Sensory-Friendly Days Out That Actually Mean It: Innoflate’s Relaxed ASN Sessions
‘Autism-friendly’ has become one of those phrases that covers a multitude of sins. At its best it means a thoughtfully adapted experience that genuinely works for neurodiverse children and adults. At its worst it means the lights were dimmed for twenty minutes on a Tuesday and someone put a sunflower lanyard poster near the entrance. Families who have been let down by the latter are understandably sceptical.
Innoflate’s Relaxed ASN Sessions are worth taking seriously. Here’s what they actually involve and why the schedule matters as much as the provision.
What Changes During a Relaxed Session
The core adjustment is straightforward: the venue runs at significantly reduced capacity, which has a cascading effect on everything else. Noise levels drop. The general energy of the space becomes calmer. There are fewer unexpected collisions, less queuing, less unpredictability. Staff are briefed before each session and remain available throughout for additional support.
For children who find the sensory intensity of a standard Open Bounce session overwhelming – the volume, the crowds, the constant movement – this version of the same space can be transformative. The inflatables are the same. The slides, the obstacle courses, the climbing zones are all there. The experience is just paced differently.
Carers attend free of charge, up to two per participant, which removes one of the most common practical barriers to days out for neurodiverse families. It also means no one has to navigate the session alone.
The Schedule – and Why Inverness Is Different
At Aberdeen, Cumbernauld, Dundee, Grimsby, Inverness, Livingston, and Newport, Relaxed ASN Sessions run on the first Monday of every month. Monthly is modest but it’s reliable — the same date pattern every month gives families something concrete to plan around, which matters enormously for children and adults who depend on routine and predictability.
Innoflate Inverness additionally hosts a Relaxed ASN Session every Wednesday evening, giving families across the Highlands a welcoming and dependable activity to enjoy each week. With a regular day and time, it’s easier to plan ahead and make Innoflate part of your family’s routine – whether you visit every week or whenever it suits you.
At our other Innoflate locations – Aberdeen, Cumbernauld, Dundee, Grimsby, Livingston and Newport – Relaxed ASN Sessions take place on the first Monday of every month, offering a calmer, more comfortable environment where everyone can enjoy the fun at their own pace.
Who These Sessions Are For
The sessions are described as Relaxed ASN Sessions, and most visitors will be families with children or adults who have autism, sensory processing differences, learning disabilities, ADHD, or other additional support needs. But there’s no gatekeeping, no assessment at the door. If a calmer, lower-sensory environment is what works for your family, you’re welcome.
For families visiting for the first time, it’s worth calling your nearest venue ahead of the session. The teams are used to these conversations and can give you a clear picture of what to expect – session length, what the park will look like on the day, whether there are quiet spaces if someone needs a break. That kind of preparation makes an enormous difference to how a first visit goes.
It’s also worth knowing that Relaxed ASN sessions are included in our Gold Innoflate memberships – so if these sessions become a regular part of your family’s routine, membership could offer genuinely good value from £10.50 per month.
Contact Your Nearest Innoflate
Aberdeen: 01224 583388 | Cumbernauld: 01236 804200 | Dundee: 01382 918588 | Grimsby: 01472 400900 | Inverness: 01463 214777 | Livingston: 01506 537966 | Newport: 01633 492344
Sessions can be booked online at innoflate.co.uk – select your venue, look for the Relaxed ASN option, and book in advance to secure your place. Capacity for these sessions is deliberately kept low, so early booking is more important than for a standard Open Bounce.
