SEN activities in Solihull and Warwickshire
All parents love to get out and about doing different activities and seeing new places with their children. When a child has special needs or disabilities it can make certain activities more challenging and not always suitable. Appropriate activities for Special Educational Needs (SEN) children can be hard to find, so I’ve pulled together this round-up of SEN activities, clubs and sessions taking place in Solihull, Warwickshire and the surrounding areas.
While the information below is correct at the time of writing, please check the details and opening times etc before heading out in case things have changed!
Morning Explorers at Thinktank, Birmingham
Morning Explorers is an accessibility program for autistic people and those with similar disabilities. Running on the second Saturday of each month, it offers some accessible adaptions to the museum experience, plus an optional Autism Friendly planetarium show. On these mornings we offer early entrance into the museum at 9am, before the museum opens to the public at 10am. This allows you to explore the museum at a quieter time. To reduce the noise level, we will mute the majority of sound making exhibits until 11am. Ear defenders and sensory maps will be available on entrance, and access to quiet spaces may be arranged on request. This event is suitable for autistic adults, autistic children, and any friends, family, and personal assistants who would like to join. Pre-booking is essential for admission.
Tiny Tim’s Purple Planet Soft Play Centre
Tiny Tim’s Purple Planet is a great place for children to have fun and exercise in a clean, safe and friendly environment. Our indoor soft play area is packed with adventure. The equipment has been specially designed to ensure children with disabilities and special needs have good access and do not miss out, as we actively encourage integrated play. We believe that children need to exercise, so we have set out the play equipment in a way that combines both fun and movement.
Touchwood Shopping Centre – Quiet Hour
Touchwood has introduced a weekly ‘quiet hour’ in centre to help create a calm and enjoyable shopping experience for guests with autism. The ‘quiet hour’ will take place each week between 9am and 10am. Lights in all main areas of the centre will be dimmed, music turned off and tannoy announcements kept to a minimum to assist guests who prefer a calmer shopping environment.
Resorts World Birmingham – Quiet Hour
During our Quiet Hour, there will be no music playing, the lights will be dimmed wherever possible, and the building will be made to feel calmer with minimal sounds and no announcements unless there is an emergency. We would ask all of our guests to be kind and respectful whilst visiting at these times and help us to make the Resorts World experience an enjoyable one for everyone. The Quiet Hour will take place every Saturday from 10am – 11am.
Did you know that we have Sensory Ear Defenders available for children and young adults with Autism and Sensory Processing issues who are sensitive to noise and certain sounds? If you’d like to borrow one during your visit (limited availability), please speak to a member of our Guest Services team.
Visit after school on Fridays for a limited capacity quieter PLAY session. Starts at 3pm until 6pm. The farm also offers SEN sessions on Sunday mornings from 9am during school breaks – SEN families can explore while it is quieter and choose when they leave as the sessions get busier toward the afternoon. Please check online booking for dates and further details.
Everyone should be able to experience the joy of bouncing in an environment they feel comfortable in. It’s important for us to offer support for customers with extra needs and their families. Jump In SEN sessions for anyone aged 4+ are perfect for autism groups and for parents looking for activities in a calmer environment. These sessions are capped (less people), no music and reduced lighting to avoid glare. SEN Sessions are £12pp and carers are free of charge. Carers must provide a valid ID at check-in to redeem the free ticket. Jump into happy – with no music, less noise and fewer people. Please arrive 20 minutes before your session. Mondays 6pm – 7pm.
Rush Birmingham Autism and SEN Sessions
It’s important for us to offer support for customers with extra needs and their families. Our SEN Session on Mondays from 6 – 7pm is perfect for autism groups and for parents looking for activities to do with the whole family, this quieter, capped session has no music and reduced lighting to avoid glare. SEN Sessions are £12pp and Carers are free of charge. Carers must provide a valid ID at check-in to redeem the free ticket. Please arrive 20 minutes before your session.
Discover the joy of messy play with Messy Beanz! Our inclusive environment invites children with special needs and disabilities to explore and engage in sensory activities designed to boost development. Join us every Saturday at the SYDNI centre and get ready to get messy.
