Life as a SEN mum

Last week we packed up, head up to Yorkshire and went on some lovely Hallowe’en days out. Read on for what we thought…

Eden Camp- Malton

This is a must for history lovers. We went on Tuesday 25th when they had a free Halloween bingo trail. It really did encourage the kids to spend time looking at the displays rather than just quickly running on.

Aside from the trail there are plenty of things to keep kids occupied. Charlotte really loved the puppet show, and there are 2 kids play areas which helped burn off some energy. There are also lots of fun photo opportunities and plenty of kids games dotted around the museum.

Top Tip: Take a picnic, there is a cafe on site, but the choice is quite limited.

Tips for visiting with a SEN child: make sure you pick up a guide book. They’re only £1.50 and give you details on what displays are in each of the huts. Both James and Charlotte were ok with most of them. But the Blitz hut, due to the sound effects, the dark, and the smoke used to recreate the atmosphere, did trigger them both slightly. So if there’s anything you think might be a sensory trigger you can plan which to avoid.

Brodsworth Hall and Gardens

English Heritage sites often have free trails during school holidays, so it’s well worth checking out your local sites because they’re fun for all the family.

You’ll be given a trail booklet and have to find boards with information and question dotted around the grounds. For October Half term Beano took over. Charlotte isn’t overly interested in these trails, but the amount of space she has to run round keeps her happy while James loves having something to find. The information and questions help keep the adults happy.

We didn’t go in the house (I have been in when I was younger). But there is so much to explore in the gardens it really is a brilliant place to visit with kids. When we were sat eating lunch I noticed lots of families with kids who had various disabilities and all of them absolutely loving their day. Testament that this is a brilliant day out for all.

Royal Armouries- Rebels and Revolutionaries

I’ll be honest, whenever we try to visit the armouries we have an interesting experience. James doesn’t seem overly keen, although we did figure out why and avoid the area he doesn’t like. Whilst Charlotte just wants to run to her next photo opportunity. But as they had lots of free events about people such as Guy Fawkes and the suffragettes, we thought it could be interesting. But it didn’t go to plan. Although James did find the photo opportunities at the entrance hilarious so it wasn’t all bad.

Tip for visiting with SEN children: during school holidays it can get busy, and due to the layout of the building can echo a lot. We saw several children affected by the crowds and noise. There are some little spaces where you can move away from the crowds for a moment. If needed definitely take ear defenders.

Top Tips: there is lots of seating for picnics. Bonus that it’s inside (there are benches around Clarence Dock if it’s sunny, as well as a kids play area). There is a little restaurant near the shop and a little cafe if you want a treat. If you forget your picnic but on a budget there is a Tesco Exoress nearby.

Temple Newsam

I’ll be honest, this wasn’t the cheapest of experiences. But it was another that is good for all the family. A lot of the house was closed off, but the rooms that were open were engaging, the information board had sections designed for children as well as your typical “museum” information. There was also the opportunity to have a camera (which didn’t actually take photos) and at the end they’d take it away to develop the film and hand you photos of the ghosts with information on who they are. There was also plenty of crafts for kids to do at the end. When we went Charlotte was clearly feeling a little under the weather but she could have spent all day in the craft room given the chance.

Top Tips: Again, take a picnic if it’s a nice day, we went on a rainy day so did go in the cafe, the kids lunch boxes are really reasonably priced, and they have an extensive menu, but it can be pricey to feed the family. There are however plenty of shops and restaurants just a short drive away.

If visiting during Hallowe’en visit as a group. James has no issues with stately homes, but with the spiders etc he wasn’t comfortable so luckily my dad was able to take him out whilst the rest of us finished the tour,

If you’re brave and have older kids check out the cellar tour, I’m a total wimp and having done it before knew roughly what to expect, but it is worth a visit and was only £2 per person.

If all else fails…

Go to McDonald’s and do their colouring activities while the kids have a happy meal 🙈