Sensory Help Now

The summer holidays are a time for joy, exploration, and making memories with loved ones. However, for individuals with sensory processing needs, finding inclusive and accommodating places can be a challenge. Thankfully, many attractions are now stepping up to provide sensory-friendly environments that ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities.

In this guide, we highlight some of the top sensory-inclusive places to visit over the holidays, from zoos and theme parks to cinemas and football stadiums. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to unwind or an engaging experience that caters to all sensory needs, there's something here for everyone.

Things to Consider Before You Go: 

Pack Your Sensory Grab Bag

Create a personalised sensory kit in a backpack that you can grab when heading out. The goal is to collate items that help you or your children feel regulated (in a calm but alert state) and help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. You should tailor your sensory grab bag to your unique sensory needs but common items to include are:

• Noise-cancelling earplugs or headphones 
• A drink bottle with a straw
• Favourite chewy or crunchy snacks 
• Chewable toys, chewelry or chewing gum 
• Weighted lap  pads or toys 
• Sunglasses and/ or hat
• Fidget toys 
• Visual toys, e.g. a liquid timer 
• Cards with breathing exercise prompts 
• Squeezable stress ball 
• Scented item such as scented putty or lip balm 
• A soft seamless hoodie

Wear a Sunflower Lanyard

If you are concerned about the outside world understanding your child’s needs, it might be a good idea to wear the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. This is the symbol of non-visible disabilities and helps signal that you may require assistance, understanding, or extra time in stores, at work, on transportation, or in public areas. Learn more about the initiative here.

Where to Visit: 

The Zoo

Zoos are becoming increasingly inclusive spaces, some offering sensory grab bags, queue hopping passes and sensory rooms. Here are just a few: 

Jersey Zoo - referred to as the first sensory-inclusive zoo in the UK, Jersey Zoo has a lot to offer everyone, inclusive quiet zones, sensory bags and so much more, read Visiting a zoo with sensory processing needs to learn more.

Birmingham Zoo - Partnered with KultureCity to develop their Sensory Inclusive Zoo initiative, offering noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, and quiet zones, plus all staff members are trained to understand sensory processing needs.

London Zoo - London Zoo hosts a selection of events to create a more inclusive experience for all, browse the upcoming inclusive events here 

Chester Zoo - a proud supporter of the Sunflower initiative, they offer sensory grab bags & have designed a sensory trail for the best areas for a multi-sensory experience. Learn more here 

Theme Parks

Alton Towers - Visit Alton Towers’ Something Special Sensory Garden located in CBeebies Land, where you will also find their Sensory Room (see a preview here).

Legoland - Legoland is a fun day out for the whole family, at their Heartlake City and Resort you’ll find their Total Sensory Space, a designated calming sensory room. They also have Sensory Friendly Days and Inclusive Mornings. For a fun-filled day, you can download their sensory guide here. 

Peppa Pig World - If your child is crazy for Peppa Pig, come and visit the theme park, a certified autism centre, it’s a place for everyone to have fun. With the park’s staff members trained in understanding sensory sensitivities, you’ll feel supported when visiting this park. There are quiet areas, for any child or parent looking for a calming and comfortable space to rest. Learn more here. 

Museums

The National Railway Museum - A museum that has created an inclusive environment for all, offering quiet mornings, ramps, picture stories and bespoke queuing arrangements. Learn more here.

Science Museum Group - A collection of galleries and museums working to create sensory-inclusive environments. The group introduced ‘Early Birds’ events, visual stories and sensory maps to encourage all visitors to join. You can learn more here. 

Other Ideas:

The Cinema - a trip to the cinema can be ideal on a rainy day, if your child does experience sensory processing differences, you could search Accessible Screenings UK, a website designed to tell you which screenings are most accessible for you. 

National Trust - National Trust has hundreds of sites across the country, with their Access Guide, you can find the right site for you to visit. Some of their sisters now provide sensory resources such as ear defenders and fidget toys.

Watch Your Local Football Team - Following your local team may be something the whole family can enjoy together, discover the UK football clubs with sensory rooms. 

Pop to the Local Library - Check your local Library for inclusive library services, Coventry City’s Tile Hill Library was designed to be an inclusive space for all, with specialist signage, resources and quieter times that include sensory tents and chil-our zones! 

Join a Social Group - Autism Society runs support and social groups providing relaxing yet social experiences for both child, parents and carers. 

Catch a Show - Across the UK, selected theatres now offer a modified performance for various shows. These performances feature more flexible rules and adjust lighting. Check out your local theatre to see if this is something they offer. 

Shop at Quieter Times - During the holidays can be a great time to top up your child’s wardrobe or purchase items ready for the new school year. We recommend looking at your local shopping centre’s special events, or quieter times. The same applies to supermarkets!

Take a Family Bike Ride - If you are looking for a nice summer activity taking the children on a bike ride can be great for regulating the nervous system, pick somewhere away from roads and mainly flat. The New Forest National Park has great cycle routes for the whole family. Consider that this might not be a great sensory experience for all, so don’t forget to bring wipes, spare clothes, sunglasses & hats. 

 

Exploring sensory-inclusive places doesn't just mean finding quiet spots or sensory rooms; it's about creating an environment where every family member feels comfortable, understood, and able to participate fully in the fun. Whether it's a trip to a nearby zoo, a day at a theme park, a quiet moment in a local library, or a family bike ride through the serene landscapes of New Forest National Park, there are countless ways to enjoy the holidays while catering to sensory needs.

Embrace the joy of discovery, the comfort of well-planned outings, and the inclusive spirit of these destinations. The holidays are a time for everyone to create lasting memories, and with the right preparation, they can be enjoyable and stress-free for all.

If you need more help or support preparing for the sensory challenges of the summer season, download our free guide Summer Sensory Survival Kit.