Sensory Friendly Evenings Coming to Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

October 17, 2018 5:07 pm

By: Tim Studebaker

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – The Jack–O–Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Park Zoo is well underway. For some families, it can be a night of fun and excitement. But for others, like those on the autism spectrum or those who have sensory processing differences, the combination of sights and sounds can prove to be too much. That’s why this year, the zoo is setting aside some time for those families to enjoy the show in a sensory friendly environment.

RWP Zoo Director of Visitor Services Cheryl Vieira says, “It’s just where everybody can enjoy it together and not be excluded from anything. It won’t be as dark, there won’t be all the music going, and the lights will be at a minimum.”

This isn’t the first sensory friendly event for the park, but it is the first time they’re extending it to include the Jack–O–Lantern Spectacular. The idea came from parents reaching out to the zoo on social media.

Vieira says, “They come to us and they give us the ideas, which is super helpful. Because, if you’re not in this community, you don’t necessarily know what they do or don’t need, and they certainly do know what their needs are.”

The sensory friendly evenings run November 1st through 4th from 5 to 6pm. Find tickets and other information here (sensory friendly information can be found in the FAQ): https://www.rwpzoo.org/jols