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 for Main Line families.

Main Line Accessible Attractions and Classes

Discover the Main Line theme parks, zoos, attractions, and even some class offerings 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 Boulevard, 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 on the south facing side of the bison exhibit. This provides a less noisy area with gate access and seating where guests can take a time out.

Additionally, the Elwood Park Zoo opens one hour early for “Quiet Mornings,” typically on the last Thursday of every month (note that December, 2025’s Quiet Morning is at 11 am on 12/18 due to the Christmas holiday). During this time, guests and their families can enjoy the zoo in a relaxing setting before it opens to the general public.

Guests are also welcome to borrow a complimentary Sensory Backpack during their zoo visit. These packs contain noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, a stress ball, thinking putty, and sensory maps. The Zoo Admissions window can provide guests with one of these helpful resources, as long as a valid ID is produced.

Action Karate Main Line

6 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore

Action Karate’s mission is to make martial arts accessible to every child, including those with autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, and other developmental or learning differences. Their class programming includes several accommodations and sensory-friendly supports.

For instance, new students with special needs begin in 1-on-1 lessons to build comfort, routine, and confidence before transitioning into regular classes, if appropriate. Action’s classes are structured with clear routines, visual cues, and short, repeatable skill segments to help reduce anxiety and uncertainty. Additionally, they can reduce music/volume and provide quiet breaks when students feel overstimulated. What’s more, their classes focus on communication, coping strategies, and self-regulation skills alongside martial arts.

Action’s teachers are trained in neurodiversity-inclusive methods and collaborate with families so they can support each child’s unique needs. They work with caregivers on goals such as socialization, impulse control, focus, and motor development. While most of their inclusive offerings are integrated into their regular programs for kids, they also have private lessons available upon request.

Harmony Kids Playhouse

7 W. Baltimore Ave., Media

Harmony Kids Playhouse, a colorful, engaging play space offering open play, music classes and special events, provides a sensory-friendly environment designed to support all children, ages 0-4. From thoughtful lighting and gentle sound levels to hands-on sensory activities, their space is intentionally created to feel safe, welcoming, and inclusive for every child. In their music and play classes, all children learn, explore, and connect together.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia

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 sensitivities 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) and in 2025 became the first North American theme park to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. This program allows guests with non-visible disabilities to request a special wristband at the Family Care Center or Mr. Hooper’s Gift Shop, demonstrating to park staff that they may need additional time or patience.

The park also offers the IBCCES Sensory Guide™, which provides insight into how a child with sensory processing challenges 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 training to ensure they cater to all children.

While at the park, guests can take a break from sensory stimulation in the Low Sensory Room, pick up noise-canceling headphones at The Family Care Center or The Welcome Center, or visit other low sensory areas. Additionally, Julia, a young Muppet with autism, is also part of Sesame’s lovable line-up of characters who greet guests and pose for photos with park visitors.

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.

The Academy of Natural Sciences

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

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

Other amenities include a quiet and relaxing space, noise-canceling headphones, and fidget toys that guests may use. The next Sensory Friendly Morning will take place on December 14th, 2025. Advanced ticketing is required to avoid lines and ensure a calm, positive experience for all guests.

Brandywine 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 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 museum also offers special programming and access opportunities for individuals with sensory processing needs. Themed Sensory Friendly Saturdays offer visitors the opportunity to enter the museum before the general public, with less crowds and noise, special interactive art programing, and assistance from trained volunteers. There are also evening opportunities to view the Museum’s signature holiday trains in a reduced-stimulation environment during the museum’s Sensory Friendly Evening: Brandywine Railroad event.

The Philadelphia Art Museum

2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

To help families with children on the autism spectrum enjoy a day at the museum, the Philadelphia Art Museum offers free sensory kits for visitors to borrow. These can be found at the museum coat check and contain fidgets, sunglasses, and noise-reducing headphones.

The museum often hosts Sensory Friendly Mornings on the first Sunday of the month. Experience select galleries open before public hours and engage in activities and art-making for all ages and developmental levels. Sensory Friendly Mornings are free but require registration by emailing AccessProg@visitpham.org.

Main Line Accessible Theaters

From live performances to first-run movie houses, many 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 Theatres

Various locations

AMC Theatres partnered with the Autism Society to offer a Sensory Friendly Films program. During these offerings, 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.

AMC’s Sensory Friendly Films 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. Check your local AMC theater for specific showtimes.

Montgomery Theater

124 N. Main St., Souderton

The Montgomery Theater’s Relaxed Performances are specially-designed sensory-friendly experiences that welcome individuals on the autism spectrum and anyone with sensory, learning, or communication differences. Specifically, these performances feature accommodations such as relaxed theater etiquette, partially raised house lights, and reduced sudden loud sounds. Fidgets and earplugs, a designated quiet space, and trained staff ensure an inclusive atmosphere. Families can also access pre-visit materials to prepare for the performance.

Movie Tavern Exton

110 Bartlett Ave., Exton

Exton’s Movie Tavern, part of Marcus Theatres, offers Reel Movies for Real Needs on select Saturday mornings for patrons with autism or sensory needs. These special screenings of first-run movies provide lowered sound and brighter lighting and.a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere for movie watching. Please visit the theater website to confirm showtimes.

People’s Light

9 Conestoga Road, Malvern

Relaxed Performances at People’s Light are geared towards individuals with autism, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dementia, or sensory sensitivities. During Relaxed Performances, the house lights remain on at a low level. Strobe lighting is reduced and the theater theater becomes a “shush-free” zone. Patrons can freely move around, express themselves, and enjoy the show. The theater creates a quiet area in the lobby and provides pre-show materials, fidgets, and other sensory toys to borrow. People’s Light also offers a Sensory Tour where visitors can enter the theater space, view the set and props, and ask questions before the show begins.

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. The theater becomes a safe space where guests are free to express themselves by singing, walking around, talking, or shouting while enjoying Hollywood’s latest films. These showings are the first show of the day on select Saturdays each month. Check your local Regal Cinema for showtimes.

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 sensory needs on the Main Line events calendar.

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