Sensory-friendly family spots in Los Angeles, California

Sensory notesThe official accessibility page has a Sensory Considerations section: light, noise and crowds vary widely throughout the building; guests may bring their own noise-cancelling headphones, fidgets or other calming items. IMAX shows are presented at high volume and often require 3D eyeglasses; all seats unassigned. The Center publishes a Sensory Planning Guide with sensory descriptions of the museum spaces, and social narratives (PDF stories at a 3rd-grade reading level) covering entering the Center, the IMAX experience, Ecosystems and exiting. Weekdays after 2:00 PM are typically quieter; September, October, January and February are often the least busy months.

Sensory notesFree sensory kits - noise-cancelling headphones, a fossil stress ball, a sensory guide and a fidget cube - can be borrowed first-come first-served by leaving an ID with Guest Relations. Planning resources published by the museum include a Visual Checklist, a Social Narrative and a Sensory Guide. The museum notes it experiences lower-sensory days with generally fewer visitors and quieter hours that vary by time of day and year (official accessibility page). The first Monday of every month (October-June) is Sensory Friendly Field Trip Day for school groups (official field-trip page).

Sensory notesLACMA describes itself as a sensory-inclusive destination: Sensory Inclusive bags with noise-canceling headphones, tactile fidget tools, visual cue/feeling cards, strobe-reducing glasses and weighted lap pads can be checked out at the LACMA Ticket Office, and Visitor Services staff are trained to help visitors with sensory needs. Official quiet times: visitors sensitive to crowds, noise or sensory stimulation may find the museum most comfortable 1-4 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 am-12 pm on Sundays (official accessibility page).

Sensory notesThe Zoo is a KultureCity-certified sensory-inclusive venue. KultureCity sensory bags - noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads - are available at the International Marketplace; the free KultureCity app shows which sensory features are available at the Zoo and where. The seasonal L.A. Zoo Lights event includes a designated Sensory Inclusive Night (December 8 in the current season's FAQ) with no flash photography and re-entry permitted that night only.

Sensory notesThe Autry publishes Social Stories guides with photos and descriptions to help visitors on the autism spectrum prepare for their visit. Sensory Support Kits - noise-canceling headphones, fidget/stress toys, sunglasses and a weighted blanket - are available to borrow free of charge at the Visitor Services desk (official Visit page).

Sensory notesThe Observatory publishes an official social narrative, 'Seeing a Planetarium Show,' that walks visitors through buying a ticket and attending a show step by step; it notes that if the ticket booth line is long or feels too loud, tickets can also be bought at the ticket kiosk in the Ahmanson Hall of the Sky (official PDF).

Sensory notesSensory bags can be borrowed inside Noah's Ark - they hold noise-dampening headphones, stims, fidgets, puzzles and fine motor manipulatives. The flashing storm clouds in the gallery can be turned off or modified to a calming sensory mode upon request. Sensory Friendly Fridays (Fridays, 12:00-1:30 pm, ninety-minute slot, not offered on certain listed dates) are designed for guests with autism spectrum disorders, sensory-processing differences and other developmental disabilities, with a reduced number of visitors, quieter galleries and relaxed music and story times; noise-dampening headphones, sensory bags and lanterns for low-light sensitivity are available to borrow. Noise-dampening headphones and earplugs are also available for concerts and performances.