Planning a vacation can be both exciting and daunting, especially when you have a child with special needs. Fortunately, many destinations in the USA cater specifically to families like yours, offering accessible and inclusive experiences that ensure every family member has a memorable and enjoyable time. Here are the top 5 vacation spots for summer 2024, along with a bonus idea that might surprise you!
Our top 5 for 2024:
Morgan’s Wonderland is the world’s first theme park designed with special needs individuals in mind. The park offers a variety of attractions and activities that are wheelchair accessible and sensory-friendly.
The Vision Behind Morgan’s Wonderland
The idea for Morgan’s Wonderland came to life when Gordon Hartman witnessed his daughter, Morgan, being excluded by other children at a hotel pool. Determined to create a space where children like Morgan could enjoy themselves without barriers, Hartman sold his successful homebuilding business and, along with his wife Maggie, and established the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation. This foundation supports Morgan’s Inclusion Initiative, which includes the theme park and other inclusive projects like Morgan’s Wonderland Sports and Morgan’s Wonderland Camp.
"Our devotion to this cause is inspired by our daughter Morgan’s soaring spirit despite her physical and cognitive special needs," Hartman explains. "Morgan’s Wonderland is now a globally recognized haven for those with special needs, their families, caregivers, friends, and the general public."
Highlights include
Sensory Village: Interactive exhibits designed to stimulate all five senses.
Wonderland Express: An accessible train ride offering a scenic tour of the park.
Playgrounds and Water Area: My child loves playgrounds of all sorts, and Morgan's was you covered with a few options! There's Will’s Hang Ten Harbor, Rainbow Reef, Shipwreck Island, and Butterfly Playground just to name a few options
Personal Experience: "Our trip to Morgan's Wonderland was truly magical. My child felt included in every activity, and we made memories that will last a lifetime."
Visiting Morgan’s Wonderland
Located less than eight miles from San Antonio International Airport, Morgan’s Wonderland is open year-round on select dates. Admission for guests with disabilities is free, while others can purchase single-park and dual-park tickets or seasonal passes online, with prices starting at just $13 for a day pass.
Sesame Place, located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, holds the unique distinction of being the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center. This designation reflects the park's commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for guests with autism and other special needs.
Accommodations and Services for Special Needs
Quiet Rooms: Sesame Place offers quiet rooms, which are safe spaces designed for children to decompress and take a break from the sensory stimulation of the park. These rooms are equipped with comfortable seating and calming decor, providing a tranquil environment for children to relax.
Noise-Canceling Headphones: To help guests with sensory sensitivities, the park provides noise-canceling headphones. These headphones are available at various locations throughout the park and can significantly reduce the impact of loud noises, making the experience more comfortable for those who need it.
Sensory Guides: The park offers detailed sensory guides for each attraction. These guides provide valuable information about what to expect in terms of sensory input, including sound, light, and movement, helping families plan their visit according to their individual needs.
Accessibility: Sesame Place ensures that all its attractions are accessible to guests with physical disabilities. This includes wheelchair-accessible entrances, ramps, and seating. The park also offers special passes to reduce wait times for attractions, making it easier for families to enjoy their visit without stress.
Attractions and Entertainment
Water Rides and Play Areas: Sesame Place features a variety of water rides and play areas that cater to children of all abilities. These include splash pads, lazy rivers, and interactive water play zones, all designed with safety and accessibility in mind.
Live Shows and Character Meet-and-Greets: One of the highlights of Sesame Place is the opportunity to meet beloved Sesame Street characters. The park offers live shows featuring these characters, providing entertainment that is both fun and inclusive. The character meet-and-greets are managed in a way that considers the comfort and needs of all guests.
Themed Rides: Rides at Sesame Place are themed around the iconic Sesame Street characters and are designed to be enjoyable for children of all abilities. From gentle rides suitable for younger children to more exciting attractions for older kids, there is something for everyone.
Personal Experience
A visit to Sesame Place is often described as a magical experience for families with special needs children. One parent shared their experience: "Sesame Place was fantastic! The sensory guides helped us plan our day, and the quiet rooms were a lifesaver. Our child was able to enjoy the park without feeling overwhelmed, and we felt supported throughout our visit."
At first glance, I thought the National Ability Center (NAC) was for older children, but, as I researched more I was very excited to learn they have something for almost every age. Nestled in the beautiful mountains of Park City, Utah, NAC offers a diverse range of adaptive recreation programs for individuals of all ages and abilities. The center's mission is to empower individuals of all abilities by building self-esteem, confidence, and lifelong skills through sports, recreation, and educational programs.
Inclusive Activities for All Ages
The National Ability Center provides numerous activities designed to be inclusive and adaptable for children, teens, and adults, ensuring that every family member can participate and enjoy.
