Family days out can feel overwhelming when your child has additional needs — from managing meltdowns in busy spaces to worrying about accessibility, overstimulation, or safety on the move. But with the WonderFold wagon, those days don’t have to be stressful. Designed with real SEND families in mind, the wagon acts as a mobile safe space: secure, enclosed, and calming. Whether it’s shielding from sensory overload, offering a familiar routine on the go, or simply giving your child the option to rest and regulate, the WonderFold makes outings not just manageable — but genuinely enjoyable. It’s more than just a way to get from A to B — it’s a confidence-boosting tool for inclusive adventures.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of SEND-friendly days out across the UK, complete with top tips and practical advice to help you plan. From sensory-considerate venues to calm spaces and inclusive support, these destinations are handpicked to offer smoother, more enjoyable experiences for the whole family.
🎡 1. LEGOLAND Windsor – Quiet Sessions & Ride Adjustments
Why it’s SEN-friendly:
- Offers a Ride Access Pass for children who struggle with queues
- Hosts Sensory Sessions on select dates (lower music levels, fewer crowds)
- Large open areas like Miniland offer space to decompress
- There are no specific size restrictions or prohibitions against using our WonderFold wagons at LEGOLAND Windsor, many families find them extremely useful for carrying around children with tired legs and heavy bags!
- Guests are entitled to one free carer ticket
👉 Find out more here
Top Tip: Download the Sensory Guide in advance and visit on weekdays or during term time for a quieter experience.
🐘 2. Whipsnade Zoo – Bedfordshire
Why it’s SEN-friendly:
- One of the calmest zoos in the UK thanks to its large open layout
- Offers a Penguin Pass to help families skip queues — simply download it to your phone or print at home
- Hullabazoo indoor soft play offers reduced-capacity sessions with no music (free to book with valid zoo entry)
- Sensory-rich areas include:
- Butterfly House – warm, humid, and immersive
- Hullabazoo Farm – hands-on with animals and sensory smells
- Access to discounted tickets through their Community Access Scheme
👉 Apply here
Top Tip: Save money and pre-pack your wagon with their favourite treats/lunch boxes and use the quiet picnic zones marked on the map to recharge away from the busier areas. Make use of our accessories such as Snack Tray or Cargo Net to maximise space.
🔬 3. We The Curious – Bristol
An interactive science centre designed for curious minds of all ages, We The Curious offers relaxed, hands-on exploration in a welcoming, sensory-considerate space.
Why it’s SEND-friendly:
- Relaxed sessions for neurodiverse families run from 10am – 12pm on selected dates (next dates: 5 Oct 2025, 7 Dec 2025, 1 Feb 2026). During a Relaxed Morning session, their Planetarium is free and drop-in, rather than ticketed– meaning you can stay for as long (or as little) as you want.
- A designated Quiet Room on Level 1, a room with low level lighting, weighted blankets and reduced noise and stimulation.
- Tactile exhibits, gentle lighting, and quiet breakout areas
- Staff trained in autism awareness and inclusive support
Top Tip: Visit early in the day when crowds are lighter and exhibits are quieter.
⚽ 4. Newcastle United – St. James’ Park Autism-Friendly Tours
For sports fans, St. James’ Park offers autism-friendly stadium tours, developed in partnership with the Northeast Autism Society.
Why it’s SEND-friendly:
- Autism-friendly tours with adapted pacing and sensory consideration
- Also offers tours for:
Top Tip: Let staff know your child’s needs in advance so they can personalise your experience.
🕰️ 5. Beamish Museum – County Durham
This open-air living museum offers a step back in time — and a thoughtfully inclusive experience.
Why it’s SEND-friendly:
- Sensory bags available from the gift shop (includes headphones, lavender pouch, sensory toys) for a £10 refundable deposit
- Dedicated quiet room in the 1950s Welfare Hall — complete with calming lights, books, toys, and seating
- Staff are trained to support families with additional needs
👉 Download their Access Guide here
Top Tip: Visit on quieter weekdays and bring your WonderFold wagon to help your child manage transitions between areas.
🦏 6. Peak Wildlife Park - Staffordshire
Peak Wildlife Park, nestled in the picturesque heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands, is a unique wildlife attraction that combines conservation, education, and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Why it’s SEND-friendly:
- Sensory bags available from the gift shop (includes noise cancelling headphones, fidget toys, binoculars, a map of the park highlighting loud and quiet spaces) for a £20 refundable deposit
- Sensory experiences across the park including hourly talks, nature walks, and enclosure walk throughs.
- Don’t let the weather dampen your visit: their Rainy Day Guarantee has you covered, if you receive more than 4mm of rain during your visit you will automatically receive an email to claim a free return visit
- Guests are entitled to one free carer ticket
👉 Find out more here
Top Tip: The UK weather can be unpredictable, make use of our handy rain cover
💡 Bonus Tips for SEND Days Out
- Call ahead to ask about SEND-specific accommodations or quiet times
- Pack your WonderFold wagon with essentials:
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Fidget or sensory toys
- Familiar foods or snacks
- Use the wagon as a mobile calm space when your child needs a break
- Avoid peak hours and school holidays where possible
- Look for venues offering Relaxed Sessions, Visual Story Guides, or Queue Access Passes
WonderFold is highly recommended as one of the best strollers for autistic children. If you don’t already have a WonderFold wagon ready for your next adventure, you can take advantage of 15% off with our WonderFold Warrior Programme. By choosing locations that understand and support your child’s needs — and using tools like the WonderFold wagon — family outings can feel less like a challenge and more like the memory-making experience they’re meant to be.
