Between adjusting bedtimes, navigating unfamiliar places, and packing everything but the kitchen sink for a few days away from home, vacationing is a huge undertaking for families. However, things like sudden changes in daily routines or tricky social interactions can make travel a bit more challenging for families with autism.
Last year, a study released by NYU analyzed travel trends for families. While multigenerational travel and Kidfluence were high, a key finding was that families with children with special needs travel more often and spend more. Challenges in safety, staff training, and accessibility most impacted their experience. Organizations such as IBCCES, Anderson Center Consulting and Training, and KultureCity work with destinations to provide staff training, programming, and support, making travel more inclusive.
Moms like Chrystal Mitchell highly value initiatives like this. Her son, Christian, was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at age 2. “People often look at us strangely when we are traveling because my son can be loud or doesn’t yet understand personal space,” she says. For Christian, certain noises or lighting may trigger a meltdown. Welcoming environments are helpful, she explains, because they allow parents of children with autism to visit places during designated times that cater to their needs.
So, without further ado, explore these destinations and attractions that make travel easier, more accessible, and inclusive for all households. Planning can help ensure a positive experience for your family’s next trip.
Sensory-Friendly Airport Experiences
Airports can often be a source of stress for families. Miami International Airport, a Certified Autism Center, offers sensory-friendly programs, such as a multisensory room and rehearsal sessions, helping families feel more comfortable and secure. Similarly, Newark Airport‘s sensory room with underwater themes and interactive bubble tubes creates a calming space that promotes a sense of safety during travel.
At over 100 airports globally, you can visit the local information desk to inquire about the Hidden Sunflower Program. Eligible travelers will receive a free lanyard that indicates to airport and airline staff that they have a hidden disability that may require extra time or assistance.
Carlsbad, California
For families who enjoy amusement parks, add Carlsbad to your list for a visit to Legoland California Resort. They are a certified autism center, which offers sensory guides, quiet areas, and trained staff to assist guests with autism and sensory needs. Next door, Sea Life Aquarium takes visitors on an interactive adventure of marine life discovery in a relaxed, sensory-friendly environment.
Rochester, New York
The Seneca Park Zoo is Certified as Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity. Throughout the zoo, families can find quiet areas and headphone zones. If necessary, they can swing by the shop to borrow a sensory bag, which includes items such as noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools.
On Sundays, guests with special sensory, developmental, or physical needs can visit The Strong National Museum of Play for “Sensory Friendly Sundays.” The museum will have fewer guests, with features such as reduced lighting and sound, and designated quiet areas.
Finger Lake Region of New York
Letchworth State Park features the Autism Nature Trail. This one-mile loop includes eight interactive nature stations, enabling guests to explore and develop various sensory and movement skills in a safe setting.
Jacksonville, Florida
Families can enjoy many activities in Jacksonville, such as accessible attractions like the Museum of Contemporary Art, which features Autism Creates (an educational program for children with autism spectrum disorders) and provides sign language interpreters for those who need them. If your kid is adventurous, they might like participating in iFLY’s indoor skydiving. They offer classes for all abilities!
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh has many autism-friendly attractions, such as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, which feature quiet zones, fidget tools, and weighted lap pads. Families can also participate in specialized programs at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and enjoy sensory-friendly movies at The Lindsay Theater.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Although the destination will be autism-certified next year, several businesses are already ready to warmly welcome autism families. For example, American Family Field (home of the Milwaukee Brewers) offers sensory-inclusive accommodations for guests with autism or sensory sensitivities.
At the Bradley Symphony Center, visitors can attend sensory-friendly concerts and enjoy a year-round, sensory-inclusive environment. Tailored for individuals with autism or sensory sensitivities, these events offer dimmed lighting, lower volumes, and flexible seating options.
Space Center Houston
With over 400 exhibits to explore and several large displays attracting crowds, museums can be overwhelming for children and guests with autism. To create a welcoming environment, Space Center Houston offers modified areas with lower volume, softer lighting, and fewer people to prevent overstimulation.
Beaches Resorts
Known as the most family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, Beaches has the first autism-friendly kids’ camp in the Caribbean. Plus, they have a special guest, Julia, Sesame Street’s first character with autism. Together, families and Julia can have character experiences and enjoy activities such as Amazing Art with Julia. Families can also request one-on-one beach buddies to lend extra support and customize dining plans.
Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Sensory Inclusive-certified through KultureCity, Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria welcomes families with several inclusions for guests with autism. (They are also readily prepared to accommodate adults with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke patients). Each staff member is trained to recognize and assist with various conditions, providing specialized sensory bags and quiet zones.
These programs are highly valuable for families that enjoy exploring, like Ciara Kelly, whose son LJ was diagnosed with autism at age 5. “Destinations that are inclusive have greatly broadened LJ’s world,” she says. “He can move more freely and enjoy outings just like other neurotypical children.”
Kelly also credits knowledgeable staff and easy-to-access tools, such as sensory kits and ADA-compliant spaces, for contributing to excellent travel experiences.
“Knowing that your autistic child will be able to enjoy the destination in a way that he can understand feels amazing.”