Sensory-Friendly Holiday Trips for Kids in Missouri

Looking for fun, calm, and sensory-friendly holiday outings for your ASD child? Shining Steps families, this guide has you covered. These tried-and-true options provide structured, low-stimulation environments where your family can explore, learn, and have fun at your own pace. Thank me later.

St. Louis Area

The Magic House – St. Louis Children’s Museum

The Magic House is one of the top sensory-friendly kids’ activities near St. Louis. Hands-on exhibits include pretend-play towns, creative art studios, science labs, water and nature areas, and story-time spaces. Kids love the three-story slide, electromagnetic generator, and imaginative “Children’s Village.”

Holiday programs feature quiet Santa visits, toddler-friendly sessions, and festive decorations. The Noontime New Year’s program includes a photo booth and DJ dance party. Children who need a break can visit the Calming Corner, which offers soft lighting, quiet activities, and a bubble tube.

St. Louis Zoo – Chesterfield

The St. Louis Zoo, a KultureCity Sensory-Inclusive Certified venue, is worth the trip even for non-local families. My kids love the 4D theatre and the River’s Edge exhibit, where they can walk alongside animals in simulated natural habitats.

Families can borrow sensory backpacks with noise-canceling headphones and fidgets. Quiet zones and clear signage throughout the zoo highlight potential sensory triggers, which is a big bonus for sensitive kids. Until December 28, enjoy Wild Lights with over one million lights and visits from Santa. I was worried it might be too overstimulating for my ASD child, but he really enjoyed the experience.

Missouri Botanical Garden

This garden is visually engaging but very calming for ASD kids. We love the Climatron Conservatory, Japanese Garden, and tram rides, and the wide paths make it easy to explore at your own pace. 

The Missouri Botanical Garden is also autism-friendly, with sensory-friendly events hosted by Easter Seals Midwest, quieter settings, and designated calm zones. The Zimmerman Sensory Garden is perfect for hands-on exploring.

During the holiday season, Garden Glow turns the space into a beautiful, low-stress winter wonderland.

St. Louis Science Center

With over 700 exhibits in engineering, physics, robotics, and space, the Science Center is perfect for older children who enjoy structured STEM exploration. It never fails to amaze, with a jaw-dropping planetarium, a 4D IMAX theatre, and unique programming.

My kids love hands-on play with fish and chickens in the Discovery Room and Grow exhibit, which offers tactile interaction with animals, including live ones. General admission is free, weekday mornings tend to be quieter, and Sensory-Friendly Sundays are offered between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

St. Charles

Fast Lane Classic Cars

Fast Lane Classic Cars is a calm, low-stimulation space for sensory-friendly kids’ activities near St. Charles. My ASD piston pro (and the other kiddos) had a blast exploring the three massive showrooms featuring 200 cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

The open layout allows children to follow their curiosity at their own pace. Art displays, antiques, and a gift shop round out the experience. (Bring your wallet.)

Faust Park

Faust Park is a 200-acre outdoor oasis with walking paths, a carousel, and an indoor Butterfly Zoo (free for residents). The carousel provides smooth, gentle sensory input. Staff can adjust speakers for children sensitive to sound. 

Faust is our go-to for a calm, fresh-air outing with enough options to please every palette.

O’Fallon

O’Fallon Public Library

The library offers structured, sensory-friendly programs for all ages. Storytime includes songs, movement, and visual aids. STEAM and LEGO activities, crafts, and quiet reading spaces provide calm engagement.

On days when we have a late start or a planned activity doesn’t quite go as expected, this is our safe-haven backup.

Special holiday and seasonal events create low-key family experiences. Kids can play board games, strum ukuleles, or join teen anime clubs with friendly staff guidance. A full activity calendar can be found here.

Kansas City

Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum

Wonderscope is a top sensory-friendly holiday activity near Kansas City. Exhibits include city-building, water exploration, and movement activities like the Climbable Sunflower and Bikes, Trikes & Wagons.

Toddler Town supports imaginative play, and outdoor spaces allow active exploration. The museum is clean, pleasant, and my kids adore the water play and grocery shopping simulations.

Quiet areas, sensory backpacks, and Sensory-Friendly Sundays with smaller crowds and dimmed lighting make it ideal for ASD children. Visit on weekdays or book a timed session in advance to avoid crowds.

Kaleidoscope Art Studio

Perfect for younger kids who prefer shorter activities, Kaleidoscope offers 50-minute art sessions using leftover Hallmark and Crayola materials. Noise-reducing headphones are available.

Two weekdays each month are sensory-friendly, and family-only sessions are offered once a month. My son prefers structured crafts over free play, and these sessions are more thoughtfully curated to meet his needs.

Lawrence, Kansas

Up & Away Indoor Play

This indoor gym is clean, organized, and low on noise, making it ideal for sensory-friendly play near Lawrence. Separate toddler areas keep younger children safe, and adults have clear visibility with comfortable seating.

Visual seekers love the giant Light-Brite wall. Same-day passes allow breaks and re-entry, which is perfect for self-paced visits. My kids prefer trampoline parks at this age (this is a great option if yours do too), but Up & Away is definitely next on our trip list.

Why these spaces work:

These destinations offer calm, low-stimulation fun, holiday programs designed for gentle enjoyment, and thoughtful sensory support. With open, accessible spaces for self-paced exploration, your kids can enjoy the season with happy hearts, busy feet, and the occasional (totally normal) meltdown.

Happy Holidays!