LONDON'S BEST ATTRACTIONS FOR NEURODIVERGENT KIDS
- AG
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Capital's Most Autism & SEND Friendly Family Attractions
London can be noisy, chaotic and unpredictable for neurodivergent children - but some of the capital's best attractions have stepped forward with carefully tailored experiences, to ensure all children are included.
You have nominated London's best attractions for neurodivergent children and kids with autism and additional needs, below.
Our ultimate winner will be crowned in August.
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Dawnosaurs at Natural History Museum
These free, relaxed morning events for neurodivergent children enable them to enjoy the Museum, free from the hustle and bustle of the general public. Visitors have access to a wide range of galleries and activities, supported by and led by experienced, neurodivergent-aware facilitators.
Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Early Birds at the Science Museum
Early Birds is a free sensory friendly event for families with members who need a quieter environment to enjoy the museum.
Taking place on select Saturdays and Sundays across the year, they open the museum exclusively before or after hours, and wherever possible, have adjusted operations and/or lowered volume levels on exhibits.
As well as exploring some of the galleries, you can enjoy a selection of fun workshops in a gallery space. There are also quiet areas for those needing to take a break.
Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
SENsory Sailors at National Maritime Museum
These free monthly sessions are brilliantly tailored to children with additional needs, with a team of creatives to support families and a flexible approach.
Explore the Museum's collections, enjoy the opportunity to be creative together as a family, and meet other local families.
National Maritime Museum, Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF
Quiet At the Aquarium - SEA LIFE London
Kids with autism and other sensory requirements can discover more than 6,000 creatures including a colony of Gentoo penguins, two adorable Green Sea Turtles, and the UK’s largest jellyfish display in more comfortable environment.
On selected mornings for the events, music will be switched off until 10am, lighting reduced to a static mode and televisions turned to a minimal volume.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
Sensory Sound Tour - St Paul's Cathedral
Discover the sounds of St Paul’s with the Sensory Sound Tour, specially created for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
St Paul's Cathedral, St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
Relaxed Opening at The Golden Hinde
The Golden Hinde runs relaxed opening hours on the last Sunday of every month from 10am to 12pm. Autistic people and those with neurodiverse needs can explore the ship in a calm environment. Visitor numbers are limited, noisy devices are turned off, the space is made as light as possible and quiet breakout spaces are provided with cushions and books.
The Golden Hinde, St Mary Overie's Dock, Cathedral St, London SE1 9DE
Families with SEND at London Transport Museum
For children with special educational needs, the museum opens outside regular hours on select days.
Kids can enjoy the Museum at a quieter time, and with many of the gallery sounds turned off. Explore their All Aboard family spaces in peace, have a go at their holiday activities or get hands-on with genuine parts of transport history.
They also offer a sensory space at these events, as well as sensory objects including their bespoke stimming board, carefully crafted by their Learning Team to provide a calming sensory experience for little visitors.
London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza London WC2E 7BB
The RAF Museum
The Autism Access Award-winning museum provides free SEND family backpacks to borrow, filled with sensory items to support your visit. Inside you’ll find smell pots, a squishy plane, and binoculars to explore the Museum in a fun, hands-on way.
They also offer an autism friendly aircraft trail, workshops for school groups with additional needs, Quiet Rooms and autism friendly trained staff.
The RAF Museum, Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL
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