Learn where to find discount LEGOLAND tickets and how to skip the lines for free
If you have a LEGO lover in your house, you need to plan your next family vacation in sunny Florida at LEGOLAND. You’ll enter a world filled with tradeable Minifigures, thrilling rides, and the best LEGO shopping in the world. So whether you want to find the best ticket price or the perfect LEGOLAND ride for a toddler, we’ve rounded up the top tips to plan the perfect family trip to LEGOLAND, Florida.
How to save money on your LEGOLAND Florida vacation.
Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Find Discount Tickets Start by choosing a time of year when LEGOLAND offers discount vacation packages. It's the perfect way to save on almost every part of your theme park getaway. And you can try your local big box store (Costco or Sam's Club) for the best prices if you just need tickets.
Brave Hurricane and Back-to-School Season LEGOLAND offers the best discounts in September. Yes, it is hurricane season, but the park also provides excellent inclement weather policies. If you choose to brave hurricane season after everyone is back in school, make sure you buy travel insurance in case of bad weather. September discounts include vacation packages with resort deals and meals.
Pro Tip:If you plan to combine your visit to LEGOLAND with other theme parks, such as Disney World or Universal, January is the best time for discount prices, cooler weather, and fewer crowds.
Pack a lunch (and snacks) Thankfully, LEGOLAND offers a generous food policy. But the rules are pretty specific. You are allowed soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.4' wide x 6" high x 6" deep. So lunch for your crew can stay within your budget. The Publix across the street has affordable food options for the whole family.
Top tips for making the most out of your LEGOLAND Florida visit
CHIP LITHERLAND for LEGOLAND Florida
Get the App Before you even pack for your trip, download the LEGOLAND app. It has an interactive map to aid in exploring the park, a height guide for rides, directions, and even a car finder to help track where you've parked. Most importantly, the app lets you track ride wait times in real-time so you can skip the lines for free. You won't need to pay for FastTrack tickets if you follow the ride wait times on the app. You can get in line when the wait is short. The app is a must-have if you are willing to stay flexible with your schedule.
Shopping Made Easy You don't need to worry about buying the 3000-piece LEGO set while in the park. Since you'll be able to browse the most extensive collection of LEGO products in the world, the park makes it easy to shop all day. You can purchase from any of the shops throughout LEGOLAND, and they will have your goodies waiting for you when you are ready to leave.
Timesaver Hack: Start at the Back Any seasoned theme park goer knows the lines by the entrance are often much longer just after the park opens. After you arrive and stop at the Height Check for an armband, walk straight to the back of the park to skip the early lines. Use the app to check wait times, too.
Pro Tip:If your kids missed the height mark this visit, you could stop at the Heigh Check Center for an armband. It makes ride choices so much easier.
Plan your day at LEGOLAND around the best rides.
Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Best rides for toddlers Start your day with the Grand Carousel, and when you plan how much time to spend on this ride, triple it. Your little one will ask to ride this double-decker carousel with moving LEGO horses and sensory-friendly sleighs at least five times. Then, take the DUPLO® train ride around the city, where LEGO characters are fishing and enjoying family time. These LEGOLAND rides are perfect for toddlers.
Best rides for big kids Experience a dark castle, a massive dragon, and indoor and outdoor roller coaster fun when you ride The Dragon. And no LEGOLAND trip would be complete without a ride on The Great LEGO Race. The high-speed rollercoaster features a 50-foot drop and a lot of fun for the thrillseeker in your crew. Remember to check out the view of the lake at the very top of the ride.
Pro Tip:LEGOLAND offers Parent Swapping when one child in your group doesn't meet the height requirement of a ride. Each parent gets a chance to ride; just ask.
Sensory-friendly options Don't forget the no-cost "Hero Pass" that allows you to skip lines or wait in quiet rooms equipped with noise-canceling headphones. In addition, the park stocks weighted blankets, squishy toys, and tables where kids can build with LEGO bricks. Finally, ask for one of the illustrated, step-by-step walkthroughs of rides and shows with loud noises, periods of darkness, bright lights, or other overwhelming or potentially frightening aspects.
Find the best hotels near LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND Florida
Where to stay You'll want to choose one of three LEGOLAND hotels or you'll have to drive a bit further each day to stay at an Orlando-based budget hotel option. Unlike Disney World or Universal, the local hotel and rental options are limited. However, the LEGOLAND hotel room rates and vacation packages are reasonable, especially during a discount period. The nearby major hotel chains might be the best option if you have hotel points.
Did you know? LEGOLAND Florida offers all-inclusive vacation packages. In other words, you don't have to plan anything other than how you get there. The packages include everything from meals and accommodations to nightly scavenger hunts with LEGO souvenirs and photo memory packages.
Plan Ahead: Trade Minifigures at LEGOLAND
LEGO
You can bring minifigs from home or build your own at the stop just inside the entrance of the park. Model Citizens (park staff) throughout LEGOLAND wear lanyards with tradable Minifigures. It's almost like a scavenger hunt that only ends when you stop trading.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort One LEGOLAND Way Winter Haven, FL Online:legoland.com
It goes without saying that when it comes to sunshine and coastline, Myrtle Beach has no shortage. Known widely as just The Beach, the more than 60 miles of coastline offers endless opportunities to play in the sand, soak up the sun, and splash in the waves. Whether you packed a beach read and want to have some downtime or you’re looking for heart-pumping family adventures, sun and beach lovers will find a vacation so perfect they’ll never want to leave. Here are six of our favorite ways to take it all in with the kids.
1. Stroll the Boardwalk
From arcade games and ice cream to taking in the views from the SkyWheel, there’s nothing like leisure time at the Boardwalk. Don’t miss the slightly-maddening mirror maze and Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium. When you get hungry, there’s pizza, burgers, seafood, or all of the above.
2. Go Treasure Hunting
This area may have once been known as a pirate’s cove but it’s not the pieces of eight you’ll be looking for on the beautiful sandy beaches. Spend some time hunting for fossilized sharks' teeth along any of the more than 60-miles of uninterrupted beach. While sharks' teeth tend to wash up during high tide, at low tide go seeking seashells along the seashore. Try the beaches at Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park or the less crowded beaches of Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach or Cherry Grove. Check here for the local tide table.
3. Get Your Heart Racing
If you're up for some adventure check out Downwind Sails for parasailing, jet ski rentals, or sailboat lessons. Or go for a hilariously fun banana boat with Banana Boat Express or Express Watersports. The boats accommodate up to six people, and they also offer dolphin sightseeing tours.
4. Swim, Lounge, Repeat
Find your perfect beach and set up shop. The beach in the heart of everything is Myrtle Beach, which is actually six different beaches that together make up what locals call the Grand Strand. You’ll find the Boardwalk and plenty of amenities just a stone’s throw from the shore. Centrally located North Myrtle Beach also offers people watching and great activities including kayaking and horseback riding. You’ll also find Barefoot Landing here, a great place to stroll and grab lunch. Looking for a quieter beach? Head to Surfside Beach, a charming town with an excellent beach for families. Surfside prides itself on being family-friendly and has focused on being an autism-friendly travel destination.
Tip: Get beach safety guidelines including swimming conditions here and bookmark the site before you go.
5. Hit the Water Park
If you’re craving a place to swim with a little less salt, head to Wild Water & Wheels Water Park. The park includes designated areas and pools for the littles as well as a wave pool, high-speed slides, and more for your older kids. If you plan to spend the day here, we recommend springing for a cabana rental. It’s yours for the day and offers some respite from the sun and lockers to keep your stuff safe so you can roam the park without worrying about losing your keys in the pool.
6. Dining Rooms with a View
With all that uninterrupted coastline, Myrtle Beach boasts dozens of oceanfront and waterfront restaurants with unparalleled views. Visit RipTydz Oceanfront Grille and Rooftop Bar for a view that is almost as good as their crab cakes. Try Sea Captain's House for their award-winning crab soup and the freshest local seafood. Even the antsiest eater will be distracted by the waves while they wait for their food. For a Southern touch on seafood favorites, like gumbo and po'boys, head to LuLu's in North Myrtle Beach. Don't leave without trying the "Holy Guacamole!"
Start planning your spring or summer getaway that perfectly blends together sunshine and the ocean. For more ideas on how to wind down in Myrtle Beach, visit here to learn more!
If your kid’s idea of a good time includes hurtling toward concrete at 81 miles per hour, slurping frozen lemonade, and the occasional long line, skip the local playground and schlep the family out to one of these seven nearby theme parks. Whether they have a soft spot for Big Bird, a sweet tooth, or a need for speed, we’ve rounded up a list of amusement wonderlands that will kick start summer with screams of delight (plus insider tips to help you plan your next adventure).
Editor’s Note: To learn more about the accessibility programs at each of these parks, check out this guide.
Hersheypark More than “just” chocolate, the city of Hershey, PA also draws visitors for its famed amusement park with more than 70 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, the largest water-play structure in the world, live entertainment, games, food, shops, and even a simulated tropical rainforest where visitors learn how cocoa beans grow and are harvested. Ticket purchases include admission to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, an 11-acre walk-through zoo that includes more than 200 animals from five regions of North America. New this year is the Jolly Rancher Remix, an illuminated coaster that randomizes its rides so each experience is unique. Hop onboard and loop through this track six times going forward and backward to different tunes and light shows. You never know which direction it will take! Located about two hours north of the Washington, DC area, the park has three resorts to choose from if you want to make a weekend of it!
