Is Dave & Buster’s Sensory-Friendly?

Arcades typically aren’t very sensory-friendly all the time, although some, including Dave & Buster’s, do have sensory-friendly hours that may enhance your experience if you have sensory sensitivities.

If you need a guaranteed sensory-friendly place to game and socialize, come to the Abilities in Motion Gaming Center. Play adaptive video games in the gaming center and then head next door for delicious food and drinks at Rollie’s Place, a universally accessible café. Not all arcades are designed for sensory-sensitive people, though you may make any experience more enjoyable by bringing a sensory toolkit, planning your visit, and taking necessary breaks.

For fun and food with friends in a sensory-friendly environment, stop by Rollie’s Place in Reading today.

How Sensory-Friendly is Dave & Buster’s?

Dave & Buster’s and many other gaming centers are not necessarily designed to be sensory-friendly. That doesn’t mean that people with sensory sensitivities can’t or shouldn’t visit these places, but it does mean that you should know what to expect before attending Dave & Buster’s as someone who has sensory sensitivities.

Dave & Buster’s is a relatively loud, high-stimulation environment. Bright, flashing lights from arcade games, loud music, and large crowds are common features of Dave & Buster’s that can be overwhelming for sensory-sensitive people.

Dave & Buster’s is much more sensory-friendly during designated times on Saturday mornings, during which the lights are adjusted, the music is lowered, and private quiet spaces are offered.

How Can You Make Going to Dave & Buster’s More Sensory-Friendly?

There are plenty of things you can do when you go to any arcade to make the experience more enjoyable for you as someone with sensory sensitivities. Set yourself up for success by planning the visit, bringing a well-stocked sensory toolkit, and taking breaks if you get overstimulated.

Plan Your Visit Ahead of Time

You can make a trip to the arcade more sensory-friendly by planning it out ahead of time. Dave & Buster’s offers sensory-friendly hours on Saturday mornings that let sensory-sensitive people enjoy the arcade with fewer overwhelming factors, such as loud music or large crowds. You can plan to attend during those hours when you know there will be less stimulation in what is typically a high-stimulation environment.

If you can’t attend an arcade’s sensory-friendly hours, call ahead and ask when they’re least busy during the day or week, and schedule your next visit for then.

Bring a Sensory Toolkit with You

Bringing a sensory toolkit to any potentially overstimulating environment is always a good choice if you or your child has sensory sensitivities. Bring items you know will help with overstimulation, such as noise-reducing or noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, weighted blankets, or even sunglasses for bright arcade lights.

Preparation can make all the difference in high-stimulation environments if you have sensory sensitivities, and it can help reduce stimuli so you can enjoy yourself more.

Take Breaks When You Need To

Make your trip to Dave & Buster’s or any overstimulating arcade more enjoyable by letting yourself or your child take breaks when needed. Take a private moment to yourself. You may go to the bathroom for privacy or outside for a moment of fresh air. You can even ask staff if there is a private area away from other guests where you can self-soothe. A designated sensory room may be available, and you won’t know unless you ask.

Avoid Overstimulating & Violent Games

If you go to Dave & Buster’s or another arcade as someone with sensory sensitivities, avoid the ultra-overstimulating, loud, and violent games. Stick to low-pressure, low-stakes games that are predictable yet engaging, and avoid any noises or imagery that might upset you or your child.

What is a Sensory-Friendly Alternative to Going to Dave & Buster’s?

Arcades are typically high-stimulation environments, which can deter sensory-sensitive gamers from going, participating in their favorite hobby, or meeting new friends. Fortunately, spaces designed specifically for sensory-sensitive people exist, where you can be yourself without judgment.

Rollie’s Place in Reading is part of Abilities in Motion, a sensory-friendly gaming center that welcomes all. The Abilities in Motion Gaming Center is sensory-friendly, accessible to people of all abilities, and fully wheelchair accessible, making it a great gaming resource for anyone.

With gaming events, adaptive gaming equipment and technology, and Rollie’s Place’s delicious food and drinks right next door, the Abilities in Motion Gaming Center is a great resource for those looking for a low-stimulation, high-reward gaming experience as well as judgment-free socialization.

What Makes Rollie’s Place a Sensory-Friendly Choice?

Rollie’s Place was created specifically for people with sensory sensitivities in mind and offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that is accessible to everyone. Rollie’s Place is part of Abilities in Motion, so you can expect the same level of accessibility and care as you do from the gaming center next door.

Hooded Chairs

One feature that makes Rollie’s Place sensory-friendly is its unique hooded chairs. Hooded chairs not only provide better privacy for diners in the main seating area, but they also help reduce noise for sensory-sensitive diners. Hooded chairs can reduce multiple stimuli at once, significantly improving the dining experience.

Private Seating Booths

Rollie’s Place also offers private seating booths for guests who need more privacy than hooded chairs provide. Take advantage of private seating booths if you or your child is easily overstimulated in crowds of any size.

Low Volume

Rollie’s Place and the Abilities in Motion Gaming Center are low-volume, low-stimulation environments. Blaring music in cafés and loud sound effects in arcades can easily overwhelm those with sensory sensitivities and ruin their experience. Keeping noise at a relatively low volume helps gamers focus, helps diners relax, and is key to creating a sensory-friendly environment.

Sensory-Friendly Food, Drinks, and Gaming at Rollie’s Place in Reading

Come to Rollie’s Place for a bite to eat in Reading at our accessible café that welcomes everyone.