A historic building with stairs. An attraction that displays flashing lights. Long lines at a theme park ride.
When planning a trip, you'll have to keep in mind what experiences you may encounter as well as the requirements of each member of your party and their support needs, if any. What might be an inconvenience for one person might just render a destination inaccessible to others.
That's just one reason why accessibility is so important. It's also important to remember that accessible attractions should also center members of the disabled community. They may add perspective, highlight specific contributions and allow the entire family to enjoy themselves. Available accommodations might include wheelchair rentals, quiet rooms, or sign language or Braille translation services. From parks to museums and theme parks, provided services often vary, so always check ahead.
Not sure where to start? AAA's travel expertise ensures resources and information to help all travelers plan inclusive trips that can accommodate specific needs. While not an exhaustive list, these may encompass wheelchair users, people with blindness or low vision who walk with the help of a guide dog, or deaf and hard of hearing, as well as autism and other disabilities and disorders.
The travel industry is increasingly offering autism accommodations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every 36 children was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in 2020. As more research is conducted, destinations and attractions are beginning to understand the unique challenges these individuals face when traveling, such as sensory overload from loud noises or bright lights. One option to simplify trip planning is to work with a AAA Travel Agent, particularly one certified as a Certified Autism Travel Professional, who can arrange and make travel accommodations ahead of time.
When planning a trip, always look for an accessibility page on websites that may detail everything from wheelchair access to social stories that may make the experience less stressful. In San Marino, California, there’s Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, a AAA GEM attraction, which offers a Social Narrative Guide, map and guide, assistive listening devices, and wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis. (Read more about Huntington Library and accessible Japanese-inspired gardens, with “Get Inspired by Japanese Gardens in the U.S. and Canada.”)
Museums may even offer special days for families. In Indiana, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers Museum My Way, aka dedicated time for people with disabilities or sensory sensitivities. (“Fun Things to Do in Indianapolis on Vacation” lists additional attractions, including accessibility notes.)
Theme parks — notably Florida's Walt Disney World Resort, Legoland Florida and Universal Studios — often host expansive websites that answer questions about everything from what accommodations they can provide to whether one needs a doctor’s note to receive services. Other attractions may accept Accessibility Card sign-ups from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. IBCCES also provides a listing of certified attractions.
Speaking of great attractions, here are four more recommended by AAA Editors and Inspectors that are listed in our AAA TourBook guides. These digital guides are available for fun places to go across North America and the Caribbean and can be conveniently downloaded on any device, including a smartphone or tablet.
Must-Visit Attractions
American Printing House for the Blind
Louisville, Kentucky
Imagine experiencing history in a whole new way! The Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind, at 1839 Frankfort Ave., is located within the American Printing House for the Blind, where you also can visit. This incredible museum boasts interactive exhibits that will have you feeling the spirit of innovation. Get hands-on and explore early printing equipment, write in Braille on an operable mechanical Braille writer and even take away a copy of your work! If you're interested in technology, check out computer software designed for accessibility. Don't miss the fascinating area where visitors can compare Braille to alphabets using raised letters. You'll also discover extraordinary artifacts like a copy of “An Essay on the Education of the Blind” from 1786 — the first publication to include raised letters — the Book of Psalms from Helen Keller's Bible and even Stevie Wonder's piano from his days as a student at the Michigan School for the Blind. Come experience this one-of-a-kind museum that's sure to create memories for the whole family.
Guide Dogs for the Blind
San Rafael, California
The organization’s San Rafael campus is located just off the US 101 Freitas Pkwy exit (southbound) or N. San Pedro Rd exit (northbound), followed by a quick westward drive to 350 Los Ranchitos Rd. Guide Dogs for the Blind specializes in training and providing guide dogs. Guided 1.25-hour tours of their facility are provided at 10 a.m. each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for a maximum of 24 individuals. Along the way, visitors can learn about the guide dog training process and may have the chance to visit the puppy socialization area as well as both the residential and training courtyards. (Tours of the Oregon campus — accommodating a maximum of 24 people — are available only on Wednesday at 10 a.m.; they include visits to the client residence, kennel complex and vet clinic.) For those unable to attend in person, a virtual puppy center tour and virtual campus tours also are available.
Note: Call to confirm holiday and graduation schedules. Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Before coming to campus, ensure your reservation is confirmed. Tours are not recommended for children under age 5.
Morgan’s Wonderland
San Antonio, Texas
Said to be the first accessible theme park, the 25-acre San Antonio attraction is located off I-35 at 5223 David Edwards Drive. Morgan's Wonderland is designed with the disability community in mind but packed with fun for all. With a GPS Adventure Band, parents can track their child's location for added peace of mind. Take a ride on the Off-Road Adventure Ride, Wonderland Express or a wheelchair-accessible chariot on the carousel. Enjoy interactive playgrounds and sensory villages, water cannons and fishing at The Wharf. Don't miss the themed rest areas or the tropical-themed splash pads and river boat adventure ride at Morgan's Inspiration Island during summer!
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Get ready to experience a museum that celebrates the accomplishments of Team USA's Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, located at 200 S. Sierra Madre St., is among the most accessible and interactive museums in the world. You can try sports like archery and alpine skiing through the fully accessible interactive exhibits that cater to visitors of all abilities. Don't forget to compete in a 30-meter dash to measure how you match up to an Olympic or Paralympic athlete! Check out training schedules, uniforms, Olympic and Paralympic torches, and over 150 medals from past games. The 360-degree Parade of Nations gallery is another exciting exhibit that simulates the experience of being at the Opening Ceremony.
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