Fun for ALL Abilities at the South Florida Fair

It’s time to “Imagine the FUTURE” at the South Florida Fair!  For most families, this is one of the most anticipated events annually in Palm Beach County.  For families with unique abilities or sensory concerns, events such as the fair come with numerous challenges. From the bright lights and sounds to crowds and more it can be a sensory nightmare. Unfortunately, many families just choose to forego the experience rather than deal with the potential of meltdowns that could occur. Luckily, that no longer needs to be the case here in Palm Beach County. 

A Sensory Inclusive Fair 

If you haven’t heard…. The South Florida Fair is Sensory Inclusive!
In an effort to ensure that all individuals can participate in the fair without feeling excluded or overwhelmed, the South Florida Fair has once again teamed up with KultureCity, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to creating sensory accessibility and inclusion for those with invisible disabilities. This initiative promotes an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with a sensory issue who visit. Family members can rest assured knowing that staff members have been trained by medical professionals to both recognize attendees with sensory needs and to handle sensory overload situations. There are also many tools in place to ensure that individuals of all abilities can have fun at the fair.

As a mom of twins on the spectrum, I understand that new experiences often come with increased anxiety, so I have put together some helpful tips to ensure that you have a positive experience:

What To Do Before You Go

Download the KultureCity App and the South Florida Fair App!

If this is your first time attending the fair, KultureCity has a great Social Story customized to our South Florida Fair available on their app.  Simply download the app, search for the location of the event (South Florida Fairgrounds), and click on the tab “Social Story” at the top of the page.  Social stories are a fantastic tool for helping your loved one understand what will happen throughout the day from arrival, through security, getting a sensory bag, different experiences, and more.  Getting this visual cue of what is coming next greatly reduces anxiety and will help to create a more positive experience for the family.

Another tool my family finds useful in preparing for a new experience is to watch videos to familiarize themselves with the activity. YouTube is a great resource and the South Florida Fair has its own channel which will allow the individual to experience some of the lights, sounds and rides before arriving. This is a great way to prepare for all of the excitement!

And probably the most valuable resource in preparing for the trip is to download the South Florida Fair app.  This is such a great way for families to familiarize themselves with each ride. From the home screen on the app – click on rides – and “view list of rides here.”  Not only can you see what each ride looks like, but you can also see the rides in action!!!  Simply click on the ride, click on “more info” and scroll down to watch videos of each individual ride.  Again, by removing the fear of the unexpected, you greatly reduce the stress and anxiety of the unknown.

Planning Your Visit at the South Florida Fair

Sensory Bags, Fidget Tools, Noise Canceling Headphones, and More

One of the best additions in this partnership with KultureCity is that Sensory bags are available to borrow. These can be found at the following Guest Service Areas: the Main Expo Entrance, the Hospitality Building, the Oasis at the Agriplex and the Yesteryear Village Welcome Center.   These bags are equipped with noise canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, and verbal cue cards (produced in conjunction with Boardmaker). These locations are also listed on the KultureCity app for easy reference.

Weighted Lap Pads are also available, if needed, at the Main Expo Entrance.

While not included in the bags, a useful tool to bring if the individual has light sensitivities is SUNGLASSES! Bright lights can be overstimulating.  And especially in the evening hours, the bright lights of the rides and vendors can become distracting.  Sunglasses worn while in lines or even walking around can help create a calmer environment.  Note: it is not recommended that the individual where the sunglasses on rides.

There are also Headphone Zones, if needed. These are located at the five stages and at some of the consumer shows and trade shows.

Quiet Areas

Most importantly, Quiet Areas are available for use when the individual starts to feel overstimulated: one in the Bink Museum in Yesteryear Village and the other in Concourse Building 1 on the covered concourse during the annual Fair. Taking a pause in one of the quiet rooms is an ideal way to allow the individual with sensory needs to regulate their emotions and reduce stress and anxiety so that they may continue to enjoy the remainder of their day.  A full map of the fair is available on the app, which can help guide you to these locations.

