For most kids, field trips are one of the highlights of the entire school year. Field trips are a wonderful opportunity for learning outside of the classroom environment. Students often look forward to their class trip starting on the first day of the school year.
But for those who struggle with sensory sensitivities, such as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or other causes of sensory processing differences, field trips can cause more stress than excitement. A brand new environment brings brand new sights, sounds, smells, and senses that can be overwhelming to children with sensitivities.
If you’re planning a class field trip, keep these kids in mind! Here are five sensory-friendly field trip ideas to make sure everyone can be included in the excitement of field trips!
Do the Zoo
The zoo is a classic field trip destination! Kids of all ages love seeing all the animals up close, and it’s a great opportunity to teach lessons about animal habitats diets, nature conservation, and more. Many zoos across the country have begun developing initiatives to help make the zoo inclusive for all guests, like adding quiet spaces, providing sensory backpacks that include noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys, and indicating headphone zones (areas that might be loud).
See ‘Em at the Museum
Children’s museums offer hands-on experiences as students travel through their interactive exhibits. From recreated archeological tombs to life-sized dinosaurs, a city run by kids to a playground inside of a beating heart, children’s museums bring learning to a whole new level! Museums often set aside specific times and days designated as a more sensory friendly experience. This may include opening the museum early or turning off ambient music. If you’re thinking of taking a trip to the museum, check out their website to see what kind of accessibility accommodations they provide!
It’s Sweeter at the Theater
Broadway isn’t the only place to see a show! Bringing students to see a local theater production can deepen their appreciation for the arts and help them discover a love for the stage. Sensory-friendly and relaxed performances have become increasingly commonplace offerings from amateur and professional theaters alike. These performances feature low-level house lighting, freedom to move around, reduced sound levels, and elimination of effects like strobe lights. Relaxed productions allow everyone to enjoy the fun of the theater!
Get Groovy at the Movies
Everybody loves a trip to the movies! And bonus points for teachers and education professionals if the film you choose is educational! Select AMC Theatres in 25 different states offer sensory friendly films on certain days of the week with decreased sound and increased lighting. These accommodations allow viewers with sensory sensitivities the chance to “get up, dance, walk, shout, or sing!” For a full list of participating locations and the sensory friendly film showings, check out the AMC Theatres website. Don’t forget the popcorn!
Bookmark a Theme Park
While perhaps not the most educational field trip option, amusement parks sure are a lot of fun! Kids looking for thrills can enjoy high-speed coasters, while those who want to take their time will be able to find some slower-paced rides. Best of all, a number of theme parks and amusement parks across the country are Certified Autism Centers: “a facility or organization in which at least 80% of their staff is highly trained, fully equipped and certified in the field of autism”. Parks big and small provide sensory assistance like quiet areas, disposable ear protection, or sensory guides on the park’s website that detail how each attraction may affect the five senses.
These are just a few ideas to help teachers and education professionals get started in their trip-planning process. Students with sensory sensitivities don’t want to miss out on the field trip fun. Now that more trip destinations like theme parks and museums are introducing sensory-friendly accessibility aids, they don’t have to!
If you or someone you know are looking to advance your career within the world of special education, be sure to check out Humanus’s current open positions!
Sources:
https://fi.edu/en/plan-your-visit/accessibility
https://www.cmhouston.org/news/sensory-friendly-and-explore-abilities-days-are-back-at-childrens-museum-houston
https://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/visit/accessibility-amenities
https://www.birminghamzoo.com/visitor-info/accessibility/guests-with-sensory-sensitivities
https://www.peopleslight.org/visit/accessibility/relaxed-performances