Here’s a list of 8 relaxed events for autistic children in London, to look at this April! I’ll be adding to this if anything else pops up, and please let me know if you feel anything’s been missed, or if you’re a London based company and would like to be added.
Please note, the italics under the “Info” sections, have been lifted directly from the respective websites.
1. All Aboard Club, various locations including Twickenham and Acton
Dates: various dates
Suitable for: Most children who attend are between 4-11, but any age is welcome.
Info: All Aboard Club runs sessions for autistic and ADHD children, where they can build their confidence, develop their social skills, and just be themselves.
All our staff have lived experience of autism and ADHD and have professional experience with SEN children. We have designed our child-led play sessions to reduce the children’s sensory and social challenges, and allow them to play together.
Cost: you can get a trial family ticket for just £5! Various prices otherwise, from £8 for 1 x child and parent, depending on concession status.
Web: https://www.allaboardclub.com/play-sessions/
Additional note: I think the fact that all staff have lived experience of autism or ADHD is fantastic: we have yet to attend as we are in N.E London, and these tend to be West or South East, but I love that aspect, it would definitely make me feel so more relaxed about attending. A great option for relaxed events for autistic children in London. By people who really understand the needs of autistic children.
2. Workshops/play at The Together Space, Walthamstow
Date: April 27th 10-12.30pm
Info: We are an inclusive café and play space for learning disabled and neurotypical children, young people and their families. Through our work we also create employment opportunities for young adults with a learning disability.We offer classes, play area, sensory space, great coffee and delicious food – for everyone to enjoy.
Cost: £13.70 per child, which also includes 2 adults!
Web: https://thetogetherspace.co.uk/about
3. Hullabaloo Softplay at The Sherriff Centre, Finchley Road
Dates: 10th, 14th, 24th and 28th April, 5.15pm-6pm
Info: Additional needs softplay sessions at the iconic Sherriff Centre. The team are excited to recently have received some funding to put towards these sessions, and have purchased items like a UV tent to meet children’s specific sensory needs.
Cost: Just £2 per child, sibling spaces available.
Web: Please email Lucie, at hullabaloo@thesherriffcentre.co.uk . You cannot book online.
4. SENsory sailors at The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
Dates: Sat 12th April, 11am-12.30pm
Info: Disabled children, children with additional needs and their families are invited to a monthly session at the National Maritime Museum led by disabled creatives.
Explore the Museum’s collections, enjoy the opportunity to be creative together as a family, and meet other local families.
Sessions are led by disabled creatives and will respond to the needs of the families participating. With a flexible approach and a team to support your family, we hope the entire family will enjoy their time at the Museum!
Cost: Free. Must book!
Web: https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/sensory-sailors
5. Morning Stars at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich
Dates: 7th and 11th April , 10.15am-11am
Info: Our Morning Stars planetarium shows are designed for anyone who would benefit from a calmer and more relaxed environment, in particular those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Cost: £10 adult, £5 child
Web: https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/royal-observatory/morning-stars
6. Markfield Family Club, Tottenham
Dates: Family Club (with lunch) is the 2nd Saturday of every month- that makes it April 12th (11.30am-2.30pm), otherwise open every Saturday for drop in play!
Info: Family Club is a friendly, relaxed drop-in session especially for children with Special
Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) of all ages and their parents/carers.
We offer indoor and outdoor play activities, including a soft play room, slides, swings,
trampoline, zip wire and a bonfire. A light lunch is provided, and there is a SENDIASS
Advice Worker on hand to provide information and advice about SEND issues.
Cost: Recommended £3-£5 donation per family if attending Family Club, otherwise free. No need to book!
Web: https://markfield.org.uk/children/families/
7. Young V&A
Date: Thursday 17th April, sessions between 11-4pm
Info: “A special event, just for children with sensory differences or SEND and their families, working with artist and museum staff Ellie Bird to have fun with tactile, open ended making
Cost: Free but must book
Web: https://www.vam.ac.uk/event/x21gaGgVNn/yva-sensory-friendly-family-workshop-april-2025
8. Relaxed sessions, Tower Bridge
Date: Saturday 12th April, 9.30-11.30am
Info: On the second Saturday of every month, we host Relaxed Opening for anyone who would like to explore the Bridge in a calm, tranquil atmosphere, including people with autism and other neurodiverse needs, as well as their siblings, families and carers.
Cost: From £13.40 an adult and £6.70 a child
Web: https://www.towerbridge.org.uk/events/relaxed-opening
In conclusion, there are a fair few options to choose from this month! As always, check out also The Science Museum, London Transport Museum, Museum of London Dockslands, The Imperial War Museum, ZFL, and Museum of London Docklands, to see what they are all offering. I won’t be including any more events that start at 8am. It would be impossible for most parents to get their children to Central London for such a time, let alone the parent of a neurodiverse child with potential additional needs and sleep issues!
Which one of these relaxed events for autistic children in London, this April 2024, do you think you will be attending?
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