Recommended Christmas outings for a child who is blind

The festive season is like a sensory explosion! There are so many great things going on at this time of year that your child can get involved with that don’t just focus on the visual.

Here are my top tips on sensory festive outings that can be enjoyed by all the family.

Christmas Markets

These can be very busy so it might always be worth checking ahead with the organisers when they have their quietest times.  With all the music and lights it can certainly be an exciting thing to attend for a child or young person with a visual impairment.  The food selection and the option to have tasters of the products on offer whilst on your way around means you will certainly have good fun entertaining ALL of the senses. Hopefully you can fit in some gift buying too!

Snow Parks

We are not always guaranteed snow around Christmas time, but it just wouldn’t be Christmas without it.  Snow parks are a great way to have some snow fun without having to rely on Mr. Jack Frost to deliver.  They have them dotted all around the country now and give children of all ages a chance to experience some snow time fun!  Very young children can enjoy playing in the snow, as they get older they can access the sledging tracks, and the older ones can have a taster of VI skiing. Click here, to find the nearest snow park to you!

Carol and Choir Services

Christmas is a great time for music. With so many people putting on performances this time of year, it’s great to catch some free musical events for the whole family to enjoy.  Check with local churches and schools for any events that they may be holding and use music to get everyone into the Christmas spirit and have a good old singalong.

Indoor Christmas Funfairs

With many exhibition centres across the UK hosting indoor Christmas funfairs, it’s a great time to enjoy all the action of a theme park but in the comfort of warmth!  These often include shows, Santa’s Grotto, carnival games all within the ticket price.  They do offer quiet sessions that may be of benefit to your child if they do have have some form of sensory processing issues.  A great tip is if you go just after Christmas then it’ll be quiet and you won’t have to tackle as many queues.

Pantomimes

Although a visual extravaganza, theatres often offer pantomimes and shows in audio described format with an additional touch tour so that your child can get the full show experience! Contact the access department ahead of buying tickets and they will be able to accommodate you!  Pantomimes are a Christmas tradition and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Read our other 12 Days of Christmas blogs here.