Planning your next family vacation and looking for a destination that is autism-friendly? From Orlando, Florida to Vancouver, Canada, we’ve included a list of 10 Autism Friendly Cities around the world that offer a range of attractions and accommodations catered to children, families and adults on the spectrum. Whether you’re looking for theme parks, museums, or outdoor activities, these cities have something to offer the whole family. Before you pack your bags, make sure to read our blog post about Traveling with Autism for some tips & recommendations to make it easier.
Mesa, Arizona
Mesa is the first-ever Autism Certified City in the United States. According to Visit Mesa, Mesa is recognized as one of the most family-friendly communities in the US. Whether creating artwork, panning for gold, or exploring the desert landscape, Mesa offers a “full-sensory experience for every family.” Their website has a list of accommodations, restaurants, transportation services and attractions that are all autism friendly. Their site even include a travel guide as well!
Visalia, California
More often known as the basecamp for the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Visalia is also a Certified Autism Destination! In the Central Valley of California, the city offers farmers markets, boutique shopping, unique restaurants, and an eclectic art scene. Some of Visalia’s IBCCES certified attractions include Visalia Adventure Park, Farmer Bob’s World, Imagine U Interactive Children’s Museum, Arts Visalia Gallery, and Visalia Fox Theatre. Hotels that are also certified include the Whyndham and Marriott hotels.
Orlando, Florida
Known as the United States’ premiere theme park destination, Orlando is home to many autism friendly attractions and hotels. Disney World, Legoland, SeaWorld and Universal Studios have all implemented a range of accommodations to children on the autism spectrum & their families. These measures include quiet areas, sensory-friendly experiences, and disability access services. Other autism-friendly attractions in the area include the Orlando Science Center and the Kennedy Space Center. The Orlando International Airport even has a hidden disabilities program to support travelers with autism & their families.
Vancouver, Canada
With its scenic views, mild climate, and friendly people, Vancouver is also home to many autism-friendly attractions and accommodations. The Vancouver Aquarium and Science World are two popular attractions that have implemented a range of measures to make their exhibits more accommodating to individuals with autism (including sensory-friendly hours and quiet areas). The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and the Bloedel Conservatory are also great options! Hotels such as the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel and the Fairmont Pacific Rim offer autism-friendly amenities – from quiet rooms, to visual aids, and weighted blankets.
Melbourne, Australia
The cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is known for its music, museums, and food scene. The Melbourne Museum is a popular attraction that offers sensory-friendly exhibits, and the Royal Botanic Gardens even has a sensory-friendly trail. The SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium even holds autism-friendly sessions that include reduced lighting and sound levels. As for accommodations, the Novotel Melbourne on Collins and the Park Hyatt Melbourne are two hotels that offer quiet rooms, social stories, and visual aids for those on the autism spectrum.
Christchurch, New Zealand
One of the most unique destinations in the world, Christchurch combines “urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture and exhilarating activity.” The Christchurch Botanic Gardens is a popular attraction that offers a sensory garden, while the International Antarctic Centre has quiet areas and sensory backpacks for its exhibits. The Air Force Museum of New Zealand also has a sensory-friendly trail available for visitors, and there are sensory-friendly movies at the Hoyts cinema. In terms of where to stay, the Sudima Christchurch City and the Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square are two hotels that offer such amenities as quiet rooms, social stories, and visual aids.
Glasgow, Scotland
Rich with culture, Glasgow is a city known for its architecture, music scene, and its Whisky! The Glasgow Science Centre is a popular attraction that offers a range of sensory-friendly exhibits and workshops, and the Riverside Museum has quiet areas and sensory backpacks for visitors. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum also offers sensory-friendly sessions! As for hotels, the Hilton Glasgow and the Premier Inn Glasgow City Centre Buchanan Galleries are just two hotels that offer autism-friendly amenities (e.g.: quiet rooms, social stories, and visual aids).
Dublin, Ireland
The capital of Ireland is famous for its music and theater performances, pub scene, and literature. The Dublin Zoo offers a range of sensory-friendly exhibits and workshops, and the Imaginosity Children’s Museum has implemented a range of measures to make their exhibits more accommodating to individuals with autism as well. The National Gallery of Ireland also offers sensory-friendly sessions! The Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport and the Maldron Hotel Smithfield are two hotels that offer autism-friendly amenities as well.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Known as ‘The City of Spires,’ Copenhagen offers a range of autism-friendly attractions for children and adults. Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, offers a range of sensory-friendly rides and attractions. For those interested in history, the National Museum of Denmark has implemented sensory-friendly measures such as quiet areas and sensory backpacks. The Experimentarium Science Centre is also a great attraction that offers interactive exhibits & sensory-friendly activities. As for autism-friendly accommodations, the Scandic Copenhagen Hotel and the Wakeup Copenhagen Bernstorffsgade both offer such things as quiet rooms, social stories, and visual aids.
Tokyo, Japan
Iconic landmarks, sakura tree-lined streets, shrines & temples, and world-renowned dining. Tokyo is famous for many things, but it’s also home to many autism-friendly sites amidst the hustle & bustle! The Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea theme parks are must-visits for families – they even include sensory-friendly rides as well as designated quiet areas. The Tokyo National Museum and Sony ExploraScience museum are two more great attractions that offer sensory-friendly measures. As for accommodations, the Tokyo Bay Hilton Hotel and the Shinagawa Prince Hotel are just two hotels that offer autism-friendly amenities.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.