Help Activities and days out
Leisure activities and days out can mean a lot of new experiences, change and unpredictability. While this can be fun and a positive experience for some neurodivergent individuals, it may also present challenges.
The information and resources below can help you and your child to plan and get the most out of activities in and around Leeds.
Planning a holiday
The National Autistic Society has published some advice for planning a holiday with your autistic child.
Go to website
Suzie goes to the hairdresser
This book about visiting the hairdressers can help put your child’s mind at ease and help them to know what to expect.
Go to book link
Getting a haircut
This checklist from Infiniteach can help your child to know what to expect when getting a haircut
Go to checklist
Going to the cinema
At autism-friendly cinema screenings, adjustments are made to reduce stress and sensory input, such as low lighting and sound, freedom to move and staff trained in autism awareness. A list of autism-friendly cinema screenings is available from Dimensions.
Go to websiteActivities and days out in and around Leeds
Diggerland
Diggerland has some tips for visiting with anyone who has special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or different needs.
Go to website
Eureka museum
Eureka museum has advice for anyone visiting who has differences or accessibility requirements, including a sensory guide of the museum.
Go to website
Sensory World Dewsbury
Sensory World in Dewsbury is a safe environment with specialist play equipment designed for children with special needs, particularly neurodivergent children and young people. You can also access practical advice and support for parents and carers here.
Go to website
Jump Inc
Jump Inc trampoline park run SEN sessions especially for children with sensory differences.
Go to website
Gravity UK
Gravity trampoline park offer sensory friendly trampoline sessions, with free admission for one carer.
Go to website
Leeds United Football Club
Leeds United run disability-friendly football sessions, including sessions adapted for autistic players.
Go to website
RDA
The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) provide therapy, fitness, skills development and opportunities for achievement through fun activities like horse riding and carriage driving. Middleton Park Equestrian Centre is the RDA centre local to Leeds.
Go to website
Growing Works
Growing Works hold a gardening group in Dewsbury (‘Sprout’) for children and young people with additional needs and their families.
Go to website
Leeds City Museum
Leeds City Museum has a guide for visitors with additional needs. This includes a sensory map of the museum and an easy-read visual guide to visiting the musem.
Go to website
Leeds Art Gallery
Leeds Art Gallery has some information for neurodivergent visitors and those with sensory differences.
Go to website
Leeds Heritage Theatres
Leeds Heritage Theatres’ access membership scheme entitles members to discounted tickets with a carer, a familiarisation visit to the theatre, and a dedicated phone line.
Go to websiteAn email newsletter for accessible theatre performance listings in Leeds is available by emailing Access Leeds Theatre.
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