Insider Tip: Take a break from park food and make a reservation at The Chocolatier, a family-style restaurant that offers hints of Hershey in lots of its dishes. You’ll find everything from chocolate drizzled potato chips to flatbreads with Hershey’s chocolate balsamic glaze and epic entrees like a Heath Bar crusted salmon and a burger topped with a Reece’s cup!
Six Flags America Boasting more than 100 rides, shows, and the largest water park in the DMV (included in the main park ticket price, no less!), Six Flags America does not disappoint. If you want to hop on one of the park’s epic coasters, like Wild One, Joker’s Jinx, Superman Ride of Steel, Batwing Coaster or Firebird, head there first (lines tend to grow as the day wears on). For a low-key thrills, younger kids will enjoy the classic Looney Tunes Prop Warehouse, a totally enclosed soft play space where they can climb, slide, and meet Bugs Bunny.
Insider Tip: Score 50% off the price of admission by purchasing your tickets online. Use promo code: COKE. Speaking of the classic soft drink, there is a Coca-Cola pavilion for those that want to cool off for free. Grab a sample of soda while your little ones rock out to the onsite DJ.
13710 Central Ave.
Upper Marlboro, MD Online: sixflags.com
King’s Dominion With 400 acres jam-packed with more than 60 rides, 15 roller coasters, live family entertainment—including fun performances by the Peanuts gang and a host of live music shows—AND a 20-acre water park, it just might be worth looking into one of the season pass options at King’s Dominion. The 43 life-size animatronic dinosaurs (including several you can control yourself) at the Dinosaurs Alive! Exhibit is alone worth the visit.
Insider’s Tip: Stay at one of the park’s hotels and you can enjoy a free shuttle to the parks. It will save you $!5 in parking!
Adventure Park USA Saddle up, pardner, for this Western-themed park near Frederick, Maryland—about 40 miles outside of DC. Open year-round, rain or shine, you don’t have to pay admission to enter the park itself. Instead, you purchase a Fun Pass with credits that works like a debit card (you can even add credits to your account online for return visits). With roller coasters, midway games, miniature golf, a classic tilt-a-whirl, go-karts, and a hands-on “mining” experience, you’ll be lucky if your kiddos have enough energy for all of the indoor fun. Yes, there’s more: a virtual reality game, soft playroom, ropes course, laser tag, arcade, bumper cars, and rock wall. We’re tired just typing that.
Insider Tip: If your crew has a wide gap in age, this is the park to hit. With the largest entertainment park in Maryland, the indoor games and arcades will keep the teens entertained for hours letting you help the youngest visitors board low-thrill rides like the carousel.
Dutch Wonderland If you’re on the hunt for the perfect first amusement park for young children, look no further. The park is tailored for children age 7 and younger, and at least seven of the rides are specifically geared toward 1-3 year-olds. Though the park is mostly flat and accommodating to strollers, it is relatively small—which means tiny legs (and short attention spans) can handle it. The Duke’s Lagoon splash area is just enough water excitement for the preschool set, and even the live entertainment strikes the not-too-loud and not-too-scary balance well. Rent a cabana for the day so your tribe has its own private spot in the shade to take a breather!
Insider Tip: Get three extra hours for free! All admission park tickets come with “preview” hours the day before your full-day admission. Between the hours of 3-6 p.m. get to know the park, map out your next day and hop on a few rides before the full day of fun begins!
Sesame Place We’re not gonna lie: nostalgia is half the draw for parents at Sesame Place. Enjoy a buffet meal with Elmo and friends, watch a show or parade, or take a spin on one of the 16 kid-friendly rides (or nine water rides) for a full day of fun with all your favorite neighborhood characters. There’s a soft play room for wee ones, a kid-powered railroad, a carousel, and the all-new Oscar’s Wacky Taxi Roller Coaster. We love and appreciate that Sesame Place has become the first theme park in the world designated as a Certified Autism Center—and, since it’ll require a trek to Philly, you can plan to enjoy the weekend there, too!
Insider Tip: Wake up early and have breakfast with the cast of Sesame Street! Early-bird reservations mean you have access to the park before it officially opens. Bonus: kids under 2 eat free.
Busch Gardens The beautiful landscaping and music playing throughout the park set the tone: this amusement park checks all the boxes. Roller coasters, a virtual reality adventure, bumper cars, kid-friendly rides (plus the Sesame Street Forest of Fun), a skyride, a train, and a huge range of music, animal, and theatrical live shows are just the beginning. Visit Wolf Valley, Lorikeet Glen, Highland Stables, or Eagle Ridge for some up close and personal animal encounters. And bring your appetite—there are restaurants throughout the park and 15 snack locations. You had us at churros!
Insider Tip: Sign up for a VIP Tour of the Verbolten and get early access to the park. Other tours include close encounters with the Clydesdales, a tour of a railroad steam engine, a meet and greet with the Busch Gardens animal specialist and more.
If your kid’s idea of a good time includes hurtling toward concrete at 81 miles per hour, slurping frozen lemonade and getting soaked by man-made waves skip the local playground and schlep the family out to one of these nearby theme parks, each featuring accessibility accommodations able to meet most guests needs. If this is your first time navigating a park’s accommodations, don’t fear! We’ve got tips & tricks to make your visit easier. Read on to find out how to make the most of a theme park’s accommodation program with these insider tips.
photo: iStock
The 411 on Accessibility Programs
Many parks have wonderful accessibility programs so that children with disabilities and special needs can have a great time also. To obtain an accessibility pass most parks require a visit to guest services to answer some questions to receive a disability pass. The wait for a pass can be long at times but it is usually worth the hassle to create a better experience the rest of the day. Not all disability passes allow riders to get on a ride without waiting in line. For example, an autistic child who has a hard time waiting may be given this accommodation while a child in a wheelchair may be given a different type of accommodation that allows them to use an accessible entrance but requires a wait time similar to others waiting in line.
Also, keep in mind that a “no wait” pass does not necessarily mean that a child will be permitted to board a ride right away. If a ride just finished seating or is already in progress when you arrive, you will be required to wait until the ride in progress is over to board. Most amusement parks want their guests with disabilities and special needs to have a fantastic time so speak up about your child’s needs.
Moreover, not all rides (especially rides in water parks) may be accessible to all guests. While this is disappointing, the nature of some rides makes them inaccessible to some guests. In order to have the best time possible at an amusement park, it may be a good idea to prepare your
photo: iStock
Tips & Tricks to Navigate Accessibility Programs
Accessibility programs vary from park to park, so it is a good idea to brush up on how they work before you go. Here are some things to be aware of that apply to most parks.
Guest Services. Although specific programs vary, all of the parks we review here require guests to visit Guest Services to receive an accessibility pass so that should always be your first stop. You can also call or email the park you are planning on visiting in advance to discuss your child’s specific needs.
Party Limits. Some programs limit the number of guests that can accompany a disabled rider to three. This means that if your party includes more than four people your party may not be able to ride together. Also be aware that accessibility passes can only be used by the person to whom they were issued. This means that if the person with a disability does not ride a ride no one else in the party can use the pass.
Child Swap. If your child cannot ride some rides but others in your party want to ride be sure to ask about “Child Swap,” which nearly every amusement park allows. Using this program, a family can approach a ride together then one parent can ride with a child while another parent stays back with a child who cannot ride. Then, the parents can switch and the parent who stayed back can ride with the child who is able to do so without waiting in line again. This way everyone who wants to ride a ride can – and some lucky kids can ride twice in a row.
Quiet Spaces. If your child is on the verge of a meltdown and you need some where quiet fast ask if you are able to sit in Guest Services or the first aid station if the park does not have a designated quiet space. Parks are usually able to accommodate this request if needed.
Limitations to the Pass. Bear in mind that most parks make a determination about what type of accommodations someone needs on an individual basis. Guests may not be able to rides some attractions if they have certain medical conditions, such as cardiac issues or missing limbs, or if they are unable to follow directions or hold onto safety bars. Some guests with disabilities need accommodations for mobility issues while others have sensory needs. For this reason, it is impossible to predict which specific accommodations any one person may receive.
Since Dutch Wonderland is a smaller theme park geared towards the younger set it a great choice for children who get overwhelmed easily – as long as they won’t miss thrill rides. Eligible guests will receive an accessibility pass based on height that includes information about the intensity of each ride. This can really help families figure out which rides are most appropriate for different needs. Dutch Wonderland has several low-intensity, low-stimuli rides including Duke’s Lagoon and a boat ride that are great choices for kids who need to decompress without the need to take a complete break from riding the rides. There is also a lake that runs along the edge of the park that is often quiet and can be used as a calm-down spot. Dutch Wonderland’s accessibility guide can be found here.
Editor’s Note: For our guide to theme parks along with insider tips, go here.
