Here is a list of play and family activities for autistic children and young people in and around Bristol. See also clubs and groups for autistic young people and sport activities for young people and children with autism
Last updated July 2022
Bristol Autism Support
In addition to our parent support, we run family socials and children’s activities. Please see our calendar to find out what’s on.
Butterflies Haven – Keynsham
Butterflies Haven run play & social sessions for autistic children. Step up for 12-18yr olds on Monday’s and Young Voice for 3-11yr olds on Fridays. Click here to find out more.
Council Short Breaks Schemes
The term ‘short break’ to refer to an opportunity for a family of a child with additional needs to enjoy leisure time together or apart. Please see the pages below to learn more about the short break opportunities offered by your council.
Bristol Short Breaks for Disabled Children
South Gloucestershire Short Breaks
Children’s Centres
Children’s centres offer a range of activities, information and support from professionals working in a wide range of fields for children under five and their families Many centres run activities especially children with additional needs.
Age range: Preschool
List of Bristol children’s centres
List of North Somerset children’s centres
List of South Glos children’s centres
Dimensions Autism-friendly Cinema
On Sunday mornings throughout the month, films suitable for all audiences are screened in a sensory-friendly and inclusive environment. Adjustments at the cinema reduce over-stimulation and create a welcoming place for autistic people to enjoy films with their families, friends or carers.
Age range: Any age
Click to visit the website to learn more about this scheme
Extraordinary Links
A playgroup for children with additional needs and their siblings in Shirehampton. Extraordinary Links holds weekly sessions and also runs additional activities in school holidays.
Click to visit website
Golden Hill Community Garden
This wonderful, accessible community garden in Horfield runs special activities for children with additional needs.
Telephone: Lucy on 07506 905 394
Click to visit website
Gympanzees
The ultimate goal of Gympanzees is to create an inclusive leisure centre that will enable people with disabilities to have fun and keep fit in a safe environment. While they are bringing this to fruition, they run popup sessions in school holidays. Location varies. They also have an amazing equipment lending library.
Click here to learn more
Incredible Kids
Play sessions for families with children with additional needs. Incredible Kids run a lot of different sessions from their usual weekly play activities to specialist quiet sessions, sessions for girls and teens. They also offer PDA support. Location varies; currently sessions are in Kingswood and Lockleaze.
Click here to learn more
Jigsaw
A Thornbury-based disability charity that provides support and activities for carers, families and children.
Click to visit website
Kingsmour Playground Club
The playground, tucked away in Kingston Seymour was constructed by and regularly maintained by Yeo Valley Lions Club. It is much used by the local families who have children with special needs and by organisations for those who have. Its facilities include specially-designed playground equipment that allows a carer to accompany a child on a swing or down a slide. It also has a sandpit and rocking toys and plenty of room to run around and let off steam in a secure and safe environment. A waterfall and a movement-sensitive water feature make a calming corner of the garden. There are picnic tables and a rain shelter and lots of bikes and tricycles have been donated by local people to add to the fun. There is also a wheelchair swing.
Age range: Any age, depending on disability
Address: Kingsmour Playground, Middle Lane, Clevedon BS21 6XW
For an application form, please write: The Secretary, Yeo Valley Lions Club, c/o 3 Chescombe Court, Chescombe Road, Yatton, Bristol BS49 4JZ
Click to visit website
Little Treasures
Little Treasures is a parent-led play and support group for preschool children with additional needs, their siblings and their parents/carers to come together and meet other families in a similar position. Sessions are held in Warmley and Yate.
Click to visit website
Mud Pie Explorers
Forest school sessions for children with autism and other additional needs.
Click here to learn more
NAS Bristol Branch
This branch runs some children’s activities such as swimming and climbing.
Click here to visit website
NAS South Glos Branch
This branch runs excellent children’s activities including a science club.
Click here to visit website
Neon Daisy
An organisation dedicated to supporting autistic girls and their families. They run a variety of activities designed to promote connection and social support for girls.
Visit the Neon Daisy website
Nothing Special
Runs a wide range of activities for young people aged 9 and up.
Click here to learn more
The Social Skills Agency
The Social Skills Agency offers social skills learning programmes for children and young people who struggle with social communication. SSA specialises in supporting children and teenagers with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) and high-functioning autism (HFA). Social skills learnt in the groups may include: turn taking, sharing, negotiation and compromising, understanding multiple perspectives and friendships. Through drama clubs, music groups, film clubs, comics and much more, children and teenagers practice social learning and consolidate their social skills in a safe and positive environment. There is a cost for this activity.
Email: office@socialskillsagency.org
Click to go to website
Soundabout
Fun virtual music sessions for disabled children, young people and adults.
Click here to learn more
Special Friends Club
This group runs play activities and trips for families with disabled children.
Click here to visit website
St Paul’s Adventure Playground (APE Project)
The APE Project runs SEND sessions on Saturdays and during school holidays.
Visit APE Project website
Find St Paul’s Adventure Playground on Facebook
Super Sense – Imperial Sports Ground
A large sensory room specifically designed for children with special educational needs. Open daily booking required.
Click here to visit website
“What is and isn’t available is constantly changing, and the Well Aware website was made to keep all this information in one place, so please have a look at their website to see everything we’ve missed.”
