Autism Welcoming Center
Autism Welcoming's Natick Mall location serves as the hub for our business training program, as well as a space for activities, guest speakers, and support for people with autism and their families. You’ll find the 2,700-square-foot center on the upper level of the Macy's end of the mall, next to the Parking Lot A entrance near Learning Express. The multi-use space, which includes a sensory-friendly area for people of all ages, is operated by Advocates’ Autism Alliance.
Autism Welcoming staff are present at the center during additional hours; however, these hours are not guaranteed drop-in due to activity programs and the occupancy of the space. We have scheduled drop-in hours below to ensure our guests' staff availability. These hours are kept up to date so please be sure to check them before your visit.
Drop-In Hours
Monday, Dec. 1: 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 3: 3:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. (December Bingo 5-6p.m.)
Friday, Dec. 5: 2:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. (Holiday Cartoon 4 & 6p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 6: 1:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 10: 3:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 15: 2:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 17: 3:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 19: 2:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. (Holiday Cartoon 4 & 6p.m.)
Monday, Dec. 22: 2:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 24: 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. (All Day Drop-in: Lego Party)
Friday, Dec. 26: 10:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 27 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (All Day Drop-in: Arts & Crafts Bash)
Wednesday, Dec. 31: 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. (All Day Drop-in: New Year's Eve Celebration)
Friday, Jan. 2: 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, Jan 3: 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. (All Day Drop-in: Sensory Stations)
Monday, Jan 5: 2:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan 7: 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Friday, Jan 9: 1:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Additional Mall Offerings
Natick Mall itself has also been certified as an Autism Welcoming business and offers sensory-friendly hours and events, sensory kits for guests, security professionals trained in Autism Welcoming practices, and more. A sensory-break quiet location is located at Autism Welcoming, and a family restroom is available on the lower level across from Nordstrom. Sensory kits can be signed out at locations including Autism Welcoming, the Mall Management office, and Natick Play.
View Our Social Story about Going to Natick Mall
Certified businesses at Natick Mall include Build-A-Bear Workshop, California Pizza Kitchen, Dave & Buster's, Learning Express, Natick Play by Jam Time, and Warby Parker.
Upcoming Mall Events
Meet the Expert: Special Education Teacher Nicole Druzbicki
Date: December 6, 2024
Time: 4:00-5:00p.m.
Nicole is an exceptional Special Education Teacher with decades of experience in the field of autism. Come and meet Nicole and she will answer all questions related to special education from the teacher's perspective. Nicole will be onsite at the Autism Welcoming Center, where you can attend an hour-long Q & A.
Upcoming Mall Events
Wednesday, December 3 - Holiday Bingo
Drop in for an hour of fun, festive, and sensory-friendly Bingo! Win candy bars, make connections, and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for all ages and abilities.
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: Autism Welcoming Center. No registration needed - just come by and join the fun!
Friday, December 5th, Sensory-Friendly Feature: Frosty the Snowman
Kick off your weekend with a timeless classic! perfect for all ages and sensitivities. Enjoy a cozy, calm environment, fun seasonal treats, and a bit of festive magic with Frosty and his friends.
Show Times: 4:00 and 6:00 PM
Location: Autism Welcoming Center. No registration needed. Just come by and join the fun!
Friday, December 19th, Sensory-Friendly Feature: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Kick off your weekend with a timeless classic! perfect for all ages and sensitivities. Enjoy a cozy, calm environment, fun seasonal treats, while you laugh along with everyone’s favorite green grump as he discovers the true meaning of the season.
Show Times: 4:00 and 6:00 PM
Location: Autism Welcoming Center. No registration needed. Just come by and join the fun!
Wednesday, December 24th, All-Day Drop-In: Lego Party
Kick off your winter break with a trip to the Autism Welcoming Center! This drop-in event gives kids the freedom to explore, create, and play at their own pace. We'll have plenty of Lego bricks to build with, Lego Movie's playing on the Big Screen TV, Lego themed crafts, snacks, drinks and more!
Drop-in Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Autism Welcoming Center. No registration needed. Just come by and join the fun!
Saturday, December 27th, All-Day Drop-In: Arts & Crafts Bash
Come out for a day of creativity and fun at the Autism Welcoming Center! This drop-in event allows kids to explore a variety of artistic activities at their own pace. We'll have collage making, painting, foam crafts, coloring, clay, and more!
Drop-in Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Autism Welcoming Center. No registration needed. Just come by and join the fun!
Wednesday, December 31st, All-Day Drop-In: New Year's Eve Celebration
Ring in the New Year at the Autism Welcoming Center! This drop-in event allows kids to explore, play and celebrate at their own pace. We’ll have a sensory-friendly ball drop at 12:00 noon, karaoke, parachute games, crafts, sensory bins, and more!
Drop-in Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Autism Welcoming Center. No registration needed. Just come by and join the fun!
Saturday, January 3rd, All-Day Drop-In: Sensory Stations
Explore and discover a world of sensory adventures at the Autism Welcoming Center! This drop-in event gives kids the freedom to explore a variety of sensory activities at their own pace. We'll have parachutes, tunnels, a sensory spinning chair, bounce board and trampoline, our sencastle sensory tent, sensory bins, and more!
Drop-in Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Autism Welcoming Center. No registration needed. Just come by and join the fun!
Autism Welcoming℠
Certified Business Directory
Certified Business Directory
Looking for an Autism Welcoming business at Natick Mall? All certified businesses, including those located at Natick Mall, are included in our online directory, which allows you to search by location, business type, and more. Join the thousands of individuals and families who access the directory to find businesses that match their needs.
