The summer holidays are just around the corner. It is a time to take a break from the school routine, enjoy a slower pace and create lasting memories, whatever that looks like for your family. For parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the break can also come with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to finding days out that are truly inclusive and accessible.
Fortunately, many venues across the UK are working to provide calm, welcoming environments that cater to a wide range of needs. From sensory-friendly museums to quieter play centres and nature spaces, there are more options than ever designed with SEND families in mind.
Here are ten recommended places to visit this summer, each offering thoughtful adaptations to help make your day out as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Discover Children’s Story Centre – Stratford
This immersive literary play space offers sensory-adapted events with reduced capacity, gentle lighting and sound, and a relaxed approach to movement. It is fully accessible and perfect for children who love stories, play and creative discovery.
Thames Valley Adventure Playground – Taplow
Just beyond the London border, this specialist playground is designed for children and adults with SEND. Facilities include sensory rooms, accessible equipment and safe outdoor play areas. Sessions must be booked in advance.
Lexi Cinema – Kensal Rise
The Lexi offers relaxed screenings for children with SEND, with softer lighting, lower volume and the freedom to move around if needed. Staff are supportive and eager to help, and the cinema is wheelchair accessible. Their hearing loop has been upgraded to the Dolby Fidelio system, with headsets available for customers to use inside the auditorium.
Young V&A – Bethnal Green
This reimagined museum focuses on creativity, design and play. Sensory-friendly features, relaxed sessions and interactive
installations make it a great space for curious children who need freedom to explore in their own way.
Parable Dance – Inclusive Movement and Creative Dance (Various London locations)
Parable Dance offers movement workshops for children and young people with SEND. Sessions focus on creativity and joy rather than performance, and support each child to take part in their own way.
AirHop Trampoline Park – Enfield
AirHop hosts regular sessions tailored for children with SEND, with quieter surroundings, fewer people and a flexible approach to participation. Staff are supportive and understanding of individual needs.
Autograph – Family SEND Programme Hackney
Autograph’s free, artist-led workshops focus on sensory play and creative exploration through sculpture, light and texture. Designed for families with children with complex needs or SEND, these sessions take place in a calm, inclusive gallery space.
Kew Gardens – Richmond
These world-renowned gardens include sensory trails that wind through glasshouses and peaceful landscapes, alongside accessible paths and quiet zones. Staff are on hand to help as needed, and there’s a Changing Places facility near the Brentford Gate car park. It’s a calming, nature-filled escape, offering children space to explore at their own pace, with wheelchair-friendly routes throughout the site.
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo – Battersea
This small, welcoming zoo provides an engaging and less overwhelming alternative to London’s larger wildlife parks. With accessible paths, sensory-friendly signage and staff experienced in supporting visitors with SEND, it’s an excellent option for animal lovers.
Together Space – Gnome House
Together Space offers a calm and inclusive environment for children with SEND. Expect a thoughtfully planned timetable featuring social communication games, attention builders and bucket group sessions. Each day includes a mix of engaging workshops such as inclusive dance, art, cooking, bubble making, yoga and more. It’s an ideal space for children to connect, create and unwind.
Many of these venues require booking for relaxed or SEND-specific sessions. It is always worth checking in advance for accessibility information, including available quiet spaces, sensory tools or support from staff. Social stories and visual timetables are available on many websites to help children prepare.
With the right setting and support, a summer day out in London can become a treasured memory for the whole family: calm, joyful and fully inclusive.
If you’re planning a holiday or travelling further afield, our guide for families with children who have additional needs offers practical advice to help make the journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general interest and should not be considered medical, therapeutic or educational advice. Families are encouraged to seek support from qualified professionals regarding individual needs or concerns.
