In this blog post, I’ll share SEND-friendly days out in the vibrant city of London and its neighboring gems. Whether you’re seeking accessible attractions, family-friendly destinations, or sensory experiences, I’ve got you covered.
For parents of SEND children, here’s a helpful tip: If you’re interested in trying out an activity that doesn’t offer quiet sessions, consider booking the earliest available session. Take, for instance, soft play areas like Brixton Recreation Centre or Hobbledown Heath, where at 9 AM, it’s wonderfully calm and not crowded. Most people find these early sessions a bit too early to wake up for, making it an ideal time for a peaceful and enjoyable experience.
Young V&A
Address: Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA
The much-anticipated “Quiet Morning at Young V&A” is finally here! This event is specially designed for families with children who thrive in a serene and peaceful environment. Be sure to monitor their events page for updates on upcoming events like this.
Discover Story Children’s Centre
Address: 383-387 High St, London E15 4QZ
Discover Story Children’s Center hosts ‘Sensory Adapted’ events on the last Sunday of every month. These modified sessions are designed to be more inclusive for SEND families. They explicitly encourage movement, noise, and entry/exit throughout the session. The capacity is kept lower, and the events are scheduled during quieter times. Lights and sound levels are adjusted for a less overwhelming experience, and a designated chillout area is available for breaks. Ear defenders are provided to those who need them, and they are always available upon request at the reception.
Science Museum
Address: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
Introducing “Early Birds” – an inclusive sensory-friendly event at the Science Museum, tailored for families seeking a quieter environment. Experience the wonders of the museum at your own pace, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit for all. Moreover, Early Birds visitors can take advantage of booking tickets to lower capacity sessions in Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery at a discounted rate. While there are no updates on the next event at the moment, rest assured that I’ll keep you informed once new information becomes available.
RAF museum
Address: Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL
While the RAF Museum currently does not list any specific SEND-friendly events, they do offer a thoughtful accommodation. Visitors can find solace in the Quiet Rooms situated in Hangars 1 and 6, providing a serene environment that can be accessed freely without the need to request permission. These spaces are designed to offer peace and tranquility, allowing everyone to enjoy the museum at their own pace and in a comfortable setting.
Museum of London Docklands
Address: No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL
From September 4, 2023, to December 18, 2023, the Museum of London Docklands presents “Quiet Afternoons” – an inviting and informal setting tailored to accommodate children with autistic spectrum conditions. Discover an atmosphere where sensory needs are thoughtfully considered, allowing for a more comfortable and enjoyable exploration of the museum.
Cinemas
Numerous cinemas, including Odeon, offer autism-friendly screenings. Odeon have sessions scheduled on one Sunday morning per month at over 90 cinemas across the UK and ROI. These screenings cater to the needs of individuals with autism by keeping the house lights on during the film, lowering the audio volume, and eliminating advertisements and trailers before the movie begins. To discover if your local cinema hosts autism-friendly screenings, be sure to inquire with them directly.
The Postal Museum
Address: 15-20 Phoenix Pl, London WC1X 0DA
At The Postal Museum, you’ll find regular early mornings thoughtfully designed to support autistic and neurodiverse individuals, both families and adults alike. These special events create a more comfortable and less noisy environment, perfect for anyone who would benefit from a visit during quieter times. The tickets are priced at an affordable £3.50 per person, making it accessible to all. Mark your calendars for the next event on August 21st, and remember to keep an eye on their events page for updates on future relaxed events.
Natural History Museum
Address: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Dawnosaurs at the Natural History Museum offers an exclusive opportunity for neurodivergent children and their families to explore the museum ahead of others and engage in themed activities. There are upcoming events on September 2, 2023 (Dinosaurs theme) and November 4, 2023 (Building the Natural World theme). The sessions run from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, providing a serene and welcoming atmosphere. Best of all, participation is free, but booking is required to secure your spot.
Westfield Shopping Centre
Westfield White City and Stratford frequently host events for kids. To enhance the guests’ experience, they provide sensory packs featuring carefully selected sensory items. These packs offer a wide range of sensory opportunities and therapeutic benefits for both children and adults with various disabilities, making their shopping experience more enjoyable.
