In Tampa Bay, there’s plenty of sunshine to go around. We embrace and celebrate what makes each person unique, offering sensory-friendly activities and experiences that welcome all. It’s all about helping you feel at home here and making memories along the way.
If you are looking for a night of live entertainment, the Straz Center is bringing Broadway to Tampa Bay! Enjoy a combination of plays, dance routines, or musical performances. The Patel Conservatory Theatre offers sensory-friendly arrangements with lessened production components such as sound and lighting changes. Please be aware that increased audience noise, verbalization, and activity are not considered disruptive by ushers, audience members, or performers. A break room is also available, complete with stim items and a quiet area.
📍 : 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa
On the last Sunday of every month, the Glazer Children’s Museum turns the lights and sound down for Sunshine Sundays. On this day, the museum offers adapted tools, special programs, and community resources for families with disabilities. You will also find that all themed areas and most exhibits are wheelchair accessible. Mobility-improved visitors will also have no problem navigating themed areas and most exhibits that are ADA accessible.
Get ready to make a splash at The Florida Aquarium! Plan the perfect day with your family, and visit the Moon Bay exhibit, where the moon jellies are pretty to admire and even better to touch, creating a sensory experience for children and adults to enjoy. With a ramp for wheelchairs or mobility scooters, all guests can experience the unique moon jelly exhibit, the No Bone Zone, Florida Wetlands, and other engaging exhibits!
📍 : 4100 George J Bean Pkwy, Tampa
Tampa International Airport brings attention to travelers with hidden disabilities. To make their journey through the airport easier, TPA offers free sunflower lanyards for unseen disabilities. The Sunflower Lanyard signals to TPA staff that travelers may need additional patience or clarification from staff. The Sunflower Lanyards can be attained at the Guest Services Information desk on the third level in the center of the main terminal, right by the big 21 ft flamingo. Contact your airline in advance to request assistance with access to the Main Terminal as well as boarding a plane, wheelchairs, specific seat or other needs.
Take a trip down memory lane to enjoy the historical artwork, classical music, and beautiful architecture at the Henry B. Plant Museum. Discover sensory stimulation at exhibits that guests can interact with, such as photo books and old-fashioned telephones. The museum also offers closed captioning, large-print brochures, and white glove tours for the visually impaired.
If you’re searching for a low-stress, sensory-friendly environment, you need to check out MOSI's Sensory Saturday. Offered on select Saturdays, children have the chance to look through the lenses of science and technology with hands-on projects they will never forget. MOSI also accommodates visitors with wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and service animals, and the team will help you plan a day at MOSI that best fits your needs.
📍 : 5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City
Dinosaur World, “autism friendly” as recognized by the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at USF, features over 200 life-size dinosaurs. Enjoy fossil digging, gem panning, geode cracking, and explore exhibits like Mammoths: Giants of the Ice Age. Test your knowledge at Triviasaurus Rex, uncover a stegosaurus skeleton at the Boneyard, and visit the Florida Fossil and Prehistoric Museums. Play on the dinosaur-themed playground – and don't forget your picnic lunch to Dine with the Dinos.