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Summer Fun for All Sensory-friendly days are gaining in popularity at New Hampshire attractions MARY ELLEN HETTINGER, PHOTOS BY ILYA MIRMAN
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oing to the amusement park or movies can be a lot of fun, but if you have a child on the autism spectrum, a trip out with the typical noise, sights and smells that go along with the experience can make it a not-so-fun situation for you and your child. A number of Granite State locations are setting aside special days and weekends to accommodate parents who have children who need a “sensory-friendly” environment. Story Land, New Hampshire’s iconic amusement park in Glen, has hosted Autism Awareness Weekends in the past in conjunction with Autism Speaks, according to Director of Marketing Lauren Hawkins. Recently they flipped the focus from aware-
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ness to accommodating those with sensory sensitivities, introducing a calming room and quiet dining area in 2018 and Sensory Sensitive Weekends a year later. “We felt there was a need to do more for those on the autism spectrum,” says Hawkins. Like last season, they will host two Sensory Sensitive Weekends planned for June 13-14 and September 19-20. The main difference from normal operations is a decrease in sound, from
Above and opposite page: Story Land in Glen is planning to hold two Sensory Sensitive Weeknds this season.
background music, the rides and in the pathways, the piano and school bell, etc., without compromising safety speeches that need to be played. There are also accommodations for ordering food more quickly, and families are allowed to pack lunches and snacks if food lines are a concern. Going Places? 10 Tips for parents of children with sensory issues To make any excursion fun for the entire family, it helps to travel as a team. Having two adults means you can divide and conquer when one child has an issue. 1. Keep in mind your children’s needs and capabilities. Your fearless firstborn may have screamed with glee on a kiddie coast-
EDITOR’S NOTE: At press time, Story Land announced its opening date, originally May 23, was delayed. The new date was yet to be determined, but you can visit storylandnh.com/covid19 for updates. Other events, such as the Sensory Sensitive Weekends, may also change, so make sure to visit both Story Land’s website and nhmagazine.com for updates and new information. We’ll be doing our best to keep you informed of reopenings and schedule changes at all the attractions mentioned in this story.