As a Certified Autism Center, Sesame Place ambassadors receive specialized training on sensory awareness, motor skills, autism overview, program development, social skills, communication, environment, and emotional awareness. Sesame Place also offers a Sensory Guide to show guests how a ride or attraction may impact a child with sensory processing issues. Sesame Place also has a Ride Accessibility Program that ensures that everyone can enjoy the rides safely, including the ability to ride without waiting. Other services include: quiet rooms, noise-cancelling headphones, low sensory areas and oversized changing tables. Find more information on Sesame Place’s accessibility page.
Editor’s Note: For our guide to theme parks along with insider tips, go here.
Busch Gardens offers a Ride Accessibility Program that allows guests with special needs to avoid waiting line but does not necessarily decrease wait time. Guests enrolled in this program are given a return time similar to the wait time for guests who are waiting in line. Visitors to Busch Gardens can complete this questionnairein advance to save time at guest services when they visit the park. This park does not have any designated quiet spaces but a visit to the horse barn or a ride on the train may be a good option for children who need a break. More information about Busch Garden’s accessibility program can be found here.
Editor’s Note: For our guide to theme parks along with insider tips, go here.
King’s Dominion uses a different accessibility model than most other parks. Instead of allowing near-instant access to rides King’s Dominion issues a Boarding Pass to eligible guests. When a disabled guest would like to ride an attraction they proceed to the ride’s exit and ask for a return time. The return time is similar to the time the guest would have spent waiting in line if they had been able to do so. This way, guests who cannot wait in line can do something else then return to the ride at their appointed time. If a child is using the Boarding Pass they do not need to be present when a return time is issued but they do need to be present in order for anyone in the party to board the ride. King’s Dominion offers a KidTrack program that offers wrist bands to help quickly reunite a child with their party should they become separated. While King’s Dominion does not have designated sensory-friendly areas the park recommends utilizing one of their numerous air-conditioned restaurants for a child who needs a break from the crowds. More information about King’s Dominion’s accessibility program can be found here.
Editor’s Note: For our guide to theme parks along with insider tips, go here.
Six Flags America guests requiring accommodations should register in advance at AccessibilityCard.org. Guests will be asked a series of questions and are required to upload documentation of a disability, such as a doctor’s note stating that accommodations are needed or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Once approved, guests need to bring their digital accessibility card to guest services to be activated for the day each time they visit. Six Flags America allows guests with disabilities to ride some attractions twice to avoid having to get on and off rides. Six Flags has also been designated as a Certified Autism Center. Although there are not currently any designated quiet spots, there is a lake near the center of the park that may be calming. The Six Flags Safety & Accessibility Guide can be found here.
Editor’s Note: For our guide to theme parks along with insider tips, go here.
13710 Central Ave.
Upper Marlboro, MD
Online: sixflags.com
Hersheypark partnered with Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania, an organization devoted to parents helping other parents navigate life with a child with special needs to develop their Rider Safety & Accessibility Guide’. Hersheypark offers three quiet areas throughout the park for guests with sensory needs. Guests with special needs and disabilities answer a series of questions and Hersheypark comes up with an accessibility plan based on their needs. Many guests are permitted to enter rides through the Fast Track lane to avoid waiting in line. Depending on the guest’s needs, riders may be able to go on the next ride that boards or may need to wait several cycles. Find out more about Hersheypark’s accessibility here.
Editor’s Note: For our guide to theme parks along with insider tips, go here.
Portland families love their Pacific Northwest home. From the largest urban forest to an abundance of gorgeous parks, our city is truly a natural oasis filled with many beloved greenspaces that need our nurturing and support. This weekend Portland is hosting tons of Earth Day activities, events and celebrations that give your family an opportunity to get out and have fun while cleaning, planting and restoring protected areas. Read on to find out where your family can make the biggest impact this weekend.
Clean-up in Northwest Portland
Bring the kiddos out to northwest Portland to spend a Saturday morning cleaning up the neighborhood! The Hostel Cafe is acting as the hub for this Earth Day tradition, and they’ll have you covered. SOLVE Oregon will provide the bags, the litter grabbers, the gloves, and the refreshments – all you need to do is show up in your best pair of walking shoes, but you can bring all of your own materials if you’d like! Event Details.
Portland Saturday Market
Spring is here and there is no better time to support our local artisans than now, and what better way is there than by hitting the iconic Portland Saturday Market. Enjoy local music, delectable bites, and shopping goods created by our beloved city’s artists. Event Details.
Autism Walk
Join this family-friendly, Autism-friendly event celebrating Autistic people and the Autism community! Registration fee includes a commemorative event tee-shirt, face painters, photo booth, resource tables, art activities, obstacle court, appearances by costumed characters, and more! The walk is a 1/2 mile loop, accessible to all. All funds raised are to support ASO’s programs in Oregon and SW Washington! Event Details.
Earth Day Community Celebration
This full-day event is sure to get the kids pumped about celebrating our awesome planet. Get to know your neighbors and show up on Earth Day at Washington Highschool to enjoy an afternoon of panel discussions, arts & crafts, and live music! Make sure to bring props, homemade signs, and your best Earth accessories so you can take part in the parade! After that, you can make your way to Clinton Street Records for a little pre-screening bash before settling in at the Clinton Theater to watch Rad Earth. Event Details.
Trail Work: Forest Park
Join Portland families in our city’s beloved Forest Park for the annual trail work party with the Forest Park Conservancy. Attendees will work throughout the morning until noon working on the trails. Sign-up is required in advance. Event Details.
Center for Native Arts & Cultures
Join the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) for a day of activation at the new Center for Native Arts and Cultures (CNAC)! The Open House event at CNAC provides an opportunity to view NACF’s inaugural exhibition, “Where the Waters Come Together,” meet NACF staff, and hear about future plans for the Center of Native Arts. Visitors can participate in various art activations throughout the building as well as witness performances by Indigenous artists. Event Details.
Community Clean-up and Planting Party
One of the best things about Portland is the natural beauty that surrounds us. The smell of roses quite literally floats through the air. On Earth Day, you can join a community clean-up project in your neighborhood! Local families will be walking around and picking up trash as well as sprucing up the planter boxes on the sidewalk, and planting some flowers and bulbs. Event Details.
The World of Leonardo Da Vinci
The World of Leonardo da Vinci is an innovative exhibition dedicated to one of the most influential thinkers of the Renaissance. Visitors will explore reproductions of da Vinci’s many engineering marvels and artistic masterpieces, ranging from boats to flying machines to musical instruments.
For the first time ever in the Pacific Northwest, two original da Vinci folios from the 500-year-old Codex Atlanticus will be on display thanks to an arrangement with the renowned Biblioteca Ambrosiana of Milan, Italy. Visitors will have the opportunity to see these authentic documents up close as well as consult all pages of da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus and Codex on Flight in digital format. Event Details.
Got kiddos under the age of five? Then the fall is your friend for family travel. Now that school is back in session, you can visit these family-friendly destinations without the summer crowds, whether you’re aiming for a weekend trip amongst the fall foliage, or a beach town that’s awesome in the offseason. So if you have a toddler or two in tow or preschoolers who still have a relatively open schedule, read on for fun fall family vacation ideas.
Washington, D.C.
Jennifer Massoni Pardini
For a summer visit to D.C., you better be ready to share it with a whole lot of field trips and tour buses. When school is pack in session, however, it’s easier to get around. For a requisite tour of the Mall, you’ll definitely want to check out our insider’s guide. For the under-five set, you won’t want to miss the Building Museum. If it’s still hot in October (it’s been known to happen), cool off in the extra-large splash fountain at the Yards Park, where the newly developed waterfront has great spots for lunch, too. If it’s already chilly when you visit, tour the U.S. Botanic Gardens and warm up among the tropical plants and flowers.
Insider's tip: All Smithsonian museums are free! That includes the National Zoo!
There may not be a more magical way to take advantage of a school-free schedule than at a Disney park. At Disneyland, the weather’s just about always lovely, so find out when your school district has its winter or spring breaks—and book your family’s trip before or after to lessen the crowds. You may think it’s a trip to save for when the kids are a little older, but there is plenty for all ages to enjoy—and this may be the stage when the kids are most willing to believe in all the magic. We know how expensive it can be, too, so we have tons of ways to save so you can feel like you’ve made the most of it.
Insider's tip: We rounded up 16 hidden secrets of Disneyland (like where to pick up those baby essentials you may have forgotten at home).
One (of many) fantastic things about a high-elevation destination is all that can happen in a day just when it comes to weather. If you need a fleece in the morning during the fall months, you’ll be in a t-shirt by the afternoon thanks to your proximity to that glorious sun. And much of what is wonderful about Boulder in the summer is still accessible to families in the fall, from letting the tots scale the boulders in Arapahoe Ridge Park to a kid-friendly hike by the Flatirons. Football season, of course, is only in the fall and is when downtown Boulder is the stage for Pearl Street Stampedes. The University of Colorado's Golden Buffalo Marching Band performs while cheerleaders dance and the football team tosses out toy footballs from an antique fire truck that leads a parade. Locals and kids alike call this a favorite fall tradition. Check out all of our other favorite mountain towns to explore year round here.
Insider’s tip: If you visit right after school is back in session, you’ll have Boulder Creek more to yourself for warm-weather tubing!
