A Sensory-Friendly Weekend: Embracing Inclusivity and Fun

Communities worldwide are working to be more inclusive, especially for individuals with autism. Myrtle Beach, one of the first autism certified destinations in the country, is making big efforts in this direction with its Sensory-Friendly Family Fun Weekend. Put together by the Champion Autism Network (CAN), this event, taking place from January 26 to 28, guarantees a fun and welcoming experience for families and individuals with autism. This event reflects the community's dedication to creating a weekend that's both enjoyable and rewarding. Myrtle Beach is leading the way in autism friendly travel. The city is exciting to partner with CAN to bring this special weekend to families near and far. Explore the thrilling activities and the dedicated focus on sensory-friendly efforts that turn this weekend into a symbol of inclusivity.

Friday, January 26th, 6-8PM - Pizza Party at Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark

Kickstart the Sensory-Friendly Family Fun Weekend by diving into a delicious pizza party at the Crown Reef Resort and Waterpark. Take the opportunity to meet and connect with new friends who share similar experiences on the spectrum. The resort boasts a range of amenities, including heated pools, relaxing hot tubs, and an exhilarating indoor waterpark. This oceanfront hotel offers easy access to the beach, creating the perfect setting for your family to enjoy quality time together during this highly anticipated event!

Saturday, January 27th, 9-11AM - Sensory Friendly Ripley’s Aquarium

Ripley’s Aquarium is hosting a sensory-friendly morning that you won’t want to miss! The lights in the house will be on, while the music and sound effects will lower. If you need noise-canceling headphones, you can find them at the guest services. Don't forget to pick up your exclusive Selfie Scavenger Hunt sheet at the Guest Services desk. You'll receive a prize when you return it. The aquarium has a wide range of activities including a penguin experience and jellyfish encounter. Enjoy discounted rates with your CAN/ATC card. Adults: $15, children 5 and under: $7, children 6-11: $12.

Saturday, January 27th, 1-3PM - Surfside Beach Fire Department Open House

The Surfside Beach Fire Department is opening its doors and turning off the sirens for a special visit to the firehouse that's friendly to all senses. It's not just a regular visit; it's a chance to have fun and learn something new! You can explore the firehouse in a way that accomodates your needs, with cool things to see and hands-on activities for everyone. The Surfside Beach Fire Department has made sure it is a welcoming space for all, with interactive displays and opportunities to learn in a way that works for you. This event is all about bringing the community together, making sure everyone can join in, and creating a memorable experience of fun and education at the Surfside Beach firehouse!

Sunday, January 28th, 9-10AM - Sensory Friendly Jump at Big Air

Autism Ready Big Air is hosting a sensory-friendly jump scheduled from 9-10 am. This exclusive opportunity caters to individuals seeking a sensory-friendly environment, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience at Big Air. The organizers understand the unique needs of those with autism, and this event is designed to provide a welcoming space for everyone. Take advantage of this fantastic deal and spend quality time bouncing, playing, and having fun at Big Air while supporting inclusivity and understanding. Don't miss out on this chance to make your jump time even more enjoyable and extended at an affordable rate. Present your CAN/ATC card for a discounted rate of $13 for an hour, $8 for addiontal hours. Please note that socks are not included in this offer.

Sunday, January 28th, 3PM - Sensory Relaxed Concert

The Long Bay Symphony Experience the harmonious collaboration of the Long Bay Symphony and the Champion Autism Network in presenting [Sero-Tune-In]: A Sensory Relaxed Concert!

With the goal of celebrating and enriching the Grand Strand's dedication to becoming an autism and sensory-friendly destination, the Long Bay Symphony has curated a concert that prioritizes comfort and inclusivity for individuals of all abilities. The lights will be up, sound will be lowered, noise-cancelling headphones and sensory manipulatives available, designated quiet space, and limited general seating ensures your family an enjoyable experience. This is a unique opportunity to immerse your family in the musical excellence of The Long Bay Symphony!

Tickets for the concert are priced at $25 for adults and $10 for children aged 18 and under. The Symphony staff is committed to ensuring a seamless experience for everyone, so individuals requiring additional accommodations are encouraged to reach out to the box office when purchasing tickets. Immerse yourself in the magic of [Sero-Tune-In], where music meets accessibility for an unforgettable sensory-friendly concert experience!

Resources for Families

Champion Autism Network

For families gearing up for the Sensory-Friendly Family Fun Weekend, CAN's website and Facebook page stand out as invaluable resources. These platforms offer a wealth of information, making it easier for families to plan their attendance. The event page, in particular, is a treasure trove of details on each activity, covering everything from schedules to locations and any necessary accommodations. It serves as a comprehensive guide for families preparing for a sensory-friendly experience in Myrtle Beach. This includes thoughtful recommendations for restaurants equipped with sensory-friendly menus and useful tips for navigating local attractions. Armed with this information, families can approach their weekend getaway with confidence, ensuring a successful and enjoyable experience. The contact information for the CAN team is readily available, emphasizing their commitment to offering support and ensuring that families feel adequately equipped and supported as they embark on this exciting adventure. Don’t forget to purchase your CAN/ATC card to take advantage of all the special rates offered throughout the SensoryFriendly Family Fun Weekend.

Visit Myrtle Beach

The Visit Myrtle Beach website emerges as an immensely valuable resource for families navigating the spectrum. Packed with tailored information and insights, the website serves as a beacon of support for families seeking a sensory-friendly experience in Myrtle Beach. It not only offers comprehensive details about local attractions and accommodations but also extends a thoughtful hand to families by providing helpful guides. These guides include recommendations for restaurants boasting sensory-friendly menus and tips on how to smoothly navigate various attractions in the area. The Visit Myrtle Beach website thus goes beyond conventional tourism resources, fostering inclusivity and ensuring that families on the spectrum can plan and embark on their vacations with confidence and ease.

The Impact of Sensory-Friendly Initiatives

Events like the Sensory-Friendly Family Fun Weekend go beyond providing enjoyable experiences. They contribute to a broader societal shift towards increased awareness and acceptance. Myrtle Beach and organizations like CAN actively promote inclusivity and understanding by creating spaces and activities that cater to the needs of individuals with autism.

This commitment extends beyond the weekend event, influencing local businesses, attractions, and the community to embrace sensory-friendly practices. As awareness grows, everyday interactions in Myrtle Beach become more welcoming for individuals with autism and their families throughout the year.

Myrtle Beach's dedication to providing sensory-friendly experiences not only benefits those directly involved but also sets an example for other communities. Initiatives like these remind us of the positive change possible when communities come together to celebrate diversity, creating environments where every individual feels valued and included