Looking for Autism Friendly Activities in Kentucky? Look no further! In this article, we round up experiences from across the Bluegrass that provide unique experiences for individuals of all abilities. Some experiences are specifically designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities, but others are created with everyone in mind. Use your personal discretion when choosing what attractions are right for you and your family. In this article, we do our best to highlight what supports are available at each attraction.
The attractions in this article are divided by region. There is also a section at the end featuring nationwide chains that offer sensory-friendly experiences.
Please click the location to be directed to the section listing attractions.
Eastern Kentucky
The Shine House
Sensory Friendly: Yes
Location: Somerset, KY
The Shine House of Somerset, Kentucky is a nonprofit arts center with a mission to encourage the community to embrace its differences and accept individuals of all backgrounds. The organization offers art and movement classes for individuals and age levels. Applied Behavioral Advancements is a proud sponsor of The Shine House, enabling them to provide classes for Adult Training Centers during the week.
Miracle Museum
Sensory Friendly: Yes
Location: Somerset, KY
This brand new play facility built by the City of Somerset is the first of its kind in the United States. Play elements are designed to provide a well-rounded sensory experience that stimulates those on the Autism spectrum, with ADHD, or other sensory needs. It introduces children to unique sounds, textures, and pressures that may help them process the experiences. It is located at the corner of Spring and Maple streets downtown behind the Pulaski County Public Library Main Street branch.
Scott Rose Foundation Playground and Musical Park
Sensory Friendly: Unspecified
Location: London, KY
Located behind the Laurel County Public Library on College Park Drive off KY-192, this park offers a walking trail, a children’s playground, skate park, basketball court, volleyball court, splash pad, and picnic structures. The various amenities make this a great place to experience family time together.
Cumberland Falls Resort Park
Sensory Friendly: Unspecified
Location: Corbin, KY
Cumberland Falls is famous throughout the state for its massive size and stunning views, as well as its only-in-Kentucky “Moonbow” experience. The natural wonders of this park, located in Corbin, provide the perfect setting for family connection.
Air Raid KY
Sensory Friendly: Unspecified
Location: London, KY
Air Raid is Southeastern Kentucky’s only Trampoline Park! Great for kids with a lot of energy, playtime at Air Raid includes foam pits, ninja warrior challenges, rock walls, and of course: trampolines. Be aware: there is no “Sensory Friendly” label attached tot his attraction, which may be overwhelming for some children.
Western Kentucky
Sensory Friendly Homecoming Tailgate
Sensory Friendly: Yes
Location: Bowling Green, KY
Western Kentucky University’s Sensory Friendly Homecoming offers a quieter alternative to traditional tailgate experience.
Dinosaur World
Sensory Friendly: Unspecified
Location: Cave City, KY
Of the many iconic attractions in Cave City, Dinosaur World provides a unique opportunity to blend education and fun. Families can move at their own pace through “life sized” dinosaur statues, and dinosaur themed playgrounds and exhibits.
Kentucky Down Under
Sensory Friendly: Unspecified
Location: Cave City, KY
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is a unique experience in Cave City that invites participants to engage with unique Australian Animals. While on property, you may also enjoy a tour of the famous Mammoth Onyx Cave.
Northern Kentucky
Newport Aquarium
Sensory Friendly: During Specified Hours
Location: Newport, KY
Shriner’s Hospital for Children presents F.I.S.H., or Family Inclusive Sensory Hours during select times at the Newport Aquarium. These special hours give Aquarium-goers the opportunity to enjoy lower capacities, softer music, limited microphone use, and reduced lighting. The Aquarium is a unique experience that heightens our appreciation of the natural world.
We Rock the Spectrum
Sensory Friendly: Yes!
Location: Erlanger, KY
We Rock the Spectrum is a play-based gym for children of all abilities. Special attention is paid to make the experience sensory-inclusive. Alongside opportunities for open play, kids can take classes, join skill groups, and engage in social activities.
Lilypad Play
Sensory Friendly: Unspecified
Location: Crescent Springs, KY
LilyPad Play is a indoor play space for children 6 and under. Children play in the open play space or participate in classes.
Creative Play Cafe
Sensory Friendly: Unspecified
Location: Crescent Springs, KY
Creative Play Cafe provides families with an environment that encourages parents to work and socialize while children 6 and under play in an imaginative play area. Older children have a space where they can play on tablets or participate in STEM activities.
Louisville Area
Kentucky Kingdom
Sensory Friendly: Assistance Available
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Kentucky Kingdom is a family amusement park located on the grounds of the Kentucky State Fair and Exposition Center. The theme park is committed to providing an accessible experience no matter what a person’s access needs are. You can read more on their website.
Kentucky Science Center
Sensory Friendly: Yes! Accommodations Available
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
The Kentucky Science Center, located in Downtown Louisville, allows visitors of all ages to experience the intersection of science and play. Their exhibits promote curiosity, exploration, creativity, knowledge, and imagination. You can find accessibility information on their website. The Kentucky Science Center is a FEAT certified Autism Friendly Business Initiative.
Kentucky Modern Art Museum
Sensory Friendly: Yes! Accommodations Available
Location: Louisville, KY
The KMAC Contemporary Art Museum displays contemporary art exhibits that highlight the diverse stories of Kentucky. They are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible space where all people are celebrated You can find accessibility resources on their website at the link above.
Taylor’s Cereal Bowl
Sensory Friendly: Yes!
Location: Jeffersonville, IN
Taylor’s Cereal Bowl is more than just an ice cream shop; this sweet spot is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive space for neurodivergent children and their families.
