When are Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays?

Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays are held monthly on the first Sunday of each month, opening two hours before normal operating hours. Music is reduced, lighting dimmed, and flashing effects turned off. No reservation required.

What is Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays?

A monthly program on the first Sunday of each month at participating locations, offering dimmed lighting, reduced sound, and a sensory-friendly arcade experience for families with children who have autism or special needs.

Does Chuck E. Cheese offer sensory-friendly events for children with autism?

Yes. Chuck E. Cheese hosts Sensory Sensitive Sundays on the first Sunday of every month at participating locations, with dimmed lights, reduced sound, and trained staff for children with autism or special needs.

Do you have to have a child with autism to attend Sensory Sensitive Sundays?

No. Sensory Sensitive Sundays are open to all families. Any family who prefers a quieter, calmer environment is welcome. No reservation required.

What is a Sensory Sensitive Birthday at Chuck E. Cheese?

Birthday parties held during Sensory Sensitive Sunday hours with dimmed lighting, reduced noise, and flexible accommodations. Minimum 10 children required.

Why does a Sensory Sensitive birthday party require a minimum of 10 kids?

Due to the specialized staffing and accommodations. Up to 5 no-shows are accommodated and parties are charged for a minimum of 5 guests on party day.

Sensory Sensitive Sundays^™ at Chuck E. Cheese

A calmer, lower-stimulation experience — open two hours early, the first Sunday of each month, for families who deserve it most.

What Is Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese?

Sensory Sensitive Sundays is a monthly program at Boardman that opens two hours before normal operating hours on the first Sunday of each month — with dimmed lights, reduced sound, no flashing effects, and a calmer game room and dining environment. Designed for children with autism, sensory processing disorder, ADHD, or other special needs, and their families.

No reservation required. Siblings, parents, caregivers, and friends are all welcome. Every team member is trained to offer patient, flexible, and nonjudgmental support. The program has run since 2016 and is backed by the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), the nation's leading autism treatment provider. Sensory Sensitive Sundays is offered at this location.

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📄 Video transcript

Chuck E. Cheese is known for being the place where a kid can be a kid, and that means all kids. In 2016, to further our commitment to provide a safe, fun, and inclusive place for all kids, Chuck E. Cheese launched our Sensory Sensitive Sundays program that offers dedicated playtime specifically for children with autism or with other sensory sensitivities and other special needs. Participating locations open two hours early on the first Sunday of the month to provide families a quieter dining and entertainment environment, dim lighting, and a sensory friendly arcade experience. Our sensory friendly events also include a trained and caring staff to ensure that each guest has a safe, fun filled visit.

At Chuck E. Cheese, diversity, equity, and inclusion is a core brand value that we uphold for our employees internally and our guests around the world. We look forward to evolving our strategic partnership with Autism Speaks, and together we will create additional resources for the autism community through employment opportunities and autism friendly events for kids young and old to enjoy.

Sign Up for Sensory Sensitive Sunday Reminders

Sign up and we will notify you before each Sensory Sensitive Sunday — so you always know when to come in, what to expect, and how to prepare your child for a great visit.

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Upcoming 2026 Sensory Sensitive Sunday Dates

Join us on the first Sunday of each month at Boardman. Check the participating locations list to confirm your nearest store.

May32026

Jun72026

Jul52026

Aug22026

Sep62026

Oct42026

Nov12026

Dec62026

Location participation can vary. View all participating locations to confirm your nearest store and date.

View All Participating Locations

What Families Are Saying

Real parents. Real visits. Real moments.

“With my son's ADHD, a lot of things can be difficult, and so any chance to be able to celebrate him and do it in a way that's comfortable is fantastic. I would recommend Chuck E. Cheese for a sensory friendly birthday because of the flexibility that it allows — not only for my child, but for anyone who may be coming to celebrate him as well.”

— Parent 1, Chuck E. Cheese Austin

“I get really upset talking about this because it's hard when your kid is rejected and they feel like they don't belong somewhere. And at Chuck E. Cheese, we knew if we planned it on a Sensory Sensitive Sunday, everything was gonna be fine. And we were all gonna have a really, really good time.”

— Parent 2, Chuck E. Cheese parent

“It's like a milestone basically for them. And it builds a very pretty memory for the kids and the parents, you know, because they never had that before.”

