A visit to the mall to see Santa can be very overwhelming to children who have certain types of special needs. The crowds, the music, and the long wait in line may be more than a child can cope with. Sensory Friendly Santa events are designed to make a visit to see Santa more comfortable for kids with special needs. Here is where to find some of these events this year.
The Huntington Mall, which is located in Barboursville, West Virginia, will have a Special Santa event in their Center Court starting on November 17, 2012. There will be a Sensory Friendly Waiting Area to provide a calm environment for the children until it is there turn to see Santa. It will be open on Saturdays from 8:30 in the morning until noon. There will be puzzles, coloring books, bead curtains, and more.
The Campbell Elementary School, which is located in Dracut, Massachusetts, will have a Santa Claus event on November 17, 2012. The event is designed for children who have special needs.
Each family will have the opportunity to have photos taken with Santa. The photos will be put onto a CD for distribution after the event. There will be arts and crafts and other activities. Pizza will be served. The Massachusetts Child Identification Program will be there.
The Naperville Park District, which is located in Naperville, Illinois, will open Santa House on the Riverwalk on December 1, 2012. It will remain open until December 23, 2012.
There are three nights that are set aside for children who have special needs to visit with Santa. Those nights are Monday, December 10, 2012, Tuesday, December 11, 2012, and Wednesday, December 12, 2012. It will be open from 5:00 at night through 8:00 at night.
The South Hills Mall, which is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will have a Caring Santa event on Sunday, December 2, 2012. It will take place on the Lower Level North Court starting at 9:00 in the morning and ending at 10:30 in the morning. The program is guided by AbilityPath.
The North Lake Mall, which is located in Atlanta, Georgia, will have a Caring Santa event. It will start at 9:00 in the morning and last through 11:00 in the afternoon. This will take place before the mall is open to crowds of customers.
Image by Wes Peck on Flickr