indoor activities Archives - Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST)

Top 5 Sensory-Friendly Places in Azusa, CA

Updated On July 9, 2025

Planning outings for kids on the autism spectrum can require extra consideration.

Bright lights, loud noises, and crowded spaces can sometimes trigger sensory sensitivities.

Sensory-friendly environments are designed to minimize challenges with soft lighting, quiet areas, and steady routines.

In Azusa, which sits at the base of California’s San Gabriel Mountains, there’s plenty of access to outdoor spaces. Many of these locations around the city offer quiet, uncrowded, and manageable settings for families with kids on the autism spectrum to explore.

We also have a growing number of indoor spaces designed with the senses in mind. Here are five sensory-friendly places to explore in and around Azusa:

1. Crystal Lake Recreation Area Offers a Peaceful Outdoor Escape

About 30 minutes from Azusa, Crystal Lake Recreation Area in the Angeles National Forest provides cool mountain air, quiet trails, and the sounds of nature. Families can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching in a calm environment away from city noise.

Tip for Families: Visit early in the day for fewer visitors. Bring water, snacks, and layers, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.

2. Azusa River Wilderness Park Gives Kids Space to Explore Quietly

Along the San Gabriel River, Azusa River Wilderness Park is a quiet green space for short walks and nature breaks. It has wide trails and open views, which can feel more comfortable for kids who prefer space and movement.

Tip for Families: Bring a blanket for a sensory-friendly picnic. Avoid afternoons on hot days, as there is limited shade.

3. Azusa City Library Hosts Calm and Inclusive Story Times

The Azusa City Library offers a sensory-friendly story time called “Creating Connections.” These sessions use gentle lighting, soft voices, and simple crafts. The library also has quiet areas where kids can read or do puzzles at their own pace.

Tip for Families: Check the library’s calendar. Midweek mornings are usually less busy.

4. Sky Zone Covina Holds Sensory Hours

Just 10 minutes from Azusa, Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Covina holds sensory hours with dimmer lights, lower volume, and fewer people. Kids can jump, climb, and move around in a more relaxed setting.

Tip for Families: Sensory sessions are usually on Sunday mornings. Arrive early so your child can ease into the space.

5. We Rock the Spectrum in Downey Was Built for Sensory-Friendly Play

About 30 minutes from Azusa, We Rock the Spectrum in Downey is an indoor gym created for children of all abilities. It features swings, sensory toys, a calming room, and padded equipment for safe play and movement.

Tip for Families: Call ahead to ask about open play and quiet times. Staff are familiar with sensory needs and can help make your visit easier.

Looking for additional support for your child in Azusa, CA? At Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), we offer applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy tailored to your child’s unique strengths and needs. Our team uses science and compassion to help your child grow.

Check out our LEARN Behavioral blog on 5 simple play ideas for more sensory-friendly ideas.

By Karen Callahan

While no one can argue with the fun of traditional activities, such as building snowmen or snow angels, keeping your kiddo occupied throughout an entire snow day while confined to your house might require a few more tricks up your sleeve.

Consider the unique opportunities the snow can provide for you and your kiddo to explore different language concepts, social skills, academic tasks, and leisure activities. Think about bringing what winter has to offer indoors, where it is warm, for a unique way to learn and play together.

To get started, grab a few safe bowls (think plastic Tupperware), some pots, a muffin tin, and a few spoons of different sizes. Fill one bowl with cold water and another with hot water. Throw a big beach towel on the floor and grab some of that white, powdery stuff! Here are seven tips for snow day fun.

Let your child explore, figure out what they like about the activity, and add to what they find fun. If they’re watching you and waiting for what you will do next, you’ve got it right!
In the beginning, don’t demand your child’s attention. Show them some fun ways to play with the snow and “kitchen stuff” and talk about what is happening. “Wow, you smashed the snow!” “Did you see it melt in the hot water?” “You got more snow!” “Stir, stir, stir, good job stirring!”
Language Concepts: Once you’ve got the activity going, use the snow to start talking about fun, related language concepts like hot/cold, wet/dry, and melting/frozen.
Social Skills: Take turns using the spoons, stirring, and playing. Encourage and model social skills by commenting about the activity and what you or your child enjoy. “Watch it melt!” “Wow, that is cold!” “I like playing in the snow!”
Academic Tasks: Discuss weather, precipitation, seasons, and states of matter (solid, liquid, gas). Use your muffin tin and practice counting as you fill each cup.
Leisure Skills: Feel free to step away from the activity and let your child dig in on their own. Sustaining a play activity and incorporating newly learned play skills modeled by an adult play a crucial role in learning.
Be sure to set boundaries about where the snow must stay. We suggest prompting all snow activity back to the area of the beach towel.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy this new experience!

Tag: indoor activities