RVA's Sensory-Friendly Classes & Programs for Kids

Looking for inclusive programs and activities around Richmond, Virginia? Many of my favorite RVA places offer sensory-friendly and inclusive programming for children and their families.

While some of these events, classes and programs have a registration fee or cost, a few story times and other places are FREE to attend and visit. Always check the venue's website for updates and changes, too!

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Here are 11 places to visit around RVA for sensory-friendly and inclusive events and play:

1. Ashland Theatre: This historic Ashland theater hosts a monthly free event for children and their parents, and you can get $2 movie tickets on Mondays for family-friendly films!

During the sensory-friendly programs, the lights are up and the volume is soft. The number of tickets is limited, so that you can move around during the show. No trailers are shown before the movie - sensory friendly showings start immediately at the scheduled time.

Upcoming Sensory-friendly shows:

June 14, 2025 : How to Train Your Dragon

2.The Byrd Theatre: Showing movies since 1928, the historic Byrd Theatre is the oldest, surviving movie theater in RVA! The theater has 1,200 seats, box seats & a balcony. The opulent chandeliers, rich marbles & theater mural paintings will make your feel like you’re at a movie palace — not a movie theatre! It even has a theater organ. If you visit on Saturdays, you may be lucky enough to watch organist Bob Gulledge play the Mighty WurliTzer before the film, too!

Family Classics & Sensory Friendly movies cost $5 per person on weekends. You can purchase tickets online or when you arrive. The concession stand sells items for $2.50 to $7.50, including drinks, candy & popcorn.

During sensory friendly movies, the lights remain on and the sound is softer. Kids can also move around the theatre during the movies.

*Check here for my full review and check here for the full schedule of The Byrd's movies.

3. Children's Museum of Richmond: With locations in the city and Chesterfield, this museum has been a favorite of families in Richmond since 1981. I’ve been visiting The Children's Museum since I was little, so it’s such a special experience to bring my children here. It’s geared towards children 0-8, and there are exhibits for interactive & imaginative play + learning & creating. My children’s current favorite exhibits are the trains, apple tree, the water play & the carousel.

Special Nights are on the 3rd Friday of each month from 5-7. This is a free night for families with children with disabilities.

*Check here for my review, and check here for more videos.

4. Henrico County Public Library's Storytimes: Henrico County Libraries have adaptive story time at select libraries through the week. You need to pre-register for these events on Henrico County Public Library's website -- even though they are FREE to attend. Registration opens 2 days prior to the event. Call the Glen Allen Library at (804) 501-1950 if you need help with registration.

Adaptive Storytime is designed to welcome neurodivergent children. It is an inclusive story time incorporates movement, music, stories, sensory activities, and play. Activities presented generally fall within a preschool interest level. Siblings and therapists are welcome.

Fairfield Library: Thursdays from 10 to 10:30am

*Check here for my review of the library.

Tuckahoe Library: Tuesdays from 3:30pm-4pm

Varina Library: Tuesdays from 10:30-11am

*Check here for my review of the Varina Library.

5. River City Inclusive Gym: Located in The Tuckahoe Village Shopping Center, River City Inclusive Gym offers classes that are specifically designed for individuals with disabilities, but the programming is over to anyone. Classes are open to siblings, and aides are welcome too.

RCIG offers gymnastics for preschooler, elementary aged kiddos, teens and adults. You can try a FREE TRIAL class too!

*Check here to learn more about River City Inclusive Gym.

6. Surge Adventure Park: This adventure park is located inside Regency Square Mall. It opened in October 2020, so everything is brand new. Surge Adventure Park has trampolines, a ninja course, climbing walls, basketball hoops + more! I also love that it has a 3-floor play area for children 4 & under. We’ve been purchasing 1.5 hour tickets, and my little kids are always exhausted when we leave.

It opens at 10 on the first Sunday of each month for Sensory Time for sensory sensitive children.

*Check here for my review, and check here for more videos.

7. Off the Wall: Located in Midlothian, this indoor play space is designed for toddlers through elementary age kiddos. You’ll find playhouses & costumes, toys & games, and inflatables! An all day pass will cost you $12 per kiddo. Off the Wall is such a fun spot to get the wiggles out when you can’t play outside!

Sensory Sunday is the 1st Sunday of each month from 10-noon. This special play time is quieter than the usual days. Siblings are welcome too!

*Check here for my review.

Inclusive Parks and Playgrounds around Richmond, Virginia: We also love the City of Richmond's Park 365, Chesterfield's Huguenot Park, and Colonial Height's Friends of Maddie playgrounds for inclusive play.

Worth the Drive: If you are ready for a day trip, add this Virginia spot to your list!

The Virginia Beach Aquarium: Located in Virginia Beach, this aquarium features coastal habitats from around the world with animals representing over 300 species! It also has a 1/3 mile nature trail on Owls Creek, a protected salt marsh. The Adventure Park is by the marsh & it has low & high ropes courses plus zip lines!

Sensory Friendly Mornings are at 7:30 before the museum opens to the public. This is open to families any ability.  

Driving Distance: 2h, 22m

Cost: It costs $24.95 for adults, $22.95 for seniors & $19.95 for children. 2 & under are free. 

*Check here for my review.

Things to do with kids in Richmond, Adaptive Programs in RVA, Sensory Friendly Programs in RVA, children's classes in Richmond, family friendly programs in RVA

Did you favorite sensory friendly or adaptive program make my list? If it's not listed, please send me an email at megan@thewestendmom.com . We can't wait to try it!

*For even more things to do with kids in Richmond, follow our family on @thewestendmom on Instagram!