Autism Friendly Places & Things to Do

We Rock the Spectrum

We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym was founded to provide a place for children of all ability levels to play and grow together. As the only kid’s gym that offers an inclusive philosophy, children benefit from their uniquely designed sensory equipment that is specifically designed to aid children with sensory processing disorders. However, all children are able to benefit greatly from this equipment, and by allowing children of all ability levels to play together they are able to learn a great deal from each other and become the best motivation for success on every level.

The DoSeum Beyond Limits

The DoSeum’s Beyond Limits Sensory Friendly Program allows children in need of sensory modifications to visit the DoSeum without some of the noises, effects, and crowding that hinder their ability to engage with and learn from all of the fun exhibits. These sensory-friendly hours are for any child in need of sensory modifications. This could include children on the Autism Spectrum (ASD), children with sensory processing disorders, or any child who would benefit from exhibit modifications. For some children, sound and light effects can be highly uncomfortable and too harsh. While many families bring their own, the DoSeum is happy to provide sunglasses and earplugs to make touring the DoSeum more comfortable!

There are also special events through out the year for holiday fun!

iFly (Abilities Night)

iFly’s All Abilities Day is a unique event that makes the dream of flight a reality for those in the special needs community. This program has been custom designed for those with physical and cognitive challenges to create an environment of support and inclusion, while focusing on making what seems impossible, possible. Each ticket includes pre-flight training, gear rental, and access to the All Abilities Event Mixer! Private space, snacks, and soft drinks will be provided for all attendees. The standard flight process takes an average of two hours, and all guests are required to wear iFLY approved safety gear. For safety purposes, exposed metal cannot be allowed inside of the wind tunnel. Contact Anna Griffin at (210) 593-3218 or agriffin@iFLYworld.com for more information.

Santikos Movie Theater (Sensory-Friendly Screenings)

Santikos Sensory-Friendly Screenings are a specially designed movie experience to serve guests with intellectual special needs or other challenges, who seldom get to attend a movie night out. These family-friendly films are presented twice a month on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 P.M. at Santikos Silverado, Mayan Palace, Embassy, Rialto, and Casa Blanca theaters. The auditoriums feature brighter lighting, lower sound, shorter previews, and most importantly it provides an accepting environment for families needing extra accommodations.

THE MAGIK THEATRE (Sensory-Friendly Performances)

If you're looking for sensory-friendly opportunities in San Antonio to engage in the life, arts, and culture of San Antonio, then check out the upcoming performances at the Magik Theatre!

During a Sensory-Friendly performance, lights and sound effects are softened, theatre etiquette is relaxed, and all are accepted and welcomed. These performances are adjusted for accessibility, reaching people on the autism spectrum, those with cognitive disabilities, and families with very young children. These performances are sponsored by University Health System.

For tickets, visit MagikTheatre.org or call the box office at 210-227-2751. Tickets are $13.50 for adults and children; senior, military and educator discounts are available.

Morgan’s Wonderland

Our pride and joy, Morgan’s Wonderland is loads of fun for everyone! Their inclusive playground, rides, and newest park, Inspiration Island, have been created with inclusion for all in mind. Even with crowds, parents of kids with special needs agree that they feel safe with the added personnel and design of the park.

Inspiration Island

Morgan’s Inspiration Island features five major tropically themed splash pads, the River Boat Adventure ride, and support facilities such as the Wheelchair Valet, where guests can transfer out of their battery-powered wheelchairs into waterproof wheelchairs for maximum aquatic fun.

Morgan’s Wonderland Camp

Morgan’s Wonderland Camp is an Ultra-Accessible™ camp for everyone with a particular emphasis on giving people with physical and developmental disabilities an opportunity to enjoy summer-camp-type activities alongside guests without special needs.

Children's Association for Maximum Potential (C.A.M.P)

The idea for Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP) began when a group of Air Force physicians realized how important a camping experience could be to their pediatric patients with special needs. Founded in 1979, CAMP was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1980. In 1988 CAMP purchased a campground on the Guadalupe River in Center Point, Texas, and became accredited by the American Camp Association in 1992. Today, children and adults with disabilities and special health care needs (the majority from Texas, from across the U.S., and beyond) attend week-long camping sessions held each summer from May through August. CAMP does its best to ensure that no one is ever turned away based on the severity of their disability or inability of the family to pay.

