Autism-Friendly Things To Do In Liverpool: Inclusive Activities and Venues Across the Region

This Autism-friendly things to do in Liverpool guide aims to be useful for families and adults. The beginning of this article looks at activities which are good for families but adults please keep scrolling down the article to find autism-friendly museums, galleries, cinemas, theatres and more.

Introduction

More and more venues across Liverpool are taking meaningful steps to become truly inclusive for neurodivergent people and their families. If you’re looking for autism-friendly things to do in Liverpool, there’s now a growing range of events, activities and spaces tailored to support sensory needs and accessibility.

While there’s still progress to be made, a rising number of autism-friendly things to do in Liverpool — from relaxed theatre performances and quiet cinema screenings to sensory play centres and inclusive museums — are making the region more welcoming for everyone.

From sensory play centres and relaxed theatre performances to quiet cinema screenings and inclusive museums, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you find accessible, low-stress, autism-friendly things to do in Liverpool and the wider city region.

Many venues are now part of the Autism Charter, run by Wirral-based charity Autism Together, which helps train staff and improve accessibility. Whether it’s reduced lighting and sound, earlier opening hours or designated quiet spaces, there are lots of thoughtful ways organisations are supporting neurodivergent individuals — and this guide highlights some of the best autism-friendly things to do in Liverpool and beyond.

Autism-Friendly Things To Do in Liverpool: Sensory Play Centres

If you’re searching for autism-friendly things to do in Liverpool with younger children, the region’s dedicated sensory play centres are a brilliant place to start. There’s a number of sensory play centres that provide safe, supportive and stimulating environments for children and young people with additional needs. These venues offer sensory play, physical activities, and therapeutic support specifically tailored to neurodivergent individuals and those with learning disabilities.

The Sensory Hive

Located in Whiston, The Sensory Hive is a welcoming space designed for children with autism and additional needs to explore, play and feel calm. The centre offers a purpose-built sensory room filled with interactive lights, textures, and sounds to stimulate and soothe. From soft play equipment to calming areas, every element is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for SEN children. Sessions can be booked for exclusive use, ensuring a stress-free visit for families.

Address: The Sensory Hive, Weyman Avenue, Whiston, Liverpool L35 2YW

Travel / Parking
Nearest train station: Whiston (approx. 10–15 min walk). Several bus routes stop nearby — check Merseytravel for details. Free on-site parking is available, including accessible bays.

Booking Information:
Sessions must be pre-booked. Book online or contact the centre directly via Facebook Messenger. Exclusive use sessions can be arranged for families, groups or schools.

Facilities & Accessibility:

• Fully wheelchair accessible
• Accessible toilet with baby changing facilities
• Calm-down zone available
• Parents/carers may wait in the seated reception area during sessions
• Families are welcome to bring snacks or drinks (no café on site)

Contact:
Message via Facebook for more info or to book.

Lumiere

Lumiere is a multi-sensory centre based in Fazakerley, known for its magical, immersive sensory experiences. The space features bubble tubes, colour-changing lights, tactile panels and calming music to create an environment that promotes relaxation and sensory exploration. Lumiere is perfect for children with autism, sensory processing disorders, and other additional needs. They offer private family sessions, group bookings, and themed events throughout the year.

Address: Lumiere, Brookfield Dr, Fazakerley, Liverpool L9 7AJ

Parking:
Free on-site parking is available directly outside the building, including accessible spaces.

Booking Information:
All sessions must be booked in advance via their website or by phone. Lumiere offers private family sessions, group visits, school bookings, and themed sensory events.

Facilities & Accessibility:

• Fully accessible for wheelchair users
• Accessible toilet and changing facilities
• Calm room and low-stimulation areas available
• Comfortable waiting area for parents/carers
• Sensory equipment can be adjusted depending on individual needs

Contact:
Website: lumiereliverpool.co.uk
Phone: 0151 378 9980

Rebounders

Rebounders is a specialist trampoline centre in Speke offering rebound therapy—a form of therapeutic exercise on trampolines designed for individuals with a wide range of disabilities and additional needs. Sessions are led by trained staff and can help improve coordination, muscle tone, and confidence in a fun and supportive environment. Rebounders also offer open play sessions for children with SEN, as well as one-to-one therapeutic support.