The sensory packs include ear defenders and sunglasses to help with noise and light sensitivity, fiddle toys to keep hands engaged and relieve stress, and feeling fans to express emotions.
Gambados
Address: Gambado Ltd. 7, Station Court, Townmead Rd, Chelsea, London SW6 2PY
While I may not be a fan of Gambados, I appreciate their efforts to host SEN soft play evenings exclusively for children and their families. They warmly welcome young children with disabilities and special educational needs, including autism.
Gambados offers free entrance for every carer accompanying one child if disability ID, such as a DLA form, is presented. Visitors are required to show their Disability Living Allowance letter, a bank statement displaying Disability Living Allowance, or a letter from a medical professional confirming the diagnosis.
Additionally, siblings are welcome to join, and they will be charged a £5 admission fee.
Snakes & Ladders
Address: Syon Park, Brentford TW8 8JF
Snakes & Ladders SEND Play Sessions are specially tailored for children aged 0-12 years with special educational needs or disabilities. These sessions provide a relaxed atmosphere, fostering connections among families.
You can get FREE admission for up to 2 adults and 2 children (including at least one SEND child). Additional siblings or adult carers of your SEND child are also welcome to join the fun with discounted admission. Please remember to present a valid DLA letter upon arrival.
Sensory Sailors at National Maritime museum
Address: Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF
Families with children under 13 years who have special educational needs and disabilities are invited to a monthly session at the National Maritime Museum. The event takes place once a month on Saturdays from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Attendees can explore the museum’s collection and enjoy the opportunity. Tickets are free, but prebooking is required.
CuppaPug – Sensory Sessions
Address: CuppaPug, 5 Ability Plaza, Arbutus Street, E8 4DT
Discover serene Sensory Sessions at CuppaPug, held every Thursday and Friday from 10am to 11am. During these exclusive hours, they ensure a peaceful atmosphere by accommodating only four individuals in the cafe. You can find more information here.
Children’s Garden quiet sessions at Kew
Address: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE
At certain times of the year, Kew Gardens holds special quiet sessions where they temporarily close the Children’s Garden to the general public. These sessions are specifically designed to offer a more comfortable experience for children with special educational needs and disabilities, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and sensory processing needs, along with their parents or carers.
During these exclusive sessions, Kew Gardens limits the number of visitors, allowing for a serene and relaxed environment without potentially stressful queues. This thoughtful approach ensures easy access and provides a supportive space for all to enjoy. You can find more info here.
Relaxed Mondays at The Cartoon Museum
Address: 63 Wells St, London W1A 3AE
Experience the Cartoon Museum’s Relaxed Monday events, specially tailored for children and young people with autism spectrum conditions or sensory processing differences. These events are available on selected Mondays throughout the year. Admission is free, but make sure to book in advance to secure your spot.
Gootopia
Address: Locations in Wandsworth, Brixton and Lewisham.
Gootopia hosts engaging slime-making workshops designed for children aged 3 and above. They provide peaceful and soothing workshops with smaller group sizes, creating a calm atmosphere ideal for kids who enjoy a quieter setting. The cost for this experience is £15.99 per child. For additional details, please visit their website.
Airthrill
Address: Unit 4, Catford Island, Plassy Rd, London SE6 2DD
Airthrill Catford organize exclusive ASN sessions every Sunday at 10:15 AM. ASN guests are welcome to join any open jump session for free, and their caregiver can accompany them at no extra cost. This will cost you £12.95. Find more information on their website.
Oxygen Freejumping
Address: The O2, Croydon and Acton
Oxygen now offers Peaceful Play sessions designed for individuals who enjoy a serene and tranquil play environment. They have allocated an hour of park time specifically for children who may be sensitive to noise, flashing lights, or crowded spaces, as well as those on the autism spectrum or with sensory or learning disabilities. Find more info here.
Babylon Park
Address: 8 Castlehaven Rd, London NW1 8QU
Babylon Park in Camden now offers SEN sessions at £15 per person. Two dates are currently available in March and April. For additional information, visit their website.
