Special Needs

NYC’s Top Accessible Adventures

Eight destinations that will welcome your child with special needs

Bassi Gruen LSW

“I’m booooooored.” Whether it’s an empty Sunday or a long school vacation, this is the cry every parent dreads. Finding family-friendly activities in Brooklyn and Queens that appeal to children of different ages and interests is already a challenge, but it becomes even tougher when you have a child with special needs. You may worry: Will he be overwhelmed by all the stimulation? Will she be able to navigate the exhibits in her wheelchair? Will the staff be understanding if my child has a meltdown?

To help, we’ve put together a list of fantastic accessible attractions for special needs kids near Brooklyn and Queens. These inclusive destinations are engaging, fun, and accommodating for a variety of special needs. You shouldn’t have to choose between fun and support! Here are eight great family-friendly spots near Brooklyn and Queens where your whole family can have a blast:

1. Long Island Children's Museum: A Fun Place for Children with Disabilities

  • Location: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
  • Website: https://www.licm.org/
  • Opening Hours:
    Tuesday–Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
    Monday: Closed
  • Why It's Great: The museum’s open-ended play encourages kids to explore at their own pace. There are many hands-on exhibits for children who enjoy tactile experiences, making it one of the best sensory-friendly activities in New York. They host monthly “Friendly Hours” designed for families with children with disabilities, where museum lighting and sound are adjusted. Pre-registration is required, and tickets open on the first of the month. The sensory room provides a calm space for children with sensory sensitivities.
  • Bonus: Families receiving SNAP benefits can enjoy admission for $3 per person for up to four people by showing their SNAP EBT card and a photo ID.

2. New York Transit Museum: One of the Best Museums for Kids with Special Needs in NYC

  • Location: 99 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn
  • Website: https://www.nytransitmuseum.org/
  • Opening Hours:
    Wednesday–Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
    Monday & Tuesday: Closed
  • Why It's Great: This highly tactile museum allows visitors to interact with vintage train cars, making it a top pick among fun places for children with disabilities. The museum offers early openings for individuals with disabilities and provides tactile guides with raised-line graphics, braille, and an audio smartpen. Special Day events for children with developmental disabilities feature transit-themed activities before the museum opens to the public. The next event is Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024—be sure to register!
  • Tip: Visit between 1-4 PM on Thursdays and Fridays for a quieter experience, ideal for kids who benefit from sensory-friendly activities in New York.

3. New York Aquarium: A Wheelchair-Accessible Attraction in Brooklyn

  • Location: 602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
  • Website: https://nyaquarium.com/
  • Opening Hours:
    Daily: 10 AM – 4 PM (3:30 PM in winter)
  • Why It's Great: This aquarium is not only home to amazing aquatic animals but is also one of the most accessible attractions for special needs kids. Wheelchair-accessible and equipped with quiet zones and headphone zones, the aquarium makes visiting easy for children with sensory needs. Sensory bags with fidget tools and noise-canceling headphones are available for checkout at the lobby.

4. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: An Inclusive Destination in New York

  • Location: Pier 86, W 46th Street, Manhattan
  • Website: https://intrepidmuseum.org/
  • Opening Hours:
    Daily: 10 AM – 5 PM (last entry at 4 PM)
  • Why It's Great: The museum offers accessible programs for individuals with sensory disabilities, including Early Morning Openings and Sensory-Friendly Evenings. Resources like sensory bags, social narratives, and assistive listening devices are available to make the experience more comfortable. This makes it one of the best museums for kids with special needs in NYC.
  • Note: Personal care assistants accompanying visitors with disabilities get free admission.

5. Jewish Children's Museum: A Family-Friendly Activity in Brooklyn

  • Location: 792 Eastern Pkwy, Crown Heights
  • Website: https://www.jcm.museum
  • Opening Hours:
    Sunday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
    Monday–Thursday: 10 AM – 5 PM
  • Why It's Great: The museum offers quiet spaces and hands-on activities, ideal for children who learn differently. There are interactive exhibits about Jewish history and culture, as well as engaging activities like rock climbing and game shows. It's a great inclusive destination near Queens for families looking for educational fun.

6. American Museum of Natural History: Things to Do in NYC for Children with Special Needs

  • Location: 200 Central Park W., Manhattan
  • Website: https://www.amnh.org
  • Opening Hours:
    Daily: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Why It's Great: The museum offers sensory bags with noise-reducing headphones and fidget tools, and is fully wheelchair accessible, making it a top wheelchair-accessible attraction in Brooklyn and Manhattan. They also provide specialized tours for families affected by autism, which include sensory-friendly activities. Registration for these tours is required in advance.