When the playgroup asks if you went to the park on your trip Upstate, your tots will be able to say that, yes, in fact, they visited the biggest park in the country. Well, the continental United States, but who’s counting? (If you are counting, however, the park—not to be confused with a state or national park—boasts 6,000,000 acres!). And in the fall, that adds up to a lot of changing leaves. If the kids fell asleep, you won’t even have to get out of the car for one of 14 drives that meander through some seriously epic fall foliage. For other favorite places around the country to see fall colors, check out our list.
Insider's tip: There is wildlife galore to keep an eye out for: moose, fox, river otters, flying squirrels, beavers, skunks and black bears! Did we mention flying squirrels?
Your little Thomas fans will be in train heaven when you visit Kennywood Park. Thomas Town is complete with five rides, a stage show, appearances by other Sodor regulars like Percy, James, Emily and Gordon, as well as play areas galore. In anticipation, download a coloring sheet of the whole town for excited Thomas fans.
If you live in the Mid-Atlantic region, you know summer at the beach can mean big crowds and tons of traffic. But if you wait until fall, the beach can be yours. Even during peak season, Bethany Beach is a lower-key choice than big regional draws like Rehoboth or Virginia Beach. Both the Boardwalk and main drag of Garfield Parkway are easy strolls for short-legged travelers, with plenty of souvenir stores still open and places to duck into for French Fries or ice cream. Bethany Beach also decks out its streets for the season, making for a sweet photo-opp with pumpkins and fall decor. And if the wind picks up, just pop into Bethany Beach Books and while away some time in its darling children’s section.
Insider's tip: Tidepool Toys & Games right on the Boardwalk is a great place to grab marked-down beach toys, and they have a well-stocked Thomas the Train table inside to keep toddlers entertained.
The U.S. is rich in natural wonders, and every single state has amazing national parks to explore. Most will have fewer crowds to contend with when you avoid traveling in the summer months, but that can also put you into some inclement weather depending on when you travel. The southwest is a good bet in the fall to avoid crowds and the highest temps! And instead of miles to hike (which can be a lot to ask of the under-five set), White Sands National Monument in southern New Mexico has acres of soft sand dunes! So pack or purchase a sled at the Visitor Center, slather on the sunscreen, and slide on down—again and again, as your tot is bound to want to do! There are also kid-friendly boardwalks for exploring the dunes without getting sand in your shoes. If you’re looking for family-friendly national parks in another neck of the woods, check out our whole round-up of the best national parks for families.
Insider's tip: Hours do vary depending on the time of year, so check the website before you go.
You may think your kids need to be mermaids to fully take advantage of an indoor waterpark like Great Wolf Lodge. But rising swimmers and life vest-wearing tots can splash-a-plenty in the areas designed especially with toddlers in mind, like the zero-entry Cub Paw Pool and Fort Mackenzie’s splash pad. With 19 locations currently across the country, from Grapevine, TX to Manteca, CA, there’s likely a lodge near you.
Insider's Tip: You can start the fun three hours before check-in and keep it up ALL DAY after your 11 a.m. check-out. That’s right, the lodge is still yours until closing (or at least until nap time, a perfect time to hit the road with a happily exhausted pack). Talk about a paw-some perk.
New England, while stunning, certainly doesn’t have the market cornered when it comes to breathtaking fall foliage. If you check out Mount Rainier in the fall, not only will the summer mountaineering crowds have died down, but there will also be a blanket of reds, yellows, and greens laid out at the base of the mountain. There’s an 800-year-old Douglas fir log to checkout, the Trail of Shadows is recommended for tot trekkers (it’s under a mile), interactive exhibits await at the local visitor centers, and a gondola ride is a must. You’ll marvel at all the incredible views along the way.
Insider's tip: If your littles aren’t quite mountaineers, there is still so much to do thanks to these inspiring itineraries for families, whether you have 10 hours or 48 to explore.
If you want the beach without big waves or a coastal current, consider a jaunt to Lake Michigan, particularly the Dunes region comprised of Ogden Dunes, Dune Acres, Porter Beach, and Beverly Shores. It’s the perfect spot for picnics, pristine beaches (public as well as private beaches for those who rent a house in one of the beachside towns), and all that wet, sandy good fun that’s usually a crowd-pleaser with kids of all ages. If you’re curious about other under-the-radar beaches to visit, we gathered plenty across the country.
Whether they’re still loving DUPLOS or have moved on to a full-on brick storage station, they will absolutely love LEGOLAND, which is a good size for younger brick builders. And everyone should love the more amenable Florida weather in fall or winter months. Theme park planning is overwhelming, we know, so we’ve done all the research for you, with LEGOLAND Florida Resort secrets you probably don’t know, from “tot spots,” which are just like the big kid rides but sized for younger kids, to how autism-friendly the park is. While you have the option to stay onsite at LEGOLAND Hotel, across the road is LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, for that perfect mix of themed fun for the kids and relaxation for the ‘rents. Tot-friendly accommodations include kid-friendly menus (breakfast is included!), floating bricks in the pool, a big play structure, and even toilet seats that convert to a smaller size in the bungalows. If you’re planning to check out other LEGO locations, we have you covered there as well.
Insider’s tip: There’s a free shuttle service to the park, where you also get early admission as guests of the Beach retreat so you can beat the crowds that way too.
For theme park fun, you definitely don’t have to travel to Florida or California. If you’re in New England, Story Land in New Hampshire has everything your young family needs and plenty of fairy tale characters, like Cinderella (she hosts a tea party and story time and will loan you her Pumpkin Coach for a ride), as well as Humpty Dumpty, Duke the Dragon, and new friend Rory the Dinosaur. Not to mention attractions, like a Buccaneer Pirate Ship, specifically designed for the pint-sized.
San Diego is home to a diverse array of awesome families––and a growing list of local businesses are offering more all-inclusive accommodations for kids of all backgrounds and abilities. If your child has special needs, they can try out gymnastics, bounce around at local trampoline parks, connect with nature, explore museums or just catch a movie with the sound down and the lights up. Here are some fun places where they’ll feel welcomed and have a blast.
The lights and sounds of usual movie theaters can be too much for those with heightened senses; that’s why these theaters offer a sensory-friendly experience. They turn the volume down and keep the lights up for a more pleasant movie experience. Oh, and it’s okay for kids to make loud noises and get up to dance or walk around. Be sure to check your local theaters to confirm sensory-friendly showtimes.
AMC Theaters When: 2nd & 4th Sat. (family-friendly) and Wed. evenings (mature audiences) Where: various Online: amctheatres.com
UltraStar Cinemas When: every Wed. at 10 am and 7 pm (temporarily paused, keep checking back) What: Technically, it’s called “Bring your infant to the movies,” but they provide the same sensory adjustments and these shows are open to anyone, not just families with babies. Where: 7510 Hazard Center Rd., Mission Valley Online: ultrastarmovies.com
Jump around at this trampoline park that offers dedicated times for jumpers with special needs. Music is played at a lower volume, the atmosphere is calmer and everyone is aware of giving extra space and making sure jumpers are having fun.
Get Air Trampoline Park What: “A Special Time For You” is for special needs jumpers. One adult can support the jumper for free and siblings are welcome. When: First Sat. each month, 8-10 am
2755 Dos Aarons Way, Vista; 760-478-5867 12160 Community Rd., Poway; 858-848-1247 26201 Ynez Rd., Temecula; 951-268-3850
Being in nature is inherently calming and slow-paced, which is perfect for anyone who gets overstimulated easily. Check out our go-to list for parks, hiking, camping and playing.
National Parks The Access Passes are free to U.S. residents with disabilities, so head out to Cabrillo National Monument or a little further out to Joshua Tree National Park for some sensory exploration.
Hiking The Jas Arnold trail is a “Trail For All People” in Rancho Penasquitos. The 1,100 flat loop trail is fully ADA and wheelchair accessible with four shade structures and lots of benches for frequent breaks.
Camps The Autism Society and the YMCA have partnered up to offer some special needs camps. They offer a day camp called "Camp I Can" in Carlsbad and Clairemont; and an overnight camp experience in the mountains in a safe and supportive environment.
Playgrounds These inclusive playgrounds have sensory and adaptive features that will excite all the senses.
Briercrest Park (pictured above) It’s won several awards and is a sensory park featuring outdoor chime instruments, an herb garden, mosaic pathways, a labyrinth, swings, rock climbing, sandbox, footbridges and gently rolling green grassy hills. Where: 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa
Eucalyptus Park It was built by the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons and KaBOOM! It includes adaptive swings, a spiral climber, V-bounce for kids and more. Where: Fourth and C St., Chula Vista
San Dieguito County Park: Miracle Field Playground This accessible playground features six key play elements: balancing, spinning, brachiating, sliding, climbing, and spinning. Specialty equipment was mixed in with features like ramps and rubberized surface flooring. Where: 1785 Highland Dr., Del Mar
You’ll have these entire children’s museums to yourselves during their special morning hours that are just for sensory-needs children. You’ll find play-based exhibits, quieter environments, sensory activities, noise-canceling headphones, calming zones and more.
