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. We’ve pulled together this round-up of SEND activities, clubs and sessions taking place in our area to help you find something suitable for your family.
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 they 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 they 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 the Guest Services team.
Airhop Trampoline Park, Warwick SEN sessions
AirHop SEN sessions are held on Mondays from 6pm – 7pm and 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. During SEN sessions, slides will open periodically.
Rush Birmingham Autism and SEN Sessions
On Mondays from 6 – 7pm, their SEN Session 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.
Stay and play exclusively for children with special needs and disabilities. A safe space for children, parents, and carers to explore and learn through messy play. Our weekly themed sessions, each Saturday at The SYDNI Centre, are designed to encourage sensory exploration and let children discover and explore new textures in a fun and non-judgemental environment.
