Belfast has many attractions that are becoming much more accommodating for families with a child who has additional needs. Find out Belfast’s top sensory friendly attractions that help individuals feel more comfortable during their visit. From sensory guides to quiet hours, you and your family will be sure to have a great day out!
Quiet Rooms at W5
W5 works with groups to provide Autism friendly experiences throughout the year. W5 also have a Quiet Room for visitors who need some quieter time, including children and adults with sensory needs or individuals on the autism spectrum, to take a break from the main exhibition spaces, crowds, noise and excitement of W5.
Autism Friendly Sessions at High Rise
Every Sunday from 10am, with additional dates throughout the year, High Rise in Lisburn goes quiet for autism tailored Clip ‘n Climb and soft play sessions (see website for 2024 dates). During these sessions the centre will be quieter (no music playing and fewer guests) and their instructors will deliver a shorter, autism-friendly safety briefing for Clip ‘n Climb. Find out more and book>>
Sensory Room at Nature and Nurture
Pass through the forest passageway and you will reach their calming sensory room! Use of the sensory room is included in your admission – Book your session here!
Quiet Air at Airtastic
Airtastic’s autism friendly ‘Quiet Air’ mornings take place in their Inflata Park every Sunday from 10am to 11am. Bounce down to Airtastic Belfast to enjoy lots of indoor inflatable fun! Book your session now.
Inclusive Sessions at Dundonald International Ice Bowl
Quiet Hours at Belfast Zoo
Belfast Zoo hold specific dates for Quiet Hours, running from 9am to 10am to allow visitors with sensory requirements, along with their family and friends, to enter the zoo an hour before normal opening. Find out more here. Belfast Zoo also permit visitors with a JAM card, Autism Alert Card or National Autism Card to be fast tracked to the top of the admission queue during busy periods.
Disability Friendly Sessions at Lagan Valley Leisureplex
The Pan Disability & Autism Friendly Swimming sessions are aimed at families with members who are disabled or on the Autistic Spectrum. The sessions provide participants and their families with an hour of fun in the Leisure Pool. The sessions include fun floats, balls and rings for extra enjoyment, and all within a controlled and supervised environment.
Titanic Belfast Sensory Aids
Titanic Belfast provide you with a sensory guide so that individuals on the autistic spectrum know what to expect prior to their visit. You can download this guide here. There are a number of other simple strategies that have been put in place to help individuals with ASD to enjoy their visit. Titanic Belfast have VIP wrist bands, ear defenders and staff are trained to recognise JAM Cards.
ASD & Inclusion at Montalto Estate
Whether it’s someone with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), Down Syndrome or any other additional or sensory needs, Montalto understand that coming to a visitor attraction can potentially be an overwhelming experience. This can also be the case for their families/carers. At Montalto Estate they strive to be ‘autism-friendly’, and as inclusive as possible, therefore they want to work with all their visitors and ensure they can enjoy their experience of Montalto.
High Rise Sensory Rooms
High Rise Adventure Centre has been designed to be inclusive and accessible to allow the whole family to enjoy outings together! It includes a Changing Places accessible toilet, which is open to everyone. They also have 2 innovative sensory rooms with a range of state of the art features designed to support guests with additional needs.
Family Fun Beyond Belfast
Discover family fun attractions in Lisburn & Castlereagh and Ards & North Down, minutes from Belfast.