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum When: every Sun. from 8:30-9:30 am and daily quiet times after 2 pm 320 N Broadway, Escondido 760-233-7755 Online: sdcdm.org
The New Children’s Museum When: quarterly during the year (temporarily paused so check back later) 200 W Island Ave., downtown 619-233-8792 Online: thinkplaycreate.org
Public Libraries All over the city and county, public libraries have event calendars full of fun kids activities like yoga, sign and storytimes, songs & dancing, crafting and more. Many of these programs are accommodating and welcoming for all children, but some of them also have designated events just for special needs kids. These programs are paused, but definitely check back later because these free events are really well done and always very welcoming.
Therapeutic Recreation Services This City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department provides sports, recreation, leisure and outreach services to people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. These are available to children and adults ages 3 and up, with any type of disability. You’ll find fun activities like cooking, dance parties, board games, arts & crafts, workout classes, magic & talent shows, movie nights and more. Most of these are currently virtual, but they’re waiting for approval to open up in-person activities soon.
Future scientists and historians will feel at ease when these museums open their doors one hour early for families with special needs kids to tinker and discover. Museums are wonderful places that are full of sensory stimulation activities and visuals for everyone to enjoy. These two beloved museums at Balboa Park offer a morning just for those with special needs to engage with their activities. It’s a quieter museum experience and each of these has large-screen theaters with beautiful educational films where they turn the volume down and keep the lights up for easier processing.
Bonus: Both museums offer a free general admission ticket for an adult companion
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center When: 3rd Sat. each month from 9-10 am 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park 619-238-1233 Online: rhfleet.org
The Natural History Museum When: 2nd Sun. each month from 9-10 am (temporarily paused, but check back later) 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park 619-232-3821 Online: sdnat.org
Theme parks have a lot of stimulation with sounds and sights and while they don’t have special hours just for those with special needs, they do offer other services that might be helpful. For example, both have ride access programs, where those with special needs don’t have to wait in line. They also have quiet areas of the parks where you can go for less stimulation and to wind down. Check with each park’s guest services for all the details.
SeaWorld San Diego What: Ride Accessibility Program (RAP) lets you book a specific time for rides and attractions, accompanied by up to five people in their party. Or you can sign up for the “virtual queue,” which holds your place in line while you go off to explore other parts of the park until your turn comes up.
500 Sea World Dr., Mission Bay 619-222-4732 Online: seaworld.com
Legoland What: Assisted Access Pass allows you to board your first-choice ride without waiting in line. Choose the next ride and you’ll receive a boarding time to return and continue that process throughout the day.
One Legoland Dr., Carlsbad 877-376-5346 Online: legoland.com
If you’ve set your sights on setting sail in the near future, we’ve got the list for you. Family cruises are fantastic vacation options for big groups, as they offer tons of experiences both on- and off-ship. From roller coasters and trampoline parks to ziplining and swimming with dolphins, family cruises offer them all. We’ve rounded up a slew of our favorites—so cruise on!
Galapagos—Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions
Meet the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands—from sea lions and blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises and Darwin’s finches. This 48-person cruise will have you snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and exploring the wildlife and local culture.
Kids will love participating in the onboard National Geographic Global Explorers program where they can choose among a host of cool activities—from recording wildlife sightings in their field notebook to collecting and observing plankton fresh from the ocean—all designed to help them develop what National Geographic Education defines as the attitudes, skills and knowledge of an explorer. They can collect points on their way to becoming a National Geographic Global Explorer—with the certification to prove it!
From $5,730/person for a 7-day Galapagos trip, kids save $500
If you want an ultra-magical family cruise experience, Disney has you covered. When you board a Disney cruise ship, character appearances, onboard themes like Pirate Night and all the magic of a Disney theme park set sail with you. Itineraries abound, from a three-to seven-night Bahamian adventure that kicks off from Texas, Florida or New York and includes an excursion to Disney’s very own private tropical island, Castaway Cay, to a two-to five-night cruise to Baja.
Onboard activities happen from opening time to closing time at the ship's kids club and the schedule varies: there are talent shows, a Magic PlayFloor where kids’ movements control the action (think flying over London with Peter Pan.) and for any Star Wars fans—Jedi Knight training and challenges. There's even a club for tweens and teens to hang out. Read all about the onboard activities here.
Stay tuned for 2022: Disney just announced that its newest ship the Disney Wish will be headed to a port near you! Around that same time, Disney plans to open another private island in the Bahamas.
UnCruise offers a different type of cruise, and families will love it. Think smaller ship, more individualized attention and programming that kids and parents will both enjoy. Just recently, UnCruise started sailing around Hawaii year round, and it's been an instant family favorite. You can visit four islands: Molokai, Hawai’i, Maui, Lanai, and you have the opportunity to view loads of marine life. No need to dock and pick up another boat to go snorkeling or swimming, there's an option to do so right off the ship, along with paddleboarding.
UnCruise prices its adventures to include everything from room charges, meals, alcoholic beverages and even off-ship excursions, so you know upfront what your vacation will cost. There won't be any expectations to bring fancy clothing to dress up for dinner, as meals are much more streamlined on UnCruise. It really caters to families looking for bucket list experiences. Kids eight and up are always welcome, and special exceptions are made for those seven and under.
Seven-day cruise costs $5,195 and up with kids 8-13 save $500
Iceland, Greenland, Arctic and More—Adventure Canada
Dennis Minty
A cruise unlike all others, an Adventure Canada expedition cruise takes you to far-away places that you've only dreamed of. Kids of every age can hop aboard zodiac boats to head ashore and explore Viking ruins, hike to waterfalls and learn all about villages buried under years-ago volcanic eruptions. Expedition cruise life means you'll get cultural immersion in the towns that you visit and learn from local experts and naturalists. These excursions are perfect for multi-generational travel as small ships are easy for the mobility-restricted to manage and not so big that you worry you'll lose the kids on board.
Kids under age 2 are free, those ages 2-4 pay only for charter airfare and everyone under 30 saves 30%.
Panama Canal, Costa Rica & Caribbean—Princess Cruises
Kristina Moy
Thanks to its Discovery at SEA program, Princess Cruises caters to kids of all ages both on deck and ashore. New programs are rolling out fleet wide, with new center designs launching throughout 2019 as part of Camp Discovery. The Treehouse is now dedicated to three-to seven-year-olds for hands-on play and fun; The Lodge serves up sports and comfort for eight-to 12-year-olds, and The Beach House will be the onboard hangout for teens. Did we mention these are all included? Learn all about it here.
Even better news? Princess Cruises MedallionClass Vacations now offer a variety of new features specifically designed to enhance everyone's vacation experience. Through the use of an OceanMedallion, families cruising with Princess can now expect an expedited ship to shore experience along with onboard on-demand delivery service, real-time navigation and interactive features on every floor. Learn more about the first MedallionClass ship enabled by OceanMedallion here.
Everyone can stay in comfort in a Mini-Suite with convertible bunk beds for the kids, or larger Family Suites with separate bedrooms. You’ll be well rested when it’s time to snorkel and kayak at a tropical port, like those on their 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean. You can get up close and personal with both baby and 600-pound turtles at Cayman Turtle Farm, encounter sloths IRL at a Costa Rican sanctuary or ride a rainforest aerial tram. Thanks to Discovery Family Tours, many hands-on experiences are designed for ages 3-12.
Guests on this European journey fly into Munich and board the riverboat in Vilshofen. A subsequent stop in Germany visits Passau (where everyone can learn to make marzipan!) before the ship sails into Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Along the way, guests enjoy an Imperial Evening inside a private Viennese palace, a cycling excursion along the Danube, medieval games in Slovakia and visits to castles, catacombs, an amusement park and sites from the film, “The Sound of Music.”
Parents enjoy this cruise because it’s fully inclusive, so there’s zero stress about mounting costs throughout the trip. Prices include all shore excursions, all gratuities, all meals, all onboard beverages (adult and otherwise), all activities, airport transfers, luggage handling and much more.
From $4,390/person plus airfare for this 7-night cruise
The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season) when you can explore rain forests or lounge on the beach without weather interrupting the fun. That's also the time when most tourists want to visit, meaning higher prices on hotel rooms and at resorts, along with more people.
Enter Windstar. The cruise line sails in the region in the winter only (both the 212-passenger all-suite Star Legend and 148-passenger motorized sailing yacht Wind Star run sailings) and accesses smaller ports and islands away from the crowds. Windstar makes "wet landings" because that's the only way to reach the shore in these tiny ports. Rugged inflatable boats deliver you directly from the yacht to the beach, where you disembark directly in the water. All of this means you'll still enjoy the best weather of the year, but on an uncrowded ship that also offers boutique, small-sized (and fairly priced) shore excursions that help you do things like sport fishing in areas protected from the winter winds.
Windstar has a naturalist onboard all of their Costa Rica and Panama Canal sailings, so guests get extra insight into the flora and fauna of the region. This cruise appeals to multi-generational families traveling together because of all the varied offerings. Kids must be eight and older to sail.
