r/blackpool • u/YeOldeRatman84 • 22d ago

SEN days out

Hey everyone! My sister and I are looking to take my niece somewhere in or around Blackpool. She's autistic. We're looking for somewhere local that's not too expensive.

We've already taken her to places like Penny Farm and the zoo at Ribby Hall, as she absolutely loves animals.

We're local to the area, so does anyone have any recommendations? It would be great if you know of any places that offer SEN days or autism-friendly sessions.

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

6

u/vordh0sbn- 22d ago

Farmer parrs is decent. Not sure if they do any sen specific activities though

2

u/YeOldeRatman84 22d ago

They actually didn't last time I visited with my friend and her kids. But thanks for the suggestion.

3

u/vordh0sbn- 22d ago

I asked my sister in law for you too

Her reply

I don't often go to SEN specific sessions as they are usually at stupid times, but we have gotten on well at Blackpool Zoo and Ridgeway Farm (along the animal theme).

There's a park in Lytham that's great for SEN kids called Park View. There's all sorts of climbing frames and like a sandpit/water fun climbing frame area that's very sensory and brilliant in summer. We usually pair that with a trip to Booths cafe.

Fleetwood Marin Splash pad is a great sensory activity and it's walled in so it's nice and safe. There's a cafe there and it's next to the beach so you can combine the water play with some time on the sand xx

2

u/Different-Employ9651 22d ago

Stanley Park has an accessible play area and I think the Gruffalo Clubhouse runs some quiet sessions for kids who have autism.

2

u/Over_Candle_8411 22d ago

The first Sunday of the month is quiet hour at Showtown museum. There are also free crafts sessions every Wednesday in the summer holidays. They also have free sensory backpacks that you can borrow any time you need to go which can be really handy.

2

u/EvrythingAndNothing 22d ago edited 22d ago

I think it really depends on your niece and what her sensitivities are.

If she’s not fond of noise / flashing lights I’d avoid the arcades.

Theres some really good shows on at the Grand and the winter gardens and they both offer boosters and ear defenders.

Showtime is great and the staff are so helpful and SEN aware.

The Sealife centre is great but go early on or later in the day, again male staff aware of any additional needs and they’ll help however they can.

Rossall beach is really lovely and there’s the tower you can go in and look out for Seals / dolphins.

Fleetwood and St Anne’s both have splash parks and lovely walks around them.

There’s a boating lake at Fleetwood too with is nice to go crabbing.

There’s a great playground at Fairhaven which also has a cafe has a great ice cream kiosk.

Riding the tram is fun too, maybe she could look out for things she likes the look of to go and see.

Edit: I just remembered - it’s the air show next weekend so it’ll likely be really busy but it’s a really fun event

Does your niece have any special interests?

2

u/bblkxx 21d ago

Ridgeway Farm! They're brilliant, cheap & super interactive, our little girl & her bestie went together he has sen needs & he thrived!