Families looking for inclusive and accessible opportunities can find them in sensory-friendly Philly museums, attractions, and performances to choose from in Philadelphia (and beyond). From relaxed performances to quiet spaces, the following establishments have made adjustments to include all kinds of kids.

Museums and Attractions

Enjoy the usual Philadelphia museums and attractions, but with a quieter and more relaxed vibe. How? These accessible and sensory-friendly attractions or museums feature special hours or programming for families of kids with special needs. There is a growing list of resources for Philly families with special needs kids.

Academy of Natural Sciences

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

At the Academy of Natural Sciences, look for sensory-friendly mornings. Children on the spectrum and their families are invited to experience the museum before the crowds. Generally a monthly event, this all-ages event uses advanced ticketing (to avoid lines), and quieter sounds (dinosaurs and other louder exhibits are lowered in volume or switched off).

Wander the Academy of Natural Sciences without the rush. Fidget toys and noise-canceling headphones are available.

Adventure Aquarium

1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ

Dive into Adventure Aquarium. Try F.I.S.H. Night, or Family Inclusive Special Hours. This evening program ensures a less crowded and quieter atmosphere. Pre-registration is required online.

In addition to these events, the aquarium has partnered with KultureCity to offer more accommodations and resources for those with sensory needs. Adventure Aquarium provides weighted lap bags, headphone zone signage, and quiet areas for families with sensory concerns.

The Franklin Institute

222 N. 20^th Street

The Franklin Institute maintains a Sensory-Friendly Every Day program. Head to the ticketing desk for a sensory backpack with sunglasses, noise-reducing headphones, a sensory guide alert, and fidget toys. Backpacks are first-come, first-served.

If the Franklin Institute is too overwhelming within the first 30 minutes of ticket purchase, the museum offers a return voucher to try again on another day.

Museum of the American Revolution Relaxed Experience Mornings

101 South Third Street

Families can enjoy the Museum of the American Revolution during Relaxed Experience Mornings. It’s a low-stress and less crowded environment with reduced sound effects and higher light levels. Go to the Reception Desk or the Battle of Brandywine Theater for noise-reducing headphones and a sensory guide.

Tickets are free, but space is limited, so plan ahead. The museum is a Certified Autism Center (CAC) by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

National Constitution Center

525 Arch Street

On select days throughout the year, the National Constitution Center, or NCC, provides visitors with sensory processing challenges the opportunity to experience the museum in a calmer environment during Sensory-Friendly Days. Expect emotionally-safe spaces for families, and modified programming for diverse sensory needs.

Sensory-friendly rooms can also be requested for non-scheduled Sensory-Friendly Days, depending on availability. These rooms contain cool blue lighting to help promote a calm atmosphere, in addition to sensory objects, and comfy seating.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

The Philadelphia Museum of Art Sensory-Friendly Mornings offer low-sensory zones, fidgets, and noise-canceling headphones. Occupational therapy student volunteers from Jefferson University provide help when needed.

Explore certain galleries during Sensory-Friendly Mornings. Register ahead of time for a Social Story and more information. Plan ahead. Registration ends at noon the day before the program.

Philadelphia Zoo

3400 W. Girard Avenue

As the first zoo in the country, the Philadelphia Zoo is often considered a must-see destination. In 2025, the Philadelphia Zoo was working on obtaining Sensory Inclusive Certification through KultureCity. For less crowded meet-and-greets with a specific animal, book the event ahead of time. Leashed service animals (on the ground) are always allowed.

Ticket holders and zoo members accompanied by a government-funded Personal Care Attendant (PCA) can receive a complimentary ticket for their companion. Plan ahead because advanced online registration is required.

Please Touch Museum

4231 Avenue of the Republic

The Please Touch Museum is a Philly sensory-friendly museum like no other. This unique destination hosts Play Without Boundaries events throughout the year. During this time, the museum provides a more relaxed environment for Philly kids with autism, learning differences, or other sensory and communication needs. Lights and sound are turned down during the two-hour event.

In addition to the modifications, the museum offers quiet spaces and special activities for these events. The museum is closed to outside guests. During general hours, the museum also provides access to free Quiet Kits. Get a Quiet Kit at the admission desk and look for Quiet Zone Tents throughout the Please Touch Museum.