Address: Rebounders, Unit 4A Goodlass Road,Phoenix Buisness Park, Speke, Liverpool L24 9HL

Parking:
Ample free on-site parking, including designated accessible spaces.

Booking Information:
Pre-booking required for all sessions. Book via phone or the website. 1-to-1 sessions, group sessions, and school bookings are all available.

Facilities & Accessibility:

• Fully wheelchair accessible facility
• Changing area and accessible toilet
• Waiting area with refreshments for families
• Sensory-friendly environment with minimal background noise
• Trained staff always on hand to assist

Contact:
Website: rebounders.org.uk
Email: reboundwithnikki@yahoo.com or louisebreslin30@gmail.com
Phone: 07988841027 or 07932306816

Autsim-Friendly Recommendations from @incredible_adventures_

Instagram account @incredible_adventures_ regularly shares brilliant tips and recommendations for autism-friendly things to do in Liverpool and across the region. Below they’ve highlighted SEN sessions available at:

• Giant inflatable adventure park, the Fun Arena in Burscough. Visit their bookings page and scroll down to Peaceful Play.
  
• Flip Out Liverpool is the city’s biggest indoor adventure park with 12 activities available including a soft play area, Ninja playground, Bumper Cars, Laser Quest, Roller Rink and more. Scroll down on their session prices page to get to the SEND sessions info.
  
• Slimeville is a soft-play and interactive experience located on Duke Street, offering children and families a slime-themed adventure featuring high-tech climbing walls, creative slime-making stations, and calming sensory areas. They also host dedicated SEN sessions with reduced capacity, lower noise levels, and fully accessible facilities to ensure a safe and inclusive visit. SEN Sessions are every Wednesday 12pm and Afterschool SEN Sessions are every Thursday 4pm.
  
• Journeys Leaves and Seeds is an inclusive, SEN-focused forest school based in Knowsley (at Bowring Park Golf Course), offering nurturing stay‑and‑play and wellbeing sessions where children with additional needs can explore nature through unhurried, sensory-rich outdoor learning activities such as campfire chats, sensory scavenger hunts, and creative woodland play.
  
• Additionally, The A World Autism Charity organises autism-friendly takeovers of attractions like Gulliver’s World. Check out their website to find out more.

Thanks to @incredible_adventures_ for these recommendations.

Autism-Friendly Activity Centres

If you’re after energetic autism-friendly things to do in Liverpool, centres like Velocity, Bounce House, Air Unlimited and Clip ‘n Climb offer dedicated SEN sessions with reduced capacity, lighting and sound.

Velocity (Widnes)

Velocity Inflatable Park offer Autism and Disability friendly sessions on the first Sunday of each month from 9.30am to 10.30am, with full access to both the toddler and main inflatable arenas and a free carers place.

Address: Velocity Trampoline & Inflatable Park, Unit 2, Bennetts Lane, Widnes WA8 0GW

Travel / Parking:
Train: Widnes station is the nearest. Bus: Accessible by local bus routes. Free on-site parking available, including accessible bays.

Booking Information:
Pre-booking is strongly recommended via the website or phone. Tickets can sell out quickly for SEND sessions.

Facilities & Accessibility:

• Wheelchair accessible building
• Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities
• Free carers’ place with appropriate ID or documentation
• On-site café with seating area
• Chill-out zone available for breaks during sessions

Contact:
Website: velocitygb.com
Phone: 0151 424 8613
Email: enquirieswidnes@velocitygb.com

Bounce House

Bounce House, located in Liverpool City Centre, have a dedicated session called ‘The Chill Out Session’ which takes place every Sunday between 10am and 11am and every Thursday 6pm to 7pm. These sessions are reduced capacity, have lowered lights and no music, with 2 free carers places. 

