Enhancing Accessible Adventures: How to Create a Sensory Backpack for Businesses and Families

Whether you are at a quiet museum or on a scenic hike, at Blue Trunk we believe that everyone deserves to experience the joy of travel and exploration. One way to make outings more accessible and enjoyable for people with sensory differences by using a sensory backpack.

These backpacks are especially helpful for children and adults with sensory processing disorders, autism, ADHD, or anxiety, but they can support anyone who might benefit from calming tools and helpful supplies. Whether you're a business looking to be more inclusive or a family planning your next trip, here's everything you need to know.

What is a Sensory Backpack?

A sensory backpack is a portable kit filled with tools that help regulate sensory input. It’s designed to offer comfort, calm, and engagement in potentially overwhelming environments. You’ll often find them in inclusive museums, libraries, zoos, and visitor centers, but you can also make your own! 

Why They Matter

Many public spaces can be loud, crowded, or unpredictable. Sensory backpacks give users the tools they need to manage their experience and feel more in control. For example: Noise-canceling headphones help with loud environments. Fidget tools offer a physical outlet for stress or energy. Sunglasses and hats can reduce visual stimulation. Weighted items can provide soothing pressure. Providing sensory backpacks shows a commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and kindness!

What to Include in a Sensory Backpack

For a family packing your own or a business offering them to guests, here’s a list of recommended items:

Calming Tools

• Noise-reducing headphones or earplugs

• Weighted lap pad or small weighted stuffed animal

• Sunglasses or brimmed hat

• Stress balls or therapy putty

• Fidget spinners, cubes, or pop-its

  
  

 Visual and Communication Aids

• Laminated visual schedule or picture cards

• A simple communication board

• A notebook and crayons or markers

  
  

 Comfort & Care Items

• Chewable necklaces

• Wipes

• Tissues and travel-sized lotion

• Reusable water bottle

• Snacks (if allowed in the location)

  
  

 Extras for Hikes or Outdoor Adventures

• Bug spray and sunscreen

• Extra pair of socks

• Compact foldable blanket

• ID bracelet or safety card with contact info

  
  

For Businesses: How to Offer Sensory Backpacks

Offering sensory backpacks at your location can make a meaningful difference, and it's not hard to implement. Here’s how to start:

1. Build a few starter kits – You can begin with 2–3 backpacks and expand as needed.

2. Brand Fidgets - You can customize fidgets with your businesses logo and colors. Museums could have fidgets related to the theme of their displays.

3. Train your staff – Make sure employees know how to introduce the backpack and offer it respectfully.

4. Advertise them clearly – List sensory backpacks on your website, signage, or accessibility FAQ. This allows families to plan ahead.

5. Ask for feedback – Encourage users to share what worked or didn’t so you can continue improving the offering.

   
   

 Museums

• Art Museum: Include mini textured canvases featuring famous works, paintbrush-shaped fidgets, or themed visual schedules

• Natural History Museum: Add dinosaur-shaped fidgets, fossil rubbings, or chewable necklaces shaped like animal teeth.

• Science Museum: Include light-up spinners, mini sensory lava lamps, or DIY static electricity kits

  
  

Nature Centers

• Include nature-themed fidgets like leaf or pinecone shapes.

• Use a camouflage or earth-tone backpack with a small magnifying glass or textured tree bark rub cards.

• Add scented stickers or scratch-and-sniff cards of herbs and flowers found on the trail.

  
  

Hotels

• Brand fidgets with the hotel logo or local landmark shapes (e.g., a pop-it shaped like a mountain or lake).

• Include a visual guide of the hotel layout with icons showing pool, restaurant, elevator, etc.

• Add a small nightlight, comfort plush, or sensory-friendly sleep mask for overnight stays.

  
  

Stores

• Create branded stress balls or pop fidgets in the store’s signature colors.

• Include store maps with a sensory-friendly route marked (e.g., quieter aisles or less crowded hours).

• Add scent-neutral wipes and noise-dampening headphones to help reduce sensory overload during peak hours.

  
  

Theaters

• Add branded headphones for sound-sensitive guests.

• Include a visual show schedule with icons (intermission, lights dimming, clapping).

• Fidget items shaped like stars or musical notes.

  
  

Transportation Hubs (Airports, Train Stations)

• Include airplane or train-shaped chewable or fidgets.

• Add laminated visual boarding process steps.

• Include a lanyard with contact info for added safety in large venues.

  
  

For Families: Tips for Building Your Own

1. Personalize – Choose tools your loved one responds well to. Test different textures and items at home.

   
   

2. Keep it portable – Use a lightweight, washable backpack with compartments.

   
   

3. Prep before outings – Go over the items together so they’re familiar and easy to access when needed.

   
   

4. Rotate supplies – Keep things interesting by swapping out fidget toys or visual aids depending on the activity.

   
   

Additional Resources:

 Ready-Made Sensory Kits to Borrow or Purchase

• E-special Needs Sensory Travel Kit – A comprehensive handle-all kit with chewables, putty, spinning lights, headphones, and more, perfect for families on the go ($79.95)

• TFH USA “On The Go” Sensory Backpack – Includes ear protectors (27dB), a 2 lb “weighty snake,” fidgets, and a light-up aquarium, ideal for hikes or museums ($89)

  
  

Guides for Creating a DIY Sensory Backpacks

• Miami Children's Museum shares a youtube video on what to pack in your backpack

• The OT Toolbox provides practical ideas on weighted backpacks, compression tools, and fidget-friendly items

• Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support offers a detailed step-by-step article with suggested items like noise reduction tools, sensory bottles, chewables, and heavy work items.

• Euan’s Guide lists essential sensory backpack tools (water bottles, ear defenders, dark glasses, fidgets, visual support) tailored for venue lending programs.

  
  

 For Museums & Public Venues

• University of Dundee Museums created sensory backpacks with tactile handles like herbarium laser etchings, 3D prints, perfumes, textures, and fabric samples, great for outreach and engagement at Museums Galleries Scotland.

• The Corning Museum of Glass lends backpacks containing noise-dampening ear muffs, sunglasses, and other calming tools to help visitors with sensory needs 

• Kids in Museums (UK) provides a guide on creating self-guided family resources, covering backpacks and resource packs Kids in Museums.

  
  

Certifications & Inclusion Standards

• KultureCity is a nonprofit that helps venues (stadiums, museums, airports, etc.) earn Sensory Inclusive Certification by training staff, offering sensory tools, and providing visual social stories via their app 

• Ability Hive offers customizable sensory support kits with different tiers (Starter to Deluxe), including headphone, pop fidgets, visual boards, and timers, ideal for schools, museums, or libraries.

  
  

In conclusion

At Blue Trunk, we celebrate small adjustments that lead to big impacts. A sensory backpack might seem like a simple idea, but for someone navigating a world full of sensory challenges, it can open the door to meaningful exploration.That could be in the woods or in a gallery, a sensory backpack can be the travel companion that makes the difference!