Bag Policy: What Can You Bring?

ags brought to the Fair must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags (maximum size of 12” x 6” x 12”) or small clutch bags of a maximum size of 6” x 9”. Clutch bags do not need to be clear.  If you require the use of a diaper bag, they are permitted and will be subject to search at the entrance.  The Security Team and Staff are very understanding of our medical needs. Never be afraid to discuss your situation upon arrival if you are unsure if you can bring a medically-needed item into the fair.

The Best Times to Visit

Keep in mind that Friday and Saturdays evenings are the most crowded, which may pose a challenge for sensory needs. Weekdays, mid-afternoon to early evening, tend to have a more manageable crowd as well as Sundays, morning through early afternoon. We visit annually during these recommended times and have always had a positive experience.

Inclusive Rides

There are so many incredible rides available at the fair to meet all thrill levels.  However, if you are unsure of whether or not the individual will want to enjoy the rides – please be aware that on Fridays and Saturdays after 7pm purchase of admission AND a ride wristband is required for entry for ALL guests ages 11-17.  Plan to arrive before this time if you do not want to be required to purchase a ride wristband.

Sensory Activities

Another great way to ensure that the individual is not overstimulated is to engage in a variety of sensory activities, not just the rides, to balance some of their sensory-seeking needs. Alternating between rides, shows, food and experiences is a great way to allow the individual to regulate their senses and not become overstimulated.  This year’s theme “Imagine the Future” features 15 interactive, engaging exhibits that challenge the mind and body, and a stunning visual environment, this exhibition sets the stage for a unique journey of science exploration, curiosity, and discovery. Prepare to be captivated by elite performances from adagio duos executing mesmerizing routines, and dazzling soloists delivering grand, cinematic productions during their “Sci-Fi on Ice” show. Check out the Agriculture complex for petting zoos and more. And don’t forget about the numerous stages featuring some incredible musical talent!  There is something for everyone at the fair!

Wheelchair and Stroller Rental

If needed, Wheelchair and Stroller rentals are available at the Fair for baby strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, and scooters. You can reserve online at https://scootaround.com/en/south-florida-fair or rent onsite at the front of the Expo Center and the Archway Gate. Scooter rentals are $70.00 and Wheelchairs are $25.00 per day. The following items are available for walk up rentals only: Double Strollers – $17/day, Wagons – $17/day, and Stroller – $11/day

The South Florida Fair can truly be a fun experience for ALL regardless of sensory needs or abilities thanks to their Sensory Inclusive Certification with KultureCity.  And remember that their staff have been trained in sensory needs – if you have any questions or concerns, their team is available to help.  The team at the South Florida Fair understands that planning for new experiences always come with a level of stress and anxiety but we hope that these tips will help ease some of the worry you may have in preparing for your day.

About the Author: Candi Spitz

Candi Spitz currently serves as the Florida Executive Director for Autism Speaks.  Autism Speaks’ mission is to create an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan by providing advocacy, services, supports, research and innovation, and advances in care for autistic individuals and their families.

Prior to this role, she spent the last nine years as the Director of Development and Community Relations for the non-profit 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast.  211 is the only free and confidential Crisis Hotline and Community Helpline serving the residents of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast that provides suicide prevention, crisis intervention, information, assessment, and referral to community service for people of all ages.

Candi has also served as an Ambassador for Project Lifesaver International Ambassador since 2012, she is a Radio and TV Personality, International Keynote Speaker, has spent years as a Special Needs Advocate for the Palm Beach County Court System, and she has served as an autism trainer for Palm Beach County law enforcement and rescue workers.

Most importantly, she is the mother of identical twin sons, Brendan and Jaden, who both were diagnosed with Autism in 2009. She knows firsthand the struggles and concerns that families face each day as they navigate the maze of life with special needs and is passionate about helping families find the help they so desperately need.