Address: Bounce House, 2–4 Paul Street, Liverpool L3 6DX

Travel / Parking:
Well connected by bus routes and a 10-minute walk from Moorfields or Liverpool Lime Street stations. Free parking at the venue.

Booking Information:
Pre-booking is recommended via their website. Walk-ins may be available for Chill Out Sessions if not at full capacity.

Facilities & Accessibility:

• Ground floor venue with wheelchair access
• Accessible toilet available
• Café area for drinks and snacks
• Designated calm zone during Chill Out Sessions

Contact:
Website: bouncehouse.uk
Phone: 0151 458 2197
Email: hello@bouncehouse.uk

Air Unlimited

Air Unlimited hosts monthly Air Autism sessions on the last Monday of each month, 6–8pm. These quieter, sensory-friendly sessions are designed for children with autism and their families, with trained staff, designated quiet rooms, and up to two carers admitted free.

Address: Air Unlimited, Compass East, Speke Boulevard, Liverpool L24 1YH

Travel / Parking:
Speke is served by several bus routes. Liverpool South Parkway train station is nearby and connected by taxi or bus. Free on-site parking is available with accessible bays close to the entrance.

Booking Information:
Booking is required via the Air Unlimited website or by phone. SEN sessions are popular and may fill up quickly.

Facilities & Accessibility:

• Fully accessible building
• Accessible toilet and baby changing
• Quiet room available for breaks
• Refreshments available from the café
• Parking and entrance are step-free

Contact:
Website: airunlimited.co.uk
Phone: 0330 088 2010
Email: Liverpool@airunlimited.co.uk

Clip ‘n Climb Liverpool

Clip ‘n Climb Liverpool offers dedicated SEN sessions Monday to Friday, 4.15pm-5.30pm, providing a calmer climbing experience for neurodivergent children. With reduced numbers and trained instructors, the sessions are ideal for building confidence and coordination in a supportive environment.

Address: Clip n’ Climb Liverpool, St Albans Church, Athol Street, Liverpool, L5 9TN

Booking Information:
Book online at awesomeclipnclimb.co.uk or by phone. Early booking recommended for SEN sessions due to limited capacity.

Facilities & Accessibility:

• Fully wheelchair accessible
• On-site café with seating
• Safety harnesses and trained instructors
• Accessible toilets
• Free on-site parking (limited)

Contact Info:
Phone: 0151 958 0393
Email: liverpool@awesomeclipnclimb.co.uk

Space World Liverpool

Space World is a large soft play centre offering regular SEN sessions with reduced noise, lower lighting and limited capacity to support sensory needs.

Address: Unit 10, Sinclair Way, Prescot Business Park, Prescot L34 1QL

Booking Information:
Session dates and times vary. Check their Instagram or call directly for updates.

Facilities & Accessibility:

• Large soft play area
• Designated toddler section
• Sensory lighting
• Accessible toilets
• On-site café
• Free parking available

Contact Info:
Phone: 0151 426 0344
spaceworldplaycentre.co.uk/contact-us

Game Over Escape Rooms

Game Over has five different escape rooms based off of the Saw movie, Pirates of the Caribbean, Money Heist, Squid Games and Espionage. If you’re visiting here with sensory needs they can turn the music down or they can provide warnings of when to expect loud noises. They suggest giving them a call before booking to ensure they can accommodate your needs.

Address: 68-76 Kempston St, Liverpool L3 8HL

Facilities & Accessibility:

• Accessible toilets
• Street-level parking available, with the option to park on the street outside or in a nearby car park at the end of the road.

Booking Information: Visit liverpool.escapegameover.co.uk/en to book, but give the team a call on 0330 043 8684 so they can accomodate your needs.

Contact Info:
Phone: 0330 043 8684

Forge Fitness Gym – Neurodivergent Kids Class

Forge Fitness hosts a dedicated gym class for neurodivergent children aged 4–7, using movement, games and strength-building exercises in a small, supportive group setting.

