Summer Activities for Autistic Kids in Detroit

Summer's coming up fast and heavy this year, and there's a little something for everyone to do and many activities for autistic kids in Detroit. If you're looking for activities in which to indulge your special little guy or girl, look no further. Parents of autistic children may be a wee bit lost when it comes to finding summer time activities for their child. But don't worry. I've listed a few activities in Detroit perfect for your special needs child.

Domino's Petting Zoo, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48106

Animals can be a touchy subject at times when it comes to autism. Autistic children who interact with animals can have both positive and negative outcomes, or may be irritated and frightened by animals, and vice versa. If this isn't the case, you can bring your child to this petting zoo to ride or pet the ponies (must be below 75 lbs to ride, and it must be the weekend), or pet the other animals around the zoo. Cost is $5 for adults, $4.50 for seniors and children 2-12, and free for little ones younger than two.

AMC Forum 30, 44681 Mound Road Sterling Heights, MI 48314

If you're willing to drive half an hour to Sterling Heights, north of Detroit, you could also catch a showing of Toy Story 3 during a sensory friendly showing. During this showing, the lights will be on, the sound turned down, and parents are permitted to bring gluten-free snacks if needed for their child. The cost is five dollars and children must be five and up. The movie shows at 10 am in the month of June. Special needs children of all kinds are welcome and this is a perfect outing for autistic kids.

Diamond Jack's River Tours, Hart Plaza Detroit, MI 48226

If you have the time, you may want to take your autistic child on a tour of the Detroit River. The tour takes two hours, and passes under both Belle Isle and Ambassador Bridge. The cost is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and children 6-16. Children 5 and younger are free if accompanied by an adult.

Detroit Puppet Theater, 25 East Grand River Avenue Detroit, MI 48226

Puppets can have a profound effect on children with autism and teaching them how to do certain things, such as making it to bed on time, getting ready for school, and other life skills needed. At the Detroit Puppet Theater, your special needs child will watch puppets representing all sorts of different cultures and nationalities, and then later on you can take them to a puppet making workshop and learn how to make your child their very own puppet buddy. Costs are $10 for adults, $5 for children 17 and younger, and $8 for anyone attending a post-performance workshop on Saturdays.