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Best Outings for Seattle-Area Kids With Sensory Needs or Disabilities

Sensory-friendly museum sessions, inclusive playgrounds and more

Lauren Braden
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Published on: January 16, 2025

Best Outings for Seattle-Area Kids With Sensory Needs or Disabilities

Kids playing at the inclusive Seattle Children's PlayGarden
Photo:
Seattle Children’s PlayGarden. Photo: JiaYing Grygiel

Seattle Children’s PlayGarden and other inclusive playgrounds

All children deserve the opportunity to play, and making that possible for kids with disabilities and sensory needs is the mission of the totally amazing Seattle Children’s PlayGarden. This fully accessible public playground engages kids with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, hearing or vision impairments, and other disabilities in ways a typical playground does not. There’s a real veggie and flower garden to dig in and explore, chickens in a coop, a tree fort and musical sculpture, a foam play area and rock scramble, indoor learning facilities and more. Everything is fenced in (a huge relief for parents of kids on the autism spectrum). This playground takes ADA accessibility a step further: It was designed specifically with kids using wheelchairs in mind, from countertop heights to playground equipment.

Many more all-abilities playgrounds have opened in recent years. Our list of Seattle-area inclusive playgrounds includes old and new favorites, all with features specially designed so that all kids can play.

For an inclusive indoor playground, consider taking your child to Sensory Playground at Seattle Gymnastics Academy in Lake City. Every other Sunday, the gym is open to children with sensory needs and disabilities, with a quieter atmosphere, fewer distractions and other adaptations. There are soft foam pits, trampolines, balance beams and more. Just be sure to register in advance.

Next stopKraken Community Iceplex

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