From sensory-friendly bags now available at the Louisville Zoo to Sensory Friendly Day at the Kentucky State Fair, there are plenty of ways to participate in summertime activities with less overload.
According to the U.S. Census, about one in six people have sensory needs, meaning they struggle to receive + respond to stimuli presented by their senses, which is why we’ve rounded up five sensory-friendly places to visit in the greater Louisville area.
Sensory-friendly places and designations look to make an experience less overwhelming, according to Sensory Friendly Solutions — think quiet zones, dimmer lights, and reduced clutter.
KMAC Museum, 715 W. Main St. | Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
This FEAT-certified museum offers sensory-friendly bags which come with noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, emotion cards + a stress ball.
Taylor’s Cereal Bowl Kitchen, 438 Spring St., Jeffersonville, IN | Wed.-Fri., 3-8 p.m., Sat., 2-8 p.m. + Sun., 2-7 p.m.
Recently featured as a new restaurant to try in Kentuckiana, this sweet shop offers cereal-flavored milkshakes — like the Honey Boo Boo with Cinnamon Toast Crunch — and has sensory toys + 3D printers which can project children’s animation onto an in-store screen.
Louisville Nature Center, 3745 Illinois Ave. | Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Volunteers with the Jefferson County Master Gardener Association take care of the Sensory Garden near the Louisville Zoo, which includes a pond + a host of native plants.
Kentucky Performing Arts, 501 W. Main St. | Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. + Sun., 1-5 p.m.
Each of the KPA’s venues are equipped with sensory-friendly guides and accommodations include noise-canceling headphones, limited seating, and a quiet room at the back of the theater for patrons to watch the show away from the audience.
Kentucky Science Center, 727 W. Main St. | Mon.-Sun., 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sensory bags are available at the ticket desk or gift shop during any regular visit + the Center puts on No Limits Family Nights periodically to provide a sensory-friendly environment with themed activities.
Check out FEAT Louisville’s directory of Autism-friendly businesses for more.
