We appreciate that the school holidays can be difficult to plan when your child has additional needs such as Autism, ADHD, GDD, Down’s syndrome or cerebral palsy. Yet, when you visit the West Yorkshire area, creating a fun itinerary for the entire family is possible. 

Check out our guide to SEND-friendly accommodations, attractions and cinema screenings that can complement your visit to Sensory Planet. 

Accommodation

Sensory Planet isn’t just a treasured resource for the local community. Anyone undertaking long car journeys across the country can also book a session here in Knottingley. Break up your drive and stretch your legs. We’d love to meet you all. 

Keen to stay in the Yorkshire area for longer? Why not stay at one of the following access-friendly accommodation providers in this beautiful county: 

• Spectrum Holidays 
• Disabled Holidays 
• Holiday Lettings. 

We’ve close access to the M62 and A1(M) routes. So extending your visit is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the area as a family. 

Activities

LazerZone, Castleford

LaserZone provides an inclusive experience for families with additional needs. On the second Sunday of every month, they hold a SEND & Autism-friendly session which features quieter music, fewer players overall and additional lighting. 

Artificial smoke effects are also scaled back for a calmer environment during these Mini-SEND-Mission and Mega-SEND-Mission formats. Plus, all players will take away a certificate of participation. Book your tickets via their Group Events page. 

Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Halifax

Located in West Yorkshire, Eureka is a go-to destination for children from 0-11 years old. With six main zones arranged by theme and hundreds more interactive exhibits to explore, you’ll want to allocate a day for this fun museum. 

The website’s floorplan describes each zone in more detail. For example, the ‘All About Me’ area offers young ones the chance to “look up a giant nose, scan a pregnant mum's tummy” and “find out what you'll look like a few years from now”. 

Pre-booking is essential but includes a 12-month Annual Pass so you can stop by whenever you’re next in the area. Clued up on the Changing Places, BlueAssist and Hidden Disabilities initiatives whilst being assistance dog friendly, Eureka’s Access Information webpage is a great guide for visitors with sensory conditions, autism, mobility issues and visual or hearing difficulties. 

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton

Nature can “reduce ADHD symptoms” and Cerebral Palsy Guidance notes that those spending time outdoors “can benefit from the mood boost and other health effects of being in the fresh air”. 

The YSP’s welcoming information desk staff are happy to suggest wheelchair and mobility scooter-friendly routes. Its Visitor Centre’s lift opens up access to both floors, as well as the Formal Gardens and Underground Gallery. There are accessible toilets (for individual use) and Changing Places toilets, access for assistance dogs alongside plenty of 3D artwork. 

Visit their Accessibility webpage for more info. It’s recommended to pre-book mobility scooter hire and free admission tickets (for carers, Essential Companions, and MAX Card holders) in advance, to avoid disappointment. 

Autism-friendly Cinema, Various Locations

Standard cinema screenings can feel overwhelming for SEND children and adults. Yet, many of the leading cinemas offer adapted screenings to create a more relaxed experience for all. 

Popular blockbusters are now shown in many cinemas with quieter noise levels, low-level lighting and no trailers. These Autism-friendly screenings allow everyone to visit the cinema and watch the film on a big screen. Discover more about Autism Friendly Cinema Screenings. 

Details of Yorkshire’s independent and large chain cinemas offering autism-friendly movies can be viewed towards the end of this page. Enjoy the magic of Hollywood this summer. 

Unwind during a visit to Sensory Planet

Planning to take part in the activities above? Why not spend some more quality time together during a session of sensory play in our Galactic Ultraviolet and Luna Interactive rooms? Call us to say “hello” and organise your visit on 01709 919036 (Option 2) or email knottingley@sensoryplanet.co.uk