On the hunt for autism-friendly days out?
We’ve found lots of cool places to check out!
From museums to parks and zoos too,
There’s so much fun to be had for your kids and you!
Here are some amazing attractions around the UK that offer quiet mornings, interactive and multi-sensory displays, and autism-friendly days out! From playparks and climbing centres to zoos and some incredible museums there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Eden Project
Bodelva, Cornwall
The Eden Project is committed to making itself as accessible and engaging as possible for all visitors and has a longstanding partnership with the Sensory Trust. Staff and performers are also trained in the language programme Makaton which helps people communicate through signs and symbols. So why not take your kids on an around-the-world adventure from the Mediterranean to the rainforest without leaving the UK! They have the opportunity to connect with a true in new and surprising ways with inventive play spaces also available! Find out more here!
The Playpark Exeter
Exeter
Head to what is rated the 6th most accessible and inclusive playground in the world! There’s new equipment such as the Mirage Revolution and the speed of this ride is led by the children or adults who are powering the ride! Plus, the Rolli Trampoline and wheelchair-friendly seesaw offer so much fun! If that’s not enough there’s also an Ability 3 swing, AbilityWhirl, The Ramped Sandpit, The Nest Swing, and The Big Unit! Find out more here!
Diggerland Theme Park
Kent
Have your little ones ever wanted to drive their own digger? If so, then Diggerland is the day out for you! With 20 different rides, there is so much for your little ones to explore. Ride on the train and the sky shuttle or explore the mini Land Rovers and go-karts! A career is also permitted to enter for free with a paying child. Staff have undergone special training and so there are people on hand all day to ensure that your needs are met! Find out more here!
Snowbility
Hempstead
Experience a sense of adventure at Snowbility! Learn to ski or snowboard with tailor-made coaching to suit your little one. Whatever level you’re at there’s coaching for everyone! Plus, there’s a great community at Snowbility where parents and carers can interact, this is enhanced by a Facebook page encouraging people to chat and support each other! Find out more here!
Golders Hill Park
Golders Green, London
Situated in North London, Golders Park offers tennis courts, a children’s playground, and a beautiful walled garden for people to visit. This big and stunning playground has lots of sensory play for children to peacefully enjoy. Plus, there’s a little zoo and butterfly garden which is quiet and not overwhelming. The entrance is free and you can grab an ice cream in there too! Find out more here!
Kew gardens
Richmond, London
Up to 23% off tickets with Picniq!
Spend the morning at Kew Gardens for the children’s garden quiet sessions! Aimed at children aged 2-12 years with special educational needs and disabilities these allow them to enjoy a more comfortable visit. They can explore all the things plants need to grow as well as the sensory elements of the garden. During the quiet sessions, there will also be sensory storytelling with Makaton, exploring the journey of a dandelion seed in the amphitheatre and sensory mediums in the sun garden! Book here!
Think-tank Science Museum
Birmingham
This award-winning science museum offers a fun-packed family day out! It opens early for people and families with children on the autistic spectrum, live with a sensory processing disorder or have other special needs. The morning explorer session allows individuals to enjoy the museum at a quieter time with admission at half price and a free ticket for one carer. So come on down to explore the ‘MiniBrum’ children’s mini city where children are in charge or the science garden where they can discover exciting engineering and over 30 hands-exhibits! Find out more here!
Cadbury World
Bournville
Explore the world of Cadbury and chocolate! There are interactive areas, a 4D cinema, a play area, and an amazing shop! Before you go you can download an Accessibility Guide so that you know exactly what to expect and if you have any special requirements, you can contact Cadbury World before your trip! So, head to this multi-sensory and interactive experience this weekend for loads of fun! Find out more here!
National Waterfront Museum
Swansea
Visit the National Waterfront Museum to learn all about industrial heritage! Plus, there’s a chill-out room that offers quiet hours each month so, if your child needs to take a break from all the sensory stimuli this room is perfect! So, go along to see some amazing exhibitions such as ‘keeping it local’! Find out more here!
Anglesey Sea Zoo
Anglesey
This all-weather attraction has over 40 tanks showing some of Britain’s best marine wildlife! See creatures such as lobsters, seahorses, jellyfish and octopus! The staff are also trained at helping visitors with additional needs and on request, there are quiet times and extra help offered. For example, if the wave machines are too loud they can turn them off for you. Find out more here!
Dundonald International Ice Bowl
Antrim
Head to Indiana Land at Dundonald International Ice Bowl for an ASD session that is exclusively aimed at children 14 years and below on the Autistic Spectrum. You can also bring your friends and family as long as they are also within this age bracket! These sessions run every second Friday and last Friday of every month from 5:45pm-7:00pm! Music will be played at a lower volume and numbers will also be reduced. Find out more here!
Belfast Zoo
Belfast
Belfast Zoo has some amazing animals such as bears, flamingos, red panda, elephants, zebra, monkeys, kangaroos and many more! Plus, from 9am-10am quiet hours will be held so that visitors who need can visit in these times with their families and friends! So head on over to learn about and see the residents of Belfast Zoo! Find out more here!
Rock Up Climbing Centres
Hull
Throughout the year Rock Up’s climbing centre holds autism and SEN-friendly sessions where the music will be turned off and fewer climbers will be present. Your family and siblings are also of course welcome to climb with you! There is so much to explore with walls towering over 8m in height and over 70 challenges to get stuck into! They will not be bored! This is a great way for your kids to burn off some energy whilst also having tonnes of fun! Find out more here!
Discovery Museum
Newcastle
Learn about history, science, and technology at the Discovery Museum! Plus, there are Especially for Me events which offer dedicated hours and free admission for families with disabilities. This allows families to network with each other in an environment that is really understanding. There are Autism-Friendly evenings coming up on the 24th of September 5-8pm, 12th November 5-8pm, and 10th December 5-8pm where you can play, imagine, and explore as a family! ASL interpretation is also available upon request. All events are free, you just have to pre-register online! Find out more here!
Riverside Museum
Glasgow
See some of Glasgow’s incredible transport and technology collections at Riverside Museum! Come and see some great exhibitions such as ‘Going Green’ and you’ll feel comfortable with trained staff on hand at any time. There’s also a sensory storyboard that you can access before your visit so that you know where everything is and what to expect! Find out more here!
National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh
This free museum is the perfect day out for you and your family! Discover the world of dinosaurs as well as the technology of the future! The website is great as it tells you exactly what to expect when you get there, and you can even borrow a sensory backpack if you would like. Plus, there are monthly relaxed mornings and staff to tell you the best places to go in the Museum to suit your child’s needs. Find out more here!
What have you been up to? We’d really love to know! Someone else might love it, and really want to go! If you’ve got ideas, suggestions or reviews, you can shout all about it on whatever channel you choose!
Let’s go on a Picniq! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or tag us on Instagram using #PicniqUK! ❤
