Support Beyond the Session

Resources

Therapy doesn’t begin and end in a session. This page is a growing collection of tools to support you in your daily life. I only share what I’ve found truly helpful or meaningful.  

Resources

Local Sensory-Friendly Experiences (Tampa Bay)

  • Glazer Children’s Museum — Sunshine Sunday
    Monthly sensory-friendly mornings with dimmed lights, reduced sound, adapted tools (fidget toys, weighted vests), and safe spaces for neurodivergent children. Sunshine Sunday

  • The Florida Aquarium — Day of Discovery
    Exclusive sensory-friendly sessions with calm lighting and sound for families with sensory differences. Day of Discovery

  • MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) — Sensory Saturday
    Museum opens early for a relaxed, low-stimuli experience with hands-on exhibits and fewer crowds. Sensory Saturday

  • Tampa Museum of Art — Art on the Spectrum
    Monthly low-crowd art experience with sensory-support tools and quiet accommodations in place for inclusion. Art on The Spectrum

  • Chuck E. Cheese — Sensory Sensitive Sundays
    First Sunday of every month: dimmed lights, lower noise, and a welcoming sensory environment. Sensory Sensitive Sundays

  • Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center — Sensory Sundays
    Monthly themed sessions (e.g., birds, sea turtles) with reduced sensory stimulation and hands-on learning. Tampa Bay Watch - Sensory Sundays

Educational & Directory Resources

Tampa is home to a growing number of outdoor spaces and family destinations designed with inclusivity in mind—making it easier for children and adults of all abilities to enjoy meaningful, engaging experiences.

  • Bonnet Springs Park regularly hosts sensory-friendly events throughout the year, providing calm, nature-based activities ideal for families seeking a low-stimulation environment.

  • New Tampa’s All Abilities Playground offers accessible play structures and interactive sensory activities that encourage inclusive play for children of all ages and developmental needs.

  • We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym is a go-to destination for indoor, sensory-safe play—equipped with specialized equipment designed to support regulation, coordination, and confidence.

For children who enjoy animal-based experiences, HorsePower for Kids offers horseback riding and petting zoo activities that are well-suited for children with sensory sensitivities. Likewise, ZooTampa continues to evolve its sensory-friendly accommodations, with designated quiet spaces, visual schedules, and adaptive programming to ensure all families can feel welcomed and supported.

These destinations reflect Tampa’s growing commitment to providing sensory-considerate environments—places where neurodivergent children and their families can connect, explore, and feel at ease.

Sensory-Friendly Outdoor Spaces in Tampa Bay

Grounding & Regulation Tools

The Sensate is a small, wearable vagus nerve stimulator that uses vibration and sound to help regulate the nervous system..

I’ve personally used the Sensate for years and often recommend it as a supportive tool for clients who want a simple, non-invasive way to feel more settled in their bodies. If you're curious about how it works or whether it might be a good fit for you or your child, I'm happy to share my experience and answer any questions. ( I have no affiliation with this company )

Link to purchase -
Get Sensate

Notes from the Path

This space is where I’ll share reflections, tools, stories, and reminders for the days when life  feels like too much—or not enough. Some posts will be practical and informative, others  personal. Some will speak to parenting, neurodivergence, grief, healing, or burnout. All of them  will come from a place of authenticity, compassion and honesty. You don’t have to have it all  figured out or have all the answers. Neither do I. Let’s keep finding our way—together.

Kimberly Lackey Kimberly Lackey

More Than a Logo: A Map for the Work We Do

The Wayfinding Therapy logo isn’t just a design—it’s a story. Inspired by ancient stick charts used by Pacific navigators, it reflects the journey of navigating life without a clear map. Just as wayfinders trusted the waves, therapy helps us trust ourselves, notice patterns, and find direction through healing and growth.

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Kimberly Lackey Kimberly Lackey

Why Play Matters

At Wayfinding, we see play as more than a pastime—it’s communication. For neurodivergent children, play therapy creates a safe space to express feelings, build regulation skills, and connect in ways words can’t always capture. With guidance from a trained therapist, play becomes a pathway to healing and growth.

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