Discover 5 Sensory-Friendly Spots for Families in New Bedford, MA

Updated On April 25, 2025

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For many families, planning a day out is a straightforward task. But for those with children who have sensory sensitivities or are on the autism spectrum, it can be a bit more complex.

Children with sensory sensitivities sometimes experience the world in a heightened way. Bright lights might feel piercing, loud sounds overwhelming, and bustling environments sometimes a little too bustling. This can make even everyday activities feel daunting to plan.

That’s why sensory-friendly environments can be so important for families with kids on the autism spectrum. They are spaces designed to dial back noise, reduce harsh lighting, and create a calm, welcoming atmosphere.

If you’re in New Bedford, MA, the city is home to several venues that prioritize sensory-friendly experiences. Here’s a look at five places that cater to families with sensory challenges.

1. Whaling Museum Hosts Quiet Mornings

The New Bedford Whaling Museum offers sensory-friendly mornings on select days, featuring reduced noise, dimmed lighting, and fewer visitors. Kids can explore giant whale skeletons and engaging exhibits without the sensory overload. The museum also provides social narratives and tools to help families prepare in advance.

Tips for families: Borrow noise-canceling headphones and sensory kits at the front desk

2. Art Museum Offers a Calm Creative Space

The New Bedford Art Museum is a small, quiet space that’s ideal for kids who enjoy art without large crowds or loud noise. Rotating exhibits and hands-on art activities encourage exploration and expression in a low-key environment.

Tips for families: Ask about drop-in art-making sessions or quiet hours.

3. Zoo Provides Sensory Tools and Maps

Buttonwood Park Zoo offers sensory-friendly supports such as sensory bags, a downloadable sensory map, and special quiet days. It’s a manageable-size zoo with wide paths and plenty of quiet corners.

Tips for families: Borrow a sensory bag with fidgets and headphones at the entrance.

4. Groundwork Hosts Inclusive Family Events

Groundwork is a coworking space that regularly hosts low-key community events including sensory-friendly art shows, yoga, and workshops. It’s a flexible, welcoming space that feels more like a living room than a venue.

Tips for families: Check the event calendar for family-friendly happenings.

5. Seamen’s Bethel Offers a Quiet Place to Recharge

The historic Seamen’s Bethel is a peaceful chapel made famous by Moby-Dick. It offers a calm, low-sensory break from busier attractions — perfect for decompressing.

Tips for families: Stop in after visiting the Whaling Museum for a quiet reset.

Check out our LEARN Behavioral blog on 5 simple play ideas for more sensory-friendly ideas.

Looking for additional support for your child in southeastern Massachusetts? LEARN Behavioral offers contemporary applied behavior analysis therapy services across New England, including the New Bedford area. To find the most convenient location for your family, please visit our Massachusetts ABA Therapy page. There, you can explore our various centers and learn more about the services we provide.

5 Sensory-Friendly Activities in Lawrence, MA for Kids on the Autism Spectrum

Updated On March 4, 2025

Finding activities that work for kids with autism isn’t always easy. Many children on the autism spectrum experience sensory sensitivities. This means certain sounds, lights, textures, or crowded spaces can feel overwhelming or even distressing. That’s where sensory-friendly activities come in.

Massachusetts has always valued outdoor spaces and welcomes people with different sensory needs. New England’s trails and gardens offer spaces for comfort and inclusion.

For families on the autism spectrum, “sensory-friendly” means even more. They’re looking for environments and activities that with quieter spaces, softer lighting, or more predictable settings. These thoughtful adjustments can help kids feel calmer and allow them to enjoy activities without stress.

Sensory-friendly spaces can also provide relief for families. It’s a chance to find connection, knowing the environment supports your child’s needs.

In Lawrence, the rural area roughly 30 miles north of Boston, there are a growing number of sensory-friendly activities your family can try. These include calm outdoor spaces and welcoming play areas.

1. Explore Den Rock Park

Den Rock Park is a 120-acre wooded nature preserve that’s good for kids who love quiet, outdoor spaces. The park has easy trails, open spaces, and lots of nature. The sounds of birds and rustling leaves can be calming.

Bring binoculars for birdwatching or plan a family picnic in a peaceful spot. The slower pace and calm surroundings make it a relaxing option.

