These days, families can find a Main Line sensory-friendly resource at many of the area’s attractions, museums, and theaters. From relaxed performances to the addition of quiet areas, the following institutions offer sensory-friendly and accessible experiences.

Main Line Accessible Attractions

Discover the Main Line theme parks, zoos, and attractions that feature sensory-inclusive programs and adaptions for neurodiverse families. Accessibility maps, sensory guides, and quiet zones help parents plan a fun and pleasant visit. Many accessible attractions offer amenities like noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys for those with sensory processing needs.

Elmwood Park Zoo

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Elmwood Park Zoo is the first zoo in the world to become a Certified Autism Center. An accessibility map, a sensory guide, and a social narrative help prepare and guide guests through the zoo. These resources provide important insight on crowded areas, noise, bright lights, and where strong odors might be found. 

As part of accessibility at Elmwood Park Zoo, the zoo also provides a dedicated quiet space. Located across from the Prairie Dog exhibit, guests can take time out in this area.

Additionally, on the last Thursday of every month, Elwood Park Zoo opens one hour early for “Quiet Mornings.” During this time, guests with special needs and their families can enjoy the zoo in a relaxing setting before it opens to the general public.

Guests are welcome to take a complimentary Sensory Backpack containing noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, and sensory maps.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Plymouth Meeting Mall, 500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting

In 2023, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia became certified by KultureCity® as a Sensory Inclusive Venue to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. As part of the certification process, LEGOLAND staff participate in annual training about the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing needs and how to offer resources and accommodate their guests.

Before visiting LEGOLAND, check out their Digital Social Story so you know what to expect for sensory stimuli while you are there. Borrow a KultureCity Sensory Bag containing a special KCVIP badge, a feeling thermometer, fidget tools, and noise-canceling headphones from the Admissions desk. 

Sesame Place

100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

Sesame Place is the world’s first theme park to be designated as a Certified Autism Center (CAC). The park offers the IBCCES Sensory Guide™, which provides insight into how a child with sensory processing issues may be affected by each sense for rides and attractions at Sesame Place Philadelphia. 

As part of their CAC designation, Sesame Place requires that all staff Ambassadors participate in specialized autism and awareness training to ensure they cater to all children, including those with special needs.

While at the park, guests can take a break from sensory stimulation in the park’s Quiet Room, pick up noise-canceling headphones at the Welcome Center, or visit other low sensory areas. Meet and interact with Julia, a little girl Muppet with autism.

Main Line Accessible Museums

Parents of children with sensory sensitivities can enjoy a cultural outing at Main Line sensory-friendly museums. Look for designated sensory-friendly visiting hours when the museum is less crowded and maintains a quiet, calm environment. Ask about support resources such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, and activity suggestions for visitors with special needs.

The Academy of Natural Sciences

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

The Academy of Natural Sciences is Philly’s must-visit natural science museum that is home to a 42-foot long T-Rex dinosaur. On select dates, the museum hosts Sensory-Friendly Mornings from 9–11 a.m. These sessions are designed to offer a more comfortable, calmer experience for visitors with smaller crowds and more tranquil sounds.

Other amenities include a quiet and relaxing space, noise-canceling headphones, and fidget toys that guests may use. Advanced ticketing is required to avoid lines and ensure a calm, positive experience for all guests.

Brandywine River Museum of Art

1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford

This regional art museum features the artwork of the Wyeth family, as well as many other distinctive American artists. In addition to artwork, families will find plenty to explore around the 15-acre campus, situated beside the Brandywine River. Find riverside native plant gardens and animal sculptures along the River Trail, which also features a boardwalk over wetlands.

The Brandywine River Museum of Art offers Sensory-Friendly Museum Packs, available for free during museum hours. These packs contain social stories, fidgets, noise-canceling headphones, and activity suggestions. To request a pack, inquire at Visitor Services when purchasing admission.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art

2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

To help families with children on the autism spectrum prepare for a day at the museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art created the PMA for All app. With the app, you can plan your visit and learn more about what’s on display. Play PMA card matching, read insider tips, and view a  sensory-friendly map.

The museum often hosts Sensory Friendly Mornings. Experience select galleries open before public hours and engage in activities and art-making for all ages and developmental levels.

Main Line Accessible Theaters

From live performances to first-run movie houses, Main Line area theaters offer sensory-friendly experiences. During accessible showings, theaters turn up the lights and turn down the sound. Relaxed performances allow patrons to get up, walk, make noise, and express themselves.

AMC Movie Theaters

AMC partnered with the Autism Society to offer a Sensory Friendly Film program for people living with special needs. The theater creates a safe and accessible environment by lowering the sound and turning up the lights. Patrons can get up, dance, walk, or sing during these unique showings.

Their Sensory Friendly Film program shows family-friendly movies on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. Sensory-friendly showings of movies for mature audiences happen Wednesday evenings of every month.

People’s Light

9 Conestoga Road, Malvern

People’s Light offers a special show for individuals with autism, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dementia, or sensory sensitivities. During Relaxed Performances, the theater becomes a “shush-free” zone and house lights remain on at a low level. Patrons to freely move around, express themselves, and enjoy the show. The theater creates a quiet sensory lounge and provides pre-show materials, fidgets, and other sensory toys to borrow as needed. Enter the theater space, view the set and props, and ask questions at the pre-show sensory tour.

Regal Cinemas

Various locations

Regal Cinema‘s My Way Matinee gives everyone the opportunity to experience a movie with the lights turned up and the volume turned down. This becomes a safe space where guests are free to express themselves by singing, crying, dancing, walking around, talking, or shouting while enjoying Hollywood’s latest films. These showings will be the first show of the day on select Saturdays each month. 

Studio Movie Grill

53 S. 69th Street, Upper Darby

Studio Movie Grill (SMG) is a first-run movie cinema that offers in-theater dining and a full service bar. SMG’s Special Needs Screenings are shown with the lights up and the volume lowered, and children are free to move around and talk during the movie. These sensory-friendly screenings are free for children with special needs and their siblings. Adult tickets are available at before-noon price. 

Main Line Sensory-Friendly Things to Do

Families with neurodivergent kids can find sensory-friendly activities at Main Line attractions, museums, and theaters. A modified environment and supportive resources help kids with cognitive differences and their families relax and enjoy their experience. Find more events for children with autism and other special needs on the Main Line events calendar.

Lead photograph courtesy of Elmwood Park Zoo. Laura Swartz contributed to this article.