Out and About!

The silly season is well and truly upon us…. Already! The Western Australian community continues to create inclusive events and venues for us to enjoy and Christmastime is no different. Below are just a few examples of outings that are disability friendly.

Sensory Santa photography sessions offer a quieter environment for children with special needs or anxiety. Christmas music noises levels are adjusted, and lighting is softer to create a calmer environment. These specially booked sessions provide a one-on-one experience with Santa away from Christmas crowds.

This allows for a more relaxed, positive experience. Many of the major shopping centres around Perth have begun offering Sensory Santa bookings eg Westfield Carousel, Westfield Whitfords City and Lakeside Joondalup are among those taking bookings. In addition, some of the smaller shopping centres such as Dianella Plaza and Flinders Square have begun offering these sessions too.

For more locations, check out this list from Buggy Buddys.

Disability Friendly Beaches

Perth is steadily seeing an increase in accessibility features at our beaches, Mullaloo unveiling their pathway just last weekend. There are several Perth beaches that have access matting that allow easy access for mobility equipment, wheelchairs, and prams close to the water. Matting is often in place seasonally and availability for use can be dependent on tide and weather activity. You can also find information here on how you can access free to use beach wheelchairs and beach walkers.

Check out this list of accessible beaches from Kids Around Perth.

Magic of Christmas 2022 Wanneroo Botanic Golf

Spectator admission to the Gardens is just $5 or FREE for Guests dining in the restaurant, playing Mini Golf and for children 0-3yrs. Please note, wristbands are issued on entry and must be worn at all times. Guests can visit the Gardens at any time during opening hours, with 7pm onward being the best time for viewing the lights.

For more information, visit Buggy Buddys.

Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair

Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair is back for the whole of December. This awesome event includes fireworks, carnival rides, roving performers, showbags, snow, Santa and His Creation Station and Food Trucks! More information here.

City of Perth Christmas Lights Trail

Enjoy festive entertainment and performances throughout the city every Friday and Saturday night. From the 18th November 2022 until 2nd January 2023, the Christmas Light Trail will shine brighter with 35 mesmerising light installations showcased over 6km across the City of Perth. More information here.

For lights that are closer to home

Buggy Buddys have put together a guide to the best Christmas Lights in Perth. Here you can find a fun light trail to follow near you!

Fun at Home!

Christmas Sensory Bin

Sensory play is a wonderful way to expose our children to the world around them and allow their brains to make important connections. At Christmas Time we often have items around our home that are quite different. Making a collection of these items into a tub or a bag for your child to touch, see, listen to, taste, and smell may assist your child make connections to all the different things that surround them at this time of year.

A Christmas sensory bin may also help build on the language we use in the festive season e.g. “this is a bauble, we put them on the tree”. If your child uses a communication device, you can model to them where they can find their Christmas words. Don’t forget to include our little ones in any Christmas cooking that’s happening in the home too. Another wonderful way to orient your child to all the different traditions and aromas that enter your home during Christmastime.

Sensory Baubles

This would have to be one of my all time favourite Christmas activities and is limited by only the imagination. Fillable baubles are readily available at most supermarkets and can be filled with anything small enough to thread through the top. Filled with your child’s favourite colour, something that will make sound or even lights and they make a lovely keepsake! Is this year your childs first Christmas? How about adding a ribbon the length of your child as a reminder of just how little they are this year. Maybe it can became a tradition in your family and a lovely record of the things that caught your child’s attention this year!