— Parent 3, Chuck E. Cheese parent

What Changes During Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Boardman

Every Child Deserves a Chance to Have Fun

Sensory Sensitive Sundays are special hours designed to give children with sensory sensitivities and their families a quieter, more comfortable experience. With dimmed lighting, reduced noise levels, and a calm atmosphere, we have made it easier for everyone to enjoy games, food, and activities in a setting that feels just right. The program has been part of Chuck E. Cheese since 2016 — because the place where a kid can be a kid should mean all kids.

A Calmer Game Room

During Sensory Sensitive Sundays, the game room transforms into a quieter, more soothing space. Music is reduced. Amplifiers are off. Flashing and strobing light effects are turned off. The games still run and the tickets still come out — the fun is fully on, just turned down to a comfortable level for kids who need it.

A Team Trained to Support You

Our team understands the unique needs of sensory-sensitive children and is committed to providing thoughtful assistance. Team members use clear, simple language; give children time and space; avoid drawing attention to difficult moments; and avoid touching a child unless there is a safety concern. Parents and caregivers are the experts on their child — our role is to support, not to correct.

A More Comfortable Dining Environment

We offer a dedicated dining experience with a quieter atmosphere and softer lighting, making it easier for children with sensory sensitivities to relax and enjoy their food. The show stays on with amplifiers off — keeping the visual experience familiar while removing the audio overload. Our goal is a stress-free environment where families can connect and share a meal in peace.

Safety You Can Count On: Kid Check

Every Chuck E. Cheese uses Kid Check — our proprietary security system that matches hand stamps on children and the adults they arrived with before anyone can leave. This runs during Sensory Sensitive Sundays exactly as every other day. Parents and caregivers are required to remain with their child the entire time. Sensory Sensitive Sundays is a family experience — which is exactly what makes it work for kids who need consistency and familiar support around them.

Learn About Kid Check

What's Different During Sensory Sensitive Sundays

For families of children with sensory sensitivities, the question is never just 'Is this fun?' — it's 'Can my child participate without becoming overwhelmed?' Here is exactly what changes.

Lighting
Game room and dining area lighting is dimmed to a comfortable level. Safety-critical lights remain fully on. No strobing or flashing effects during the event.
Sound
Background music is reduced. Amplifiers are off. The show plays visually with sound turned down. Game sound effects may still play at the unit level.
Crowds
The event opens before normal hours, creating a smaller, calmer crowd — the window before the regular Sunday rush arrives.
Team Behavior
Team members use clear, simple language; give space during difficult moments; avoid drawing attention to meltdowns; and never touch a child without safety cause.
Character Visits
Character appearances are available during Sensory Sensitive Sundays but fully optional. Families can opt in — or let the team know their child prefers to skip it.
Transition Notice
When the two-hour window ends, our team gives families advance notice before returning to normal lighting and sound levels — so the transition is never a surprise.

A Calmer Chuck E. Cheese, Built for Every Kid

Lighting Throughout
Sound & Music
Before Normal Opening
Caring Team Members

The Partnership Behind the Program

Backed by more than 30 years of unmatched clinical research, the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) is the nation's leading autism treatment provider. CARD's singular mission is to provide the most trusted and highest quality care to empower people with autism and their families to live their best, happiest, and most successful lives.

This partnership means the Sensory Sensitive Sundays program at Chuck E. Cheese is clinically grounded, operationally documented, and reviewed by experts who understand what families with autistic children actually need.

Visit CARD Website

NEW: Sensory Sensitive Birthdays at Chuck E. Cheese

Designed for children who thrive in a calmer, less-stimulating environment, Sensory Sensitive Birthdays combine the joy of a traditional Chuck E. Cheese birthday party with thoughtful modifications that prioritize comfort, flexibility, and individual needs. Opt in or out of singing, character visits, and anything else that doesn't work for your child that day. No judgment. Held during Sensory Sensitive Sundays hours. Minimum 10 children at booking — up to 5 no-shows accommodated.

Learn More About Sensory Sensitive Birthdays

Help Spread the Word About Sensory Sensitive Sundays

Know a family who could benefit? Share our printable flyer with teachers, therapists, pediatricians, and support groups. The flyer covers what Sensory Sensitive Sundays is, what to expect, and when we open.

Download the Flyer [JPG, 350 KB]

Sensory Sensitive Sundays in the Media

Frequently Asked Questions About Sensory Sensitive Sundays

Ready to Bring Your Family to Sensory Sensitive Sundays?