Activities Archives - Stride Autism Centers

Fun Activities for Children With Autism in Cedar Rapids

Posted on January 23, 2026March 11, 2026 by WebFX Support

From beautiful parks and colorful playgrounds to fascinating museums and other indoor activities, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is an excellent place for families. But what if your little one has autism spectrum disorder? Thankfully, Cedar Rapids is becoming an autism-inclusive community, offering plenty of sensory-friendly activities that everyone in your family will enjoy.

What Makes an Activity Autism Inclusive?

As a parent of a young child with autism, you want to see your kiddo learn, laugh, and thrive, especially when spending quality time together outside the home. The number of autism-inclusive activities in Cedar Rapids is increasing as many family-focused locations open their minds and hearts to inclusion, ensuring these spaces appeal to everyone. Here are some key features to look for:

Accommodates sensory sensitivities: From sensory-friendly hours to special events, many places provide opportunities that minimize stimuli, such as crowds, lights, and sounds, to create a more welcoming environment.
Provides clear and predictable structures: In a world that can feel chaotic or overwhelming, some inclusive activities offer visual schedules, social stories, and clear signage to help kids with autism understand expectations and routines.
Allows for flexible participation: Inclusive activities give children the freedom to participate at their own pace, take breaks when needed, or move around to support focus and self-regulation without judgment.
Offers access to sensory tools: Some venues provide sensory tools to help kids manage overstimulation and regulate their sensory input, such as noise-canceling headphones or fidget toys. Others offer quiet spaces where children can self-soothe and remain comfortable during activities.
Incorporates your child’s special interests: The best experiences feature themes, activities, or materials that reflect your child’s unique passions, making participation more meaningful and enjoyable.

The Autism Society of Iowa offers comprehensive listings of autism-inclusive activities and events throughout Eastern Iowa.

6 Fun Autism-Inclusive Activities Near Cedar Rapids

Here are our top six sensory-friendly activities in Cedar Rapids, promising fun and a sense of belonging for your whole family.

1. The Iowa Children’s Museum

The Iowa Children’s Museum is a space that celebrates curiosity, play, and childlike wonder. From swashbuckling adventures at Coral Cove to musical exploration in the City Music room, each space is designed to elicit joy and encourage imagination. The museum is Sensory Inclusive™ certified through KultureCity, ensuring a warm and accessible experience for children with autism. Thoughtful accommodations include:

Compassionate staff and PLAYologists trained to identify and support guests with sensory needs
Sensory bags with items to help lessen sensory overload
Clear signage highlighting louder Headphone Zones and peaceful Quiet Zones
The Family Sanctuary, a private space with soothing lights and cozy seating

2. We Rock the Spectrum — Cedar Rapids

Experience a low-stress environment where your child can play, socialize, and, most importantly, have fun. We Rock the Spectrum is a vibrant yet sensory-friendly play space featuring large trampolines, rock climbing walls, zip lines, and more. The gym encourages children to explore at their own pace and developmental level. Enjoy a judgment-free zone, featuring sensory-safe elements like a calming room where little ones can take a breath and decompress. The staff is always there to help you feel at ease as you connect with families with similar stories to your own.

3. Noelridge Park

Playgrounds are designed to accommodate children of all abilities, allowing them to play, explore, and learn side by side. While Cedar Rapids natives enjoy visiting Noelridge Park for its diverse gardens, beautiful ponds, and scenic walking trails, this location also features an inclusive playground. Your kiddo can enjoy the fresh air as they share the saucer swing with a friend or zoom around on the merry-go-all. The playground’s inclusive design helps break down barriers while promoting a sense of belonging with other kids.

4. Cedar Rapids Public Library Sensory Storytime

Cedar Rapids Public Library’s Sensory Storytime program is a welcoming, interactive event designed for children with autism and sensory needs. Each session features engaging stories, songs, and hands-on activities — all presented in a calm, sensory-friendly setting where children can participate comfortably and at their own pace. The library is sensory-inclusive certified and provides resources such as sensory bags, oral cue cards, and weighted lap pads to help kids feel secure and focused. Designated quiet rooms offer a peaceful retreat for children who need a break.

