Autism-Friendly Theme Parks in the US

In this blog post today I’m sharing some autism friendly theme parks in the US. We love to visit theme parks throughout the summer.. And I’m excited to share some of the autism-friendly ones with you to hopefully help you plan some visits too!

This blog post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you purchase an item through my affiliate link, I may receive a % of commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support me, my family and my blog to bring you great content for free!

Florida

Walt Disney World (Orlando)

Disney really goes above and beyond in making its magic accessible:

The Disability Access Service (DAS) helps guests who struggle with traditional queues by giving return‐time options, no need to wait in line physically
Their Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities and sensory guides are super thorough, listing sensory triggers (like loud noises, darkness, strobe lights) for every ride
Trained Cast Members can proactively offer tools, visual aids, quiet places, or gentle support, to help neurodiverse guests feel comfortable.

Universal Orlando

Also great for sensory‑sensitive visitors:

The Universal Guest Assistance Pass allows you to schedule a return time instead of waiting in line
The park provides downloadable Cognitive Disability Guides with clear sensory content info, and staff are trained to support these accommodations.

SeaWorld Orlando & Aquatica/Discovery Cove

These parks are Certified Autism Centers:

They include quiet rooms, sensory‑friendly areas, trained team members, and ride accessibility plans.
SeaWorld also has calm animal habitats, perfect for kids who connect with animals and benefit from slower-paced, low‑stim environments. They have a guide you can also read in advance.
Discovery Cove is an all day inclusive resort with certified staff to help ensure your day runs as smoothly as possible. They also have an IBBCES sensory guide to help plan your visit.
Aquatica was the first water park in the world to be a certified autism center. They have trained staff, sensory guides, ride accessibility program and a quiet room. They have a large amount of information to help you plan your visit in advance.

Peppa Pig Theme Park (Winter Haven, FL)

Next door to LEGOLAND Florida, and a certified autism center:

Sensory guides per ride, sensory signage, and staff trained in accommodations.
Indoor theater plays calm Peppa Pig episodes in a relaxed setting.
Hero Pass skip-line system to avoid queue stress.
They have a full accessibility guide you can access and read in advance.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort (Winter Haven, FL)

LEGOLAND Florida is a Certified Autism Center, and it shows!

Staff receive autism sensitivity training
Free downloadable sensory guides for every ride, area, and hotel
Multiple quiet rooms with sensory tools, noise-canceling headphones, and fidget toys
Offers both the Hero Pass and Blue Hero Pass so guests can skip queues and come back later
Social stories and visual supports available at Guest Services
Most attractions are ADA accessible, and mobility aids can be rented

California

Disneyland (Anaheim)

Disneyland is incredibly autism-friendly with supports that make all the difference:

Disability Access Service (DAS) lets guests skip long lines with a return-time system
Downloadable sensory guides show noise, crowds, and dark areas for each ride
Offers quiet areas, mobility rentals, and service animal relief spots
Staff are trained to support neurodiverse needs with kindness and flexibility

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal offers thoughtful supports to make visits smoother for neurodiverse guests:

Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) & Attraction Assistance Pass: Register online or on arrival to access queue return times instead of waiting in line.
Quiet Rooms & Family Center: Located near WaterWorld and DinoPlay, stocked with sensory toys, therapy blankets, and these calm spaces are a game‑changer.
Guides for Rider Safety and Accessibility: This one you can access in advance to help you plan your trip.
Mobility Rentals (wheelchairs, ECVs) & ADA‑accessible facilities: Available at the main entrance, note onsite transfers needed for rides.
Hearing & Vision Support: Free assistive listening devices, show scripts in large print/Braille, and sign language on request with notice.
Service Animal & Oxygen Tank Policies: Service animals welcome in most areas; oxygen tanks OK for certain shows, but not on motion-heavy rides.

