Disclaimer: Here are some resources that we have found, please check them out if they are applicable for
your family.
Check out your local community:
- Libraries with special reading programs hours and sensory storytimes. Some Libraries
are still offering virtual programming. - Movies with special showings, dimmed lighting, and sensory hour times. Some even
have suggestions for timing. (Check out summer programs and discounts) - Sensory Gyms and free sessions
- Camps
- Yoga at home
- Bowling
- Berry picking
- Barnes and Nobles book reading for the summer
- Pizza Hut Book it
- Local Parks and recreation
Here are some website that provide a variety of options for families:
https://www.belikebuddy.com/contact
A US database of sensory and handicap accessible friendly activities.
https://mommypoppins.com/philadelphia
An online resource to help parents/caregivers find activities to do with their families all
year long. Mommypoppins has information from parks, dining and indoor activities.
Here are some examples of locations and their accessibility in the Philadelphia area:
THEME PARKS:
Sesame Place:
The first autism certified theme park. Sesame Place offers a variety of options for
all of your family members. Children 23 months and younger have free admission to the park.
All children older than 23 months and adults are required to purchase a ticket. Hours of operation
vary per day and can be found on their website.
-Handicap parking is available and all parking fees are $25.00 In the event you need assistance, a wheelchair can be arranged to be brought to your vehicle by notifying the parking attendant upon arrival.
-If your child would need a break from the park during your visit, you may visit the
Welcome Center for a code. Staff will provide you with a code to enter the quiet rooms.
Additionally, if you do not own noise canceling headphones, the Welcome Center will
also provide those free of charge. However, this service is provided through a first come,
first serve basis.
-Ride Accessibility Program: Guests with physical disabilities, mobility impairments, and
or cognitive disorders who would like to participate in this program must be registered
for a IBCCES accessibility card (www.accessibilitycard.org). Once your child is enrolled,
you will be given a personalized sheet of rides and attractions. If applicable, guests who
are unable to stand in line because of their physical impairments and/or cognitive
disorders will be given a Special Access Pass. 3 additional riding companions are allowed
to stand with the guest who has the Special Access Pass.
-Adult changing stations are located in the bathroom across from Cookie’s Cafe.
-The following restaurants are handicap accessible and offer accessible seating: Elmo’s
Eatery, Cookie’s Café, Captain Ernie’s Bistro , and Abby Cadabby’s Garden Grille.
-An allergen menu is also provided on the website under Food Allergen Info.
For more information please visit: https://sesameplace.com/philadelphia/
Smith Playground:
-Special needs playground
-Give a donation to enter
-Hours of operation: Closed on Monday’s, Tuesday through Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm.
-Bathrooms are NOT handicap accessible.
For more information please visit: http://smithplayground.org/
Crayola Experience:
Your child and family can enjoy all 25 attractions in a quiet environment
at night. Advance purchase required for admission.
For more information:-Please call 610-515-8000 (Press 4) or email: 1:1 ratio for guests who need special assistance.
Hershey Park:
Hours of operation for Hershey Park are 11am to 8pm and for the waterpark 11am to
7pm.
-Complete a Ride Accessibility Questionnaire prior to entering the park. Bring the answered questionnaire to any Guest Services location and you will be given a boarding pass for the day. For more information regarding accessibility please click : https://www.hersheypark.com/info/accessibility.ph
-There is ADA/handicap accessible vehicle parking at the park.
– If your child needs a break during your visit please visit the quiet rooms located throughout the park. These are located at Pioneer Frontier in the Family and Guest Services and the Kissing Tower Hill area Guest services.
-If your child has allergies click on the link before for their allergen protocol and info: https://www.hersheypark.com/info/faqs.php?action=faq_filter&categories%5B%5D=13&searc
Hershey’s Chocolate World:
- Hours of operation vary, however, Hershey’sChocolate world (HCW) opens at 9 am everyday.
- Free 3 hour limit of parking, 3-5 hour parking is $15.00, and 5+ hours is $40.00.
- HCW is now a newly certified autism center. Guests with autism or sensory needs now can have the most welcoming experience.
- Free admission to enter and take the chocolate tour ride. This is handicap accessible by waiting to the left of the rides entrance, a staff member will guide you from there.
- Weekdays are far less busy to visit CW as weekends are their busiest times.
- Patrons requiring information concerning the availability of special accommodations or services for Hershey’s Chocolate World attraction should call guest services at 717-534-4900.
- All entrances are Handicap Accessible, including the bathrooms.
- Service animals are welcomed into all public areas of the HCW.
- If your child has an allergy to the following, HCW suggests they do not consume anysamples given out for free. These allergens include: peanut, tree nuts, milk, soy, and or wheat.
- The following attractions are handicap accessible: Hershey’s Chocolate Tour, Chocolate Tasting, and 4D Chocolate Mystery. In order to board the Hershey’s Chocolate Tour, theride requires crossing a turnable.
- Special ‘in-car’ trolley tours are available for those guests that are unable to ascend three steps.
Please call 717-534-4900 with questions or click the below for more information:
Accessibility & Amenities | HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD
MUSEUMS
Franklin Institute:
-Hours of operation: CLOSED Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday through Friday 10 am to 5pm,
and Saturday/ Sunday 10am to 6pm.
-General admission pricing for an adult (12 years and up) is $23.00 and child (ages 3-11) $19.00
-Please view our interactive map and click on the accessibility icon in the upper right corner for clear indications on how to navigate the building using ramps and elevators in order to avoid the stairs.
