You identify mental health concerns, provide referral information, and expect families to follow through. But some don't. Research reveals the scope of the problem: only 18% of children complete mental health visits within 180 days of primary care...
Top 5 Activities for Neurodivergent Kids in Chester County
Parents often can have difficulty finding joyful activities for their neurodivergent kids. As someone who deeply understands the importance of supportive environments, I’ve crafted this guide to the top 5 sensory-friendly and thoughtfully adapted activities in Chester County, ensuring comfort and happiness for the whole family.
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Amusement Park
As the first theme park designated as a Certified Autism Center (CAC), Sesame Place provides a full range of accommodations for sensory-sensitive children. Guests can pick up noise-canceling headphones at the Welcome Centers, and if a child feels overwhelmed, they can retreat to the Quiet Room or explore designated low-sensory areas marked in the park’s Sensory Guide. Every staff member has undergone specialized autism-awareness training to ensure the best possible experience for each child. For an extra touch of inclusion, be sure to meet Julia—a friendly, autism-inclusive muppet who roams the park and is eager to connect with young visitors.
📍 Location: 100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne, PA
👶 Ages: 2-14
🌟 Best For: Autism, ADHD -
Children’s Gym
If your child loves staying active while socializing in a sensory-friendly environment, Sensory Fit could be the perfect, well, fit. This vibrant space features colorful, interactive toys and play structures designed to spark imagination and sensory exploration. For children under eight, the gym offers classes, workshops, birthday parties, and open play sessions—ensuring fun and engagement in a welcoming setting.
📍 Location: 226 Exton Square Mall, Exton, PA
👶 Ages: 2-14
🌟 Best For: Autism, ODD, ADHD -
Train Museum
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania can transform your child’s love of toy trains into a fascination with history and transportation. Featuring an impressive collection of historic locomotives and railroad cars from Pennsylvania’s past, the museum offers an immersive experience for young rail enthusiasts. To ensure accessibility for all visitors, the museum is wheelchair-friendly, welcomes service animals, and provides discounts for ACCESS or EBT cardholders. Additionally, sensory tours are available, featuring reduced lighting, lower sound levels, and quiet spaces for breaks.
📍 Location: 300 Gap Rd, Strasburg, PA
👶 Ages: 6-26
🌟 Best For: Autism -
Special Needs Dance Class
Dance offers a wonderful opportunity to bring joy, connection, and creative expression into your child's life. Top Hat Dance Studio believes every child deserves to experience the magic of movement. Their classes introduce students with autism, ADHD, Asperger's, anxiety, and other learning differences to ballet, jazz, bachata, salsa, waltz, and foxtrot in a supportive, adaptive environment. Here, your child can discover their rhythm, build confidence, and find a welcoming community.
📍 Location: 10771 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA
👶 Ages: 6-26
🌟 Best For: ADHD, Down Syndrome, autism, learning differences, anxiety -
Summer Camp
Get your child outdoors on this 20 acre field at Bournelyf Summer Camp! As the only summer camp devoted to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Chester County, Bournelyf (pronounced “born-a-leaf”) Summer Camp works to develop participants’ abilities through building their confidence, social skills, and physical fitness. They get to enjoy an Olympic-sized swimming pool, an indoor recreational space, and a nearby pond and woods. If the summer camp is not right for your child, feel free to join Bournelyf’s events, which are available to the community at large.
📍 Location: 1070 S New Street, West Chester, PA
👶 Ages: 8-26
🌟 Best For: Down Syndrome, autism, ODD
