Sensory-Friendly Things to Do on a Rainy Day Near Reading, PA

There are plenty of sensory-friendly things to do on a rainy day in and around Reading, Pennsylvania, many of which can start or end with a visit to Rollie’s Place for a quick bite to eat.

Going to Rollie’s Place for food and the Abilities in Motion Gaming Center for adaptive video gaming are great ways to spend rainy days when outdoor activities are not an option. The Reading Public Museum, Neag Planetarium, and Arboretum are all relatively sensory-friendly and share a campus, making them perfect for a day trip. Other popular destinations include the Reading Public Library and the Sensory Village, which is just outside of Reading and often worth the short drive.

Visit Rollie’s Place on the next rainy day in Reading.

What Are Some Sensory-Friendly Things to Do on a Rainy Day Near Reading, PA?

We’ve compiled a list of some of the sensory-friendly things you can do the next time it rains in Reading so you don’t have to sit inside bored, but can have fun in low-pressure, sensory-friendly environments.

Grab a Bite to Eat at Rollie’s Place

One of the best ways to spend a few hours on a rainy day is by stopping in at Rollie’s Place. Located in Reading, Rollie’s Place offers a unique dining experience catered to sensory-sensitive individuals and designed to be accessible for all.

Rollie’s Place features delicious, familiar foods and hooded chairs for extra privacy and noise reduction. It even offers great employment opportunities for anyone with sensory sensitivities who wants to gain meaningful work experience.

Play Video Games at the Abilities in Motion Gaming Center

The Abilities in Motion Gaming Center is an accessible and sensory-friendly gaming center, located directly next to Rollie’s Place in Reading, Pennsylvania. The Abilities in Motion Gaming Center features adaptive gaming equipment, which is even available for loan for personal use at home. The Abilities in Motion Gaming Center is great for low-pressure social interactions and mental stimulation on rainy or cold days when outdoor activities are not an option.

Attend the Reading Public Museum

The Reading Public Museum, as well as the Neag Planetarium and the Arboretum, which share the same campus, is a great place to spend time on a rainy day. The Reading Public Museum features many different exhibits, and guests can check the sensory map before attending to see which exhibits they might enjoy the most and flag any scary or loud exhibits they might want to avoid.

The Reading Public Museum has dedicated sensory-inclusive hours that might align with the next rainy day. Guests are welcome and encouraged to bring fidgets and other sensory devices that may make their experience more enjoyable. Sensory kits are also provided on a first-come-first-serve basis and are available at no cost.

Go to the Reading Public Library

The Reading Public Library offers assistive learning devices and sensory services through KultureCity, an organization dedication to ensuring accessibility for sensory-sensitive people of all ages. The Reading Public Library, like most public libraries, can be a calming, quiet place for anyone with sensory sensitivities, especially if the weather is bad and you need somewhere to pass the time. The Reading Public Library has more than just books and offers free access to computers and Wi-Fi.

The Reading Public Library also hosts special sensory-friendly events that are worth attending, no matter the weather, such as movie nights and family programs.

Visit the Sensory Village

The Sensory Village is a sensory-friendly indoor playground designed for sensory-sensitive children. Children of all ages and abilities are welcome at the Sensory Village. They are encouraged to spend time interacting with peers, engaging in sensory play, and even taking breaks in private areas when they feel overwhelmed.

With designated quiet spaces where kids can read or sit quietly and engaging environments, such as imaginative sensory houses and a water room, the Sensory Village has something for everyone.

What to Look for in Sensory-Friendly Rainy-Day Activities

Look for rainy-day activities held in climate-controlled settings where the noise level is low or adjustable, the events are predictable and not surprising, and helpful sensory tools or kits are offered to enhance the experience for sensory-sensitive people.

Climate-Controlled Setting

With rain often comes humidity, which can make sensory-sensitive individuals physically uncomfortable. Spending time in a climate-controlled setting on a rainy day means that you do not have to be affected by the humidity, temperature, or rain levels at all, and can stay dry and comfortable no matter what you are doing.

Low or Adjustable Noise Level

Visit places with low or adjustable noise levels for a sensory-friendly experience on a rainy day. Museums, libraries, and sensory-friendly gaming centers are typically low-volume, and most noise levels are adjustable with noise-reducing or noise-canceling headphones. Bring headphones or earplugs with you to make any place you attend more sensory-friendly. If you forget to bring your own, ask if noise-reducing headphones or earplugs are offered.

Predictability

Predictability is often a key feature of sensory-friendly activities, regardless of the weather outside. Look for activities that you can plan for, such as going to the museum and planning what exhibits you want to see ahead of time so that you can avoid potentially overstimulating or triggering exhibits. Activities should be predictable and low-pressure, yet still flexible.

Sensory Tools Offered

Many museums, libraries, and other locations may offer sensory tools to sensory-sensitive visitors. Sensory kits often include things like fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, sensory maps and guides, and more, and are typically free for visitors to check out during their visits. No matter where you plan to spend the next rainy day, call ahead and ask about accommodations provided for sensory-sensitive people.

Visit Rollie’s Place on a Rainy Day in Reading, PA

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