Make some school holiday memories with these sensory-friendly activities

While it might seem as though the school year has just started, school holidays are already here. Whether you’re in need of a holiday program or looking for some ways to fill the weekends, here’s our favourite sensory-friendly activities along the east coast.

Victoria  

Melbourne Museum & Scienceworks – On the first Saturday of every month, Melbourne Museum and Scienceworks offer low sensory sessions. Visitors will experience quieter galleries and exhibitions with fewer people, a reduction in sound and light levels and social stories offered throughout their Autism-friendly program. They also offer sensory bags with noise reduction earmuffs, fidget tools and a communications card.  

Philip Island Nature Parks – Philip Island Nature Parks offers a sensory inclusive nature experience with designated quiet areas and headphone zones as well as sensory bags available to hire, filled with useful items such as noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards. The staff have also undergone specialised training, which has now been provided to dozens of businesses on Philip Island, setting the town up to be a truly sensory-inclusive tourist destination.  

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium – Enjoy stunning underwater scenes during designated quiet times, you can also pick up a set of noise cancelling headphones on arrival. Social stories are available on the website to assist in preparing for your visit and staff are trained in the hidden disabilities sunflower program. 

New South Wales  

Taronga Zoo – Plan a day at the zoo using visual stories which are available online. Many staff and volunteers are trained in the hidden disabilities sunflower program and are on hand to direct visors to the Tranquil Zones, perfect for a break from the hustle and bustle.  

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) – To support a sensory-friendly environment, MCA has developed a range of resources including visual stories, which are available online. MCA has also designed a sensory map which identifies key sensory components of the gallery such as low lighting or flashing lights, to give families choice and control over their visit. There’s also chill out spaces, quiet rooms and a sensory play area to make sure that everyone feels welcome and supported during their visit.   

Sydney Opera House – The Sydney Opera House hosts a ‘Kids Sensory Music Café’ which invites children to experience the wonder and joy of music, specifically created and tailored to their needs. There’s also a range of accessible performances and experiences catering to different needs (sensory, Aslan etc) for all ages to enjoy.   

Queensland 

Queensland Ballet – The Queensland Ballet offers a range of ‘relaxed performances’ to accommodate for all audience members. During the performance, house lights remain on but dimmed to provide a comfortable environment. Patrons are welcome to exit and re-enter at any time and ushers will be available to assist. Audience members are also welcome to bring earphones/ear plugs, fidget toys and appropriate muted electronic devices as required. Check out the upcoming ‘relaxed performances’ which include Peter and the Wolf, The Nutcracker and The Little Mermaid. 

Queensland Museum Rail Workshops – Queensland Museum Rail Workshops host a range of fun experiences and exhibitions with sensory-friendly sessions during school holidays. These sessions are less crowded and provide consistency in lighting and noise reduction. The adjustments to the experiences have been guided by feedback from Autism Queensland. Sensory kits and noise cancelling headphones are also available at the Ticket Office. Grab a ticket and full steam ahead!