7 Family-Friendly Travel Destinations for Kids with Autism

When my son Bennett was first diagnosed with autism, there weren’t a lot of options for places we could go where people would “get it.” Vacations were a gamble; we never knew when the next meltdown would occur, and we dreaded judgment from other travelers.

A decade later, it’s a different story. Resorts, cruise ships, and even entire cities are seeking and receiving autism certification by training staff to recognize and respond to the developmental disability, which affects one in 36 children in the U.S. This shift toward inclusiveness makes a big difference — 94% of families with a neurodiverse child say they would travel more and visit new locations if they knew they would be welcomed, according to research by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Services, an agency that provides autism sensitivity training and recommendations for businesses.

Not sure where to take your diverse family first? Read on for holiday ideas that will make you happy you left home.

01. Beaches Negril, Jamaica

With daily snorkel trips, unlimited water sports, three pools, and a water park, you won’t want to leave this accessible, autism-certified all-inclusive resort located on spectacular Seven Mile Beach. Kids Camp staff have been trained in sensory awareness, motor skills, social skills, communication, and emotional regulation related to the neurological condition, and they’re skilled in the art of transitioning children and teens between activities. Guests fill out a pre-travel form that lets staff know their child’s likes, dislikes, and triggers to tailor activities.

Bennett needs a bit of extra support, so we requested a Beaches Buddy ($20/hour for families with a child on the spectrum), who played video games with him in the Xbox lounge and raced him down the waterslides on repeat. These times of respite allowed the rest of the family to relax with a book at the beach or a Bob Marley cocktail at the swim-up bar.

02. Mesa, Arizona

Phoenix’s neighboring city became America’s first autism-certified city in 2019 when tourism businesses, the parks department, and even the police force underwent training to become better equipped to welcome and interact with neurodiverse travelers. Attractions like the Arizona Museum of Natural History and city parks offer sensory guides to help families successfully navigate the facilities. Additionally, a number of certified hotels are happy to accommodate for a seamless stay.

For example, the staff at Saguaro Lake Ranch made horseback riding possible for my son by allowing the guide to tether Bennett’s horse to his own. Moreover, the chef provided a night off for me by cutting my son’s steak into smaller pieces before serving it so I didn’t have to.

“The autism certification is about awareness, and providing the best customer service that we can,” says Visit Mesa president and CEO Marc Garcia, whose youngest son has autism.

03. Surfside Beach and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

These dune-backed stretches of sand became the first autism-friendly beach destinations in the U.S. in 2016. Several restaurants, hotels, and attractions, such as Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, support neurodiverse families thanks to the locally based Champion Autism Network (CAN), which provides online autism training for businesses. Families in need of help are encouraged to show a CAN card, which discreetly notifies staff that someone in the party has autism.

For instance, we presented ours at Johnny D’s Waffles and were seated at a quiet booth. Additionally, we used it at the SkyWheel that rises above Myrtle Beach’s famous boardwalk and received front-of-the-line treatment (children with autism typically dislike waiting in lines). These perks facilitate a more enjoyable vacation experience beyond the beach.

04. Visalia, California

This central California city serves as the jumping-off point for Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Furthermore, it has become a Certified Autism Destination, allowing families to round out their park adventures to Moro Rock and General Sherman — the world’s largest tree — with visits to Adventure Park or Imagine U Children’s Museum, which offer immersive activities and quiet areas for breaks.

Visalia is also part of the Sunflower Program, which allows visitors with a hidden disability like autism to wear a lanyard or bracelet, tactfully alerting staff that a guest might need extra help, such as expedited check-in at one of the city’s six autism-certified hotels. What’s more, Americans with permanent disabilities are eligible for a free, lifetime access pass to the country’s national recreation areas and parks, many of which provide accessibility guides outlining accessible trails, ASL interpretation, braille text exhibits, and more.

05. Royal Caribbean Cruises

It’s clear sailing ahead on this cruise line for families living with autism or other developmental disabilities. All ships offer priority check-in, boarding, and departure, sensory-friendly movies, and toys, and provide autism training for the Adventure Ocean kids’ club staff. Additionally, Royal Caribbean operates group autism sailings through Autism on the Seas, which include a higher ratio of trained staff to special needs guests. This allows for private activities for children on the spectrum, plus respite sessions for parents.

Before our cruise, we downloaded a social story to read with Bennett that discussed the islands we’d be visiting, activities we’d be doing, and what to expect on the ship. This pre-trip preparation helped him mentally prepare for a moving holiday.

06. Palm Springs, California

A few years ago, at spring break, our family rode to the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, bounced along the San Andreas Fault on a jeep tour, and hiked through a super bloom at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve.

We loved our time in the desert, and this was before Palm Springs sought its autism certification, an initiative spearheaded by Josh Heinz, whose three sons have autism. Currently, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is on board for certification, along with the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory, and the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs.

“There’s a growing number of families in this country who have children on the spectrum and are traveling, and who want to know places they are visiting have people who understand their needs,” says Heinz. “It’s also just the right thing to do.”

07. Dubai

Families looking to travel outside of North America can set their sights on Dubai, which is on its way to becoming the first autism-certified destination in the Middle East. Atlantis Aquaventure Dubai, the world’s largest waterpark, has trained staff in autism awareness and recognition and rated the sensory intensity for each waterslide and attraction. Moreover, families can visit Aventura Parks, a zipline park that offers a chill zone, sensory development play area, and guided nature walk. More hotels and attractions are coming onboard soon.

Autism certification aligns with Dubai’s plan to become a more accessible destination overall. “We want these families to know Dubai stands ready to welcome them with open arms,” says Issam Zazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce.

For more trip ideas for travelers with sensory needs, check out resources like AutismTravel, or connect with a travel agent specializing in planning trips for diverse families.