5. Indian Creek Nature Center

Indian Creek Nature Center is a local home for outdoor sensory exploration. This calming environment features over seven miles of accessible trails, where your child can explore the great outdoors. You can participate in a variety of educational programs and nature-inspired events, allowing your kiddo to engage hands-on with wildlife, plants, and science activities. These experiences foster curiosity, alleviate stress, and encourage sensory exploration in gentle, open environments.

6. Sensory Friendly Planetarium Shows at the Grout Museum

Awaken your child’s love of stars, planets, and the universe with a sensory-friendly stargazing experience. The Grout Museum District’s state-of-the-art Norris Corson Family Planetarium offers a 30-minute show on the first Saturday of each month, carefully adapted to meet the needs of children with autism and sensory sensitivities. During the presentation, the planetarium lights remain softly dimmed, and music and sound effects are muted to create a calming atmosphere. The door stays open throughout the show, giving guests the freedom to move around, take breaks, or quietly explore the room as needed. This warm, flexible environment ensures that everyone can enjoy the wonders of the night sky in comfort.

Discover More Resources and Guidance at Stride Autism Centers

Stride Autism Centers is all about community connections and providing personalized care to young children with autism, ages 2-6 years old. Whether you’re new to the area or ready to learn about the benefits of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, we can help. Our compassionate team in Cedar Rapids looks forward to helping you discover more joyful, inclusive experiences in this fantastic city. Call us today at (319) 469-8246.

Fun Family Activities for Children With Autism in Des Moines, Iowa

Posted on January 23, 2026March 11, 2026 by WebFX Support

Venturing out into the community as a family can help autistic children engage and learn through new experiences. Taking the extra step to research some sensory-friendly activities that the whole family can enjoy will mean a lot to your child, allowing them to have fun in a safe environment. Here are some autism-inclusive activities in Des Moines for children of all ages.

Why Inclusive Activities Matter for Your Family

Inclusion is about providing support and services that enable everyone to participate in the same activities. Attending inclusive activities as a family can foster social development, increase self-esteem, and strengthen family bonds for a child with autism. These opportunities for shared experiences can ensure that your child feels a sense of belonging while reducing stigma and isolation.

Top Sensory-Friendly Activities in Des Moines

We’ve compiled some of the top family-friendly things to do in Des Moines for children with autism. Browse them below.

Blank Park Zoo

Zoos provide an excellent environment for children with autism. In general, zoos have a predictable structure, which can be reassuring for both children and parents. Additionally, the visual nature of animals can be very engaging and less overwhelming than other public spaces.

Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines emphasizes conservation, education, and recreation. While here, children can learn about various species, fostering their curiosity and a connection to nature in a safe environment. You can visit several endangered species that Blank Park Zoo has helped conserve, from the large eastern black rhinoceros to the tiny poison dart frog.

Des Moines Children’s Museum

Children’s museums offer a world of hands-on, interactive exhibits for children of all ages. These spaces provide self-directed play, where children can explore at their own pace and focus on their primary interests. Many exhibits are designed to engage multiple senses through touch, sight, and sound for safe and enjoyable stimulation.

The Des Moines Children’s Museum is the perfect example of learning through the power of play. They maintain a safe and family-friendly environment, including complete wheelchair accessibility.

Jester Park Sensory Trail

The Jester Park Sensory Trail in Des Moines is open to the public at no cost. This trail is designed to engage all the senses in a natural and calming outdoor environment. You and your child will have the opportunity to hear, touch, see, and explore nature with various interactive stations along the walk. The trail is 310 feet long with concrete, brick, and crushed limestone surfaces and a max slope of 5%.

Local Libraries and Theaters

Libraries offer a calm environment, many with dedicated areas for children to learn and relax without overstimulation. The Des Moines Public Library has an excellent children’s program, featuring events for all ages throughout the week and on Saturdays. From scavenger hunts to crafts, there is always some activity for your child to enjoy.

Similarly, local theaters provide live storytelling opportunities to engage your child. The Des Moines Playhouse offers sensory-friendly performances for select shows, modifying lighting and sound to enhance accessibility. Additional support is provided to make the theater a more comfortable environment for audience members who may find traditional theater overstimulating.

Get Air Trampoline Park

The Get Air Trampoline Park in Des Moines is designed with wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts, and foam pits to entertain children of all ages. Trampoline parks can provide a safe and controlled environment for your child with autism to release pent-up energy. It’s also a great outlet for developing gross motor skills and engaging in joyful play without the pressure of complex social interactions.

