Where To Find Sensory Friendly Movies

You may think that if you have a child or multiple children with sensory disorders such as autism, a trip to the movies might not be the best idea for your family. What should be a fun family outing ends up being a dark room with loud noise creating an unpleasant time for special needs kids.

What Is a “Sensory Friendly” Movie?
“Sensory Friendly Films” are a special opportunity for individuals living with autism and others to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. To provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for individuals on the autism spectrum or with special needs, the movie auditorium keeps their lights turned slightly up (dim lights usually remain on) and the sound turned slightly down. Due to some having strict, special dietary needs, families are usually permitted to bring their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks from home.

These theatres remove the negative stimuli from the theatres so that your kids can experience a regular movie at the theatre without the overwhelming parts. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing. They even have options available for a mature audience for older children or adults with sensory issues. Being able to relax and enjoy quality family time without worrying if someone will complain or be disturbed by noise of movement is a wonderful experience. Many others, not on the autism spectrum, also enjoy Sensory Friendly Films – it’s a great opportunity for families to meet, siblings of children with autism to get to know other kids, and anyone to enjoy a movie in a climate of acceptance and understanding.

Where To Find Sensory Friendly Movies
Many national movie theaters chains like Regal, AMC theatres and even Showcase Cinemas are now offering sensory-friendly movie options so your kids can enjoy a trip to the movies.

For additional theatres, check out these websites for other regions:

• Midwest
• Southeast
• Northwest
• Southwest

To find local theater information, click the on the following links (Regal, AMC and Showcase Cinemas) or see our list below.

Theatres offering a sensory-friendly movie experience in Florida:

• Kissimmee: Regal The Loop & RPX
• Pembroke Pines: Regal Westfork
• Ocoee: AMC West Oaks 14
• Destin: AMC Danbury 16
• Altamonte: AMC Altamonte Mall 18
• Lake Buena Vista: AMC DINE-IN Disney Springs 24
• Lake Square: AMC Lake Square 12
• North Fort Myers: AMC Merchants Crossing 16
• Jacksonville, AMC Regency 24
• Leesburg, AMC Lake Square 12
• Aventura, AMC Aventura 24
• Sunrise, AMC Sunrise 8
• South Miami, AMC Sunset Place 24
• West Melbourne, AMC CLASSIC West Melbourne 12
• Pensacola, AMC Bayou 15

Sensory-friendly movie theatres across the United States:

Alabama

• Cullman, Carmike Cinemas 10 in Cullman
• Mobile, AMC Mobile 16

Alaska

• Fairbanks: Regal Goldstream & IMAX
• Anchorage: Regal Tikahtnu IMAX & RPX

Arizona

• Phoenix, AMC Ahwatukee 24
• Phoenix, AMC Arizona Center 24

California

• Santa Clarita, Regal Edwards Canyon Country
• Fresno, Regal Edwards Fresno & IMAX

Colorado

• Grand Junction, Regal Canyon View
• Lakewood, Regal UA Colorado Mills IMAX & RPX

Connecticut

• Branford, Regal Branford

Delaware

• Newark, Regal Peoples Plaza

Georgia

• Augusta, Regal Augusta Exchange & IMAX
• Carrollton, Regal Carrollton

Idaho

• Boise, Regal Edwards Boise & IMAX

Illinois

• Lake in the Hills, AMC Lake In The Hills 12

Indiana

• Fort Wayne, Regal Coldwater Crossing
• New Albany, Regal New Albany

Iowa

• Council Bluffs, AMC Council Bluffs 17

Kansas

• Topeka, Regal Hollywood – Topeka
• Wichita, Regal Warren West & IMAX

Kentucky

• Newport, AMC Newport On The Levee 20

Louisiana

• Bossier City, Regal Louisiana Boardwalk & IMAX
• Harahan, AMC Elmwood Palace 20

Massachusetts

• Blackstone Valley 14: Cinema de Lux

Michigan

• Fort Gratiot, AMC Birchwood 10
• Walker, AMC Grand Rapids 18

Minnesota

• Eden Prairie, AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18
• Roseville, AMC Rosedale 14

Nevada

• Las Vegas, AMC Rainbow Promenade 10
• Las Vegas, AMC Town Square 18

New Jersey

• Clifton, AMC Clifton Commons 16

New York

• White Plains, City Center 15 Cinema de Lux
• Bronx, AMC Bay Plaza Cinema 13

North Carolina

• Charlotte, AMC Carolina Pavilion 22

Ohio

• Brooklyn, AMC Ridge Park Square 8

Oklahoma

• Oklahoma City, AMC CLASSIC Crossroads 16

Pennsylvania

• West Homestead, AMC Waterfront 22

Rhode Island

• Warwick, Showcase Cinemas Warwick Mall

South Carolina

• Greenville, Regal Hollywood & RPX – Greenville
• Columbia, AMC CLASSIC Dutch Square 14

Tennessee

• Nashville, Regal Opry Mills IMAX & RPX
• Knoxville, Regal Pinnacle ScreenX, IMAX & RPX

Texas

• Richmond, Regal Grand Parkway ScreenX & RPX
• Tomball, Regal Lone Star IMAX & RPX

Virginia

• Richmond, Regal Short Pump & IMAX
• Charlottesville, Regal Stonefield & IMAX

West Virginia

• Vienna, Regal Grand Central Mall

Wisconsin

• Baraboo, AMC CLASSIC Desert Star 15