Fun family activities when youngest has sensory issues

[Anonymous]

Hi all,
I have a 5.5yo DS and a 3yo DD who has sensory processing issues and tends to get overstimulated easily. We recently went to Disney on Ice, mostly bc my DD loves all things Disney and both kids love Minnie and Mickey. DS liked the show a lot. DD really WANTED to like the show, I could tell, but she spent most of the time covering her ears, closing her eyes, and burying into my lap. So we won’t be doing anything like that again for a long time, if ever.

I already know going to the movies would have the same effect, even though everybody is raving about Frozen and the Lego movie. So we are waiting till they come out on DVD. But I’m posting to see if any of you have suggestions for other fun family activities that are less likely to overwhelm DD. When it’s warmer, the zoo works well bc she can stay contained in a stroller and hide away when she wants. And we’ve done the Baltimore aquarium with pretty decent success. Any other suggestions? The mundane stuff like parks and library just get so boring after a while, and I want to be able to do more exciting family activities, for all of us but especially for my DS.

What does your family do for fun without sensory overload?

[Anonymous]

My 6 year old was that way at 3 and has gotten so much better, so it won't be too long, she may grow out of it.

What about splitting up? Mom goes with older child to movie,dad takes 3 year old to the library. Each gets a date, but it's different and therefore special to them.

[Anonymous]

my sensory kid could only do about 1/2 of DOI. I'd try sensory friendly performances and shorter productions if performances are of interest to your kids.

open gyms, swimming, or nature centers are always good and can do in all kinds of weather.

it's always better to go on the early side for events b/f crowds get too big.

[Anonymous]

Have you been to the trolley museum in ss? It's small and quiet, but if your son likes trains, it may be exciting enough for him, but calm enough for her. The staff there was very sweet, the trolley driver quite chatty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you been to the trolley museum in ss? It's small and quiet, but if your son likes trains, it may be exciting enough for him, but calm enough for her. The staff there was very sweet, the trolley driver quite chatty.

this is a good one as is the Aviation Museum in College Park.

Museums at the mall usually are very over-populated for a sensory kid.

[Anonymous]

I always carried ear plugs in my purse for my son. He did improve as he got older. But for his eleventh birthday, I took him to see Taylor Swift and he couldn't tolerate it. I went and bought ear plugs and it was fine.

[Anonymous]

My DS was the same, now 8 and so much better. We just saw Lego movie with ear phones.

[Anonymous]

There's a nice nature center and farm at Watkins park in Upper Marlboro. And a nice small train museum in Bowie. The puppet museum in glen echo does a Tiny Tots version where lights stay on, and maybe a regular version where the lights stay on for the sensory sensitive.

[Anonymous]

My DD is 7 and has always been like this. She is able to tolerate more and more each year. We are hoping to go to the fireworks on the Fourth this year! We have also gone to the movies with earphones. Works pretty well. there are also a few screenings of movies at a few cinemas that are sensory-friendly - lower volumes, no trailers, lights not completely off, bring your own snacks. You could check this out. Second for the Aviation Museum, BTW. Great spot.