On the Road Again: Top Picks for Autism Friendly Family Vacations

I know, I know. You are thinking life at home is stressful enough with your autistic child, so why on earth would I load them up for a week of torture? One simple answer, with the right amount of planning, vacationing with our spectrum kids can be fun. Here are my top picks for Autism Friendly vacation destinations and attractions.

HIDDEN GEMS

I’d like to consider these the true perfect places to take kids on the spectrum. With more and more children being diagnosed with ASD each year, more and more attractions are trying to do their absolute best to meet the needs of these special individuals. Here are my favorite, lesser known but perfect to visit, places:

1. Conner Prairie – Located just north of Indianapolis in the community of Fishers, Indiana. Conner Prairie is all about outside exploration of nature and history. It has several areas where visitors, young and old, can get hands-on with the exhibits. And if the time comes that your little one becomes overwhelmed, there are 4 designated “Quiet Spots” that provide the needed break and sensory release through weighted blankets and sensory toys.
2. Yellowstone National Park – Not necessarily hidden in the broader sense of the word, as it has been around well over a hundred years, but this vast territory truly has something for everybody. And with such an expansive area, parents will not have to worry about their little one suffering from sensory overload from too many people.
3. Great Wolf Lodge – With 16 different locations spanning across the United States, there is one within a days drive of just about everyone. An onsite water park, as well as restaurants and game rooms, make Great Wolf Lodge a “one stop shop”. And when your little one needs a break, you can simply return to your cabin or villa that is on the grounds and take that much needed time away.  

THEME PARKS

1. Morgan’s Wonderland & Inspiration Island – Touted as the “World’s First Ultra-Accessible Theme Park”, Morgan’s Wonderland was created specifically with those with Special Needs in mind. Both with traditional rides, activities, and shows it will keep your family busy all day. And with an attraction titled “Sensory Village”, you can’t go wrong with this place.
2. Sesame Place – In 2018, the theme park that is home to Big Bird and his many friends down on Sesame Street became the first of its kind to be certified for Autism sensitivity. The facility now boasts quiet rooms and staff members who have been specially trained staff on how to best assist friends with ASD.
3. Dollywood – Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, this is home to country music legend Dolly Parton. Not only is her heart as big as her personality, she has always put a special emphasis on children. Dollywood has created a “Calming Area” for guests that need to get away from the Sensory Overload that sometimes happens in theme parks. The folks over at Dollywood also know how important dietary restrictions can be, so they have also created special menus to make it easier to order from if you have specific dietary needs.
4. Legoland – Just 40 miles south of that more well-known theme park (you know, The House of Mouse), stands Legoland Florida. Like some of the other places on our list, it does not have designated “Quiet Areas”. However, it has plenty of areas within the confines of the facility that someone can escape to for a bit of calming down time. Another perk of Legoland, although it is bustling with plenty of visitors, its daily attendance will not overwhelm to the degree of its northern neighbor.

ALL INCLUSIVE

At the tippy top of my “Vacation Bucket List” is the Beaches Resort in Turks & Caicos. Along with its sister location, Beaches Resort in Jamaica, this family of all-inclusive resorts are the first to go through the rigorous training by The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards for Autism Certification. The facility offers day camps with highly trained staff, as well as what they refer to as a “Culinary Concierge” that will work directly with your family to ensure everyone’s dietary restrictions are met. Families that make the jaunt to Beaches will be met with a familiar face. That’s right, Julia from Sesame Street is there to greet the children and will make appearances at different activities during your stay.

Know Your Family

No matter who you get your vacation advice from, always remember that you know your family best. You know what your children will and won’t be able to tolerate. As the parent of a child on the spectrum you have been given the unique and amazing responsibility of that child’s enjoyment and safety. So take the time to plan out your trip,  know your limitations and remember that no vacation is perfect. So take a deep breath and enjoy the ride.

Do you have any destinations or attractions that you think my family should check out? If so, drop them down in the comments.