RESOURCES GALORE AND SENSORY FRIENDLY OUTINGS
There are SO many upcoming community opportunities! We thought we’d pause and share the details with you in case they may benefit you, a loved one, or someone you know and love. These are not sponsored by Camp Encourage however, we will be present at many.
Have a marvelous month celebrating and gaining a deeper understanding of individuals we love so dearly – those on the autism spectrum! 💚
RESOURCE AND INFORMATIONAL FAIRS
Teen Volunteer and Job Fair
🗓 April 11, 2026
⏰ 10am to noon
📍 Plaza Branch Kansas City Public Library (4801 Main St)
If you’re 15–18 and looking for a summer job or volunteer opportunity, this event is for YOU! Plus, get help building your resume and feel confident heading into your job search.
The Pediatric Place, Autism & Neurodevelopmental Resource Fair
🗓 April 18, 2026
⏰ 10am to 1pm
📍 The Pediatric Place, 210 S 2nd St, Clinton, MO 64735
Sherwood Family Resource Fair
🗓 April 23, 2026
⏰ 4:30 to 6:30pm
📍 Sherwood Autism Center, 8030 Ward Parkway Plaza, Kansas City, MO 64114
This is a time for Sherwood families to come see what their individuals do at the center, as well as the community in general to get an inside look at what services they offer.
De Soto USD 232 Resource Fair
🗓 April 23, 2026
⏰ 4 to 6pm
📍 Cedar Trails Exploration Center, 8201 Mize Rd, Lenexa, KS 66227
ARCKC Resource Fair (part of the Education Summit)
🗓 April 25, 2026
⏰ 8:30am to 12:30pm
📍 KU Edwards Campus, 12600 S Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66213
Parents, educators, and professionals are invited to join the 2026 Autism Resource Center Summit with keynote speaker Stephanie Coleman. Informational booths are a portion of the half day (FREE) educational opportunity. Registration is required (HERE).
Grow Pediatric Therapy Resource Fair (On the Go for Grow 5K Fun Fun, Walk, and Roll)
🗓 April 25, 2026
⏰ 9am
📍 Fairground Park, 810 W. 29th St., Higginsville, MO 64037
Click HERE for further details and to register.
Meet You in the Park, hosted by LSR7 Special Services and Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation
🗓 April 28, 2026
⏰ 5:30 to 7pm
📍 Harris Park Community Center, 110 SW Blue Pkwy, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
This is an inclusive event for Pre-K through young adults and their families. There will be games and activities inside, outdoor activities, an information table for inclusive opportunities for recreation and leisure, a sensory room, and the ability to meet peers and create positive relationships/interactions. Admission is FREE. Chick-fil-A will also be there to provide a dinner option for purchase.
SENSORY SENSITIVE OUTINGS AND OPPORTUNITIES, & OTHER GOODIES
Luminous Beats (Kansas City Parks and Recreation)
🗓 April 8, 2026 from 6 to 8pm
A silent disco dance party will be hosted at the Gregg/ Klice Community Center for dancers of all ages with the neurodivergent community in mind. At this party, each guest will control their own headphones, meaning they can choose which music and volume gets them in the party mood! Note: black lights/glow in the dark effects. Admission is $15.
Sensory-Friendly First Responders Meet and Greet, hosted by the Shawnee Police Department
🗓 April 18, 2026 from 9am to noon
The Shawnee Police Department will be holding their 7th annual (free!) event for children & adults on the autism spectrum. Members of the Shawnee Police & Fire Departments, Johnson County Med-Act and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office will be present to show off emergency vehicles and other equipment. The overall goal is to offer families with special needs members the opportunity to engage with first responders in a more controlled & less chaotic environment. This event is open to anyone in the Kansas City metro area.
Second Annual First Responders Sensory Friendly Event hosted by the Lee’s Summit Police Department
🗓 April 18, 2026 (three time slots to choose from: 9am, 10am, or 11am)
This event is designed to provide a calm, inclusive environment where individuals with sensory sensitivities can safely explore first-responder vehicles, meet officers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel, and learn about their work—without crowds, bright lights, or loud sirens. Reservations are required. One time slot per family.
Sensory Friendly Early Admission at Deanna Rose Farm
🗓 First Tuesday of the month from May through August
Families are welcome to early admission days aimed to provide a calmer environment for those with sensory sensitivities. During this time, sound domes will be turned off, special goat feedings will be available and maps will be provided listing which zones of the farm will be ‘loud’ and ‘quiet.’ Tickets must be purchased in advance as capacity is limited.
Sensory Friendly Mondays at Johnson County Museum and KidScape
🗓 First Monday of the month from 9am to noon
On these Mondays, the Johnson County Museum and KidScape will host sensory-friendly, low occupancy sessions. Hand fidgets, comfort items, weighted blankets/vests, etc are welcomed to help create a more comfortable experience for the guest. During this time, occupancy will be limited (30 total people, register ahead), noise-making interactives will be silenced, lights will be reduced when possible and additional signage will be provided to assist in navigation and understanding.
Sensory Sunday at Science City, presented by Building Hope for Autism
🗓 May 17, July 19, September 20, and November 15
During this time, sound effects will be turned off and lighting effects will be minimized. Sensory-friendly activities will be added and designated quiet areas will be available. Science City aims to provide a more welcoming environment for guests with autism during this time, but they are of course welcome to stay when after the full effects are turned on. Limited FREE tickets thanks to Building Hope for Autism. Use Promo Code SS2026 at checkout.
Sensory Friendly Sessions at Kaleidoscope
🗓 Second Saturday each month 9:15 to 9:45am
Kaleidoscope will provide a calm, more relaxed studio space for kids and family to explore art and fun. Regular operations will commence at 9:45, families are welcome to stay as long as they’d like.
Nationwide Sensory Friendship Shopping at Walmart
🗓 8 to 10am daily
Walmart provides a less stimulating environment for its shoppers every morning. During this time, TV walls will be static or less stimulating, music will be turned off, and lighting will be dimmed where possible.
Sensory Friendly Day at Wonderscope
🗓 Second Monday of each month from 10am to noon
Wonderscope is creating a time for children and families that may benefit from a more controlled play environment. Their free play and pop ups will be modified to better suit friends who would enjoy a quieter play experience.
