Friday, February 19, 2016

Sensory Friendly Activities for Families and Children with Special Needs


It’s that time of year where we are all starting to go a bit stir crazy from being inside during the winter.  Below is a list of a few fabulous local places which provide accommodations for children with special needs so you and your family can get out of the house and play!  

1.     Seattle Children's Playgarden:  Seattle Children's PlayGarden is a public park, and is open to the public from sun up to sun down year round, with the exception of during our summer camp hours, which are Monday-Thursday, 9:30-1:30, June 22 - Aug 27.    

2.     Seattle Children’s Museum: One of the many local museums which provides     

Sensory hours, and opens its doors early for sensory hours the first Saturday of each month. From 8:30–10 a.m., the museum dims the lights and minimizes sounds, creating a setting friendlier to kids who benefit from a quieter, less-crowded environment.


3.     Pacific Science Center: Offers Exploration for All: Autism Early Open at Pacific

Science Center. On the second Saturday of each month, through December 2016, all families affected by autism spectrum disorder are invited to explore Pacific Science Center during a special free morning visit from 8-10 a.m. – before they open to the public. Website provides specific dates for this event.


4.     Seattle Public Library story times:  Sensory story times are hosted at the Ballard and Columbia City branches of the Seattle Public Library, hosted each Saturday from 10:15-10:45 a.m. Registration is not required but are limited to 12 families on a first-come, first-serve basis. These special librarian-led story times are for kids ages 10 and under who have a hard time in large groups, are on the autism spectrum, or are sensitive to sensory overload.


5.     Seattle Sensory Garden: Is an inclusive garden designed for all ages and abilities to   

experience nature through the five senses.


6.     AMC Sensory Friendly Films:  AMC Theatres has partnered with Autism Society to bring sensory friendly showtimes to locations across the country, including four in the greater Seattle Area. At these showings, auditoriums will have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing. 


7.     Miner's Corner:  Is Snohomish County's first universally accessible park, which  
opened in November 2013. The park emphasizes a full sensory experience in natural surroundings.  It meets requirements for full storm water dispersion, which means at least 65% of the site is natural vegetation. The park makes use of this natural beauty by placing the playground right in the middle of the woods, and has numerous play spaces set along park pathways and the created intermittent stream and wetland to encourage interaction with nature.

8.     Meadow Crest Playground in Renton: Is a playground in Renton was designed to be accessible and fun for all ages and abilities. It sits next to Meadow Crest Early Learning Center, home to an inclusive preschool, and North Highlands Neighborhood Center. Features include oversized musical instruments, an interactive water table, a nature play area with logs and sand, and a wavy walk for wheelchairs or tricycles complete with a play gas station and stop signs. 

https://rentonwa.gov/living/default.aspx?id=32303

 

9.   Hands On Children’s Museum (HOCM): Is the largest children's museum in the Pacific Northwest. They have a sensory friendly guide available and host Special Nights of Play for families with kids on the autism spectrum or with other special needs. 

  
 I hope these recommendations are helpful!

-Paige



No comments:

Post a Comment