With days getting hotter and school nearing the end, we can’t help but get excited about summer! At BlueSprig, our goal is to provide resources and support for families of children with autism spectrum disorder. We understand that it can be time consuming to find events and activities that your child can participate in and be included in. To help your family make a splash this summer, we’ve put together a list of sensory-inclusive activities, theme parks and events that the whole family will love and enjoy!
There were so many inclusive places we discovered on our search. We found that both Sesame Place locations, all 26 Six Flags in North America and Legoland’s Peppa Pig Theme Park are all Certified Autism Centers! Check out these other amazing, inclusive places and events to try out:
Animal Experiences in Texas
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch – San Antonio, TX
Convenient, safe, and fun all in one! The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch provides tours from the comfort of your vehicle.
Texas State Aquarium – Corpus Christi
On the third Sunday of every month from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, families and children with sensory sensitivities will be able to enjoy the Aquarium in a quieter, modified environment, led by staff with sensory disorder training.
Dallas Zoo – Dallas, TX
The Dallas Zoo has partnered with KultureCity to ensure its programs, events, and campus are all sensory inclusive!
One Acre Farm – Porter, TX
In addition to fun sensory activities, you can walk around animal pens and see ducks, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, goats, potbelly pigs and horses.
Water Parks in Florida
Seaworld Orlando – Orlando, FL
Sesame Street Land, Aquatica Water Park and Discovery Cove all provide a sensory guide, ride accessibility program, and quiet rooms, along with trained staff who cater to the needs of all children.
Legoland Florida – Winter Haven, FL
Legoland provides a disabilities guide along with accommodations for those with sensory needs.
Theme Parks in California
Universal Studios Hollywood – Universal City, CA
Universal Studios provides special accommodations to those with disabilities including a new sensory room located at the front of the park that includes rubber floor tiles, an activity panel wall, dimming lights and two hiding tunnels.
Disneyland Park – Anaheim, CA
The Disneyland Resort offers a host of services to help Guests with cognitive disabilities maximize their Resort experience including stroller and wheelchair rental, break areas, dietary accommodations, rider switch and companion restrooms.
SeaWorld – San Diego, CA
SeaWorld San Diego provides a safe and enjoyable environment to all guests and provides an Accessibility Guide that gives an overview of services and facilities available for guests with disabilities who are visiting.
Sensory Friendly Events in Ohio
Sky Zone – Westlake, OH
Enjoy the freedom of jumping! Sensory hours are provided for a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs.
Center of Science and Industry (COSI) – Columbus, OH
COSI is ensures all have equitable access to exploring their interest in science, technology, engineering and math and provides reasonable accommodation for our guests with disabilities.
Cedar Point Amusement Park – Sandusky, OH
Cedar Point caters services to guests with autism by providing Boarding Pass and Parent Swap systems, as well as several quiet attractions and zones to stop in throughout the day, including a sensory room!
Nature Camp in Georgia
Hand Hoof & Heart Summer Camp – Acworth, GA
Camp All for One is an inclusive day camp for children and teens with or without disabilities. Camp activities include horseback riding, nature walks, fishing, cooking, gardening, music, arts and crafts, dance, team building games, special guests and so much more!
Surf Camp in North Carolina
Surfers Healing Surf Camp (Military Families) – Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
At Surfers Healing, children with autism can experience surfing under the guidance of trained professionals.
Trying new things can be intimidating, but with the help of these inclusive parks and businesses, you and your loved ones can enjoy some fun this summer! We hope this guide will provide you with ways to enjoy some family-time or spark inspiration to find ways to have sensory fun in your own community. Check out your local calendar listings or visit www.bluesprigautism.com to get information on sensory-friendly activities and events happening right in your neighborhood!