From the moment guests step onboard a Costa Cruise, they're treated to a uniquely immersive cultural experience. Families can embark on an unforgettable voyage through the history books on a 10-night Mediterranean cruise. Sailing roundtrip from Venice, Costa Victoria visits legendary ports throughout Italy, Greece and Croatia. The ship calls at Bari, Italy; Argostoli/Kefalonia, Athens, Santorini, Rhodes and Crete Greece; Kotor, Montenegro; and Split, Croatia. Families can enjoy a serene gondola ride through Venice's famed canal, walk in history's footsteps with a visit to Athens' ancient Acropolis or discover the Medieval treasures of Kotor.
Children can get up close and personal with Peppa Pig at the Squok Club or experience a thrilling water slide at the popular Aquapark. The Squok Club also provides special programming that gives junior cruisers the chance to either be “Captain for a Day” or “Princess for a Day,” where they can dress up, act the part and enjoy special themed activities.
From $1,009 per person for a 10-night Mediterranean cruise
Sailing to exotic islands in French Polynesia is special and offers families a way to experience this unique destination seamlessly. On all sailings, guests receive complimentary access to Paul Gauguin Cruises’ two exclusive retreats. Off the coast of Taha’a lies the private islet of Motu Mahana, where guests can enjoy a day of watersports, Polynesian activities, a sumptuous barbecue feast and cocktails from full and floating bars. In Bora Bora, guests can relax on a private, white-sand beach and enjoy refreshments, a game of volleyball, snorkeling and paddleboarding.
The ship's Moana Explorer program invites guests to discover and value the natural wonders of this breathtaking part of the world through hands-on, interactive learning on summer and December holiday sailings. While it is designed for children and teens ages 7-17, all family members are welcome to participate. Every day of the voyage, there is a combination of naturalist-led island and/or beach excursions, science activities, crafts, games and other adventures.
From $4,295/person including economy airfare from LA. The third person 17 and under in a stateroom is free, exclusive of airfare and taxes.
Crystal Cruises’ ocean vessels feature a fully supervised Junior Activities program for kids between the ages of 3 and 17 on holiday voyages and nearly all summer sailings, each with dedicated play areas for both young kids and teens. The kids club Fantasia for ages 3-12, and Waves teen club from ages 13-17, welcomes junior cruises with games, crafts, popular Sony PlayStation and Xbox 360 kiosks to play on large-screen televisions. Children aboard call also enjoy board games and personal computers with entertainment and education. Kids of all ages can also enjoy a special Junior Cruiser's menu (hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, etc.).
On the Colorful Cultures cruise, families can relish in the rejuvenating calm of the Caribbean while sailing from Fort Lauderdale to San Juan aboard Crystal Serenity. Families can snorkel in St. Thomas, participate in a semi-submarine adventure in St. Barts and hike in the rain forest in Saint Kitts while creating experiences to remember for a lifetime.
From $1,695/person for this 8-night cruise
Read more: crystalcruises.com
Castles along the Rhine—Uniworld
We love the river cruise option for families as it provides a smaller ship experience with tons of stops along the way. This 8-day cruise takes a maximum of 152 passengers down the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses, and get an insider’s look at one of the only castles on the Rhine that has never been destroyed, Marksburg Castle. Visit historic cities, including ancient Cologne and picturesque Strasbourg, then stroll through the fairytale town of Rüdesheim.
Families will especially enjoy the Generations Family Program, which includes special programs, events and excursions designed specifically for your world travelers in training. Travelers ages 4-17 receive a 25% fare discount on these trips.
From $2,999/person for 8-day Basel to Amsterdam journey
Why settle for seeing just one island on your Hawaiian vacation when you can cruise in style and explore four island jewels? Sailing with Princess is a far better vacation value and you’ll visit the top-rated Hawaiian islands—Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island—without all the time-consuming hassle of island hopping by plane. From enriching Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions to the immersive "Aloha Spirit" program onboard, you'll discover each island's unique charm and fall in love with Hawaii's enchanting beauty.
This eight-day Galapagos cruise specially designed for families with children covers the highlights of the Western Islands. Spend your days discovering the beauty and wonders of the Galapagos and exploring the wildlife-rich shores of San Cristobal, Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Isabela and Santiago. Celebrate crossing the equator with a King Neptune kid's costume party and enjoy shipboard educational activities such as board games, games with prizes, drawing contests, talent shows and ice cream sundaes. Kids must be five or older.
The M/V Victory I, designed for coastal cruising, will set sail on the storied Georgian Bay starting in May 2019. Guests can admire the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and take in the breathtaking vistas of the Southern Canadian Coast. This ship is purposefully-designed for coastal cruising, with every modern convenience to explore North America’s maritime history throughout the Great Lakes and southern Canadian coast. Guests onboard will enjoy immersive and inclusive shore excursions in each port of call, exquisite multi-course fine dining with specialty and casual options including spirits, beer and wine; onboard enrichment, evening entertainment and Wi-Fi in public areas.
To really experience The Last Frontier, families can embark on a two-week trip on a Princess Land and Sea excursion which includes exploring the Alaska Interior (including Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks). Princess Cruise Line has been in Alaska since the 1970s (they are celebrating 50 years in 2019), so they have deep relationships in most Alaska communities. Princess is the only cruise line that owns lodges, as well as train cars, which makes for seamless travel (music to our ears when traveling with kids), so they are the go-to partner for many travelers for Alaska Land and Sea packages. If you can, book a MedallionClass ship, Princesses newest technology that make onboarding, managing services and keeping track of kids much easier. For more detail about how the Ocean Medallion systems works, click here.
TIP: If you’re doing a Land and Seas excursion, we definitely recommend scheduling the land portion FIRST. While Princess makes moving around Alaska interior pretty easy, after 4 or 5 nights in different lodges, it was a treat to unpack our suitcase in our cabin on the cruise ship and have our cabin and personal items safely stored for the rest of the trip.
Cunard’s Quebec City itineraries offer the opportunity for multi-generational families to travel and spend much-needed quality time together. Queen Mary 2 offers unique activities for families, including taking a virtual ride into space with the ship’s full-scale planetarium, watercolor painting classes and even learning how to fence.
Cunard offers a variety of areas dedicated to hosting and entertaining children while onboard. They include the Night Nursery, where infants aged 6 to 24 months are housed by childcare professionals and parents are given a pager in case their child wakes. For older children, Cunard offers the Play Zone for kids ages 2-7, and the Kids Zone for kids ages 8-17, which includes fun activities, arts and crafts, gaming consoles and planned excursions to the ship’s theatre or cinema. The Teen Zone accommodates ages 13-17 and offers planned activities such as deck sports, karaoke, gaming, quizzes and more. Infants under two sail for free, while ages two and up sail at half fare (when sailing as the third or fourth passenger in the cabin).
If you’re looking to zoom through Haitian skies on an absolutely epic zip-line (the longest in the world over water) or swim with dolphins in perfect turquoise waters, then a Royal Caribbean seven-night Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean cruise is for you (they have some 299 other destinations available, too). The adventure continues on deck, whether you fancy a surf in the FlowRider, thrilling waterslides, or mini golf—their Adventure Ocean youth program is a must for families.
Once the kids have discovered the Adventure Science Lab and Imagination Studio, they won’t even ask where you’ve gone (the Bottomless Galley Brunch, perhaps?). Little cruisers can jump into ball pits at Aquanauts while teens have a whole disco to themselves (dance party included). There are even Royal Tots playgroups for babies on board. Additional stops along the way include the Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first destination in Royal’s new private island collection, St. Maarten, the Bahamas Blue Lagoon Island and St. Thomas’s Turtle Bay. For a closer look, check out our insider's guide to the Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world!
If river cruising is more your family’s speed, Avalon Waterways has fantastic options for seeing Europe (or Asia or South America). You won’t find the clubs that keep the kids entertained during long stretches at sea, but you will find wraparound wonder with so much constantly in view right from the ship (your room included), making this a trip-of-a-lifetime for culture-seeking big kids.
If you have 9-16 days free in 2020, take a voyage down the epic Seine. A Grand France cruise stops at landmarks made famous by the likes of Napoleon, Joan of Art and Vincent Van Gogh. Plus, Paris! In addition to visits to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, the kids will love counting the 37 Parisian bridges—or challenge the family to keep a tally on the whole journey. Their MyAvalon service will also help you personalize shore excursions to your family’s liking.
If you’re not sure a week-long cruise or hours on the open sea are for you, check out Riverboat Twilight’s one and two-day cruises along the Mississippi River. The two-day cruise travels between LeClaire to Dubuque, Iowa, on an authentic paddleboat and gives the family the overnight experience of being on board a ship while taking in the gorgeous bluffs along the Mississippi. It also includes excursions like admission to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
Prices start at $399/per person, with kids under 10 being just $159 (and children under 3 free).
The East Coast is a popular point of departure, and Norwegian is ready to sail you away to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, or the Bahamas. Head for Great Stirrup Cay—Norwegian’s own private island, complete with white sand and sea turtles to snorkel alongside. Don't forget to enjoy the complimentary taco bar, Abaco Taco (need we say more?). Norwegian’s youth programs, Splash Academy (ages three to 12) and Entourage (ages three to 17), are also complimentary for play and parties, while its Guppies Program hosts activities for parents and baby cruisers six months to three years (If you book a cruise on the Escape, there is also a Guppies Nursery.). While on Norwegian’s Breakaway, Getawa, and Epic ships, watch for Cirque Dreams to perform amazing acrobatic stunts.
