We’ve put together a guide to some great activities around Australia for kids with autism. Many of these are fun with a support worker or the whole family, giving you some ideas for play at home and away.

Animals, theatre and playgrounds

in Sydney

Taronga Zoo

Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Opening hours: Every day from 9.30am-5pm
Phone number: 02 9969 2777

Taronga Zoo offers early entry for guests and their families, and extra animal meet and greets in Sydney. There are also quiet picnic areas that are marked on the accessibility map. The Zoo has also developed a social story in conjunction with Autism Spectrum Australia, so children with autism know what to expect from a visit.

Monkey Baa

Address: Terrace 3, 1-25 Harbour Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Opening hours: Box Office opens Monday – Friday from 9.30am-5pm. Closed on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
Phone number: 02 8624 9341

Monkey Baa offers relaxed performances for children with disability or sensory and learning challenges. With dimmed lights and doors open, kids can relax and make as much noise as they like. Entrance is free with a Companion Card if a support worker accompanies your child.

Livvi’s Place

As playgrounds go, Livvi’s Place is one of the best. It’s a beautiful, inclusive playspace where everyone can play in a safe and thoughtfully designed environment and enjoy access to nature. Open 24 hours a day, every day, Livvi’s Place is designed to encourage play for all ages.

Locations:

• • Yamble Reserve, 194 Quarry Road, Ryde

• • 19 Henley Marine Dr, Five Dock

• • 37A Glebe St, Parramatta

• • 375-383 Windsor Rd, Baulkham Hills

Museum, farm and a sensory room in Melbourne

Melbourne Museum

Address: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton Vic 3053
Opening hours: Every day from 10am–5pm
Phone number: 03 8341 7777

Melbourne Museum is an autism-friendly museum. The museum provides social stories for children to prepare them for a visit. It also offers a map of high and low sensory spaces with plenty of quiet outdoor space and recommends visiting between 3pm and 5pm on weekdays to avoid the crowds.

Myuna Farm

Address: 182 Kidds Rd, Doveton Vic 3177
Opening hours: Every day from 10am-4pm
Phone number: 03 9706 9944

Research has shown significant benefits for children with autism to spend time on a farm or at a zoo. Myuna Farm in southeast Melbourne has been reviewed by parents as a safe environment and welcoming space for children with autism. On offer are pony rides, train rides and the chance to pat lambs, rabbits, guinea pigs and more. There’s also a farm café just metres from the playground.

Swim, play and horse around in Brisbane

Hampton Swim School

Address: 67 Pashen St, Morningside Qld 4170
Opening hours: 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday; 7.30am-12.30pm, Saturday; closed on Sunday
Phone number: 07 3399 2004

In Brisbane, Hampton Swim School offers a specialised swimming program for children with ASD. The multi-stepped program is designed to make your child feel comfortable in the water, learn to swim, and be safe. It also includes a consultation with an occupational therapist to discuss your child’s needs.

Play Matters

Address: Various, search for a location near you via the link below
Opening hours: Various
Phone number: Call locations directly

Playgroup Queensland caters to all families, including those with autism. Playgroups are fun and supportive, and you’ll get to meet other parents.

EquusTerra

Address: Paddock next to 272 Brisbane Corso, Cansdale St, Yeronga Qld 4104
Opening hours: By appointment
Phone number: 0402 961 428

Meet new equine friends at EquusTerra in Brisbane’s Yeronga. Kids can participate in grooming, feeding, riding and building a strong bond with the horse in an environment of support and trust. It’s a socialising opportunity that is suited to those with sensory and anxiety disorders.

Autism activities, movies, and the museum in Adelaide

Autism SA

Address: Southern Hub, 6-8 MAB Circuit, Tonsley SA 5042
Opening hours: Various times
Phone number: 1300 288 476

In Adelaide, Autism SA offers an array of groups and programs specifically designed for people diagnosed with ASD. Among others, you might like to explore Mealtime Group and Aqua Skills.

Event Cinemas

Address: Event Cinemas Marion, 297 Diagonal Road, Oaklands Park SA 5046

Event Cinemas in Marion take part in sensory screenings for children with autism, with modified lighting and sound. Upcoming film dates are here.

South Australia Museum

Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
Opening hours: 10am-5pm, daily
Phone number: 08 8207 7500

Designed as an Autism Friendly Venue by Autism SA in 2018, the South Australia Museum provides an assortment of sensory-friendly programs. It also opens its doors earlier for children with autism to explore the museum while it’s calm and quiet.

Building and roleplaying in Perth

Building Buddies

Address: 60 McCabe St, Mosman Park WA 6012
Other locations
Opening hours: Depends on location
Phone: 08 6282 1900

School holiday therapy group, Building Buddies aims to improve verbal and non-verbal communication in children living with autism. It involves lots of sharing and taking turns and is lots of fun. It’s also very useful in helping children to create social connections and improving problem-solving abilities.

Little Land Sensory Sessions

Address: 76 Erindale Road, Balcatta, Perth WA 6021
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 9am, 11am, 1pm; Fri-Sat 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Phone: 0424 596 377

Little Land offers a scaled-down version of the real world, providing children with the opportunity to learn through role play. Play stalls include Busy Beans café, doctor’s surgery, emergency services area, Little Growers market, home setting, and more. Sensory-friendly sessions are available and can help children who live with autism to feel more comfortable about certain situations thanks to roleplay.

We hope you have found this guide useful. Remember, you can book an independent support worker on Mable to accompany your child to activities, if required.