7. New York Hall of Science: An Accessible Attraction for Special Needs Kids

  • Location: 47-01 111th St., Corona
  • Website: https://www.nysci.org
  • Opening Hours:
    Wednesday–Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
    Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
  • Why It's Great: With over 450 interactive exhibits, there’s something for every curious mind at this inclusive museum for families in New York. The museum provides sensory gear for children with needs, including sunglasses, earmuffs, and fidget toys, making it one of the best sensory-friendly activities in New York.

8. Queens County Farm Museum: A Family-Friendly Spot Near Brooklyn and Queens

  • Location: 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, Queens
  • Website: https://www.queensfarm.org/
  • Opening Hours:
    Daily: 10 AM – 5 PM (closed on some holidays)
  • Why It's Great: With 47 acres of open space, this farm offers a relaxing environment for kids who need room to roam, making it a perfect inclusive destination near Queens. The farm also has animals, which neurodivergent children may find calming. It's a unique option among fun places for children with disabilities.

Auditory Sensitivity

My child is sensitive to loud noises
(e.g., sirens, vacuum cleaner).

My child seeks out specific sounds or types of music and appears calmer when listening to them.

Tactile Sensitivity

My child is irritated by certain fabrics or tags in clothing.

My child seems indifferent to sensations that are usually painful or to extreme temperatures.

Visual Sensitivity

My child is sensitive to bright or flashing lights.

My child tends to avoid eye contact.

Taste/Smell Sensitivity

My child constantly prefers bland foods and rejects foods with strong flavors or spices.

My child seeks out strong or unusual smells, such as sniffing food or objects.

Proprioceptive Sensitivity

My child prefers tight hugs or being wrapped in a blanket.

My child is unaware of body position in space (e.g., often bumps into things).

Social Sensitivity

My child becomes anxious or distressed in crowded spaces.

My child is hesitant or resistant to climbing or balancing activities (e.g., jungle gyms, see-saws).

Movement Sensitivity

My child dislikes fast or spinning movements

Vestibular Sensitivity

My child becomes anxious or distressed in crowded spaces.

My child is hesitant or resistant to climbing or balancing activities (e.g., jungle gyms, see-saws).

Please answer all questions before submitting.

Your Child’s Score is

  • 0-15

    Low Sensory Sensitivity

  • 16-30

    Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

  • 31-45

    High Sensory Sensitivity

  • 46-60

    Very High Sensory Sensitivity

0-15: Low Sensory Sensitivity

  • Interpretation: Your child exhibits low levels of sensory sensitivity, usually falling within the typical developmental range.
  • Recommendation: Generally not  a cause for concern. If you have specific worries or notice a sudden change in behavior, consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
  • 0-15

    Low Sensory Sensitivity

  • 16-30

    Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

  • 31-45

    High Sensory Sensitivity

  • 46-60

    Very High Sensory Sensitivity

16-30: Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

  • Interpretation: Your child displays moderate sensory sensitivity, which may warrant intervention.
  • Recommendation: Consider sensory-friendly activities, sensory sensitive toys, or sensory sensitive clothing like noise-canceling headphones and weighted blankets to improve comfort. If symptoms persist, consult health care professionals.
  • 0-15

    Low Sensory Sensitivity

  • 16-30

    Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

  • 31-45

    High Sensory Sensitivity

  • 46-60

    Very High Sensory Sensitivity

31-45: High Sensory Sensitivity

  • Interpretation: Your child has higher than average sensory sensitivity that may interfere with daily functioning.
  • Recommendation: Seek a detailed evaluation by health care professionals for sensory integration therapy options and potential environmental modifications.
  • 0-15

    Low Sensory Sensitivity

  • 16-30

    Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

  • 31-45

    High Sensory Sensitivity

  • 46-60

    Very High Sensory Sensitivity

46-60: Very High Sensory Sensitivity

  • Interpretation: Your child demonstrates high levels of sensory sensitivity that could significantly interfere with daily life.
  • Recommendation: If your child displays this level of sensory sensitivity, it’s highly recommended that you consult with a health care professional for a multi-disciplinary assessment. You will probably be directed towards early intervention programs and specialized support.

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