Fun for Everyone: How to Plan Sensory Friendly Events That Are Truly Inclusive

My daughter Grace is treated with respect, kindness and care at Universal Studios Florida

I recently worked at an event that tried to be a sensory-friendly event.

And I appreciated it so much.

I really did.

But I could also see exactly where it went wrong.

As a mom of kids with special needs (and a live entertainer for events for nearly 30 years),

I’ve learned to notice the little things most people miss.

They had set aside the first half hour just for children

with special needs, and that was awesome.

But - the DJ was blasting music right next to the activity area.

Generators were running loudly nearby. There was constant noise and sensory overload.

And that half hour?

It wasn’t really enough.

Because sensory-friendly events aren’t just about setting aside time.

They’re about creating an environment where kids actually feel comfortable being a part of it.

And if you’ve never had to think about that before…

You wouldn’t know.

That’s the purpose of this post.

It’s Not Just About Inviting Kids—It’s About Welcoming Them

A lot of inclusive events say they’re “for everyone.”

But inclusion doesn’t mean:

“Everyone can come.”

It means:

“Everyone can participate.”

Some kids need less noise. Some need more space. Some need time to observe before joining.

If the environment doesn’t support that…

They’re included on paper—but left out in reality.

A Great Example of Inclusion

When We went to the new Universal Studios Epic Universe last fall,

my daughter Grace wanted nothing more than to see Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon.

The line was exceedingly long, at least two hours, and we waited the entire time jsut like everyone else.

But when we finally got to the front of the line, I was so surprised and pleased that they seemed to have a protocol just for people with special needs. They gave her extra time - just a couple of minutes, but it was definitely what she needed, and they also allowed her to visit all of the dragons that were there.

The girl who played Astrid was so good with kids and how she treated my daughter just like anyone else is still making me cry a year later.

This is the kind of care you need with special needs kids. People who really care and really understand. That's what I saw at Epic Universe.

This Matters Outside of Events Too

There’s a playground near us that was redesigned to be “inclusive.”

On paper, it sounded great.

In reality? Kids couldn’t climb the equipment. It was too tall.

They removed the tire swing, which was one of the few things my child could use and loved.

And they removed the fence.

If you have a child who’s a runner, you already know…

That fence isn’t optional. It's there to keep kids safe (and parents from cardiac arrest!)

So now you’ve got a space labeled “Inclusive"

That actually works for fewer kids than before.

And quite a few unhappy parents.

If You Don’t Know, You Don’t Know

Most people planning sensory-friendly events are doing their best.

But unless you’ve lived it (or asked people who have)

There are things you’re going to miss.

That’s why feedback matters. BEFORE you have the event!

Parents. Caregivers. Teachers.

They will tell you what actually works.

Night to Shine (And Why It Works So Well)

If you’ve never heard of Night to Shine, its a prom for people with special needs sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, and that's what true inclusion looks like.

It works because it’s not just an event.

It’s an experience designed around the people attending it.

The pacing is thoughtful. The environment is supportive.

The energy is intentional. And most importantly…

Every guest feels seen.

That’s the goal of any sensory-friendly event.

Not just attendance.

Belonging.

Think Through the Senses

When planning sensory-friendly events, think beyond just noise.

You’re designing for the full experience:

Sound: Lower music, avoid overlapping noise (DJ + generators is a lot)

Sight: Limit flashing lights and chaotic visuals

Space: Avoid overcrowding, consider having a quiet room or space where families can go if a child has a meltdown

Pacing: Give kids time to ease in and engage

If even one of these is off, you can lose a child before they ever participate.

Inclusive Games & Activities (Easy Wins)

You don’t have to reinvent your event.

You just have to adjust it.

Simple changes:

• Let kids stand closer in games like cornhole and ring toss

• Slow down group activities

• Allow opt-out or alternative participation

• Offer simpler versions of crafts

• Offer Help but let kids do as much as they can for themselves.

• Offer rides and activities that don't have loud music or noise

One of the best setups I’ve ever seen was a sensory-friendly Easter egg hunt.

Instead of releasing everyone at once, They called one family at a time.