Horseback Riding: NAC offers adaptive horseback riding programs that cater to individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. The center's trained instructors and adaptive equipment ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience for everyone.
Age Range: Suitable for children (ages 4+), teens, and adults.
Skiing and Snowboarding: During the winter season, NAC provides adaptive skiing and snowboarding lessons. With specialized equipment and trained instructors, participants of all abilities can experience the thrill of winter sports.
Age Range: Suitable for children (ages 5+), teens, and adults.
Archery: NAC’s adaptive archery programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each participant. With customized equipment and personalized instruction, individuals can develop their archery skills in a supportive environment.
Age Range: Suitable for children (ages 8+), teens, and adults.
Water Sports: During the summer months, NAC offers adaptive water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and rafting. These activities are tailored to ensure safety and accessibility for all participants.
Age Range: Suitable for children (ages 8+), teens, and adults.
Climbing and Challenge Courses: NAC features adaptive climbing and challenge courses that encourage participants to overcome obstacles and build confidence. These courses are designed to be inclusive and accessible, with trained staff providing support and guidance.
Age Range: Suitable for children (ages 8+), teens, and adults.
Cycling: Adaptive cycling programs at NAC cater to individuals of all abilities, with a variety of adaptive bikes available. Participants can enjoy the freedom of cycling on accessible trails in the beautiful surroundings of Park City.
Age Range: Suitable for children (ages 8+), teens, and adults.
Specialized Programs
Veterans and Military Programs: NAC offers specialized programs for veterans and military service members, providing therapeutic recreation and community reintegration activities designed to support their physical and mental well-being.
Camp Programs: NAC’s inclusive camps provide opportunities for children, teens, and adults to engage in various recreational activities in a supportive environment. Campers can participate in day camps, overnight camps, and family camps, all tailored to accommodate different needs and abilities.
Personal Experience
Families visiting the National Ability Center often share heartwarming experiences of inclusion and empowerment. One parent shared: "The National Ability Center provided activities that we could all enjoy together. It was wonderful to see my child try new things with confidence. The staff were incredibly supportive, and the adaptive equipment made everything accessible."
Planning Your Visit
Location and Accessibility: The National Ability Center is located in Park City, Utah, a popular destination known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. The center is easily accessible and provides a welcoming environment for all visitors.
Registration and Scheduling: Families can register for programs and schedule activities through the NAC website. It is recommended to book in advance, especially for popular programs and seasonal activities.
Accommodations: Park City offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels and lodges that cater to families with special needs. Many accommodations provide accessibility features and are located near the National Ability Center.
Additional Resources:
Website: Visit www.discovernac.org for more information and to book activities.
Contact: NAC staff are available to assist with planning and can be reached through the website’s contact page for personalized support.
While technically not in the USA, a short trip to the Caribbean provides a wonderful vacation. Beaches Resorts are renowned for their commitment to creating an inclusive vacation experience, particularly for families with special needs children. With locations in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos, these resorts have set the standard for autism-friendly travel, offering comprehensive services and accommodations designed to cater to guests with cognitive disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Autism-Friendly Kids Camps and Sensory Guides
Beaches Resorts are home to the Caribbean’s first advanced autism-friendly kids camps. As the first all-inclusive resort company to complete the rigorous International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and Autism Certification, Beaches has expanded its autism program significantly. A notable addition is the all-new Sensory Guides, developed by IBCCES. These guides include extensive resort maps that rate public areas such as pools, dining spaces, and sports hubs on a 1-10 scale of sensory stimulation. This allows caregivers and guests with cognitive disabilities to navigate the resort more comfortably based on specific sensory sensitivities.
Key Features:
Advanced Autism-Friendly Kids Camps: Tailored activities and programs designed to be inclusive for children with autism.
Sensory Guides: Detailed maps with sensory ratings to help families plan their activities around sensory-friendly environments.
Dedicated Support and Personalized Services
To further support families, Beaches Resorts offers the services of Beaches Buddies. These accredited staff members can join the family for an hour, a day, or their entire stay, providing additional support and ensuring a smooth experience.
Additional Programs:
Culinary Concierge: Families can pre-plan meals according to dietary preferences and allergies, ensuring safe and enjoyable dining experiences.
Sesame Street Programming: Includes Julia, a character on the autism spectrum, who leads activities like "Amazing Art with Julia."
Tip: For an extra fee, families can opt for the Island Routes Fast Track Arrival & Departure Service, which includes a professional airport agent to escort them through immigration, customs, and security, ensuring a seamless airport experience.
Certification and Staff Training
In 2017, Beaches Resorts became the first resort company to be designated a Certified Autism Center (CAC), and in 2019, they attained the Advanced Certified Autism Center (ACAC) designation. This ensures that at least 80 percent of customer-facing staff are trained and certified to interact with families and children with special needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum. According to a survey by IBCCES, 94 percent of families said they would take more vacations if they had access to autism-trained and certified options.