TIP: On select 5 or 7-day cruises to the Bahamas, extra guests can sail for free!
Vast, wild and utterly gorgeous, Alaska tops many travelers’ must-visit lists. For families, a visit offers so much to see and do that nobody complains of being bored. Even tablets and iPods are likely to be set aside in favor of watching whales breach or listening to the thunder of a calving glacier. A cruise tour pairs the best of cruising with the best of land touring, showing off the heart of Alaska’s untamed wilderness and its scenic coastline. Aboard the Celebrity Millennium®, cruise the Inside Passage to Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Skagway before disembarking in Seward. Luxury motor coaches and glass-domed trains then carry you into the unspoiled interior, to lodges set in the shadow of awesome Denali. Take time to unwind and tuck into locally-sourced meals before joining a tour of breathtaking Denali National Park.
We love Celebrity Cruises for their inclusivity. They’ve gone the extra sea mile to ensure that their onboard environments are autism friendly for kids of all ages, with sensory toys and movie-viewing environments, gluten- and dairy-free menu options and well-trained Fun Factory and Youth Staff. Other services include priority check-in, equipping parents with contact phones while their kids are signed in to Fun Factory programs, and a Cruising Social Story booklet to download ahead of the cruise.
If you have rising history buffs in the family, want to take a closer look at medieval castle life, or be amazed by wildlife, take note that Poseidon Expeditions launched a brand new 13-day cruise, British Isles: Legendary History & Wild Nature, on May 22, 2019. You’ll have the chance to see baby puffins on the Skellig Islands off Ireland or spot otters and wild ponies while exploring Snowdonia National Park in Wales. Dolphins, whales, and seals are also likely to swim by. The kids can direct their nature questions to naturalist guides led by renowned historian Dr. Hew Lewis-Jones. With 55 guest suites aboard the Sea Spirit, the scale of this cruise isn’t overwhelming either, but rather a sure way to see remote and wondrous corners of Great Britain.
Did you hear? Carnival Panorama, their newest ship, will be ready to set sail from Long Beach and take your family on Mexican Riviera cruise starting this December 2019. Featuring the first Sky Zone Trampoline Park at sea (yes, you read that right!), the ship offers SportSquare’s mini-golf and games, ropes course, and the elevated SkyRide, as well as Choose Fun Waterworks (with two epic waterslides that are kid and parent friendly). The Camp Ocean kids club is another play area just for little cruisers (ages two to 11), while Serenity is an onboard retreat just for adults. The family can reunite for a comedy show or go head to head for a Lip Sync Battle.
The 7-day cruise takes you from Long Beach, CA with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy ziplining, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking among other activities. For a kiddo’s first-hand take on all the Carnival fun, check out our report.
Disconnect completely with a phone-free family vacation along the Peruvian Amazon in 5-star luxury aboard Aqua Expeditions' Aria Amazon. With no internet or cell reception, all 16 Design Suites on the Aria Amazon across the first and second deck measure 250 square feet, include air conditioning, polished timber flooring and its most amazing feature—a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass facing the Amazon River. Guests aboard the Aria Amazon can see sloths, elusive pink dolphins, all varieties of monkey, piranha, toucans, caimans, anacondas and more, and will visit multiple indigenous villages along the banks of the river. This one-of-a-kind digital detox will have the whole family reminiscing about their Amazon adventures for years to come.
Experience Norway’s beautiful fjords, charming ports, and rare wildlife under the midnight sun or the spectacular northern lights. On select Hurtigruten cruises, kids ages 6-12 can join the Young Explorers Program and learn about other cultures, the importance of nature in our daily lives and the impact humans have on our delicate and beautiful planet. A dedicated host will plan and organize all the activities, which focus on fun and eco-friendly learning events, tailor-made to awaken a sense of adventure.
If you think exploring Europe with kids is impossible, consider taking a cruise around the Mediterranean with Royal Caribbean. You'll board in either Barcelona or Rome, and can enjoy exploring three different countries: Spain, France and Italy. There are plenty of kid-friendly excursions available to families, including pizza-making in Italy and beach days in Barcelona. Depending on which cruise you pick, you'll either be aboard the Oasis of the Seas or the Jewel of the Seas. Both ships are full of fun and adventure, including everything from Royal Caribbean's famous kids' clubs, original entertainment, pools, zip lines and more.
Looking for autism-friendly events for kids in NYC? We found lots of sensory-friendly and inclusive performances, museum programs and opening hours throughout the city, as well as story times, movie screenings, and more for kids on the spectrum or with special needs. In addition to sensory-friendly programming and events, many museums and theaters offer visual guides, social narratives, sensory maps, and in some cases, even aids on site to make sure your outing is as fun and enjoyable as it can be.
The New Victory Theater
Jeremy Daniel
One of our favorite theaters for kids in NYC is the New Victory Theater. (Check out what they have on stage this season here.) And one of the reasons we love them is their ongoing efforts to reach audiences of all kinds.
In consultation with Autism Friendly Spaces, Inc., select performances at the New Victory are adapted for individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivity, with modified lighting and sound, a judgement-free atmosphere and calming corner and activity area. Additionally, Autism Specialists are available throughout the performances to provide assistance as requested or needed. See what shows currently offer sensory-friendly performances here.
LC Kids Relaxed Performances
Theatre des Petites Ames
Another venue for sensory-sensitive theater is Lincoln Center. The organization’s LC Kids program offers relaxed performances adapted for neurodiverse audiences, including children with autism or other disabilities. At these performances, there are no restrictions around noise or movement, audience members are welcome to leave and re-enter the theater, and adjustments are made to these productions to reduce sensory stimuli.
Lincoln Center also offers Passport to the Arts: A Program for Children with Disabilities and their Families, which includes programming across the complex’s many venues, including the New York City Ballet, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic and the Big Apple Circus, the last of which holds autism-friendly performances and Circus of the Senses. Register for the program here.
For autism-friendly performances of big Broadway shows, check out TDF Autism Friendly Performances. These Broadway musicals are presented in a supportive environment for children and adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other sensitivity issues and their families and friends.
Titles include Frozen, The Lion King, Aladdin, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and others. You can see the list of upcoming performances here.
Kaiser's Room
Kaiser's Room
Kaiser’s Room offers arts-based classes in dance and acting aimed at social and skill development. Classes are inclusive and for all ages and held in a safe and supportive environment. You can read more about classes here, and they also run a summer camp for kids ages seven and up.
The organization also produces a sensory-friendly, interactive theater piece throughout the year, Treasure in NYC.
This winter, Kaiser's Room is staging a unique show on December 14 for people with developmental delays. Adventure in Winter Wonderland is a 45-minute multi-sensory, interactive theatrical experience. Five performers take a maximum of seven "Junior Adventure Guides" on a search for holiday presents in a safe environment. The show includes singing songs, making new friends, and using your imagination.
Sat., Dec. 14. Noon-1p.m. Tickets: $35/participant (families watch for free) The Studio Lab 32 Sixth Ave. Soho Online: kaisersroom.org
Marlene Meyerson JCC
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The Center for Special Needs at the Marlene Meyerson JCC offers classes and programming that is open to the community. Classes, which have a high staff-to-child ratio include supportive gymnastic and swimming, as well as events for teens, parents and siblings.
The Samuel Priest Rose Building 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th St. Upper West Side 646-505-4444 Online: jccmanhattan.org
Liberty Science Center
Liberty Science Center
The Liberty Science Center in Jersey City offers a Sensory Map, which idenitifes areas in the building with bright lights, high volume, tight spaces, strong smells, live animals, and other points to help people plan their visit. You can download it here.
The museum also developed a Social Narrative Map that helps prepare learners for the new experience and environment of visiting the museum. You can download it here.
The museum also hosts Special Needs Days for school groups, that require pre-registration. Find more info here.
Liberty Science Center 222 Jersey City Blvd. Liberty State Park 201-200-1000 Online: lsc.org
A drop-in program designed for families with children ages six and up, Guggenheim for All invites children on the autism spectrum and their families to explore works of art in sensory-friendly experiences in the galleries and create their own art in the studio. It’s free, although registration is required.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum 1071 5th Ave. Upper East Side 212-423-3500 Online: guggenheim.org
Family Fun for All at the Whitney Museum of American Art
Whitney Museum of American Art
Every three months the Whitney invites families with children ages six and up on the autism spectrum to enjoy sensory-friendly gallery activities and a hands-on art-making workshop before the Museum opens to the general public. Families explore a current Whitney exhibition and create their own art inspired by works on view. Registration is required.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has developed a robust library of museum-specific resources for visitors on the Autism Spectrum, including tips for parents, sensory-friendly maps, social narratives, a “My Met Tour”, a visual checklist and tour, and an interactive map.
The Museum also hosts a monthly Discoveries program for children and adults with a range of developmental and learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum. These multi-sensory workshops, which explore a different theme each session include tactile opportunities and art-making activities. Workshops are free, but you must register, which you can do by calling 212-650-2010 or emailing access@metmuseum.org.