Tip for Families: Weekdays or early mornings are not as crowded. Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

2. Visit Nevins Memorial Library

The children’s section at Nevins Memorial Library is a quiet and safe space for kids. There are books, puzzles, and craft activities your child can try.

Tip for Families: Check with the librarians to see when sensory story times are scheduled. The library sometimes has events specifically for children with sensory issues.

3. Learn and Play at Lawrence Heritage State Park

If your family enjoys exploring history, check out Lawrence Heritage State Park. The Visitor Center has simple activities that kids can engage with at their own speed. It’s not overwhelming and has areas where kids can take breaks if needed.

The park also has outdoor spots for a stroll or a quiet escape. It’s a mix of learning and breathing room, which can help keep kids comfortable and happy.

Tip for Families: Call ahead to ask about hands-on activities or events that might interest your family.

4. Try a Trampoline Park

For kids who love to jump, the area offers several indoor trampoline parks — such as Altitude Trampoline Park, 10 miles away in Pelham, N.H. — that run sensory-friendly sessions at certain times. The lights are dimmed, and the noise is kept low. Your child can enjoy trampolines, climbing walls, and foam pits without feeling overwhelmed.

The staff understands different sensory needs, and the rules make the experience feel safe and predictable.

Tip for Families: Call the park to check when the next sensory-friendly session is. Comfortable clothes and water make the visit easier.

5. Relax in a Cozy Cafe or Take Your Kids to a Play Space

The Lawrence area also offers some cafes with play areas designed with kids in mind. Some even offer low-stimulation play areas or calming activities. One is STEMspot, in Lawrence, which combines the fun of a mini hands-on science museum with a cafe. Another is We Rock the Spectrum, in Westford, 16 miles from Lawrence, which has a gym, calming room, retail shop, snack room, lounge, and game room.

Tip for Families: Check ahead to see what options each location offers to make sure it fits your child’s needs.

Check out our LEARN Behavioral blog on 5 simple play ideas for more sensory-friendly ideas.

Looking for additional support for your child in Lawrence, MA? At Behavioral Concepts (BCI), we use science and data to deliver contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, tailored exclusively to your child’s unique needs, behavior, and personality. Learn more about our services in the Lawrence area and contact us today!

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7 Tips for Snow Day Fun

Published: December 12, 2023

By Karen Callahan

While no one can argue with the fun of traditional activities, such as building snowmen or snow angels, keeping your kiddo occupied throughout an entire snow day while confined to your house might require a few more tricks up your sleeve.

Consider the unique opportunities the snow can provide for you and your kiddo to explore different language concepts, social skills, academic tasks, and leisure activities. Think about bringing what winter has to offer indoors, where it is warm, for a unique way to learn and play together.

To get started, grab a few safe bowls (think plastic Tupperware), some pots, a muffin tin, and a few spoons of different sizes. Fill one bowl with cold water and another with hot water. Throw a big beach towel on the floor and grab some of that white, powdery stuff! Here are seven tips for snow day fun.

Let your child explore, figure out what they like about the activity, and add to what they find fun. If they’re watching you and waiting for what you will do next, you’ve got it right!
In the beginning, don’t demand your child’s attention. Show them some fun ways to play with the snow and “kitchen stuff” and talk about what is happening. “Wow, you smashed the snow!” “Did you see it melt in the hot water?” “You got more snow!” “Stir, stir, stir, good job stirring!”
Language Concepts: Once you’ve got the activity going, use the snow to start talking about fun, related language concepts like hot/cold, wet/dry, and melting/frozen.
Social Skills: Take turns using the spoons, stirring, and playing. Encourage and model social skills by commenting about the activity and what you or your child enjoy. “Watch it melt!” “Wow, that is cold!” “I like playing in the snow!”
Academic Tasks: Discuss weather, precipitation, seasons, and states of matter (solid, liquid, gas). Use your muffin tin and practice counting as you fill each cup.
Leisure Skills: Feel free to step away from the activity and let your child dig in on their own. Sustaining a play activity and incorporating newly learned play skills modeled by an adult play a crucial role in learning.
Be sure to set boundaries about where the snow must stay. We suggest prompting all snow activity back to the area of the beach towel.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy this new experience!