Staff Training Focus Areas:
Kids Camps and Entertainment: Ensuring inclusive and supportive activities.
Watersports Operations: Providing safe and enjoyable water activities for all guests.
Special Events and Programs
Beaches Resorts are set to host their second dedicated autism week for guests from September 22-27 2024, at Beaches Negril Resort in Jamaica. This event invites families with children on the spectrum to participate in activities such as daily arts and crafts with Sesame Street’s Julia, fireside chats with autism experts, and private dinners, all with the support of a dedicated Beaches Buddy per family.
Event Highlights:
Daily Arts and Crafts: Led by Julia from Sesame Street.
Expert Sessions: Fireside chats with autism experts.
Private Dinner: Exclusive dining experiences with tailored support.
Planning Your Visit
Families can find more information and assistance through Beaches’ Special Services Team, certified by IBCCES. A dedicated toll-free number (1-844-360-9380) is available for planning, and a pre-arrival questionnaire helps customize the vacation experience to meet the family's specific needs.
Personal Experience: "Beaches Resorts were amazing. The special services team made sure we had everything we needed for a stress-free vacation. We recently visited the Beaches location on Turks and Caicos and highly recommend the Sesame Street Character Breakfast "
Royal Caribbean Cruises offers an exceptional autism-friendly cruise experience through their Autism Friendly Ship Certification program. This program ensures that families with children on the autism spectrum can enjoy a smooth, supportive, and inclusive vacation at sea. Here’s why Royal Caribbean is a top choice for families with special needs:
Autism Friendly Ship Certification
Royal Caribbean is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all guests, including those with autism and other developmental disabilities. The cruise line has earned the Autism Friendly Certification from Autism on the Seas, ensuring that their ships are equipped to meet the unique needs of these guests.
Key Features:
Sensory-Friendly Films and Toys: Available throughout the cruise, these resources are designed to provide comfort and enjoyment for guests with sensory sensitivities.
Priority Boarding and Debarkation: Families with special needs are given priority boarding and debarkation, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start and end to their cruise.
Special Needs-Friendly Muster Drills: Modified safety drills accommodate the needs of guests with autism, ensuring they understand and are comfortable with safety procedures.
Trained Staff: All youth staff receive training on autism awareness, including special needs instruction and sensory-friendly techniques.
Onboard Activities and Accommodations
Royal Caribbean offers a variety of activities and accommodations to ensure an enjoyable and inclusive experience for all guests.
Kids Programs:
Adventure Ocean Youth Program: This program includes specially designed activities for children with autism. Staff are trained to handle special needs, ensuring a safe and fun environment for all kids.
Babysitting Services: While not exclusive to children with special needs, Royal Caribbean’s babysitting services are flexible and can accommodate the unique requirements of each child.
Dining Options:
Special Dietary Accommodations: Royal Caribbean offers dietary accommodations to meet the needs of guests with food allergies or special diets. Families can work with the dining staff to ensure safe and enjoyable meals.
Sensory-Friendly Spaces and Experiences
Royal Caribbean provides sensory-friendly films and toys, available throughout the cruise. These resources are designed to help guests with autism feel comfortable and engaged.
Activities Include:
Autism Friendly Films: Movies are shown in a low-lit, low-volume environment.
Toys and Games: Available in Adventure Ocean youth program areas to provide a sensory-friendly play experience.
Adventure Ocean: Offers a variety of sensory-friendly activities tailored to children’s preferences and needs.
Pre-Cruise Planning and Resources
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, Royal Caribbean offers extensive pre-cruise planning resources for families with special needs.
Pre-Cruise Questionnaire: Families are encouraged to fill out a pre-cruise questionnaire to help the staff understand their needs and prepare for their arrival.
Dedicated Phone Line: Royal Caribbean provides a dedicated toll-free number for families to speak with the Special Needs team during the planning stages of their vacation.
Resources Available:
Website: Visit Royal Caribbean's Autism Friendly Ships for more detailed information and resources.
Special Needs Team: Available to assist with any questions or concerns before and during the cruise.
Autism on the Seas: If you're considering a cruise we highly recommend checking out Autism on the Seas which has a ton of information to help your vacation awesome.
Special Events and Programs
Royal Caribbean offers various events and programs tailored to guests with special needs. These programs are designed to provide an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all family members.
Autism-Friendly Cruises: Select cruises offer enhanced autism-friendly programs, including private sessions and activities tailored specifically for guests with autism.
Customized Shore Excursions: Royal Caribbean can help arrange shore excursions that are accessible and enjoyable for guests with special needs, ensuring that the entire family can participate in the adventure.
Special Programs Include:
Private Sessions: Tailored activities and sessions for children with autism, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Customized Experiences: Specially arranged shore excursions and onboard activities designed to meet the needs of guests with autism.