Theme parks are hectic places that can be overwhelming, so when you’re a child with autism or other sensory issues, I can only imagine how the thrill rides, games, and flood of people can affect you. That’s exactly why Dolly Parton made the first theme park with a calming room for kids with autism and other sensory issues.
Dolly Parton has created the first theme park, with a fully equipped calming room for kids with sensory issues.
Dollywood is the name of the theme park created by Dolly Parton in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It’s a magical place, with all the common perks of an amusement park. There are fantastic thrill rides, food, games, and of course, top of the line entertainment! It’s Dolly Parton for crying out loud!
But the unique thing is, those typical theme park attractions aren’t what sets Dollywood apart from the rest. It’s one special room, for children with special needs that make this place, unlike any other theme park.
The room is filled with fun and relaxing things to do so that when kids with autism need calming, they can easily wind down.
The room has a plethora of fun activities, from board games to building blocks, stuffed animals and an awesome tent for the kids to play in. In the video below, a mother and her two children, both with sensory problems, give a tour of the calming room on YouTube.
She loves going to Dollywood mainly because of the one of a kind room. When the excitement of the theme park inevitably becomes overwhelming for the kids, they just slip into the room and the kids love it!
They can do puzzles and all sorts of other games in the room, there are also comfy chairs to relax in for everyone!
Along with all the kid-friendly activities and toys, there are super comfortable rocking chairs and bean bags to lounge in. Whether you and your kids simply need a nap, just need to be at ease and read some books, or want some mellow fun and games, this room has it all!
This room truly makes a world of difference for those that have children with sensory issues. Many of them, who avoid places like theme parks because there is nowhere like the calming room at Dollywood. Or is there?
Some places are starting to catch on, the most noteworthy being Legoland, who recently added a sensory-friendly room.
Hopefully, Dollywood and Legoland will bring awareness to many of the other big times amusement parks. Kids with autism or other sensory issues should have somewhere to go that helps them cope with the erratic nature of theme parks. Dolly Parton, is a pioneer in many fashions, but this jas to be my favorite thing she’s done!
The funny thing, Dolly doesn’t even ride the rides at the theme park, either way, she’s created something special! To see the brilliant calming room, watch the video below!
Dolly Parton had created the first theme park with a calming room for kids with autism!
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