Sesame Place San Diego

Sesame Place San Diego (Chula Vista, CA)

This West Coast favorite is a proudly Certified Autism Center, thoughtfully designed for sensory‑sensitive families:

Team members complete specialized autism‑sensitivity training.
Ride Accessibility Program (RAP) lets you pre‑register for a tailored ride list and return‑time boarding.
They have two quiet rooms with adjustable lighting and comfy seating, plus low‑sensory zones like near Oscar’s Rafts.
Free noise‑canceling headphones available at Guest Services.
ASL interpreters, show scripts, and mobility rentals (wheelchairs, ECVs) upon request.
Sensory guides and ride information are downloadable to prep before you go!

New York / Pennsylvania

Sesame Place Philadelphia (PA)

The original Certified Autism Center theme park since 2018.

They have quiet rooms, low sensory days, sensory‑friendly shows and parades, noise‑canceling headphones, and clearly labeled sensory stations.
A Special Access Pass for those who can’t wait in line.
Kid‑safe rides, water attractions, and indoor theatre spaces that cater to sensory needs .

LEGOLAND New York (Goshen, NY)

Part of Certified Autism Center network .

Offers quiet zones and strategic layout to reduce overcrowding.
Family‑friendly rides, calm playgrounds, and a water play area – all with sensory‑aware design.
They have certified staff and sensory guides available too.

Texas

Morgan’s Wonderland (San Antonio)

A non-profit, fully accessible park built with universal design front and center.

Free for individuals with disabilities.
Rides are fully accessible (e.g. wheelchair swings), sensory‑safe zones and a sensory village.
Water park (Inspiration Island) with adaptive equipment like waterproof wheelchairs.
Sports complex, camping, and even medical services on site – a truly inclusive experience.

Massachusetts

Edaville Family Theme Park (Carver, MA)

A smaller, family-focused park with thoughtful adaptations:

Sensory-friendly restrooms and quiet rooms in Thomas Land.
Staff can help with fidget toys and letting families bypass busy ride queues.
Hosts sensory-friendly events, like Calmer Ride Nights.

Indiana

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (Santa Claus, IN)

This park is beloved for its family mindset:

Regular events like “Play Day” for kids with mental or physical disabilities.
Sprawling, calm grounds with themed areas and shade lounges for breaks.
Accommodations on request – call ahead for support during busy times.

Utah

Lagoon Amusement Park (Farmington, UT)

A regional gem becoming more accommodating:

Works with KultureCity, offering sensory bags, noise-cancelling headphones, and staff trained in sensory inclusion.
Quiet spaces and signage to help guide sensory breaks.
Family-minded layout—rides for all levels, accessible paths, and calmer zones.

North Carolina

Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, TN)

(Yes, Tennessee is near, but serves NC & Southeast families well.)

Participates in KultureCity certification, sending staff for sensory-awareness training.
Offers sensory bags, quiet rooms, and calm zones for when the park gets overwhelming.
Rides vary from gentle to thrilling, lots of options to fit comfort zones.

Colorado

Elitch Gardens (Denver, CO)

A downtown park that’s taking steps forward:

Working with KultureCity to offer sensory inclusion tools like headsets and social stories.
Provides clear maps with quiet zones and sensory tips.
Staff are beginning training to better support neurodiverse guests.

Pennsylvania (another gem!)

Hersheypark (Hershey, PA)

Chocolate + comfort? Yes please!

Offers a Ride Accessibility Questionnaire at Guest Services; gets you a tailored ride guide.
Sensory bags, quiet zones, and calmer ride options available when needed.
Super family-friendly, and big open spaces to help avoid crowds.

Arizona

Castles N’ Coasters (Phoenix, AZ)

A quirky local amusement park with growing awareness:

Offers sensory-friendly equipment through KultureCity certification.
Mixed ride options, coasters, mini-golf, arcade games, allowing flexible pacing.
Quiet areas built into the park layout (look for covered benches and shaded spaces).