After each family, they reset the eggs. Every child got a real chance to find eggs.

No chaos. No competition. No one leaving empty-handed.

It was one of the most thoughtful systems I’ve ever seen.

Food, Candy & Sensory Triggers

This gets overlooked all the time.

Artificial dyes—especially reds, blues, and yellows—can affect some kids’ behavior significantly. I’ve seen it with my own child.

So for sensory-friendly events, consider:

• Dye-free or naturally colored candy

• Allergen-friendly options

• Stickers or small fidget toys instead of candy

If you do offer candy:

• Avoid artificial dyes when possible

• Label allergens clearly

• Offer non-food alternatives

Also—safety matters.

Avoid small items that could be choking hazards.

What I’ve Learned After 27 Years of Events

The quiet kids are watching. They’re not first in line.

But if the space feels safe? They come forward.

If it doesn’t?

You lose them.

Choosing the Right Entertainment

(This Matters More Than You Think)

The right Entertainment can make or break sensory-friendly events.

I'm a caricature artist and as I mentioned, I have three special needs kids of my own. One has Down's Syndrome, another has ADHD and my last one is gifted AND, on the spectrum. (try explaining that one to people)

Recently, I worked a party with a nonverbal child in a wheelchair.

I spoke to him. Talked to him like anyone else.

Showed him his drawing.

And he responded.

He looked. He smiled.

And that moment mattered. In fact it made my whole day.

My Daughter Grace Holds her caricature

But here’s the key:

The best entertainers don’t treat every child exactly the same.

They adjust. They read the room. And they let the child lead.

If a child doesn’t want a high five, they don’t force it. If a child needs a little more space, they give it. If a child is overwhelmed by big, high-energy interaction, they know how to bring their own energy down.

Those may seem like small things, but they can make a huge difference to a child with special needs.

That’s why, when you’re choosing entertainment for a sensory-friendly or inclusive event, experience matters. Look for someone who is comfortable adapting to the child in front of them instead of expecting every child to adapt to them.

Ask if your prospective entertainer has experience with kids with special needs. It can make a world of difference.

A Quick Note About Me

My name is Kathy Buskett, and I’ve been an entertainer for 27 years.

I’ve always said squirmy kids are my specialty.

I have three neurodivergent kids—my daughter Greece has Down syndrome, my son Dan has OCD, is gifted and is likely on the spectrum, and my youngest Matthew has ADHD and is probably on the spectrum too.

I also have ADHD myself.

So I understand these kids.

If they can’t sit still—I adapt.

If they need space—I adjust.

If needed, I can draw from a photo on your phone.

I’ve taught kids with autism how to draw.

Worked in inclusive classrooms.

And I genuinely love what I do.

Quick Checklist for Sensory-Friendly Events

✔ Quiet or low-noise time available

✔ Generators and loud equipment controlled

✔ Enough time (not rushed)

✔ Space for movement

✔ Parent involvement allowed

✔ Safe layout for runners

✔ Feedback from families included

FAQ: Sensory-Friendly & Inclusive Events

Do I need to change the whole event?

No. Even small adjustments make a big difference.

Will this slow down my event?

A little—but in a good way. More kids actually participate, which is the goal.

What if I’ve never planned a sensory-friendly event before?

That’s okay. Start small. Ask questions. Get feedback. You’ll improve quickly.

Is this only for children with special needs?

No. These changes often help all kids feel more comfortable and engaged.

What’s the most important thing to get right?

The environment. If the space feels safe and manageable, everything else works better.

Fun for Everyone Is Possible

At the end of the day, an inclusive event doesn’t have to be quiet, boring, or stripped of everything that makes an event fun. You can still have music, excitement, games, entertainment, and plenty of energy while making sure kids with different needs can enjoy themselves too.

And it doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to be thoughtful.

When you take the time to make a few adjustments, more kids are able to participate, more families feel comfortable staying, and everyone has a better chance of leaving feeling like they were truly part of the event.

And really, isn’t that the whole point?

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If you’re planning a sensory-friendly event, inclusive party, school function, or community event—and you want entertainment that knows how to read the room, adapt, and make every child feel included…

I’d love to help.

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