Metropolitan Museum of Art 1000 5th Ave. Upper East Side 212-535-7710 Online: metmuseum.org
The American Museum of Natural History: Discovery Squad Tours
The Discovery Squad is a unique tour program designed for families affected by autism spectrum disorders. Developed in collaboration with the Seaver Autism Center at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the tours take place before the museum is open to the public, and are free with regular museum admission. Click here for upcoming tour dates. Advance registration is required; email accessibility@amnh.org or call 212-313-7565 to register.
American Museum of Natural History Central Park West & 79th St. Upper West Side 212-769-5100 Online:amnh.org
Access Family Programs at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
The Intrepid offers many resources and programs for children on the autism spectrum. You can access social narratives, sensory guides, and visual vocabularies prior to a visit, and sensory bags, containing noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, and other tools can be borrowed as well.
On the programming front, the Intrepid Museum offers Early Morning Openings and for children ages three to 18 and their families, when they can experience the Museum in a sensory-friendly environment. In the morning, educators lead short, interactive tours designed for all learners, as well as drop-in art activities and structured social/play opportunities.
The Intrepid Museum also offers monthly programs for children (ages 5-17) with learning and developmental disabilities. Similar family programs for teens ages 15 and older and adults with developmental disabilities are offered six times a year. These two-hour programs take place on select Sundays during regular Museum hours. Families take a guided, interactive tour of the museum and participate in art-making activities.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Pier 86 West 46th St. & 12th Ave. Midtown Manhattan Tickets: $25 Adults; $18 children 5-12 (free for 4 and under) Online: intrepidmuseum.org
Access Family Workshops at The Jewish Museum
Jewish Museum
These workshops invite visitors with learning or developmental disabilities to examine current exhibits and permanent works in the museum and then create a work of their own. Workshops include gallery activities and an art project. For more information or to register for a workshop, call 212.423.3289 or email access@thejm.org.
Jewish Museum 1109 5th Ave. Upper East Side 212-423-3200 Online: thejewishmuseum.org
Created with an advisory committee of scholars and professionals with experience serving children with Autism Spectrum Disorders the Brooklyn Children's Museum's Sensory Room is an inclusive space where children of all abilities can engage with their peers and explore their senses. Sessions in the space are balanced between self-guided exploration of the space and a facilitated program by one of BCM’s Educators. Let the educator facilitating know if your child has any particular needs or sensitivities.
The Alamo Draft House Alamo for All program is for young families and guests with special needs. (So the audience may include some new moms with babies, and the films aren't always for kids.) Screenings feature reduced sound, the lights turned up, and noise and latecomers are allowed. You can also move around if you need to.
The first showings of each film on Tuesdays follow Alamo for All rules, with more shows on the weekends. Note that the schedule may vary during holidays. Click here to see what's screening now.
AMC Theaters partners with the Autism Society to offer movie showings when the lights are up, the sound is down, and you can move around as you please. The Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday of every month for family-friendly films and Tuesday evenings (for mature flicks). You can find AMC locations in Bay Plaza in the Bronx and Magic Johnson Theater in Harlem. Check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes.
Sensory Storytime and Events at Your Local Library
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It’s well-known that libraries host loads of events for kids of all ages, from LEGO play to sing-alongs and holiday happenings. Among them, is Sensory Storytime, a fun and interactive library literacy program designed to engage kids through movement, music, stories, and sensory activity play. Open to all, the program and is ideal for children with autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration challenges, or children who have difficulty sitting still.
In Queens, the Astoria branch hosts Circle of Friends for children 6-13 years old with autism spectrum disorder. The program’s goal is to help children learn social skills through simple science experiments, art projects, and board games. The branch holds reading with therapy dogs for kids; advance registration is required for those; call 718-278-2220 to do so.
The New York Transit Museum hosts a wide variety of events and programs for New Yorkers with special needs as part of its Access Programs.
One Special Day for Special Kids, the museum invites children with disabilities and their families to explore the space while it is closed to the public for the first hour of the day. The event includes free admission, fun activities about transit, and a quiet room. Special Day for Special Kids takes place three times a year (next one is March 2020), and registration is strongly recommended. All ages are welcome.
Subway Sleuths is an after-school program for students in 2nd through 5th grades who are on the autism spectrum. The program uses a shared interest in trains among kids on the autism spectrum as a means to encourage peer-to-peer interaction and develop social skills and confidence. Subway Sleuth groups are created through advance screenings by expert facilitators, who curate groups of kids with similar social and communication profiles. Applications are typically due in September of each year. Read more about the program here.
Boerum Place at Schermerhorn Street Downtown Brooklyn 718-694-1600 Online: nytransitmuseum.org
Going on rides and chomping on cotton candy might seem like the perfect fit for summer fun, but for families with kids on the autism-spectrum, it can be overwhelming to navigate a big park. While many places offer special nights or events catering to kids on the spectrum, the following big amusement parks have taken the extra step to make a permanently inclusive environment for all. Read on for the scoop.
Aquatica Orlando—Orlando, Florida
PRNewsfoto/SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc
Aquatica Orlando is the world's first autism-certified water park! Even though the Florida attraction itself isn't exactly new, it's recent certification from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) is.As a Certified Autism Center (CAC), Aquatica Orlando's staff (or as the park calls them, Ambassadors) gets specialized training that allows them to completely cater to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Along with learning about autism, the Ambassadors' training includes info on sensory awareness, motor skills, program development, environment, communication and emotional awareness. The park's new additions include a Quiet Room (with adjustable lighting and plenty of privacy) and a Low Sensory Area.
Sesame Street introduced their first character with autism, Julia, in 2015. And now, the theme park based on the award-winning show has gone the extra mile when it comes to being all-inclusive. It is now officially the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center (CAC) as distinguished by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). That means there's been a staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training and, as a Certified Autism Center, staff must engage in ongoing training to assure that all employees have the knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to interact with kids with special needs—and specifically with autism. A sensory guide is available on the website for parents to help plan activities ahead of time to work with their child's specific needs—it will include insight into sensory experiences for each ride or attraction. There will be two quiet rooms on Sesame Island with adjustable lighting and comfortable seating for the entire family, noise canceling headphones available, rides that are low sensory, a low sensory parade viewing area and even quieter dining options. The park reopens to the public for the season April 28.
In early 2017 the park announced an initiative to create sensory-friendly experiences for all children and their families with provisions in place for guests on the autism spectrum. This includes a no-cost "Hero Pass" that allows groups to bypass the standby line at popular attractions (check in at Guest Services), quiet rooms equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets, squishy toys and tables where kids can build with LEGO bricks as well as illustrated, step-by-step walkthroughs of rides and shows to give kids and caregivers an advance warning about loud noises, periods of darkness, bright lights or other overwhelming or potentially frightening aspects. All new hires to the park receive special training to learn how to interact with guests on the spectrum. Read more here.
Thomas Land at Edaville Family Theme Park—Carver, Massachusetts
photo of Quiet Car at Thomas Land courtesy Thomas Land
This year Thomas Land's opening day welcomed families around the world, and it included autism-spectrum friendly experiences as part of that re-opening. Permanent additions to Thomas Land include a quiet car on the Thomas train that includes bench seating, table and chairs, soft toys and a safe space for kids to decompress; sensory-friendly bathroom in Thomas Land with a manual flush toilet (parents with kids on the spectrum know exactly why this is such a big deal!)l fidget toys and stress balls for longer waits in line (grab them at Guest Services); weighted blankets; fenced in areas and train tables set aside for quiet play.
If you haven't heard about Morgan's Wonderland, it's the world's first amusement park that was built specifically to be all-inclusive for children (and adults) of all abilities and ages. Named after the founder's own daughter, who has severe cognitive delays and physical disabilities, Maggie and Gordon Hartman wanted a place where families could be together on vacation, no matter their abilities. The park features a carousel that allows people in wheelchairs to float up and down and off-road adventures where they can sit in the same car with family members, wheelchair accessible sandboxes and more. For kids on the autism spectrum, there's an entire Sensory Village: it's free of bright lights and loud noises. There are tons of imagination stations, a Saddle-Up Stable with an (electronic) horse ride, places to paint, make movies and build, a Village Market grocery store, a Fix-It Shop and so much more. They even have an entire water park, open in the summer.
Dollywood—Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dollywood
In 2016 Dollywood announced the park's addition of a Calming Room: a quiet place designed for kids with sensory overload. The park's employees noticed an increase in children with autism attending and that parents were using bathrooms to try and calm overstimulated kids. That's when they realized it was important to create a haven for families to take that needed break. Dollywood consulted with Autism Speaks to outfit the room with gentle lighting, a cozy teepee, soft toys, and more. Hooray for Dollywood!
Autism-Friendly Day at Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari—Jackson, New Jersey
Six Flags
Six Flags Adventure is teaming up with the Gersh Academy to create the second-annual autism-friendly day this year on May 8, 2019. From 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. the park will make adjustments including: lowering lights and music levels, shorter lines and accommodations for children who are unable to stand in line, decompression areas stocked with sensory-friendly items, rides ratings based on sensory and thrill levels, and more than 100 trained Gersh Academy staff to assist children and families. The Gersh Academy is an educational foundation and K-12 school for children on the autism spectrum. Regular park admission applies ($39.99) and tickets can be purchased in advance. Learn more here.