Tennessee (besides Dollywood)

Anakeesta (Gatlinburg, TN)

A mountain-top adventure park with calm perks:

Engaging via nature, but staff trained to offer sensory breaks when needed.
Quiet lookouts, seating, and easy access paths give families control over sensory exposure.
Ideal for those who find relaxation in movement and fresh air.

Oklahoma

Frontier City (Oklahoma City, OK)

An old-school wild west park creating inclusivity:

Partnered with KultureCity for sensory-inclusive certification.
Features sensory bags, trained staff, and designated quiet areas.
A mix of family-level rides and calmer spaces, great combo for regulation needs.

Other U.S. Parks Not to Miss

Six Flags (various states)

Certified by IBCCES, some parks have Special Access Cards, trained staff, and sensory‑sensitive accommodations.

What Makes a Theme Park Autism‑Friendly?

Here’s what neuro-affirming parks are doing right:

Feature	Why It Matters
Certified Autism Center (CAC)	Ensures staff are trained, sensory considerations are baked into design
Queue Accommodations (DAS/GAP)	Removes need to physically wait—stress reducer/crowd avoidance
Quiet Rooms/Sensory Zones	Safe spaces to retreat if overwhelmed
Sensory Guides	Helps families plan around triggers beforehand
Trained Staff	Understanding responses instead of punitive
Visual Supports	Clear signage, schedules, social narratives help reduce anxiety
Animal/Nature Spaces	Calming environments for those who connect with animals or outdoors

Planning Tips for Neurodiverse Families

Download sensory guides ahead – Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, Sesame Place, LEGOLAND all offer detailed PDFs.
Apply for DAS/GAP before you go – streamline entry and avoid in-person hassle .
Pack sensory tools – noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidgets.
Use AngelSense – A GPS tracker* that lets you check in discreetly while your child explores. A total peace-of-mind tool at crowded parks – grab it with my link.
*affiliate link – my link gives you a free AngelSense tracker!
Identify quiet zones and restrooms on the map before arrival.
Plan breaks during big attractions – shows, rides, or calm animal areas.
Use visual support systems – picture schedules to prep kids on park flow.

Across America, parks like Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, Sesame Place, LEGOLAND, Six Flags, and Morgan’s Wonderland are showing how to truly welcome neurodiverse families. With PAS/DAS, quiet zones, staff training, and thoughtful design, they’re creating environments where everyone can thrive.

My Must-Have for Theme Parks: AngelSense

Let’s be real, theme parks can be a lot. Between the crowds, noise, sensory input, and constant movement, it can feel overwhelming not just for our kids, but for us as caregivers too.

That’s why my #1 must-have recommendation for any busy day out is the AngelSense GPS Tracker.

It’s not just a tracker, it’s peace of mind!

AngelSense is designed specifically for children and teens who may be at risk of wandering, bolting, or getting overwhelmed in large, unfamiliar spaces (like theme parks!). It’s completely discreet, wearable, and gives you real-time updates so you always know where your child is, whether they’ve just stepped ahead in line or taken a wrong turn near the snack stand.

Here’s why I love it:

Live GPS tracking that updates every 10 seconds
Listen-in feature so you can hear what’s happening nearby if needed
Safe ride monitoring – you can track school buses, rides, or park transportation
Easy alerts if your child leaves a set area
Comfortable, sensory-friendly wear options (under clothes, clipped, etc.)

It gives me that extra level of security so I can actually enjoy the day instead of constantly scanning every direction.

Whether your child is non-speaking, prone to bolting, or just easily overwhelmed by large crowds, AngelSense is one of the best tools out there to help keep them safe, and help you feel more relaxed.

I have an affiliate link where you can get a free AngelSense tracker!

You won’t regret it. It’s one of the few tools I recommend over and over again, especially for day trips, holidays, and theme park visits.

Helpful Links

You may also be interested in the following links;

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Nikki