Eight destinations that will welcome your child with special needs
“I’m booooooored.” Whether it’s an empty Sunday or a long school vacation, this is the cry every parent dreads. Finding family-friendly activities in Brooklyn and Queens that appeal to children of different ages and interests is already a challenge, but it becomes even tougher when you have a child with special needs. You may worry: Will he be overwhelmed by all the stimulation? Will she be able to navigate the exhibits in her wheelchair? Will the staff be understanding if my child has a meltdown?
To help, we’ve put together a list of fantastic accessible attractions for special needs kids near Brooklyn and Queens. These inclusive destinations are engaging, fun, and accommodating for a variety of special needs. You shouldn’t have to choose between fun and support! Here are eight great family-friendly spots near Brooklyn and Queens where your whole family can have a blast:
1. Long Island Children's Museum: A Fun Place for Children with Disabilities
- Location: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
- Website: https://www.licm.org/
- Opening Hours:
Tuesday–Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Monday: Closed - Why It's Great: The museum’s open-ended play encourages kids to explore at their own pace. There are many hands-on exhibits for children who enjoy tactile experiences, making it one of the best sensory-friendly activities in New York. They host monthly “Friendly Hours” designed for families with children with disabilities, where museum lighting and sound are adjusted. Pre-registration is required, and tickets open on the first of the month. The sensory room provides a calm space for children with sensory sensitivities.
- Bonus: Families receiving SNAP benefits can enjoy admission for $3 per person for up to four people by showing their SNAP EBT card and a photo ID.
2. New York Transit Museum: One of the Best Museums for Kids with Special Needs in NYC
- Location: 99 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn
- Website: https://www.nytransitmuseum.org/
- Opening Hours:
Wednesday–Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Monday & Tuesday: Closed - Why It's Great: This highly tactile museum allows visitors to interact with vintage train cars, making it a top pick among fun places for children with disabilities. The museum offers early openings for individuals with disabilities and provides tactile guides with raised-line graphics, braille, and an audio smartpen. They have two spacious, single-stalled accessible family restrooms. Special Day events for children with developmental disabilities feature transit-themed activities before the museum opens to the public.
- Tip: Visit between 1-4 PM on Thursdays and Fridays for a quieter experience, ideal for kids who benefit from sensory-friendly activities in New York.
3. New York Aquarium: A Wheelchair-Accessible Attraction in Brooklyn
- Location: 602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
- Website: https://nyaquarium.com/
- Opening Hours:
Daily: 10 AM – 4 PM (3:30 PM in winter) - Why It's Great: This aquarium is not only home to amazing aquatic animals but is also one of the most accessible attractions for special needs kids. Wheelchair-accessible and equipped with quiet zones and headphone zones, the aquarium makes visiting easy for children with sensory needs. Sensory bags with fidget tools and noise-canceling headphones are available for checkout at the lobby. Their private lactation room (across from the Spineless exhibit) can be used for changing as well, and they recommend reaching out to their Admissions team (guestrelations@wcs.org) to notify them of your visit if you'll need any special accommodations or to arrange for use of the private room.
4. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: An Inclusive Destination in New York
- Location: Pier 86, W 46th Street, Manhattan
- Website: https://intrepidmuseum.org/
- Opening Hours:
Daily: 10 AM – 5 PM (last entry at 4 PM) - Why It's Great: The museum offers accessible programs for individuals with sensory disabilities, including Early Morning Openings and Sensory-Friendly Evenings. The Intrepid features two single occupancy restrooms located on the Hangar Deck of the carrier. Resources like sensory bags, social narratives, and assistive listening devices are available to make the experience more comfortable. This makes it one of the best museums for kids with special needs in NYC.
- Note: Personal care assistants accompanying visitors with disabilities get free admission.
5. Jewish Children's Museum: A Family-Friendly Activity in Brooklyn
- Location: 792 Eastern Pkwy, Crown Heights
- Website: https://www.jcm.museum
- Opening Hours:
Sunday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Monday–Thursday: 10 AM – 5 PM - Why It's Great: The museum offers quiet spaces and hands-on activities, ideal for children who learn differently. There are interactive exhibits about Jewish history and culture, as well as engaging activities like rock climbing and game shows. It's a great inclusive destination near Queens for families looking for educational fun.
6. American Museum of Natural History: Things to Do in NYC for Children with Special Needs
- Location: 200 Central Park W., Manhattan
- Website: https://www.amnh.org
- Opening Hours:
Daily: 10 AM – 5:30 PM - Why It's Great: The museum offers sensory bags with noise-reducing headphones and fidget tools, and is fully wheelchair accessible, making it a top wheelchair-accessible attraction in Brooklyn and Manhattan. They have accessible bathrooms, including an adult changing table. They also provide specialized tours for families affected by autism, which include sensory-friendly activities. Registration for these tours is required in advance.
7. New York Hall of Science: An Accessible Attraction for Special Needs Kids
- Location: 47-01 111th St., Corona
- Website: https://www.nysci.org
- Opening Hours:
Wednesday–Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM - Why It's Great: With over 450 interactive exhibits, there’s something for every curious mind at this inclusive museum for families in New York. The museum provides sensory gear for children with needs, including sunglasses, earmuffs, and fidget toys, making it one of the best sensory-friendly activities in New York.
The Family Restroom on the lower level of the museum features a single stall restroom for extra privacy and a little more space.
8. Queens County Farm Museum: A Family-Friendly Spot Near Brooklyn and Queens
- Location: 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, Queens
- Website: https://www.queensfarm.org/
- Opening Hours:
Daily: 10 AM – 5 PM (closed on some holidays) - Why It's Great: With 47 acres of open space, this farm offers a relaxing environment for kids who need room to roam, making it a perfect inclusive destination near Queens. The farm also has animals, which neurodivergent children may find calming. Their ADA accessible bathrooms have room for a caretaker and a wheelchair if need be. It's a unique option among fun places for children with disabilities.