For children with sensory sensitivities, autism or other types of neurodivergence, attractions usually thought of as fun can be overwhelming. Places like amusement parks and indoor playgrounds can be too loud, there may be too many people or there can be other factors preventing these children from having as much fun as they can.
But there are still plenty of options for them that aren’t as overstimulating. From attractions designed for children with neurodivergence to museums and parks that hold special events meant to be more sensory-friendly, here are some of the best options in the Delaware Valley for kids with sensory sensitivities.
Philadelphia
Please Touch Museum
(Open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Monday)
Children’s museum; holds sensory-friendly hours with smaller crowds and reduced music and lights
Philadelphia Zoo
(Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Has sensory-friendly morning events and a map of designated quiet areas available on its website
Ensemble Arts Philly at the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts
Holds sensory-friendly performances
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse
(Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday)
Barrier-free playground with accessible attractions
Bucks County, PA
Helping Friendly Farm – New Hope
(Open by appointment only)
Therapeutic farm with a sensory play barn aimed at families of children with disabilities and neurodivergence
Elmwood Park Zoo – Norristown
(Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Holds “Quiet Mornings” on the last Thursday of the month
Bucks County Children’s Museum – New Hope
(Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday)
Visitors can pick up Sensory Backpacks, which contain sunglasses, noise-cancelling headphones and a fidget toy, at the front desk.
Sesame Place – Langhorne
(Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday)
First theme park in the world to be named a Certified Autism Center; has accommodations for visitors with autism
New Castle County, DE
The Grand Opera House – Wilmington
(Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon-4 p.m. Saturday)
Has Sensory-Friendly Family Shows with reduced lighting, ASL interpreters and designated quiet spaces
Brandywine Zoo – Wilmington
(Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Holds sensory-friendly events; guests can pick up KultureCity sensory bags at the start of their visit.
Can-Do Playground – Wilmington
(Open 8 a.m.-7 p.m.)
Playground designed to be accessible for children of all abilities and needs
Camden County, NJ
Adventure Aquarium – Camden
(Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Has a viewing area of its shark exhibit designed for visitors with autism; visitors can also borrow sensory equipment like weighted blankets and noise-canceling headphones.
Diggerland USA – West Berlin
(Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Construction-themed amusement park; hosts sensory-friendly nights throughout the year
Our View (formerly Build Jake’s Place) playgrounds – Cherry Hill and Delran (Burlington County)
(Open 5 a.m.-10 p.m.)
Barrier-free playground with sensory activities
We Rock the Spectrum Audubon – Audubon
(Open 4-7 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday)
Autism-inclusive indoor playground and gym
