Saturday, April 5 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
April is Autism Acceptance Month! To recognize its significance, various agencies from across the county are “shining brighter together” at a fun family-friendly event at Wheaton Regional Park! Participate in hands-on, sensory-friendly activities while learning more about autism and the variety of resources available in Montgomery County.
Partners include Montgomery Parks and Montgomery Park Police Special Operations, Montgomery County Recreation, Montgomery County Police Autism/IDD Unit, City of Rockville, City of Gaithersburg, AUSOM, and The Arc Montgomery County.
Rain Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Additional Exhibitors and Vendors
- Best Buddies
- Brookside Nature Center
- Cookie Yay (baked goods for purchase, cash and card accepted)
- Main Street
- Maryland ABLE
- Maryland Assistive Technology Program
- Montgomery County Public Schools
- Montgomery Parks Nature on Wheels
- Readability
- SPIRIT Club
- SPIRIT Club Foundation
- XMinds
| Activity | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Climbing Sessions – Reach new heights in our exciting tree climbing sessions! With expert guidance and a sensory-friendly approach, kids of all abilities can build confidence, strength, and a sense of adventure—one climb at a time! | Instructions for sign up will be available onsite the day of the event. | Behind the bathroom facility at the large Sawtooth Oak tree. |
| Sensory Storytime by Readability – Immerse yourself in the magic of storytelling with Readability! This interactive, inclusive experience brings stories to life with engaging sounds, textures, and movement—perfect for all abilities! | 11:15am – 11:30am 12:15pm – 12:45pm 1:15pm – 1:30pm 1:45pm- 2:00pm | Across from Pavilion B and next to the playground. |
| Group Drumming Sessions – Feel the rhythm and join the beat in our exciting group drumming session! This interactive, sensory-friendly experience is all about making music, having fun, and creating connections through the power of percussion! | Instructions for sign up will be available onsite the day of the event. | In the open grass area next to the outdoor fitness equipment and across from the bathroom facility. |
| Performances by ArtStream – Experience the joy of music with inspiring vocal performances by ArtStream! Enjoy a sensory-friendly show where talented performers bring songs to life in a fun, inclusive, and engaging atmosphere! | 12:00pm -12:15pm 1:00pm -1:15pm | At Pavilion B. |
| DJ Brandon – Feel the beat and let the music move you! Join us for a sensory-friendly DJ experience where everyone can dance, groove, or simply enjoy the rhythm in a fun and inclusive atmosphere! | 11:00am – 2:00pm | At Pavilion B. |
| Community Mosaic – Get creative with Whimsy Mosaics, a colorful, hands-on art activity where imagination shines! This sensory-friendly experience invites participants of all abilities to help complete a Shine Brighter Together community mosaic. Completed project will be placed at a Parks nature center. | 11:00am – 2:00pm | Across from playground and next to Program Access. |
| Sensory Play – Visit our exhibitors and dive into a world of textures and fun with our hands-on sensory play! Explore, create, and discover while building fine motor skills and self-regulation in an engaging, tactile experience for all! | 11:00am – 2:00pm | At City of Rockville and City of Gaithersburg tables across from Montgomery County Recreation. |
| Parachute Play – Join us for a fun, sensory-friendly adventure where movement, teamwork, and play come together! Make new friends, build skills, and enjoy an engaging group activity designed for all abilities! | 11:00am – 2:00pm | Behind Montgomery County Recreation and next to playground. |
| Blue Blocks Play – Come build, create, and play with our giant foam Blue Blocks! This sensory-friendly adventure is perfect for kids of all abilities to spark imagination, develop motor skills, and make new friends in a fun and inclusive space! | 11:00am – 2:00pm | Next to Pavilion B. |
| Face and Hand Painting – Get creative with colorful face and hand painting in a sensory-friendly space! Whether it’s a cool design on your face or a simple splash of color on your hand, this fun activity encourages self-expression! | 11:00am – 2:00pm | Across from the bathroom facility and next to SPIRIT Club Foundation. |
| Sensory Retreat Tent – Take a break and relax in our Sensory Retreat Tent—a calming space designed for comfort, regulation, and sensory-friendly relaxation. Whether you need a quiet moment or a cozy escape, this is your place to recharge! | 11:00am – 2:00pm | Two locations. One near the Nature on Wheels trailer and the other next to Readability across from Pavilion B. |
| Stretching Sessions – Stretch, move, and feel great with our fun and inclusive stretching demos! Designed for all abilities, this sensory-friendly session helps improve flexibility, relaxation, and body awareness in a supportive and engaging way! | 11:00 – 2:00pm | Next to the outdoor exercise equipment and across from the bathroom facility. |
| Nature on Wheels – Explore the wonders of nature with Montgomery Parks’ Nature on Wheels! This mobile nature experience brings hands-on activities, cool critters, and outdoor fun right to you—perfect for curious minds of all abilities! | 11:00am – 2:00pm | Behind face/hand painting and across from the bathroom facility. |