-Accessible entrances to The Franklin Institute are located at the 20th Street business entrance or via the parking garage elevators into the Bartol Atrium.
-Parking: Designated parking in The Franklin Institute garage for vehicles bearing handicappedparking placards or license plates are on a first-come, first-served basis.
-Sensory friendly everyday, quiet places and sensory backpacks. For more information please visit https://www.fi.edu/sensory-friendly-everyday
-Accessible bathrooms: Wisdom Hall, Atrium 2nd level, Planetarium Lobby 1st level, Coat room
area 1st level.
Please Touch Museum:
-All guests must make a reservation online. Tickets are not available to be purchased at the front desk. Please visit their website on how to sign up. https://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/visit/online-reservations/
-Hours of operation: Closed Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday through Sunday 9am to 12pm then will reopen at 1:30pm till 4:30pm.
-The Museum provides access to free Quiet Kits, available at the Admissions Desk, and daily Quiet Zone Tents are located throughout the Museum.
-A limited number of wheelchairs are available in adult size, free of charge, at the Admissions Desk.
-The entire Museum is accessible via wheelchair, including bathrooms, water fountains and the Carousel.
-Designated parking spaces are available for those with special physical needs in the Museum Parking Lot, adjacent to Memorial Hall.
– Parking must be prepaid online for $16.00 please clink the link to purchase your parking. https://14912.blackbaudhosting.com/14912/tickets?tab=3&txobjid=3ca28446-3bf9-4c11-9c1c-e3 59dfc74018&_ga=2.179371748.1333595428.1624459517-1878646774.1623076174
-Sponsored by: TD Charitable Foundation, Visit the Please Touch Museum on the First Wednesday of every month when, from 4 to 7:00 p.m., admission is only $2.00 per person!
Stay tuned to find out when this program begins again.
Eastern State Penitentiary:
– Eastern State Penitentiary was once a famous prison in the world but now stands in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers.
– Recommended for ages 7 and up
– Days and hours of operation: Wednesday through Sunday; 10am to 5pm
– Plus, join ESP for their new evening program Night Tours: Summer Twilight on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings now through September 4, 2021.
– Tickets can be purchased through their website or they at the door, however they are limiting the amount of people, so it’s recommended to purchase them online. Ticket prices are $19.00 for adults, $17.00 or seniors (62+), $15.00 for students (with valid ID), $15.00 for children (ages 7-12), and Free for children under 7 years old.
– Upon request, visitors with a disability will receive $2 admission for daytime historic tours. Personal Care Assistants are always provided complimentary admission when accompanying a visitor with a disability.
– For more information please visit their website: https://www.easternstate.org/access
Pizza Brain:
– See the World’s First Pizza Museum and restaurant.
– Please visit the website for more information: https://www.pizzabrain.org/museum
Milk Jawn:
– Milk Jawn is a small batch, premium ice cream jawn based in Philly. We use fresh, local PA dairy and we make our ice cream Philly-style (without eggs), which is the best way to deliver our amazing flavors.
– For more information please check out their website: https://milkjawn.com/about-us
TurkeyHill Experience:
– The Turkey Hill Experience features interactive exhibits allowing you to learn about dairy culture, the story of Turkey Hill Dairy, and how the company’s ice cream and iced tea flavors are selected and created.
– To learn more please visit: https://www.turkeyhillexperience.com/turkey-hill-experience/
Legoland Discovery:
– Philadelphia’s Only Ultimate LEGO Experience
– A fun filled day for the family to enjoy, reserve your tickets now: https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/philadelphia/
Kids at Play PA:
– Kids At Play is an indoor playground in Philadelphia, PA dedicated to providing each child with individualized attention and therapeutic care. For more information please visit: https://kidsatplaypa.com/
Philadelphia Museum of Art:
-Enjoy two-day access to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rodin Museum with a general admission ticket.
– To learn more or reserve your tickets: https://philamuseum.org
Amish Farmhouse:
– Explore an amish school house, visit the petting zoo, and take a horse and buggy ride to explore Lancaster county!
https://www.amishfarmandhouse.com/on-the-farm/amish-schoolhouse/
ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS:
Philadelphia Zoo: https://philadelphiazoo.org/
Elmwood Zoo: https://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/
Camden Aquarium: https://www.adventureaquarium.com/
ZooAmerica: https://www.zooamerica.com/
Merry Mead Petting Zoo: https://www.merrymead.com/
CRAFTS:
Sensory bottle or bags
Edible sensory bin
I Spy
Action Figures; frozen with salt
Rock painting then hiding them
Make a time capsule
OUTDOORS:
Fizzing Ice cubes
Rain Stick bottles
DIGITAL APPS:
Sky View Light
Geocaching
Plant Snap/Birds Eye
Apple Camp
VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES/FIELD TRIPS:
-The Crayola Factory offers free at home animated videos about learning:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNEtCPZKpimb6mJ_-v-2iDCUWaqllkmS1
– Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams
– New England Aquarium: https://www.neaq.org/visit/at-home-events-and-activities/
– Virginia Zoo: https://virginiazoo.org/
– Philadelphia Zoo: https://philadelphiazoo.org/penguin-point-cam/
– Clearwater Marine Aquarium: https://www.cmaquarium.org/?utm_source=googlemybusiness&utm_medium=listing
– Florida Oceanographic Society: https://www.floridaocean.orG/
