Turn Down the Noise, Turn Up the Fun! WonderWorks is Hosting a Sensory-Friendly Event

To help create a safe environment for those who may otherwise feel overstimulated during their visit, WonderWorks Panama City Beach is hosting a sensory-friendly event this fall. The returning Sensory Day will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon. During those hours, all the exhibits inside the popular upside-down house will be altered to limit stimulation for guests with special needs. WonderWorks Adventure tickets for this special event are only $12, plus tax, per person. Tickets can be purchased at the door before embarking on your adventure inside.

“Family fun should be accessible to everyone, so we love hosting Sensory Day events throughout the year. This is the perfect time for families and individuals who may prefer a calmer environment to visit and explore,” said Darren Grooms, general manager at WonderWorks Panama City Beach. 

Designed to reduce sensory overload and promote a calmer, more accessible visit, WonderWorks will lower the music throughout the facility, make loud exhibits non-operational, and stop the spinning Inversion Tunnel. Taking these actions for Sensory Day will help to create a safe environment, where everyone can experience the WonderWorks fun and not feel overwhelmed. This event is perfect for families, homeschool groups, and special education classes wanting to give their students a unique experience that is fun and memorable. WonderWorks provides a wealth of learning opportunities for all ages.

According to a study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, one in six children has sensory processing difficulties, and in specific populations (i.e., autism spectrum disorder, etc.), that can be as high as 80% or more. To help prevent sensory overload, they recommend keeping a diary to identify overload triggers, being proactive in helping to avoid sensory overload, using a quiet and calm voice when speaking to the child, and using sensory-control tools when appropriate, including sunglasses and noise-cancelling headphones.

The altered STEAM-themed (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) exhibits at WonderWorks will provide guests with opportunities to engage in physical challenges using motor skills, problem solve, stretch the imagination, and more. They are all designed to provide a learning opportunity that is unique, fun, and engaging, with there being something of interest for all ages. More information about Sensory Day can be found online.

“Whether you’re planning a weekend outing with your family or a field trip with your class, WonderWorks is the place to be this school year!” said Amanda Roberts, education sales manager at WonderWorks Panama City Beach. “We have a plethora of educational experiences and resources that will challenge young minds.” 

As families kick off a new school year, WonderWorks Panama City Beach reminds everyone of the fun learning opportunities waiting for them inside the upside-down house. WonderWorks is a one-stop shop for hands-on learning and family fun throughout the school year and beyond. With over 100 interactive exhibits that are rooted in STEM/STEAM, there are exciting new learning opportunities around each corner. WonderWorks Panama City Beach offers the perfect spot for class field trips, weekend fun for family and friends, sports teams bonding, and more. 

WonderWorks has many more exciting educational events planned throughout the fall, including National STEM Day, Homeschool Days, a youth art contest, and more. Be sure to follow their social media pages to get the latest scoop on all events and special promotions.

WonderWorks Panama City Beach offers over 100 fun and educational exhibits year-round, including laser tag, a suspended ropes course, Xtreme 360 Bikes, physical challenges, a virtual reality Grave Digger monster truck ride, the Bubble Lab, extreme weather experiences, space discovery replicas, light and sound games, illusion art, and more. There are also plenty of team bonding activities for groups such as sports teams, clubs, student activities excursions, etc. To get more information, purchase tickets, or reserve a group rate, visit the site at: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/panama-city-beach/.  

About WonderWorks

WonderWorks, a science-focused indoor amusement park, combines education and entertainment. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, there is something unique and challenging for all ages. Feel the power of 74 mph hurricane-force winds in the Hurricane Shack. Make life-sized bubbles in the Bubble Lab. Experience zero gravity and get the NASA treatment in the Astronaut Training Gyro. Conquer your fear of heights on the indoor Glow-In-The-Dark Ropes Course. Nail it by lying on the death-defying Bed of Nails. WonderWorks has locations in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Panama City Beach, Myrtle Beach, Syracuse, and Branson. For more information, visit WonderWorksPCB.com, and follow @WonderWorksPCB on Facebook and X (Twitter), @WonderWorks_PCB on Instagram, and @WonderWorksOfficial on TikTok.

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