17 Sensory-Friendly Places in Tampa, Events and Acitivites
Families come in all kinds, and so do the ways we experience the world! For kids (and grown-ups!) with sensory sensitivities, finding fun activities that feel just right can make all the difference. Luckily, Tampa Bay is packed with awesome places that get it—offering sensory-friendly spaces, special events, and thoughtful accommodations to help everyone enjoy the fun.
Whether your child has autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, or just prefers a calmer setting, we've got you covered. From hands-on museums with quiet hours to outdoor adventures where kids can move at their own pace, here are some of the best sensory-friendly activities and destinations around Tampa Bay.
And hey, no matter where your family goes, don’t forget—breaks are a good thing! A little downtime can help keep the fun going strong.
Tampa Destinations with Sensory-Friendly Days
1. Glazer Children’s Museum
110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa FL 33602
Sunshine Sunday is a special monthly event for children with special needs and their caregivers. Come explore the Museum with lights and sounds turned down and sensory-adapted tools, special programs, and community resources at your fingertips. During this time, children and their families can experience the Museum and unite with others on a similar journey.
Last Sunday of Each Month from 8-10am | $5 General Admission, free for GCM Members
BONUS IDEA: GCM always strives for inclusion, so they are particularly proud to offer Neurodiversity-Affirming weeks at Camp Imagination! Each summer, select weeks of camp feature additional specially trained staff, a quiet space for campers who need a break, and an optional orientation the week prior, so campers will know exactly what to expect!
2. The Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602
A Day of Discovery provides an Aquarium experience specifically tailored to individuals with sensory differences and their families. Days of Discovery are hosted by The Florida Aquarium in partnership with the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (C.A.R.D.) at the University of South Florida.
To address the needs of their diverse audiences, Day of Discovery has limited capacity and is reserved for families and children with sensory differences and/or accessibility challenges. Special effects, lights and music will be adapted for those with sensory differences. Day of Discovery is free for members and $10 for non-members.
3. AMC Sensory Friendly Films
AMC The Regency 20, 2496 W. Brandon Blvd, Brandon, Florida 33511
AMC Veterans 24, 9302 Anderson Road, Tampa, Florida 33634
AMC Woodlands Square 20, 3128 Tampa Road, Oldsmar, Florida 34677
AMC West Shore 14, 210 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, Florida 33609
In partnership with the Autism Society, AMC hosts Sensory Friendly Films, which began thanks to one awesome special needs mama. Held on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) every month, the theater turns lights up and sound down. And guests aren’t required to maintain whisper voices.
4. Build-A-Bear
Multiple Tampa locations
Yes, the toy box is already stuffed with stuffies, but Build-A-Bear allows kids to design their very own creation. And another comfort companion couldn’t hurt, right? Every Tuesday, for the first 60 minutes of store hours, Build-A-Bear locations dial back stimulants to better serve customers with neurodivergence.
5. Chuck E. Cheese
Multiple Tampa locations
If you’re seeking a locale as quiet as a mouse, Sensory-Friendly Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese may work. Well, there’s still noise during this session but this popular dining and gaming venue takes sensory measures when opening early just for families with special needs.
6. Great Explorations
1925 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
Great Connections is an exclusive monthly program tailored for children with special needs and their families. It is offered on the second Saturday of every month from 9 am to 10 am, and on the second Sunday of every month from 10 am to 12 pm. During these times, Great Explorations Children’s Museum shuts its doors to the general public, providing a dedicated “cool down” room for families seeking a quiet break.
7. Altitude Trampoline Park
Multiple Tampa locations
Sensory Play Day offers the same high-flying fun in a lower noise setting. Experience smaller crowds, softer music, and zero strobe lights in a sensory-friendly atmosphere.
8. iFLY
10654 Palm River Rd, Tampa, FL 33619
This indoor skydiving facility takes inclusion to new heights during All Abilities Nights. These sessions are intended to provide safe modifications for individuals of differing abilities, including neurodiversity.
9. Sky Zone
10137 E Adamo Dr, Ste 800B, Tampa FL 33619
Enjoy the freedom of jumping. Sensory hours provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs, making our special needs playground the perfect place to have fun and feel included.
*Sensory Hours available at participating locations only. Please check with your local park for availability and details.
10. Mote Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236
Experience Mote Aquarium at its calmest and quietest during Sensory Saturdays. On select Saturdays, Mote Aquarium opens its doors an hour early, exclusively for people with sensory processing differences or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), along with guests who have disabilities and benefit from a calmer environment.
Mote will foster an inclusive environment for these Aquarium guests. Their exhibits may be enjoyed under soft lighting without heavy crowds, and with decreased noise and visual stimulation wherever possible.
