The Best Destinations for Disabled Travelers

Traveling as a neurodiverse individual or with a neurodiverse loved one can be an enriching experience, especially when visiting destinations that prioritize inclusivity. Across the United States, many locations have thoughtfully designed attractions, amenities, and activities to ensure comfort and accessibility for individuals with neurodivergent conditions, as well as travelers with physical disabilities. From sensory-friendly environments to adaptive sports programs, these destinations represent some of the best options for disabled travelers, creating opportunities for everyone to explore, connect, and thrive.

This guide highlights destinations offering a variety of sensory-friendly activities, adaptive sports and support systems designed to make every journey seamless and memorable. Whether you’re traveling with a neurodiverse loved one or seeking accessible options for yourself or your family, these thoughtful locations cater to diverse needs, ensuring enriching travel experiences for all abilities.

In the Catskills, participate with Adaptive Sports Foundation for adaptive skiing and snowboarding in winter. As spring and summer arrive, the foundation expands its offerings to include activities such as kayaking, hiking, and paddleboarding. These activities are designed to foster personal growth, build confidence, and provide social interaction in a supportive natural setting.

Cedar Point Hotel Breakers, known as ‘America's Roller Coast’, provides an exciting experience for thrill-seekers while maintaining thoughtful sensory accommodations for neurodiverse guests. The park has quiet rooms and low-sensory areas where you can relax during your visit. Ride boarding assistance helps streamline access to attractions, while sensory-friendly programs make thoughtful adjustments to accommodate diverse needs. Cedar Point ensures that you can enjoy high-adrenaline attractions without compromising on comfort, creating a balanced experience that caters to everyone.

Challenge Aspen in Colorado stands out for its focus on transformative outdoor experiences tailored for neurodiverse travelers. Nestled in the scenic Rocky Mountains, the resort offers adaptive programs for activities such as skiing, snowboarding, rafting and hiking. Their one-on-one sessions with trained guides help build confidence and enhance social skills in a supportive environment. Challenge Aspen provides an inclusive setting for personal growth, allowing you to enjoy both adventure and scenic beauty while fostering personal development.

Disneyland Park, California is renowned for its commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all guests, regardless of ability, experience the magic. Through tools like the Disability Access Service (DAS), Disneyland allows guests to create customized schedules, enabling them to enjoy attractions at their own pace. The park also provides sensory-friendly attractions, quiet spaces and preparation tools such as videos and maps to help you plan ahead. Sensory profiles for attractions guide visitors towards environments that minimize sensory triggers, making Disneyland an ideal destination for neurodiverse travelers. Additionally, Disneyland’s Magic Key early access helps escape crowds, further enhancing the sensory-friendly experience.

Dollywood integrates inclusivity into its operations by offering thoughtful sensory accommodations for guests with diverse needs. At their ‘Calming Corners’, you can access quiet spaces for relaxation, and performances feature lower sound levels and softer lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere for neurodiverse visitors. Additionally, Dollywood’s team is trained to assist guests with sensory-sensitive needs, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable experience filled with memorable moments.

Hershey Park caters to neurodiverse guests with a variety of programs that ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience. Sensory-friendly ride accessibility, quiet spaces and dedicated events are available to ensure that you fully enjoy their visit. The park’s focus on creating an accommodating environment for neurodiverse individuals is evident through thoughtful adjustments and inclusive services throughout the park.

Kennedy Space Center is dedicated to creating a sensory-friendly experience for all guests. Take advantage of their noise-canceling headphones, interactive exhibits tailored for neurodiverse visitors and special Sensory Awareness Days where dimmed lights and reduced noise levels provide a more inclusive experience. These thoughtful accommodations ensure that visitors of all abilities are able to engage in the center’s educational and awe-inspiring activities.

LEGOLAND Resorts prioritize inclusivity with attractions and programs designed for neurodiverse and disabled travelers. Features include sensory-friendly rooms, low-sensory spaces, and quiet areas for relaxation. Staff members are trained to accommodate a range of needs, and the resorts provide sensory guides to help you plan your visit with ease. LEGOLAND also participates in programs like the Hero Pass, ensuring accessibility and minimizing wait times for guests who require additional support. With interactive rides, hands-on LEGO building stations, and inclusive entertainment, LEGOLAND creates an engaging and welcoming environment for all visitors.

Both the Mall of America in Bloomington and American Dream Mall in East Rutherford prioritize accessibility for neurodiverse visitors. Availability of sensory kits, quiet rooms and trained staff will help you better manage your shopping experience as well as enjoy a variety of entertainment options in a comfortable setting.

Morgan’s Wonderland is a renowned ultra-accessible theme park located in San Antonio, Texas, designed specifically for individuals with special needs. The park offers a wide range of sensory-friendly attractions and interactive spaces that cater to the diverse needs of its visitors.

One of the standout features of Morgan’s Wonderland is the Butterfly Playground, a specially designed space with sensory-friendly features such as gentle swings, quiet zones, and equipment that promotes safe, accessible play for all children. Complimentary admission for caregivers is an added bonus! 

Morgan’s Wonderland also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as ‘Sensory-Friendly Santa’ and other themed activities, which are tailored to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities and create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all families. These events are thoughtfully planned to provide enriching and memorable experiences for every visitor.

Located in Park City, Utah, the National Ability Center (NAC) is a premier destination for adaptive outdoor recreation, offering inclusive experiences tailored to neurodiverse individuals and their families. You can enjoy year-round activities such as skiing, horseback riding, cycling and climbing – all designed to build confidence and independence – at this destination. With family retreats and accessible facilities, NAC ensures a safe and supportive environment where participants of all abilities can enjoy outdoor adventures together.

Shedd Aquarium creates a calming environment for neurodiverse visitors with multi-sensory exhibits, quiet mornings and sensory backpacks equipped with noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys. These thoughtful initiatives ensure that guests with diverse needs are able to enjoy the educational experience at their own pace, with an emphasis on comfort and inclusion.

Smuggler’s Notch Resort is renowned for its inclusive outdoor experiences, tailored through the SNAP (Smugglers’ Notch Adaptive Program), which offers adaptive snow sports and low-stimulation trails. Their activities ensure that families with neurodiverse members enjoy winter activities safely and comfortably, fostering a supportive environment in a scenic mountain setting.

Wisconsin Dells is famous for its waterparks and ensures a sensory-friendly experience through accessible attractions and activities for neurodiverse travelers. Sensory-friendly passes, quiet areas and inclusive programs allow families to enjoy a variety of entertainment while maintaining comfort and safety.

By choosing destinations that thoughtfully accommodate neurodiverse needs, travelers can create meaningful and memorable experiences tailored to their abilities. From the thrill of rollercoasters to exploring the wonder of Morgan’s Wonderland or embarking on adventures at the National Ability Center, these destinations offer enriching vacations for all.

Whether it’s tailored outdoor activities or inclusive theme parks, these places go beyond accessibility, they empower neurodiverse travelers and their families to build confidence, experience joy and create lasting memories.

These thoughtful programs and accommodations ensure that every traveler, regardless of ability, feels seen, valued and included – creating truly transformative experiences for the entire family.