Hello lovely parents and carers!
Navigating the world of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) for our children often means becoming experts in areas we never expected, from understanding EHCPs to learning about therapies, funding and inclusive schooling. But something that can bring both joy and a bit of stress is simply trying to enjoy a day out as a family. At Fun and Play, our dream is a world where inclusion is built in, not bolted on. Until then, here are some tips to help you find genuinely accessible and sensory-friendly family outings where all your children can feel welcome and included and you can have a well-deserved moment of ease too 🥰
Why finding the right place matters
Going out should be about fun, exploration and making memories. But for families with children with SEND, it can be more complicated. Crowds, loud noises, flashing lights, long queues or a lack of accessible facilities can make an otherwise lovely outing feel impossible. Places that understand and support your child’s needs can help them feel calm, confident and happy and that means a better time for the whole family.
Tips for finding accessible and sensory-friendly outings
Here are some ways to discover the right places, based on what we’ve seen working for families in our community:
1. Search for venues with dedicated SEND sessions ✨
These sessions are quieter, more relaxed and often come with reduced lighting and noise. Some of our community favourites include:
- Kew at Christmas
- Fabulously Festive events
- Woking Leisure Centre soft play
- Tate Modern relaxed visits
- Gootopia sensory slime sessions
- Meadowbank soft play
- London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo SEN mornings
- WWT London Wetland Centre SEND family day
- Hampton Court Palace SEN events
- Harry Potter Studios relaxed tours
- Silvermere gymnastics
- Guildford spectrum
- Legoland
- Chessington World of Adventures
These sessions often require pre-booking and may run at off-peak times, but they can make a huge difference.
2. Look for accessibility features ♿️
Venues that advertise wheelchair access, accessible toilets, quiet areas, changing places or sensory rooms are already thinking inclusively. Look for places that mention assistance passes or schemes for queue management, like the Penguin Pass at the ZSL zoos or RAP for all Merlin Attractions.
3. Use your proof of need to access extra support
Items like the Access Card, Ride Access Pass or a sunflower lanyard can help signal that your child may need adjustments. You might not need a formal diagnosis to use these, but some venues will ask for proof of DLA or other supporting documents. Many attractions offer a free carer ticket for children with SEND, so it’s always worth asking.
4. Check your Local Offer and Short Breaks schemes 🎓
Your Local Authority should have a Local Offer website that includes clubs, sessions and activities that are inclusive or specifically designed for children with SEND. Some councils also provide Short Breaks funding to help cover the cost of holiday clubs, lessons or family activities – check what’s available in your area.
5. Tap into your local SEND community 🤝
One of the most powerful tools you have is other families. Whether through online forums, SEND groups or word-of-mouth, you’ll often hear about new or lesser-known accessible outings that don’t appear in the usual searches. Some examples we’ve heard about include:
- Inclusive athletics sessions
- Chelsea Foundation SEND football coaching
- Local SEN-specific rugby and dance clubs
- Soft plays offering SEND early morning or evening slots
- Sensory-friendly pantomimes
A note on assessments and support documents
While you don’t need an EHCP or DLA to enjoy a day out, these assessments can unlock useful resources. For example:
- DLA may support Blue Badge applications, which make travel and parking easier
- OT or Physio reports can help evidence your child’s need for specialist equipment, sometimes used to apply for grants or free tickets
- The Access Card scheme can use your assessment details to link to various accessibility adjustments at venues across the UK
Building inclusive memories 🌿
We know that searching for inclusive, safe and joyful family outings takes extra effort. But the rewards are so worth it – watching your child fully take part, relax and enjoy something new. By sharing what we know and recommending what works, we can make the journey smoother for other families too.
If you’ve found a brilliant sensory-friendly place or accessible day out near Weybridge or Walton-on-Thames, let us know! At Fun and Play, we want to grow this resource and make it easier for every family to find their next great day out 📲🌟
Have a lovely week and happy exploring! 💕