Mall of America® celebrates neurodiversity with sensory friendly offerings in honor of Autism Acceptance Month
BLOOMINGTON, MN — April 3, 2024
ItMall of America® is recognizing Autism Acceptance Month by hosting sensory friendly programs at four of our most popular attractions. These experiences will take place every Sunday throughout the month of April. Adaptations will be made to each of the attractions taking away any overwhelming elements to create a calm and inclusive environment.
Nickelodeon Universe® and Crayola Experience Mall of America® are each a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designated by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Each team member has undergone autism sensitivity and awareness training to provide the best possible guest experience. Additionally, Nickelodeon Universe has a sensory room available for guests who are feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated. The room features dimmable lights, soft seating, interactive wall displays, and soundproof walls.
“At Mall of America, we believe every guest deserves a world of fun," said Sara Durhman, Corporate Social Responsibility Director at Mall of America. " Whether it’s Autism Acceptance Month or anytime throughout the year, we are focused on providing comprehensive training for our team members and offering an inclusive environment for everyone who walks through our doors. We are committed to creating an exceptional experience that is supportive and understanding of everyone’s unique journey.”
Below are details on the Autism Acceptance Month sensory friendly programs:
B&B Sensory Friendly Showtimes
Throughout the day, B&B Theatres Bloomington 13 will offer showings of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire in theaters with brighter lights, lower audio levels, open captions, assistive hearing, and captioning devices. And thanks to Variety—the Children’s Charity, sensory backpacks will be available to rent at the box office to bring into any movie playing within the theatre.
More information and tickets can be found at https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/32699.
Sunday, April 7
10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Crayola Experience Sensory Sunday
Crayola Experience is adapting the stimulus level for a day of sensory friendly modifications. The venue will offer a calm environment with no music, a quiet room with adjustable lighting and weighted blankets, along with access to noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and fidget toys. As a Certified Autism Center, Crayola Experience provides trained staff to assist and support guests throughout their visit.
More information and tickets can be found at https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/32701.
Sunday, April 14
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Nickelodeon Universe® Sensory Friendly Experience
Nickelodeon Universe will open early to provide an opportunity to enjoy a quieter, less crowded visit. As a Certified Autism Center, Nickelodeon Universe® provides staff trained to understand and assist guests with autism. We also have a Sensory Guide with each attraction’s sensory level for each of the five senses rated 1-10.
More information and tickets can be found at https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/32705.
Sunday, April 21
10 a.m. – Noon
SEA LIFE Sensory Friendly Experience
SEA LIFE will offer a tranquil ocean experience with no music and dimmed lights. Visitors can prepare with a digital experience and borrow a KultureCity® Sensory Bag featuring items such as noise-cancelling headphones and fidget spinners. After a walk through the 300-foot underwater tunnel, guests will arrive at a quiet zone with sensory friendly activities. Guests can interact with sea creatures—for example, touching a sea anemone—while take selfies.
More information and tickets can be found at https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/32707.
Sunday, April 28
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
For more information on all things Autism Acceptance Month, please visit https://mallofamerica.com/sensoryfriendly.
ABOUT MALL OF AMERICA
At 5.6 million square feet, Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America with up to 520 world-class retail stores and restaurants; Nickelodeon Universe, a 7-acre indoor theme park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium; FlyOver America; Crayola Experience; and more. The Mall opened in 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and adjacent to MSP International Airport. Follow Mall of America on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. Listen to So Much More – a Mall of America podcast, on all major platforms or watch on YouTube. Download the Mall of America app from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.
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