To make the night more meaningful and fun, each teen is kindly asked to bring a plus one—whether that’s a close friend, sibling, or family member. There’s no age limit for plus ones; we just ask that they be someone special who makes you feel supported and comfortable.
To attend the Winter Formal, families must reserve two free tickets in advance—one for the teen and one for their plus one. Tickets are required to attend, and no walk-ins will be accepted in order to keep the event safe and organized. We kindly ask guardians to secure tickets by the end of November, unless they sell out earlier. When booking, you’ll need to provide the plus one’s full name, age, phone number, email, and relationship to the teen. Please note that both tickets must be reserved at the same time.
While we’re excited to welcome everyone to this magical evening, we unfortunately cannot provide transportation to or from the event, so families will need to plan ahead. Thank you for helping us make this a smooth and joyful experience for all!

Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.

MSO Sensory Friendly Concert at the Bradley Symphony Center
2026-05-31 14:30 - 17:00 | Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
SAVE THE DATE! The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce the return of our Sensory Friendly Concert.
Sensory friendly concerts are designed for people of any age on the autism spectrum or with a sensory sensitivity and their families, but all are welcome! Concert modifications include dimmed house lights remaining on during the performance, flexible seating, relaxed house rules, on-stage hosts, available sensory kits, noise reduction headphones, quiet areas, concert social narratives, and more. Patrons are encouraged to come early and enjoy an hour of special pre-concert activities.
