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

If you have a child with sensory needs, you know those needs extend beyond the controlled confines of your home and your child’s school. Everyday trips to the grocery store or to the neighborhood park may carry extra challenges. Visiting a busy museum can quickly overwhelm a child with sensory issues, and a typical playground might be useless to a kid who gets around with the assistance of a wheelchair.

I’ve been there, and as a parent of a child with an autism spectrum disorder, I feel strongly that kids with disabilities deserve more options when it comes to fun, sensory-friendly things to do.

Fortunately, the number of destinations catering to the unique needs of our families is growing all the time! We’ve gathered a list of outings and activities around Seattle that cater to children with sensory needs or disabilities, along with their families. Click the arrow above the image or the link at the bottom of the page to see all the spots we’ve highlighted. Or, click the link below to learn more about the sport you can’t wait to check out! 

• Wicked Rae’s
• Pacific Science Center
• Children’s Museum of Tacoma
• KidsQuest Children’s Museum
• Hands On Children’s Museum
• Pump It Up
• The Museum of Flight
• Imagine Children’s Museum
• Children’s Museum of Skagit County
• Museum of Pop Culture
• Inclusive playgrounds
• Kraken Community Iceplex

First stop: Wicked Rae’s

Editor’s note: This article was originally published a number of years ago and updated most recently in January 2025 by ParentMap’s associate editor, Kari Hanson, with new imagery and copyediting.