Thanks to the Champion Autism Network (CAN), Myrtle Beach is host to numerous sensory friendly events.
These sensory friendly events allow children and adults with autism to enjoy the same things that non-autistic people enjoy.
The businesses that hold sensory/autism friendly events are specially trained in handling those within the autistic spectrum. To ensure a sensory friendly events environment, each business is personally met with, including company management. A walk through the property and business procedures are discussed.
Any discount and/or service the business is committed to making is discussed and finalized, which can result in the business becoming CAN Certified.
Champion Autism Network also provides autism awareness seminars for their employees and help to develop a plan for team communication should an episode occur.
Some of the local Myrtle Beach businesses that hold sensory friendly events are:
– WonderWorks Broadway at the Beach
– Myrtle Beach Bowl
– Fun Warehouse
– Ripley’s Aquarium Broadway at the Beach
– Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park
Autism Friendly
Champion Autism Network’s autism-friendly travel destination initiative is growing with national and international recognition. Training for management and staff at restaurants, hotels and venues is available for businesses wanting to support this loyal and growing community. It’s a known fact, autism families are extremely loyal. Children/people on the spectrum crave routine and familiar surroundings. Once a family has had a successful visit to your establishment, you can bet they will be back AND tell their friends about the experience.
Once a business becomes CAN Certified, they can expect these perks:
-Support just a phone call away
-A CAN badge for your website
-A CAN Certified sticker for your establishment window
-A listing on the CAN website indicating you’ve completed the training with contact information and link to your website.
-A press release announcing your business’ participation in the CAN program.
-The ability to state you are an autism-friendly business on your MBACC business listing.
As stated earlier, autism families are extremely loyal. The result is that word spreads quickly among the autistic community when they have a good (or bad) experience.
The following sensory friendly events and businesses can be found in the local Myrtle Beach area:
(Some events may have already passed.)
Sensory Friendly means lights up, music down from 3 to 7 p.m. on selected dates listed below.
Skating with basic skate rental OR Inflatables with 1 slice of pizza and a drink for $10. Additional activities for $5. Additional activities can be skating with basic skate rental, inflatables, 1 game of laser tag, or 1 go cart race.
Dates: January 25, April 19. 2021
Sensory Friendly means house lights up and music and sound effects down.
$7 per person.
Noise-canceling headphones are available at guest services. Be amazed as the beautiful Aquarium mermaids show off their skills. This sensory-friendly mermaid show will feature no music and follow with a meet and greet in Friendship Flats.
Doors open at 3 p.m. Be sure to visit the CAN table in the lobby for a special Selfie Scavenger Hunt.
Dates: January 24, February 28, March 28, April 25, May 23, 2021.
Sensory Friendly Family Bowling & Birthday Bash
Celebrate January birthdays at the BIRTHDAY BOWLING BASH!!
Enjoy sensory friendly family bowling. Music down, lights up and room to move around.
$1.00 per game per person and $1.00 for shoes.
Food specials: choice of Hot dog, Chicken Nuggets or Grilled Cheese with chips and 12oz Soda for $3.
THEN celebrate that month’s birthdays, sing Happy Birthday (if all can tolerate it) and have cupcakes!!! Our families can rest assured their special birthday kids will be celebrating among friends!!
COVID safety precautions are in place and CAN activities have the entire bowling alley to themselves.
COVID-19 precautions:
- The bowling alley is not open to the public. This is a CAN only event.
- Happy Birthday is sung over the PA system (not loud).
- Cupcakes and drinks are served at the top of your lane.
- Every other lane is used to ensure social distancing.
- We request that everyone wear a mask (if able).
- Each lane has a set of balls that have been sanitized one of every size on the lane. No one else but your family will have use of those balls.
Dates: January 17, February 21, March 21, April 11, May 2.
Times: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Myrtle Beach Fire Department Autism Awareness Tee
MBFD is selling their new Autism Awareness shirts in their Administration Office at 921-B Oak St in Myrtle Beach. Give them a call at 843-918-1104 to order one or stop by Monday-Friday between the hours of 8 and 5.
Myrtle Beach Area Restaurants That Support Champion Autism Network
Papa John’s Pizza
843-280-3222 | 104 Hwy 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Level: (Participating)
Use code CAN25 and get 25% off regular price pizzas. Not valid on stuffed crust. Must show CAN Card at pick-up or delivery. Taxes and delivery fee not included. Limited delivery area. Additional Menu items not included in discount promotion.
Papa John’s Pizza
843-357-6400 | 943 Garden City Connector, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Level: (Participating)
Use code CAN25 and get 25% off regular price pizzas. Not valid on stuffed crust. Must show CAN Card at pick-up or delivery. Taxes and delivery fee not included. Limited delivery area. Additional Menu items not included in discount promotion.
Papa John’s Pizza
843-357-6400 | 2246 Hwy 501 East, Conway, SC 29526
Level: (Participating)
Use code CAN25 and get 25% off regular price pizzas. Not valid on stuffed crust. Must show CAN Card at pick-up or delivery. Taxes and delivery fee not included. Limited delivery area. Additional Menu items not included in discount promotion.
Papa John’s Pizza
843-293-7272 | 4504 Socastee Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
Level: (Participating)
Use code CAN25 and get 25% off regular price pizzas. Not valid on stuffed crust. Must show CAN Card at pick-up or delivery. Taxes and delivery fee not included. Limited delivery area. Additional Menu items not included in discount promotion.
Papa John’s Pizza
843-626-7272 | 1102 South Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Level: (Participating)
Use code CAN25 and get 25% off regular price pizzas. Not valid on stuffed crust. Must show CAN Card at pick-up or delivery. Taxes and delivery fee not included. Limited delivery area. Additional Menu items not included in discount promotion.
Papa John’s Pizza
843-626-7272 | 1102 South Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Level: (Participating)
Use code CAN25 and get 25% off regular price pizzas. Not valid on stuffed crust. Must show CAN Card at pick-up or delivery. Taxes and delivery fee not included. Limited delivery area. Additional Menu items not included in discount promotion.
Papa John’s Pizza
843-839-1777 | 10744 Kings Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Level: (Participating)
Use code CAN25 and get 25% off regular price pizzas. Not valid on stuffed crust. Must show CAN Card at pick-up or delivery. Taxes and delivery fee not included. Limited delivery area. Additional Menu items not included in discount promotion.
Johnny D’s Waffles and Benedicts
843-663-1700 | 5063, 3900 Hwy 17 S,, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Level: (Certified Supportive)
Show your CAN card and get 10% off
Chubby’s Tacos
(843)903-5606 | Ocean Bay Plaza 201 Fresh Drive Suite A, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Level: (Certified Supportive)
Show your CAN card, get a 5% discount and 5% gets donated to CAN!
Carolina Seafood & Steak
843-945-9288 | 29911 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Level: (Participating)
Good restaurant with different options for seating depending on sensory needs. Ownership committed to making your visit happy and successful.
Show your CAN card and get 10% off
Famous Toastery
843-796-4433 | 2005 Oak Heart Rd, Ste 5, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Level: (Supportive)
Great breakfast and lunch options.
Show your CAN card and get 10% off
Johnny D’s Waffles and Bakery
843-448-6789 | 3301 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Level: (Certified Supportive)
Show your CAN card, get to the head of the line if there is a wait and a 10% discount
Hamburger Joes North Myrtle Beach
843-272-6834 | 712 48th Ave S,, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Level: (Certified Supportive)
Show your CAN card, get to the head of the line and 10% off
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