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BlueSprig's Autism-Friendly Summer Guide 2023

  • Category: Blog, Resources
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  • Written By: BlueSprig
BlueSprig's Autism-Friendly Summer Guide 2023

As the temperature rises and school draws to an end, the anticipation of summer is unmistakable! Here at BlueSprig, our purpose is to give families with children on the autism spectrum all the help and support they need. It can be a task finding the right things for your child to do and take part in. To make sure you make the most of your summer, we have come up with a selection of events and activities which everyone in the family can have a blast doing and are inclusive for those with sensory sensitivities.

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:

Kid holding a baby chick

Animal Experiences in Texas

Fort Worth Zoo - Fort Worth, Texas

The Fort Worth Zoo is a designated as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC). Staff have received specialized training to ensure they have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to cater to all guests, including those with special needs.

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.

Play Gym in Arizona

We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym – Tucson, AZ

WRTS is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and fun environment to foster learning, exploration and safe sensory experiences through open play, parties, classes and more!

Kid playing in a water park

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.

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!

Kid swinging on a swing set

Inclusive Playgrounds in Tennessee

Freedom Inclusive PlaygroundSmyrna, TN
An all-inclusive playground built by the community at Lee Victory Park.

Mary’s Magical Place Hendersonville, TN
The Hendersonville Parks & Recreation Department has established a recreational center that welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities.

Thisbe & Noah’s Promise Park at Nashville Zoo– Nashville, TN
The Nashville Zoo created an amazing playground, known as Promise Park, specifically designed to provide fun for all children regardless of ability level. It features a variety of pieces of equipment to accommodate both disabled and non-disabled children alike, promoting inclusion and fostering friendship through side-by-side play.

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!

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.

Taking a risk on new experiences can be a bit overwhelming, but with the support of these parks and businesses that are welcoming to all, you and your family can have a blast this summer! This guide should give you ideas for how to have a great time with your family or stimulate some creativity and let you search for accessible sensory-based activities in your local area. Check your regional calendar listings or visit bluesprigautism.com for information on sensory-friendly events and activities close to you!