SEN Summer Holiday Activities in Dorset
Summer holidays are a great time for fun, exploring and enjoying the sunshine. However, for families of SEN children, this break from routine can sometimes feel overwhelming. Finding activities that are both enjoyable and suitable can sometimes be a challenge.
In this blog, we’ve collected a few inclusive summer holiday (and beyond) outings across Dorset that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you're looking for calm, educational experiences or energetic outdoor adventures, there's something here for everyone to feel included, empowered, and above all have fun!
Bournemouth Odeon is offering autism-friendly screenings of The Bad Guys 2 on 10th August and Fantastic Four on 14th August. During these screenings, the house lights will be dimmed but left on, volume lowered, adverts removed and cinema doors opened early so guests have time to get used to the surroundings.
Dorset Museum is based in Dorchester and covers 250 million years of local history and art. They have a quiet opening on 6th September between 10-12am. During these sessions, lights will be lowered, sensory activities will be available and a quiet room will be available for those who need it.
Monkey World is a 65-acre park that rescues and houses over 250 primates from various species and backgrounds. On 13th September, Monkey World opens an hour early at 9am, exclusively for neurodivergent visitors and their families. Sensory trails, a calm room, and drop-in room are also available to support neurodivergent visitors.
The Tank Museum in Bovington has a collection of armoured fighting vehicles on display as well as the only working example of a German Tiger I tank. It also provides a wellbeing room, sensory backpacks and communication cards which are free and available for visitors who need them.
Nothe Fort is Weymouth’s number one museum and heritage attraction, with underground tunnels, a Victorian gun deck and a nuclear bunker to explore. It offers two quiet hours a month for a calmer and quieter experience and can provide ear defenders for the scheduled artillery fire.
A short ferry trip away from Poole Quay, Brownsea Island is famous for its red squirrels, wildlife and beautiful campsites. To make visits more SEN-friendly, sensory backpacks are free to hire and have two themes, woodland and beach. All terrain wheelchairs are also available to those who need them and can be pre-booked via the website.
With these SEN-friendly summer day out ideas, we hope families can feel included and enjoy fun and enriching experiences together in the summer and beyond.