Address: Forge Fitness, 71 Gaskill Road, Speke, Liverpool L24 9GS

Booking Information:
Classes run weekly — booking required via Instagram or phone. Limited spaces to ensure a calm and inclusive environment.

Facilities & Accessibility:

• Small-group gym space
• Staff experienced with neurodivergent children
• Calm, structured sessions
• Free on-site parking
• Accessible toilet available

Contact Info:
Phone: 07944 409290

Days Out

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is committed to being autism-friendly, with over 240 staff trained as autism champions through Autism Together’s charter. Visitors can plan quieter trips during off-peak times, and carers go free. Staff can assist with queueing or accessible facilities, and tailored group visits are available by calling the zoo’s Groups or Learning teams. Visit the Chester Zoo Accessibility page for more details.

Address: Chester Zoo, Chester CH2 1EU

Travel / Parking
Train: Chester Station, then bus or taxi (Zoo bus operates during peak season). Bus: Services from Chester city centre to the zoo (Stagecoach and Arriva). Free on-site parking is available, including accessible bays near the main entrance.

Booking Information:
Tickets can be booked online in advance. Carers go free when accompanying a paying visitor with additional needs—just bring supporting documentation.

Facilities & Accessibility:

• Wheelchair accessible paths throughout the zoo
• Changing Places toilet near the Jubilee Monorail Station
• Sensory bags available for loan from Guest Services (includes ear defenders, fidget toys, and visual aids)
• Quiet spaces and low-sensory areas signposted throughout the zoo
• Visual stories available to help prepare for a visit
• Free map highlighting accessible routes and quiet zones

Contact:
Website: www.chesterzoo.org
Phone: 01244 380280
Email: guest.services@chesterzoo.org

Autism-Friendly Galleries & Museums In Liverpool

National Museums Liverpool

All venues that are a part of National Museums Liverpool (NML) – Museum of Liverpool, World Museum, Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Walker Art Gallery and Sudley House – state they are autism friendly. NML say they have been working with Autism Together to develop skills to make their venues more autism-friendly. 

National Museums Liverpool run a series of relaxed events, which are usually once a month, with family-friendly events, activities and workshops. Most of these are free and the kids can get involved in fun hands-on crafts in less crowded spaces.

Quieter times for a visit include 2.30pm to 5pm on weekdays during school term times because the venues become quieter after school groups have left, and 10am to 12pm on Sunday mornings.

Tate Liverpool

Tate Liverpool offers a visual story featuring photographs and information about what to expect at the gallery.

Ear defenders are available to borrow from the front desk. A quiet space can also be provided upon request—please speak to a member of staff. For further information or support, email: visiting.liverpool@tate.org.uk.

Address: Tate Liverpool + RIBA North, 21 Mann Island, Liverpool L3 1BP

Travel:

• Train:
  • Liverpool James Street (2 min walk)
  • Moorfields (5 min walk)
  • Lime Street (~15 min walk)
• Bus: Liverpool ONE Bus Station (~8 min walk)
• Ferry: Pier Head terminal (~2 min walk)

Parking:
No dedicated site parking. Two dedicated Blue Badge parking spaces located on Brunswick Street, which is 5 minutes away from Tate Liverpool + RIBA North. See the Liverpool City Council website for details about Blue Badge parking.  Q-Park Liverpool ONE is nearby and visitors to Tate Liverpool + RIBA North can receive a 20% discount on parking for up to 24 hours. Enter code TATELO20 on Q Park’s website to prebook your discounted parking.

Booking Information:
Main galleries are free to enter—booking is optional and advised for special exhibitions and events. Carers receive free entry at ticketed events.