Some Tips for Enjoying Outings With Your Child

With understanding and the right preparation, your child can gain confidence in a variety of social settings. Here are some tips to help your kiddo enjoy their outing:

Set clear boundaries with your child in a new environment, helping them understand the area they are allowed to explore safely.
Walk your child through the event or activity before leaving home, so they know what to expect.
Allow your child to take a favorite toy whenever possible.
Praise and reward your child with frequent positive feedback for appropriate behavior.

Help Your Child Thrive With Stride Autism Centers

Stride Autism Centers understands the unique challenges families can experience with their children with autism. We have two centers in Des Moines, Iowa, that offer personalized, center-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy that helps children aged 2 to 6 learn skills for independence and confidence.

With our family-centered approach, you can be involved throughout the entire process. Contact our team today to get started.

Stride Airlines Takes Off Again: A Summer Tradition at Hickory Hills

Posted on July 3, 2025March 11, 2026 by WebFX Support

At Stride Autism Centers, therapy isn’t just effective, it’s joyful, playful, and deeply thoughtful. That spirit is on full display each summer at our Hickory Hills, Illinois clinic, where an imaginative and therapeutic tradition has taken flight (literally!) for three years running. Welcome aboard Stride Airlines, a flight simulation experience designed to help young children with autism feel more comfortable with the idea of flying. What began as a personalized intervention for one client has since blossomed into a beloved annual event, one that brings smiles, snacks, and some serious skill-building to our summer programming.

From One Client’s Needs to a Whole-Clinic Tradition

The tradition started when Emily Rodman, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Hickory Hills, was supporting a child who felt anxious about flying. With a summer vacation approaching, Emily worked closely with the family to prepare him for the experience. “We created custom social stories, connected the family with TSA Cares, and introduced role-playing to help him understand what to expect,” she explained. “To bring it to life, we set up a full simulation of a flight, from boarding to snack service.” The impact was so positive that the team decided to make it a yearly event for all Stride clients at Hickory Hills.

A Journey With Therapeutic Purpose

While the flight simulation is packed with fun, it’s rooted in meaningful therapy goals. During the simulation, children practice:

Receptive language skills, like following directions (“Come here,” “Sit down”)
Group participation, such as sitting with peers and engaging in a shared activity
Waiting and transitioning, through lining up to “board” and remaining seated during the “flight”
Requesting and choice-making, like picking between snack options or asking for help

“The kids get to practice real-world behaviors in a setting where they feel safe and supported,” Emily shared. “This makes it easier to carry over those skills to actual experiences outside of Stride.”

Bringing the Magic of Flying to Life

Thanks to a little help from Emily’s fiancé, who works for a major airline, the experience feels extra real. He provides authentic first flight wings, activity books, and airline snacks that make the simulation feel just like the real thing. “We prepare boarding passes, simulate airport lines, and even announce the destination, this year, the kids flew to Hawaii!” said Emily. “They love choosing their snacks, flipping through their activity books, and earning their wings.” Children boarded a pretend aircraft, took their seats in rows, and listened carefully as staff made flight announcements. Some even peeked out imaginary windows as the “plane” took off.

Why It Matters

For many children with autism, new experiences, especially those that involve transitions, crowds, or unexpected sensory input, can feel overwhelming. That’s why Stride prioritizes real-world readiness in our programming. By embedding life-skill preparation into engaging and joyful experiences, our team helps children gain confidence, build tolerance for new environments, and learn how to navigate situations that they’ll likely encounter in their day-to-day lives. “Our approach at Stride is always guided by each child’s clinical goals, but we also know how important it is to make learning fun,” said Emily. “The flight simulation is a perfect example, it’s play-based, highly motivating, and full of learning opportunities.”

The Stride Difference

At Stride, we believe that therapy should feel meaningful and magical. Whether it’s simulating a flight, exploring a pretend grocery store, or participating in seasonal crafts and celebrations, our team is constantly designing activities that balance structure with joy. And while the kids may think they’re just having fun on their way to Hawaii, we know they’re also practicing skills that will serve them for a lifetime. We’re already counting down the days until Stride Airlines takes off again next summer, and we can’t wait to see where our clients venture to next.