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART (Bringing Art to Those with Visual Impairments)

The Multi-sensory Tours give visually impaired and blind visitors access to the historical and thematic content of objects in the museum collection. Tactile models, music and aromas related to each object supplement the verbal presentations given by docents. The tours inform and engage inquiry into works of art that span ancient to modern times and cultures across the world through the senses.

Art tours for all guests, 6 to 100 yrs. Free general admission the day of the tour. Please arrive 15 minutes early. Wheelchairs and guide dogs welcome. Guests invited with a companion.

Contact: for reservations: Chris Torgerson at tours@samuseum.org.

The Multi-Sensory Tours occur at 10am one Saturday each Month. To learn more about the programs at the San Antonio Museum of Art, visit them online at the link above

Disabilitysa Programs

The mission of disABILITYsa is to educate, advance, and engage individuals with disabilities by sharing information, creating opportunities, and strengthening organizations that serve them.

disABILITYsa connects people with all types of disabilities and their families to information about local resources, programs and opportunities that promote independence and inclusion where they live, work and play.

FIESTA ESPECIAL®

Fiesta Especial® creates inclusive and educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage fully in the culture, diversity, and celebrations of Fiesta®. Annually, these community-based instruction and training programs serve more than 2,500 children and adults with disabilities as well as 1,500 teachers, direct care staff, family members, and companions who accompany them to appearances and celebration events.

ACCESSABILITY FEST

AccessAbility Fest is a gateway to information, resources, and opportunities for individuals working to overcome barriers caused by physical, cognitive, sensory, and mental health challenges. AccessAbility Fest connects over 4,500 individuals to resources each year and creates opportunities for disability service organizations to collaborate, make referrals and provide more comprehensive services. This program is held in high traffic venues to raise awareness about the value, successes, and potential of people with disabilities among the general public.

SERVICE & LEADERSHIP

The Service & Leadership Program identifies opportunities and provides training for individuals with disabilities who are interested in serving the San Antonio community by engaging in volunteerism, service on nonprofit boards, and participation in strategic conversations about the future of our community. While there are other opportunities for people with disabilities to learn to advocate for them.

AT&T Center events

The AT&T Center opened a new sensory room designed by the nonprofit KultureCity. The sensory room is located outside section 230 on the balcony level and is available for use during any event at the arena.

Jamie's Ranch For Special Kids

Jamie’s Ranch is a working ranch that provides ranch fun and recreation for all kids, including special needs, ages toddler to adult. Activities include, horse rides, hayride with scavenger hunt, games, crafts, petting zoo and music.

Because Jamie’s Ranch is free for special needs kids and anyone that accompanies them, we do depend on donations to keep our program going.

Night to Shine

Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older. On one night, 375 churches, from around the world, host Night to Shine for 75,000 honored guests through the support of 150,000 volunteers!

In San Antonio, Night to Shine is hosted at the Alamo Community Church and the Community Bible Church. In New Braunfels Night to Shine is hosted at the The Tree of Life Church.

Special Reach Party Nights

Our Party Nights are a unique twist on Parents' Night Out. It is exclusively for children with special needs ages 6 to 18 years old and their non-disabled siblings (ages 5 to 14). Parents and caregivers get a well-deserved break, while the children have a party. These parties are usually themed and children enjoy collaborative video games, creative crafts, a variety of games, a small snack and drink, friendly interactions with others, and a time to DROP EVERYTHING AND DANCE! Dinner is not provided at Party Nights.

WHO CAN ATTEND? Children with developmental delays, ages 6 year to 18 years old, and their non disabled siblings ages 5 and older.

WHO CARES FOR THEM? All our programs are equipped with trained and experienced staff (such as certified special education teachers, speech pathologists, etc.), so that parents and caregivers get a well deserved respite.

HOW DO I REGISTER? Application forms must be completed for all participants each school year.

University United Methodist Church

This church has a fantastic special needs ministry! Follow the link above to find out more.

Chuck E. Cheese

Participating Chuck E. Cheese locations in San Antonio open two hours early on Sunday for children with autism and other special needs. There's reduced lighting and noise during the two hours of play. Call your local Chuck E. Cheese and ask for their hours of participation.