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 Chuck E. Cheese 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 — giving families the confidence to let their child be a kid. 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. Confirm your nearest Chuck E. Cheese before visiting.
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.
A Calmer Chuck E. Cheese, Built for Every Kid
Dimmed
Lighting Throughout
Reduced
Sound & Music
2 Hrs
Before Normal Opening
Trained
Caring Team Members
What Changes During Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese
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.
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.
“With my son's ADHD, a lot of things can be difficult. Any chance 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 it allows — not only for my child, but for anyone coming to celebrate him.”
— Parent of a child with ADHD, Chuck E. Cheese parent
“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. We were all gonna have a really, really good time.”
— Parent of a child with sensory sensitivities, 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 — because they never had that before.”
— Parent at a Sensory Sensitive Birthday, Chuck E. Cheese parent
What's Different During Sensory Sensitive Sundays
We know that 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. This is the window before the regular Sunday rush arrives — more space, less unpredictability.
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 SSS but fully optional. Families can choose to opt in — or let the team know their child prefers to skip it. No pressure either way.
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.
Upcoming 2026 Sensory Sensitive Sunday Dates
May 3
2026
Jun 7
2026
Jul 5
2026
Aug 2
2026
Sep 6
2026
Oct 4
2026
Nov 1
2026
Dec 6
2026
Help Spread the Word About Sensory Sensitive Sundays
Know a family who could benefit from Sensory Sensitive Sundays? Share our printable flyer with teachers, therapists, pediatricians, support groups, and school districts. The more families know, the more kids get to have a great Sunday. The flyer covers what the program is, what to expect, and when we open.
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img_src="https://www.chuckecheese.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11.6.23-CEC-23-0280_SSS_Evergreen_Flyer_4.25x5.5-1.jpg"
img_alt="Sensory Sensitive Sundays printable flyer for Chuck E. Cheese — share with teachers, therapists, and your community"
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Sensory Sensitive Sundays in the Media
Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese has been covered by local and national news outlets across the country — from ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox affiliates to community publications like DFW Child. The program has also been recognized by Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers and featured on Yahoo! News.
Now Available
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, Ticket Blaster, 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.
How Sensory Sensitive Birthdays Work at Chuck E. Cheese
Opt In or Out of Anything
Every element of the party is adjustable. Singing 'Happy Birthday'? Optional. A character visit to the party room? Your call. The Ticket Blaster? Available at this location — opt in or skip it entirely. Hand stamps, crowd announcements, specific game areas — all of it can be modified around your child. Tell your party host what works, and we will build the party around it.
Booking and Guest Count
Sensory Sensitive Birthdays require a minimum of 10 children at booking due to the specialized staffing and modified environment. Up to 5 no-shows are accommodated — you are only charged for a minimum of 5 guests on party day. We recommend booking your maximum expected guest count and adjusting headcount before the party. Questions? Call your local Chuck E. Cheeseat.
Real families share what it meant to celebrate at Chuck E. Cheese during Sensory Sensitive Sundays. Watch parent testimonials from the Austin location.
📄 Video transcript
Parent 1: We are at Chuck E. Cheese in Austin, and we're celebrating my son's birthday. 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 2: 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.
Parent 3: It's like a milestone basically for them. And it builds a very pretty memory for the kids and the parents — because they never had that before.
The Main Sensory Sensitive Sundays Program Video
Chuck E. Cheese is the place where a kid can be a kid — and that means all kids. Watch our Sensory Sensitive Sundays overview featuring the program history, what families can expect, and our commitment to the autism community.
📄 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sensory Sensitive Sundays
Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays are held monthly — typically the first Sunday — opening two hours before normal operating hours and running until noon. Music is reduced, lighting dimmed, and flashing effects turned off. No reservation required.Sensory Sunday dates and hours vary by location. Call your local Chuck E. Cheeseat to confirm the next date.
Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays is 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.
Available at participating locations only. Check the full participating location list before visiting.
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.
Available at participating locations only.
Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays are monthly low-stimulation events with reduced lights and sound for guests with sensory sensitivities. They are held at participating U.S. and Canada Fun Centers on the first Sunday of each month, two hours before normal opening.
Participation and scheduling varies by location. Call your local Chuck E. Cheeseat to confirm availability.
Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays are open to all families. While designed for children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder, any family who prefers a quieter, calmer environment is welcome. No reservation required.
Chuck E. Cheese's Sensory Sensitive Sundays program is backed by the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), the nation's leading autism treatment provider with more than 30 years of clinical research.
Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Birthdays are birthday parties held during Sensory Sensitive Sunday hours, featuring dimmed lighting, reduced noise, and flexible accommodations for children with sensory sensitivities. Families can opt in or out of singing, character visits, and the Ticket Blaster. A minimum of 10 children is required.Available at participating Chuck E. Cheese locations during Sensory Sensitive Sunday hours. Call your local Chuck E. Cheeseat to book.
Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Birthday parties require a minimum of 10 children due to the specialized staffing and accommodations involved. Up to 5 no-shows are accommodated — parties are only charged for a minimum of 5 guests on party day.
Families for whom the minimum is a barrier are encouraged to contact their local Chuck E. Cheese to discuss options.
Yes — Sensory Sensitive Sundays is offered at this location. The event opens two hours before normal operating hours on the first Sunday of each month. Participation can vary by location. Call your local Chuck E. Cheeseat to confirm the program is active and get the next date. You can also view the full list of participating locations to verify before you visit.
