Jack-o-Lantern - Photo by Beth Kelleher
Choosing events and activities to attend with kids on the spectrum can be a little bit of a challenge. Generally speaking, activities and events that take place out-of-doors can be a safer bet than those that are indoors, though crowds are always an issue, especially with spectrum kids who have impulse issues.
Many harvest fairs and other typical events of the season can be overwhelming for ASD kids who have sensory issues, due to noise, bright colors and large crowds.
Here's a selection of local events that provide some 'outs' for ASD kids, while being entertaining for the whole family.
- Paoli Battlefield Illumination Tour - This outdoor, after-sundown event begins at 7pm and includes a guided tour with luminaries set out on the ground across the battlefield. Join a walking tour, view re-enactments or just walk around the illuminated field for as long as your children are interested. Read more about the Paoli Battlefield Illuminated tour with this downloadable PDF file (requires Adobe Acrobat). Cost: $20 per family of four or more, $5 per person.
- Continental Campfires at Valley Forge Park - Every Friday night in October, starting at 7pm at Muhlenberg's brigade, join the park staff for re-enactments and around-the-campfire discussion about the soldiers' lives at Valley Forge, the park and other topics. Stay as long as kids are interested, or just to enjoy the fresh evening air around the campfire. Cost: Free.
- Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards - Open daily from 9am to 6pm between September 12 and November 8. Go during the day on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy the fresh autumn air and activities for families including: "Live music, live entertainment, hayrides, train rides, pony rides, face painting, straw bale and cornfield mazes, pick-your-own apples, candy and caramel apples, Costume Parade, Jack-o-lantern exhibit, the Linvilla Grill, Costume & Halloween Shops." Some special events of note: October 25th is all-you-can-carry pumpkins for $19.99 and the jack-o-lantern exhibit will be available between October 16th and October 30th.
- Longwood Gardens' Monster Pumpkins & Garden Railway - Open daily from 9am to 5pm between October 2 and October 28 at Longwood Gardens, these giant pumpkins make for a fun walk through the gardens for kids. Open daily from 9am to 5pm between September 7 and November 22, the garden railway makes for a great outing for little train enthusiasts and Thomas the Tank Engine fans. Cost: $16 per adult, $6 per child between ages 5-18 or students with a valid student ID, free for children age 4 and under.
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