Get arty at QAGOMA

The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) complex has dedicated dates throughout the year for those with neurodiversity and sensory sensitivities to experience the space in a relaxed environment with lowered volumes and designated quiet zones. A sensory floorplan is also available to help plan your visit.

Keep it real at Queensland Museum and SparkLab

With exciting permanent displays and activities and touring exhibits, Queensland Museum is a popular spot with people of all ages. Queensland Museum runs regular Sensory Friendly Sessions, creating a sound-down, relaxed and supportive atmosphere to allow neurodivergent people or people with sensory processing challenges to experience the museum and the wonder of Dinosaurs of Patagonia and SparkLab exhibits. There’s also a chillout zone, noise-cancelling headphones and sensory kits that are available at the Cloakroom of Queensland Museum and SparkLab entry.

Be mesmerised by dance at Queensland Ballet

Queensland Ballet offers Relaxed Performances of its seasonal works to allow families with young kids and neurodivergent people to enjoy the beauty of the ballet in a safe and accepting environment. With tailored performances of works such as The Little Mermaid and The Nutcracker, in a dimmed, relaxed space, theatre-goers and families alike can experience a great day at the ballet.

Watch a movie

Select Event Cinemas and Hoyts venues hold monthly and quarterly sensory-friendly Sunday screenings respectively with modified dimmed lighting and low-volume sound for sensitive ears. People are free to get up, move around and express themselves during these screenings, allowing families to enjoy films in a supportive environment.

Visit the Workshops Rail Museum

The Workshops Rail Museum offers a sensory-friendly hands-on experience for the whole family during holidays. Sessions include reduced noise and consistent lighting for activities that include a train driving simulator, adventure playground, railway workshops and more. If the experience becomes overwhelming, there are designated chillout zones and sensory kits with noise-cancelling headphones to help everyone feel comfortable.

Enjoy Sensory Story Time and Sensory Exploration in Logan

This specially designated space at Marsden Library in Logan for families and children of all abilities has activations in place to help keep children calm and occupied. The space is equipped with a range of technology and sensory kits, a bubble tube, and other hands-on activities. There is also a bookable room for people of all ages and abilities that has access to free sensory friendly equipment.

Horsing around at EquusTerra

Come and meet the friendly horses at EquusTerra in Yeronga. With each lesson, participants can interact with horses while engaging in a range of activities that encourage a strong bond between the student and animal, while creating an environment of trust and support. This style of therapeutic horse riding is suitable for those with sensory and anxiety conditions and ideal for families and children to socialise.

Get back to nature

Escape the noise and hustle and bustle of the city as you ground yourself in Brisbane’s many leafy parks and green spaces. Brisbane City Council has a comprehensive list of parks and environmental centres where you can devise your own exploration or walking experience with family and friends. Downfall Creek Bushland Centre in Chermside West has a great Mountains to Mangroves' Senses Trail with wheelchair access, continuous handrails and interpretive signs, including braille and raised text.

Cool off in the pool with Treasures Swimming Program

Splash into action and get wet in the warm Brisbane weather. A collaborative effort between Hampton Swim School and Gateway Therapies, the program provides swimming lessons to children with neurodiversity and other sensory processing difficulties. An occupational therapist will assist with an initial consultation and help determine the right program and goals for your child.