May half term is fast approaching so we’ve put a few ideas together for some great days out and activities that can help keep you busy, happy and having fun!
For those who are happy to pay for a fun activity that’s in a calmer environment, why not try pottery painting? The tactile painting process is very hands-on, and you can choose from lots of different things to paint to suit your budget. There are lots of different options dotted around the country, but to be sure it’s the right one for you, you can give them a call to book in when they are quieter.
Watching a film at the cinema is a firm favourite with many – just search up venues to make sure they fit your needs, whether this is quieter SEN sessions, or accessibility needs. Most of the major chains offer adjusted screenings, but if there is somewhere specific you want to go or film you want to watch, it’s worth calling ahead or visiting accessible screening to find the right venue for your needs.
Now the weather is getting better, a farm visit is a great way to get out and there are some specifically designed with autism in mind, including the ones below – but there may be something suitable closer to your home.
The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT) (Cheshire) offers tailored programs for children with complex physical/learning disabilities and sensory impairments. Two-hour day visits can be booked, which are free and the ten-acre site offers lots to do and see from donkeys, alpacas goats and sheep to visit, woodland to explore and a fully enclosed grass play area including a wheelchair accessible roundabout and swing.
Fairytale Farm (Chipping Norton, Cotswolds) is designed to be inclusive for disabled children, featuring sensory experiences and will be holding a Unicorns, Dragons and Wonderland Magic event this half term.
National Forest Adventure Farm (Burton-on-Trent) While not set up to be a destination for children with SEND, they welcome all visitors and much of the site is on one level with access to higher/ lower levels via ramp or steps with handrail and state staff are always on hand to provide assistance should it be required. There is a huge indoor soft play area, outdoor adventure zones featuring go-karts, jumping pillows, an assault course, crazy golf, a musical maze and more, while the animal barn and paddocks feature goats, alpacas, cows, horses, sheep and so much more. As ever, if you have any specific requirements, please give them a call!
Other events include:
SEND Fest at Colchester Zoo (Essex) is an evening event with reduced capacity, sensory stations, animal encounters, and “The Animal Guyz” show.
SNAPS Superhero Challenge in Leeds which is a fun run (walk, run, wheel) with sensory play, soft play, and face painting.
Autism Friendly Visit (Newmarket) https://events.humanitix.com/autism-friendly-visit-to-the-pony-academy Has a supported, quiet visit to the Pony Academy with sensory spaces.
Museum and Experience Days can also be a great way to keep children busy and learning in a fun way – and are usually very accessible with quieter slots available – just call to discover if it’s suitable for your needs.
To find more events closer to home to meet your needs you can visit Club Hub UK for SEND activities . It’s also worth contacting your local council to ask what their local offer is and if there is anything suitable for your child. You can locate your local council here.