Sensory Saturday will open at 8:30 a.m. on select dates. Groups will be allowed timed entry to minimize crowding. Regular Aquarium hours begin at 9:30 a.m.
11. Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
Located at St. Pete Pier
Sensory programs at the Discovery Center are thoughtfully designed for individuals on the autism spectrum or with other sensory processing differences. During scheduled times, their exhibit gallery will adopt lower lighting, decreased noise levels, and focus on learning with the senses. All who would benefit from a lower sensory experience and hands-on learning are welcome!
Sensory Sundays will be offered on the 3rd Sunday of every other month from 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM.
Year-Round Sensory Friendly Places
12. Zoo Tampa
1101 W. Sligh Ave, Tampa
Zoo Tampa is a partner of the University of South Florida’s Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (C.A.R.D), which provides training and technical support to improve our service to guests with sensory processing challenges. With support from The Junior League of Tampa, they offer Social Experience Stories in English and Spanish and in three formats.
They also offer Distract Packs available to borrow at the Guest Service kiosk along with an Autism Friendly Zoo Map, and a quiet space to get away located in Australia at the Lil’ Joey’s Family Stop, presented by Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH. As a result of our community support, the Zoo is certified as an “autism-friendly business.”
13. Florida Children’s Museum
600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33815
Florida Children’s Museum works in partnership with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (C.A.R.D.) at the University of South Florida to be Autism Friendly. Our Social Story can help prepare your child for a visit to the Museum. View it here.
In an effort to ensure everyone feels comfortable playing and learning, families can check out a Sensory Kit during their visit. Simply visit the front desk where you purchase tickets to request one.
Kits include:
• Noise-reducing headphones
• Sunglasses
• Handheld fidget toy
Advance reservation of a Kit is not required. Kits are checked out on a first-come, first-serve basis when available without reservation.
14. We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym
1076 E Brandon Blvd, Suite 102, Brandon, FL 33511
The Tampa-area We Rock the Spectrum gym earns five stars on TripAdvisor. Parents just rave about the “comfortable” atmosphere! This kid’s gym offers open play in the gym, plus classes and parties.
Local families, like our Orlando Parenting Editor, Dani Meyering, enjoy the calm atmosphere that is still full of fun. Additional locations include Jacksonville, Clearwater, and Orlando.
15. Bonnet Springs Park
400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland, Florida 33815
Bonnet Springs Park is a 168-acre nature park designed with inclusivity in mind. This picturesque park boasts playgrounds, nature trails, a nature center, and more, providing a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages and abilities. For those seeking a sensory-friendly experience, Bonnet Springs Park hosts special events multiple times a year, offering educational activities tailored for young learners and guests with neurodivergence or sensory sensitivities. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Bonnet Springs Park while enjoying science education in a low-sensory environment, featuring hands-on activities that cater to diverse needs.
To enhance the experience, the park provides additional resources such as noise-reducing headphones, sit discs, and fidgets at the Sensory Friendly Exploration Stations. Discover the accessibility of the park and explore other event descriptions for details on sensory-friendly offerings and tools tailored to create an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all.
16. Straz Center – TECO Theater
1010 N Macinnes Pl, Tampa
If you are looking for a night of live entertainment, the Straz Center is bringing Broadway to Tampa Bay! Enjoy a combination of plays, dance routines, or musical performances. The Patel Conservatory Theatre offers sensory-friendly arrangements with lessened production components such as sound and lighting changes. Please be aware that increased audience noise, verbalization, and activity are not considered disruptive by ushers, audience members, or performers. A break room is also available, complete with stim items and a quiet area.
17. New Tampa All Abilities Playground
17302 Commerce Park Blvd, Tampa, FL
The New Tampa All Abilities Playground is a 10,000+ square-foot playground that is designed for children with a wide range of physical, cognitive, sensory, and neuro-diverse abilities. It also features multiple play pieces that are wheelchair accessible. The New Tampa All Abilities Playground also includes a sensory area and interactive art installation geared towards children with autism or other disabilities. A communication board is also available for those who do not verbally communicate as well.
Sensory-Friendly Programs in Tampa
Freedom Sailing Camp of Florida
2525 Philippe Pkwy, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Freedom Sailing Camp of Florida's Mission provides safe, enriching, and affordable sailing for High Functioning individuals with an autistic spectrum disorder. It allows them to explore and develop social skills that will strengthen their self-esteem and help them become self-sufficient individuals.
Sensory-Friendly Theme Parks & Attractions
Legoland Florida is one of our team's favorite sensory-friendly theme parks, and Peppa Pig Theme Park too. Check out this Reel with info on Legoland's Quiet Rooms.
Accommodations vary from park to park. Tampa Bay Parenting recommends visiting the accessibility sections of each theme park destination for the latest information.