Louisville Nature Center Sensory Garden
Sensory Friendly: Yes!
Location: Louisville, KY
Louisville Nature Center’s Sensory Garden invites you to delight in the sensory wonders of the natural world. This garden is designed with physical challenges in mind, so that the Garden is accessible for every member of the community.
Rise Fitness Kentucky
Sensory Friendly: Yes!
Location: Louisville, KY
Rise Fitness Kentucky believes movement is for everyone! Their adaptive, inclusive fitness program encourages individuals of all backgrounds to get stronger, stay active, and live healthy.
Louisville Zoo x Kulture City
Sensory Friendly: Yes!
Location: Louisville, KY
The Louisville Zoo is now Sensory Inclusive! By partnering with Kulture City, Zoo guests can now receive a sensory bag that will enhance and improve their experience.
Louisville Ballet
Sensory Friendly: Yes!
Location: Louisville, KY
The Brown Forman Nutcracker is a Christmas classic holiday activity! Their sensory friendly performances adapt this classic tale to make it accessible for those with sensory sensitivities. Adaptations include open seating, space to move around during the show, house lights, the removal of some loud noises, and a quiet room where audience members may leave and re-enter during the show.
Louisville Public Library Sensory Storytime
Sensory Friendly: Yes!
Location: Louisville, KY
Sensory Storytime enhances the traditional storytime experience with calm music, dimmed lighting, and other sensory soothing features designed with neurodivergent children in mind.
Stage One Family Theater
Sensory Friendly: During specified showtimes
Location: Louisville, KY
Stage One Family Theater performs family-friendly theater in downtown Louisville. This producing entity has partnered with Kentucky Performing Arts and ArtsAccessibility to provide listening devices, audio descriptions, captioning, sing language, and large print programs for all performances at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. Additionally, select showtimes of each production are “sensory friendly.”
Lexington Area
VisitLEX collaborated with local attractions to create sensory maps. Click here to view them all.
21c Museum Hotel
Sensory Friendly: Accommodations Available
Location: Lexington, KY
The 21c Museum Hotel is a premiere boutique hotel in Lexington, Kentucky that features some of the most exciting contemporary art in the world. The galleries are free and open to the public to explore during the day.
Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
Sensory Friendly: Accommodations Available
Location: Lexington, KY
Henry Clay’s 627-acre estate once produced hemp, tobacco, and grain. Today, visitors can tour this 18 room mansion and enjoy the estate grounds.
Kentucky Horse Park
Sensory Friendly: Accommodations Available
Location: Lexington, KY
Operated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Kentucky horse park is the ultimate “horse theme park.” Explore shows, exhibits, and activities dedicated to these majestic creatures. You will have the opportunity to meet several beautiful horses along the way!
Lexington Children’s Museum
Sensory Friendly: Accommodations Available
Location: Lexington, KY
The Lexington Children’s Museum features nine exhibits that engage children ages 12mos-12yrs in learning opportunities through fun, hands on opportunities.
Lexington History Museum
Sensory Friendly: Accommodations Available
Location: Lexington, KY
The Lexington History Museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the unique history of Lexington, Kentucky.
Lexington Children’s Theatre
Sensory Friendly: Yes! During specific Showtimes
Location: Lexington, KY
Since 1928, the Lexington Children’s Theatre provides professional entertainment geared at young audiences. LCT offers Sensory Friendly Performances at Pay-What-You-Can rates. Young people with sensory sensitivities or disabilities are able to speak freely, respond, and move around the seating area in reaction to the story. Sensory elements like lights and sound are adjusted to accommodate our hypo-sensitive audience members.
Nationwide Chains
Regal Cinemas
Sensory Friendly: Yes! During specific showings
During Regal Cinemas’ My-Way Matinees, audience members are given the space they need to speak, move, dance, and cry while enjoying films with an audience of similar individuals!
AMC Theatres
Sensory Friendly: Yes! During specific showings
During AMC Theatres’ Sensory Friendly Films, they turn the lights up and the sound down to accommodate audiences with sensory issues.
Skyzone Trampoline Park
Sensory Friendly: Yes! During specific hours
During Sky-Zones sensory hours, participants with sensory sensitivities are quieter and more toned down than during normal business hours.
Chuck E Cheese
Sensory Friendly: Yes! During specific hours
In select locations nationwide, during Chuck E. Cheese’s Sensory Sundays, restaurant guests can enjoy a more quiet and relaxed gameroom experience. Staff are trained to be sensitive to the needs of individuals with unique needs.
Have a suggestion for an Autism Friendly Activity in Kentucky?
We’d love to hear more! Tell us about your favorite places to learn and play; send an email to alex@aba-llc.com. We are happy to add your experience, activity, or attraction to our listing!
About ABA-LLC
ABA-LLC is one of the largest suppliers of Behavior Support in the State of Kentucky. Since 2007, the agency has created innovative strategies to improve the lives of unique individuals. ABA-LLC contracts with around 160 contractors, each dedicated to building an inclusive culture that celebrates individuals of all abilities. No matter who you are, you can reach your goals at ABA-LLC.
In everything the agency does, ABA-LLC is set apart from its competitors by its uniquely person-centered approach. The agency strives to provide services from a place of deep love for the population they serve. Their work exemplifies the belief that every individual has a right to live a fulfilling and independent life integrated within their communities. There is no objective to change a person, but rather to give them the tools they need to succeed. B.F. Skinner summarizes this vision in his quote: “I’m not trying to change people. All I want is to change the world in which they live.”