Facilities & Accessibility:

• Wheelchair‑accessible, step‑free access throughout
• Lift access to both floors
• Accessible toilets on each level; the nearest Changing Places toilet is at Museum of Liverpool nearby
• Assistance dogs welcome

Contact:
Website: tate.org.uk/visit/tate-liverpool
Email: visiting.liverpool@tate.org.uk

FACT

FACT Liverpool offers a virtual reality tour to help children and adults on the autism spectrum plan their visit, with information on the building layout, facilities, and spaces to reduce uncertainty. Sensory bags with tools, ear defenders, and PECS cards are available from the welcome desk. A quiet hour takes place every Sunday from 11am to 12pm.

Address: FACT, 88 Wood Street, Liverpool L1 4DQ

Travel / Parking:
Train: 10–15 minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street or Central stations.
Bus: Closest stop is on Hanover Street (served by multiple city centre routes).

There is no on-site parking, but nearby options include Q-Park Hanover Street, Liverpool ONE, and Bold Street car park. Blue Badge spaces are available on Wood Street and surrounding roads.

Booking Information:
Gallery admission is free. Pre-booking may be required for some workshops or events. Tickets for Picturehouse films can be booked online or in person. Carers receive free cinema admission.

Facilities & Accessibility:

• Step-free access throughout
• Lift to all floors
• Accessible toilets available
• Café/bar with indoor seating
• Free Wi-Fi
• Sensory bags (including ear defenders, PECS cards, and fidget tools) available from the welcome desk
• Virtual reality tour to preview spaces before visiting

Contact:
Website: fact.co.uk
Access Info: fact.co.uk/visit/accessibility
Phone: 0151 707 4444
Email: info@fact.co.uk

Cinemas

Cinema visits can be among the most enjoyable autism-friendly things to do in Liverpool.Picturehouse at FACT, Vue, Odeon, Cineworld and The Light Cinema all host regular autism-friendly screenings with lower sound and dimmed lighting and are usually advert-free, with the freedom and flexibility for the audience to move around and make as much noise as they like.

Picturehouse at FACT

FACT Liverpool’s Picturehouse hosts Autism-Friendly film screenings on the third Sunday of every month. These relaxed screenings are designed to reduce anxiety and sensory overload, with adjustments such as no trailers, low lighting, reduced volume, and freedom to move around or take breaks. Staff create a welcoming, supportive environment, and tickets are offered at a reduced rate of £3.30 per person.

Vue Cinemas

Vue Southport and Vue IMAX Cheshire Oaks have autism-friendly screenings at 10.30am on the last Sunday of every month.

Odeon Cinemas

Odeon Bromborough in Wirral, Odeon Switch Island in Bootle, Odeon IMAX Cinema Liverpool ONE and Odeon Warrington also host autism-friendly viewings with lower volume, no trailers and more movement allowed. Find out more about their Autism-Friendly screenings.

The Light Cinema

The Light Cinema in New Brighton also provide autism-friendly screenings. The sound is turned down, the lights are only dimmed, not turned off, and the film will play without ads or trailers. Guests are welcome to move seats if they wish.

Cineworld

Cineworld offer Autism-Friendly screenings where you can expect reduced sound levels, dimmed lighting, no ads or trailers and the freedom to move around or make noise without judgement.

Theatres

Liverpool Empire Theatre

The theatre is autism-friendly and has a visual guide to prepare people with autism before they visit. It also offers relaxed performances for people with learning or sensory disabilities, providing the same production but in a safe and comfortable environment.

Address: Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool L1 1JE

Travel / Parking:
Train: Located directly opposite Liverpool Lime Street Station.
Bus: Well-served by city centre routes; Queen Square Bus Station is 5 minutes away.
Taxi drop-off: Available at Lime Street Station and nearby locations.

There is no on-site parking, but nearby options include St Johns Shopping Centre Car Park, and Q-Park Queen Square — all within a 5-minute walk. Blue Badge bays are available outside St George’s Hall and on Skelhorne Street.

Opening Times:
Box office usually opens 90 minutes before performances. Show times vary—check individual listings.

Booking Information:
Tickets can be booked online, by phone, or in person. Carers or companions may be eligible for a free or discounted ticket through the Access Scheme (registration required).

