Sensory-Friendly Aquarium Experiences Near the Lehigh Valley

Sensory-friendly aquarium experiences can be hard to come by, but that doesn’t make them any less desired by sensory-sensitive children and their parents. Observing fish and other aquatic animals can be a soothing, calming experience for people with sensory sensitivities and a great opportunity for low-pressure socialization or engagement with a special interest.

The top sensory-friendly aquarium experiences near the Lehigh Valley include Adventure Aquarium, the Philadelphia Zoo, the Elmwood Park Zoo, and the Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den. Almost any aquarium experience can become more sensory-friendly if you plan your visit, bring sensory tools, and use any accommodations provided. When you’re done at the aquarium, swing by Rollie’s Place for a sensory-friendly dining experience.

Visit our universally accessible and sensory-friendly café today.

What Are the Top Sensory-Friendly Aquarium Experiences Near the Lehigh Valley?

There are several aquarium experiences near the Lehigh Valley, some of which are especially sensory-friendly because they offer sensory bags, sensory hours, and quiet, private spaces for self-regulation.

Adventure Aquarium

The Adventure Aquarium in Camden offers the most immersive aquarium experience near the Lehigh Valley. Sensory-sensitive people can enjoy the Adventure Aquarium at any time, but may have a better experience attending on “Sensory Sundays.” On the second Sunday of each month from 9:30 to 10:30 in the morning, the music is lowered, the lights are dimmed, and the crowds are thinner.

All programs and events offered by the Adventure Aquarium are sensory-inclusive. Sensory bags are also available upon request. With a $10 refundable deposit, you can get noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards to enhance your experience at the Adventure Aquarium.

The Adventure Aquarium also provides weighted lap pads, identifies “headphone zones” where sensory-sensitive guests may want to use their headphones, and even “sensory pods,” private, quiet locations where guests can self-regulate.

Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo’s Water is Life exhibit is engaging and interactive for kids of all ages. Guests can watch as playful otters swim through water and coast down slides. Red pandas are a bonus of checking out this exhibit at the Philadelphia Zoo. You can also find penguins at the Philadelphia Zoo, which are perhaps the most popular Antarctic aquatic animals.

With a valid ID, you can get a sensory bag to use during your visit. Sensory bags from the Philadelphia Zoo contain noise-reducing headphones, fidget toys, non-verbal cue cards, and sunglasses.

Elmwood Park Zoo

The Elmwood Park Zoo is home to many aquatic animals, including amphibians, otters, alligators, and turtles. Like other sensory-friendly aquarium experiences, the Elmwood Park Zoo provides sensory backpacks upon request. Sensory backpacks are complimentary and include stress balls, thinking putty, other fidget toys, and noise-canceling headphones.

The Elmwood Park Zoo also provides a sensory guide for its exhibits so visitors can prepare themselves with noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, and other stimulus reducers.

Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den

The Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den in Scranton showcases aquatic animals and reptiles as you’ve never seen before. Viewing rooms are dimly lit, ideal for people with sensory sensitivities. Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den hosts educational programs, animal feedings, and touch tank experiences where guests can interact more closely with some of the animals.

How to Make Any Aquarium Experience More Sensory-Friendly

Make an aquarium experience, or any experience, more sensory-friendly by planning your visit and bringing along the sensory tools and accommodations that can help you manage overstimulation.

Pre-Plan Your Visit

Even if an aquarium experience is not marketed as sensory-friendly, you can make it more enjoyable for yourself by planning your visit in advance. Use the aquarium or zoo map to find the exhibits you are most interested in, and loosely draft out the route you plan to take. While planning ahead of time is a good idea, it’s important to manage your expectations in case a specific exhibit is closed.

Bring a Sensory Kit

While many aquariums offer sensory bags, you can make and bring your own sensory kit for your visit. Include any items that support self-regulation and reduce overstimulation, such as noise-canceling headphones, verbal cue cards, sunglasses, and fidget toys. Bring the fidgets and tools that work best for you so that you can use familiar stress relievers if you get overwhelmed out and about, wherever you are.

Use Accommodations

Use the accommodations made available to you if you get overstimulated during an aquarium experience. Sensory-sensitive places like the Adventure Aquarium and the Philadelphia Zoo may offer quiet spaces where guests can decompress privately if they become overstimulated. Sensory bags and other accommodations may be available upon request, and it never hurts to ask.

Avoid Busy Times

If you are very sensitive to stimuli, set yourself up for success by visiting an aquarium during its off-hours. When you avoid peak hours, crowds may be smaller, quieter, and less overwhelming. Some zoos, aquariums, and other animal experiences have designated hours of operation specifically for sensory-sensitive guests.

Sensory-Friendly Café FAQs

What Makes Rollie’s Place Sensory-Friendly?

Rollie’s Place is part of Abilities in Motion, so it was designed not only to be sensory-friendly but also to be fully inclusive of all people and disabilities. Hooded chairs help reduce noise and prevent overstimulation, and private seating areas are available for diners who need a bit more privacy to feel comfortable.

What Hours is Rollie’s Place Open?

Rollie’s Place is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon. Rollie’s Place is also open every third Saturday of each month, from 10:00 to 4:00.

Do You Need a Reservation to Come to Rollie’s Place?

You don’t need a reservation to come to Rollie’s Place, but we do ask that you call ahead if you plan to dine with a party of 6 or more.

Stop by Our Sensory-Friendly Café Today

Come to Rollie’s Place for an inclusive, accessible dining experience.