FALCONERS is designed to allow children or adults of all ages with special needs and unique abilities (such as autism or developmental disabilities) and their whole family to have an enriching educational experience in a safe, welcoming and sensory friendly environment. There will be one sensory friendly event in Lansing, Michigan per month throughout 2025.
- All monthly events are free
- Inclusive for the entire family/support group
- Many events include hands-on activities
- Special sensory-friendly nights for Boo at the Zoo and Wonderland of Lights
Upcoming Events
Saturday, May 16 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Registration required.
Please contact FALCONERS Coordinator, Mariah Martinez, if you are interested in joining our email list.
Email: falconers@ingham.org
Phone: 517-342-2751 (please leave a message)
The dates and times for the remainder of 2025 are listed below. Please note that these dates may be subject to change before registration is sent out. Registration for the events will go out one month before the event.
Thank you to our sponsor MiABLE
We are grateful for our returning sponsor, MiABLE, who is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities maintain their health, independence, and quality of life without jeopardizing their benefits.
We are extremely grateful for MiABLE‘s support and commitment to our program, and we are excited to partner with this important organization. With MiABLE‘s assistance, we can continue to provide the best possible sensory-friendly events for our FALCONERS community.
Thank you, MiABLE, for your generosity and dedication to our community. We are excited to have you on board and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve!
Resources
Potter Park Zoo FALCONERS Facebook Group
We have created a Facebook Group for FALCONERS families to connect and stay up to date with the program. We ask that if you are a past participant or plan to be a future participant please join the group. This is a private group – please send a request to join, answer the questions provided and we’ll approve your request as soon as possible! Click here to join!
Potter Park Zoo Social Stories
Prepare for your next visit to the zoo by using our social stories. If you have any further questions please email falconers@ingham.org.
Potter Park Zoo Sensory Map
Prepare for your next visit to the zoo by downloading or printing our Sensory Map. The sensory map includes quiet areas, sensory bag checkout locations, and headphone zones. Sensory maps are also included in the sensory bags at the zoo (limited quantity).
Potter Park Zoo’s AbleVu Page – Detailed Preview of our Accessibility Features
AbleVu helps people of all abilities shake off their nervousness by getting a detailed preview of an organizations accessibility features. Access virtual walk-through tours, accessibility checklists, and other details to help your visit to Potter Park Zoo! Check out our page here!
Potter Park Zoo Virtual Tours – Able Eyes
Potter Park Zoo partnered with Able Eyes to provide virtual walk-thru tours of the inside of the zoo’s buildings. Virtual tours allow customers of all abilities an opportunity to explore beforehand to decrease anxiety, but more importantly is a tool used by persons with disabilities to explore accessibility beforehand, making new experiences more comfortable and easily navigated. You can find the virtual tours here.
Potter Park Zoo Audio Tours
To find our audio tour of the Small Mammal/ Reptile House and Feline/Primate House click here. Our tours are narrated by Equity and Engagement Program Manager, Mariah Martinez.
Potter Park Zoo is Certified Sensory Inclusive – KultureCity
To find out more about this partnership with KultureCity, click here.