Facilities & Accessibility:

• Wheelchair access to Circle and Stalls
• Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities
• Lift access to accessible seating
• Infrared hearing system available
• Chill-out areas and support on request
• Bars and kiosks available on multiple levels

Staff Support & Environment:
Staff and ushers receive regular training in disability and autism awareness. There is a dedicated Access Champion who can assist before or during your visit.

Contact:
Website: atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire & atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire/info
Access Info: atgtickets.com/access
Phone (Box Office): 0333 009 6690

Everyman and Playhouse Theatres

The Everyman and Playhouse Theatres offer relaxed performances with dimmed lighting, softened sound, freedom to move around and make noise, plus a front-of-house chill-out area for quiet time.

Everyman Theatre

Address: Everyman Theatre, 3–4 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BH

Travel / Parking:
Train: Liverpool Central Station is a 7-minute walk.
Bus: Regular city centre bus routes serve nearby stops on Bold Street.
Taxi: Drop-off points are available close to the theatre on Hope Street.

There is no dedicated parking on-site. Nearby options include Mount Pleasant Car Park, and limited on-street parking with Blue Badge bays available around Hope Street and adjacent roads.

Booking Information:
Tickets are available online, by phone, or in person. Carers may be entitled to free or discounted companion tickets via the Access Scheme.

Facilities & Accessibility:

• Step-free access to auditorium and front-of-house areas
• Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities
• Infrared hearing system available
• Chill-out spaces and quiet areas provided
• Bars and café on site with accessible counters

Contact:
Website: everymanplayhouse.com/visit/getting-to-us
Phone (Box Office): 0151 709 4771
Email: boxoffice@everymanplayhouse.com

Playhouse Theatre

Address: Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool L1 1EL

Travel / Parking:
Train: Liverpool Central Station is a 5-minute walk.
Bus: Many routes stop near Williamson Square and Liverpool ONE bus station.
Taxi: Drop-off points close to the theatre on Williamson Square.

No on-site parking. Nearby options include Queen Square Car Park, Metquarter Car Park, Q-Park Liverpool ONE and Blue Badge parking on surrounding streets.

Booking Information:
Tickets are available online, by phone, or in person. Companion tickets are often free for relaxed and accessible performances through the Access Scheme.

Facilities & Accessibility:

• Wheelchair accessible auditorium and entrances
• Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities
• Infrared hearing assistance available
• Designated chill-out areas for quiet breaks
• Accessible bars and café

Contact:
Website: everymanplayhouse.com/visit/getting-to-us/#playhouse
Phone (Box Office): 0151 709 4771
Email: boxoffice@everymanplayhouse.com

Autism Support & Charities

Liverpool Family Information & SEND Directory (FISD)

The Liverpool Family Information & SEND Directory (FISD) is a comprehensive online resource offering families with children aged 0–19 in Liverpool details about local services, activities, SEND support, childcare, health, education, and benefits—all in one place.

Autism Charities

There are several autism charities and organisations in Liverpool and surrounding areas that can help you with support and connect you with other families.

• Autism Together is a Wirral-based charity which provides services for individuals with autism and their families.
  
• Autism Initiatives is a charity dedicated to supporting autistic people to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. With a person-centred approach, they offer a wide range of services including supported living, employment support, community outreach, and education. They run their annual fundraising campaign Walk For Autism.
  
• The A World provide educational resources, host events, and run charity shops that help to support families and individuals. Their mission is to create a more understanding and accessible world for autistic people, encouraging kindness, support, and visibility.
  
• The Neurodiverse Family Support Network offers advice and strategies to support families with Autism, ADHD, or other Neurodiverse Conditions.
  
• The National Autistic Society can offer information, advice and support to people on the autism spectrum and their families.

Autism-Friendly Things To Do In Liverpool Recommendations? Get in touch!

Our aim to continually update and add to this Autism-Friendly Things To Do In Liverpool guide, so please get in touch with your feedback and recommendations. Either comment below, DM us on Instagram or email shout@liverpoolnoise.com.