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‘Tis the Season to be Sensory Friendly
If you’re looking for family outings around Tysons, VA that are inclusive and low-stimulation — meaning fewer crowds, reduced noise/lighting, and more control over the environment — you’re in luck. From strolls through serene botanical gardens to drive-through holiday lights and sensory-friendly films, there are excellent options in Northern Virginia and Fairfax County for caregivers and neurodivergent kids seeking calmer experiences. These local options near Tysons are tailor-made for control, comfort, and inclusion and recommended by our local Blackbird Health team.
1. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Winter Walk of Lights (Vienna, VA)
For a festive nature walk, Meadowlark Gardens, a mere 10–15 minutes from Tysons, features 95 acres of gardens, lakes, and woodland trails. Its "Winter Walk of Lights" is an ideal low-impact holiday experience.
Why it works: Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights offers a calm, magical way to experience the holidays at your family’s own pace. The half-mile paved trail winds through softly glowing gardens, with twinkling lights inspired by nature and winter scenes. It’s stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, and the open layout makes it easy to step aside or take a quiet moment whenever needed. Families who prefer lower sensory settings can visit on weeknights or early evenings for smaller crowds and a gentler experience. This is a beautiful, inclusive outing for kids who thrive with more space and less noise.
Website: https://www.novaparks.com/events/winter-walk-of-lights
Where: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens; Vienna, VA
When: November 7 - December 4 (5:30-10:00 pm); December 5 - 31 (5:00-10:00 pm); January 1 - 4 (5:00-10:00 pm)
Fees: $19-$24. See the Promotions Page for a list of Kids Nights when kids enter for free.
Tip: Pick up a fun “Search in the Lights” sheet at the Ticket Scanning Stations in the Visitor Center. Show your completed sheet at our exit gate to receive a cool sticker.
2. Drive-Through Holiday Light Show: Bull Run Festival of Lights (Centreville, VA)
For a seasonal drive-through experience enjoyed from within the familiar environment of your car, the Bull Run Festival of Lights offers a spectacular display just minutes from Tysons.
Why it works: The Bull Run Festival of Lights lets families enjoy the sparkle of the holidays from the comfort and predictability of their own car—a perfect option for kids who do best with familiar surroundings and fewer sensory surprises. The drive-through route glows with colorful displays while you stay in full control of sound, lighting, and timing. You can pause to take it in, skip sections if needed, or simply enjoy quiet music together as you go. It’s a festive outing without crowds, noise, or overwhelm — ideal for creating calm holiday memories at your family’s pace.
Website: https://www.novaparks.com/events/bull-run-festival-of-lights
Where: Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, Virginia
When: November 14 to Jan 4, weather permitting
Fees per car: $30 online, $40 at the door. See the website for discount promo codes.
Tip: Choose a non-peak weekday, and consider going early in the route so you’re not waiting long. Bring familiar music or audio to play in your car for comfort.
3. Sensory-Friendly Movie Outing: AMC (Tysons Corner)
The “Sensory Friendly Films” program by AMC (in partnership with the Autism Society of America) offers showings with lights up, sound down, and freedom to move around.
Why it works: When it’s too cold for outdoor fun, enjoy a festive movie night out designed with neurodivergent kids and families in mind. AMC’s Sensory Friendly Films turn the lights up a bit and the sound down — so your child can relax, move, or express excitement freely without judgment. These special screenings skip the previews and start right on time, creating a more predictable, stress-free experience.
Held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month for family-friendly films (and Wednesday evenings for older audiences), upcoming titles this season include Zootopia 2, Back to the Future, Eternity (PG-13), Wicked For Good, and more. This is a great way to share the joy of the movies—without the overwhelm.
Website: https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
Where: Inside Tysons Corner Center, McLean, Virginia
When: Second and Fourth Saturday of the month
Fees: $15
Tip: Choose seats near an exit, bring comfort tools like headphones or fidgets, and enjoy a supportive space where everyone understands sensory needs.
4. Winter Wonderland at The Boro (Tysons)
Winter Wonderland at The Boro brings big holiday fun with an oversized inflatable slide, kids’ crafts, a hot-chocolate bar, stocking-decorating, glitter tattoos, festive characters, and plenty of photo moments.Why it works: This event offers a variety of sensory-friendly choices — active play, hands-on crafts, cozy treats, and low-pressure social moments — so kids can participate in the ways that feel best for them. The open outdoor setting gives families more breathing room, and the short, clearly timed event makes transitions easier for children who thrive on structure. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of festive cheer, warm treats, and joyful activities perfect for every age.
Activities include a large holiday-themed inflatable slide, photos with Santa, kids’ holiday crafts, giveaways, and surprises, a DJ spinning holiday favorites, hot chocolate bar, stocking decorating, glitter tattoos, a seasonal backdrop and roaming holiday characters.
Website: https://theborotysons.com/event/winter-wonderland-at-the-boro/
Where: The Boro, 8350 Broad Street, Tysons, VA
When: December 6, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Fees: Free
Tip: Pick a cozy spot near an exit, bring comfort tools like headphones or fidgets, and enjoy a welcoming environment where sensory needs are supported.
5. Annual Autism Holiday Party 2025 hosted by ASNV & POAC-NoVA (Northern Virginia)
This beloved Annual Autism Holiday Celebration hosted by the Autism Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV) and Parents of Autistic Children of Northern Virginia (POAC-NoVA) brings families together for a joyful, low-pressure holiday afternoon.
Why it works: This event offers a warm, flexible environment with multiple ways to engage—arts and crafts, Legos, music, and quiet spaces for breaks. The optional meet-and-greet with Santa, plus two smaller time slots, helps reduce crowding and keeps the event predictable. With volunteers experienced in supporting autistic kids, families can relax and enjoy a festive outing where everyone is welcomed and understood.
Bring the whole family for Santa visits at both session times, arts and crafts and Lego building stations, interactive music sessions with Bright Beats, quiet room available for sensory breaks, pizza, veggies, snacks, and drinks, a giveaway table with toys, books, therapy items, and free shirts.
Website: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0844ABAA29A6FFCF8-58803064-annual#/
Where: Service Source Building, 10467 White Granite Drive, Oakton, VA
When: December 13, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Fees: Free
Tip: Bring a dessert to share and a bag for the giveaway table and pack comfort items or preferred snacks if needed. The supportive setup makes it easy to step in and out of activities at your child’s pace.
Tips to Maximize Calm and Inclusion: A checklist to ensure sensory friendly fun for all
- Bring noise-reducing headphones or earbuds to soften loud music and background chatter.
- Preview the event schedule with your child so transitions feel predictable and manageable.
- Pack a small sensory kit with fidgets, chewy jewelry, or another calming tool your child prefers.
- Choose a meeting spot or “home base” so your child always knows where to return if they feel overwhelmed.
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and let your child acclimate to the space at their own pace.
- Take advantage of quiet rooms or calm corners to reset before rejoining the activities.
- Offer choices—like which craft to do or whether to visit Santa—to help your child feel more in control.
- Use visual supports (photos, checklists, timers) to help set expectations and reduce anxiety.
- Keep visits short and flexible, leaving early if needed to end on a positive note.
- Celebrate small successes and follow your child’s lead to make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
You don’t have to sacrifice a fun family outing just because you’re seeking a more gentle sensory experience. These local options near Tysons are tailor-made for control, comfort, and inclusion. If you have a favorite spot we didn’t mention — maybe a quiet park, play café, or inclusive event — please share it on our Facebook or Instagram and we’ll keep building this list together.
