Chuck E. Cheese’s announces new ‘sensory sensitive’ Sundays

A visit to Chuck E. Cheese’s usually means loud noises, flashing lights, beeping games and singing animatronic characters – not a pleasant outing for children with autism or other sensory disorders.

But now the iconic pizza and play space is offering Sensory Sensitive Sundays once a month at its location in northeast Wichita, officials said.

Chuck E. Cheese’s recently partnered with the Center for Autism and Related Disorders to offer a sensory-sensitive event the first Sunday of every month, 9 to 11 a.m., at its Wichita location, 3223 N. Rock Road. The next event is July 2.

The event “offers an opportunity for children to enjoy games, pizza and prizes in a calm and safe environment,” said Natalie Rose Hilvert of Current Marketing, which represents Chuck E. Cheese’s.

During the event, the restaurant will dim the lights and silence its animatronic show and background music. The Chuck E. Cheese mascot will not be present. Food and games will be offered, but parents are permitted to bring snacks for their children with allergies or dietary restrictions.

The restaurant and arcade is part of a growing number of retailers hosting events for sensory-sensitive children and families.

Wichita’s Warren Theater offers monthly sensory-sensitive movie showings. Earlier this year, Exploration Place, Wichita’s science center and children’s museum, announced that it would open early the second Sunday of every month for sensory-sensitive visitors.

This story was originally published June 29, 2017 at 10:22 AM with the headline "Chuck E. Cheese’s announces new ‘sensory sensitive’ Sundays."