Sesame Place

100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

Sesame Place is not only a waterpark and an amusement park, it’s also the first theme park in the world to become a Certified Autism Center (thanks to a partnership with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards).

Look near Big Bird’s Rambling River for a low sensory room. Just visit the welcome Center first to receive the code for access. Browse the IBCCES Sensory Guide for an idea of what attractions are the best fit. For a lower sensory parade experience, head to where the parade begins.

Sensory-Friendly Performances

From one end of the city to the other, there are many different types of activities families with special needs kids can enjoy. Some may require a little planning ahead, so don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with the Philly sensory-friendly museums and attractions ahead of time.

Bridge Sessions at World Cafe Live

3025 Walnut Street

Bridge Sessions are culturally engaged live arts performances with interactive music-making workshops geared towards ages 2-12. World Cafe Live collaborates with leading arts accessibility organization Art-Reach to present several Bridge Sessions that are inclusive to all abilities and mindful of sensory needs.

Contact the theater to learn about how the Bridge Sessions work and for accessibility concerns.

Ensemble Arts: Kimmel Center and Philadelphia Orchestra

Varied locations

The Philadelphia Orchestra provides sensory-friendly experiences during select performances (plan ahead to get a ticket). During the show, the lights are kept low, sounds are reduced, and the theater doors remain open. Guests may move around, talk, and visit the cool-down area as needed.

For non-sensory-friendly shows, all Ensemble Arts venues carry Sensory Kits, or SK. These drawstring bags include two fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, and a weighted beanbag. Speak to house management to receive a Sensory Kit.

People’s Light

39 Conestoga Road, Malvern

Relaxed performances at People’s Light in Malvern offer performance adjustments to create a more inclusive environment for people with conditions including dementia, sensory-processing difficulties, ADHD, and autism.

The house lights stay on (but at a lower level), sounds are reduced, and noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys brought from home are encouraged. It is a “shush-free zone,,” and movement is allowed. The pre-show sensory tour gives everyone a chance to see the props and the set before the show.

Philadelphia Ballet

323 N Broad Street

The Philadelphia Ballet was the first resident company of the Kimmel Center to offer sensory-friendly performances for families with children on the autism spectrum. In conjunction with Art-Reach, they crafted a sensory-friendly experience. This includes staff training, a pre-performance social story (so kids know what to expect), and a quiet space in the lobby when kids need a moment to themselves (it’s found on the lower level).

Attendees may bring their own headphones or fidget toys from home. The theater will have a few on hand for borrowing. Lights remain on at a low level, and sounds are reduced throughout the performance. Guests are able to leave their seats, move around, and talk. The ballet presents a sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker during the holiday season.

Walnut Street Theater

825 Walnut Street

Autism Spectrum-friendly performances are available. Call ahead to learn more. Head to the Orchestra level for ADA-compliant water fountains and accessible restrooms.

Some performances offer American Sign Language interpretation. Mainstage performances have a limited number of assisted listening devices (head to the Lobby to get one). Walnut Street Theater possesses a variety of accessible options.

Sensory-Friendly Indoor Playgrounds

There are other Philly sensory-friendly museums and experiences for families to enjoy. Even the Philadelphia Eagles strive to be inclusive and Autism-friendly.

Kids at Play

7201 Ridge Avenue

Kids at Play is an inclusive indoor playground with a multitude of options, including an indoor playground and a 7,000 square foot multi-sensory facility. There are also therapy services, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), that are often used to help those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

. The sensory gym is for crawlers and up to age 12. Kids at Play attractions include a zipline with an ADA seat and a Tarzan seat, ball pits, interactive flooring, safe archery, slides, and swings. Advanced tickets are required.

We Rock the Spectrum

12357-59 Academy Road

We Rock the Spectrum is an indoor sensory gym for all ages with open play during specific hours. Swings, a zip line, a trampoline, an indoor play structure, a rope bridge, and sensory-friendly toys are a part of the fun features at We Rock the Spectrum.

There’s even an arts and crafts area. Although reservations aren’t required for open play, it’s possible to reduce wait times by registering online.

Lead Photo by Jessica Griffin for the Philadelphia Orchestra.