For children with sensory sensitivities, autism or other types of neurodivergence, attractions usually thought of as fun can be overwhelming. Places like amusement parks and indoor playgrounds can be too loud, there may be too many people or there can be other factors preventing these children from having as much fun as they can.
But there are still plenty of options for them that aren’t as overstimulating. From attractions designed for kids with neurodivergence to museums and parks that hold special events meant to be more sensory-friendly, here are some of the best options in the Baltimore area for kids with sensory sensitivities.
Baltimore County
B&O Railroad Museum – Baltimore
(Sunday hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Holds dedicated “Sensory Sundays” every two months that reduce potentially overstimulating environmental elements like music and lighting; the museum also features crafts and games for kids, as well as train rides.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum – Baltimore
(Sunday hours: 9-11 a.m.)
Certified “Sensory Inclusive” facility registered with KultureCity, which provides sensory inclusion training and tools to venues and large-scale events; Port Discovery holds “Sensory Friendly Sundays” on the third Sunday of every month (except for the summer) with limited attendance, open-play opportunities and a dedicated quiet zone and offers Access and Inclusion Afternoons from 1p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays for groups.
Azure Family Concerts – Baltimore
Concerts designed for individuals with autism and their families; holds multiple performances at different locations throughout the year
Howard County
MacGill’s Common Pool – Columbia
(Open noon-7 p.m. Wednesday through Monday)
Designated a sensory-friendly pool by the Columbia Association and the Autism Society of Maryland
Robinson Nature Center – Columbia
(Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday)
Nature education center that holds sensory-friendly events every few months
The Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Center – Glenwood
(Open 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday)
Therapeutic horseback riding and equine therapy for children and adults with disabilities and neurodivergence
Harford County
We Rock the Spectrum – Forest Hill
(Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday)
Autism-inclusive indoor playground and gym
Schucks Regional Park – Bel Air
(Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m.)
Features a “Sensory Trail” with interactive musical elements
The Playroom – Forest Hill
(Open 9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
STEAM education and play center founded by a teacher from the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s autism program; has a free-play playground and sensory and music education classes
Carroll County
Barrier-Free – Sykesville
(Open noon-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday)
Theater and art classes, and social opportunities for neurodivergent adults
AMC Owings Mills 17 – Owings Mills
Holds Sensory Friendly Films screenings of kid-friendly movies on the second and fourth Saturday of the month; also available at other AMC locations throughout Maryland
