At Autism Alignment, we are dedicated to empowering and supporting parents of children with Autism by providing them with free, accessible, and comprehensive resources.
Travel
Certified Autism Center™ Zoos, Aquariums & Museums
Enjoy a Worry-Free Trip
A Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) is a place where at least 80% of the staff are highly trained and certified in autism care. Certified Autism Centers can be found in different areas like education, healthcare, recreation, and travel. They focus on serving individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities and are committed to ongoing autism training.
We understand the importance of creating inclusive and accommodating environments for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. With this list, we aim to provide you with a range of exceptional options where you can have fun and feel confident that your unique needs will be met with utmost care and understanding. These establishments have gone the extra mile to obtain certification, ensuring that they are well-equipped, trained, and dedicated to providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for guests of all abilities. So sit back, browse through our recommendations, and embark on a memorable and worry-free trip tailored to your specific requirements.
The National Museum of the Great Lakes, located in Toledo, Ohio, tells the awe-inspiring stories of the Great Lakes through breathtaking photography, over 300 incredible artifacts, a number of powerful audiovisual displays and 40 hands-on interactive exhibits including the 617-foot iron ore freighter Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the historic Museum Tug Ohio. The Great Lakes are a Powerful Force and our museum tells tales spanning hundreds of years—from the fur traders in the 1600s to the rum runners in the 1900s and the sailors on the thousand-footers sailing today.
Embark on a thrilling journey across two engaging levels, where you’ll be immersed in a world of interactive exhibits. Delve into the wonders of the Outdoor Adventure Zone, unravel the enigmatic secrets within the Hall of Mysteries, and experience the whimsical delights of the Double-Decker Carousel. Prepare for a remarkable adventure that awaits at North Carolina’s most esteemed destination.
Amazement Square, situated in historic Downtown Lynchburg, Virginia, is an acclaimed interactive museum that combines various disciplines. Its four floors house engaging exhibits aimed at making learning an enjoyable experience. People of all ages and abilities can partake in activities like painting on the walls in the Kaleidoscope Gallery, experiencing farm life, creating rainstorms over downtown Lynchburg, floating boats down the James River, and rocking out on stage with their own band. Before exploring the eight diverse galleries, visitors are encouraged to utilize the museum’s sensory sensitivity resources, including virtual tours, guides, social stories for children, sensory guides, designated quiet areas, and distract packs when necessary.
Denver Zoo®, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is globally recognized and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and American Humane Certified™. It serves as a conservation leader, inspiring communities in Colorado and worldwide to safeguard wildlife for future generations. With the support of guests, members, donors, and partners, the Zoo annually connects over 2 million individuals to wildlife through immersive zoo habitats, enriching educational experiences, and impactful conservation initiatives. The organization commits over $2 million towards wildlife conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation projects, while prioritizing the well-being of the 3,000 animals residing on its 80-acre campus, providing them with exceptional physical, mental, emotional, and nutritional care.
The High Point Museum plays a crucial role in Greater High Point by preserving its history, offering insights into present-day matters, and fostering community unity. Through a range of permanent and rotating exhibits, as well as a Historical Park featuring four historic structures, the Museum provides diverse experiences catered to people of all ages.
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, situated in Oklahoma City, stands as the foremost establishment in the United States dedicated to Western history, art, and culture. Established in 1955, the Museum is committed to gathering, conserving, and showcasing a world-renowned assemblage of Western art and artifacts. In addition, it actively promotes engaging educational initiatives aimed at fostering a deep appreciation for the lasting impact of the American West. Conveniently located a mere six miles northeast of downtown Oklahoma City, at 1700 Northeast 63rd Street, the Museum welcomes visitors to explore its captivating offerings.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, a nonprofit organization, holds accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), guaranteeing the utmost quality in animal care, education, conservation, public service, and operations. With a steadfast commitment to these areas, the Zoo actively engages in conservation research, habitat preservation, breeding programs, and educational initiatives both globally and within its local community. For over half a century, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has remained a premier attraction in the Palm Springs area.
ImagineU Children’s Museum envisions a future-oriented experience! Their mission is to deeply inspire the young ones in their community, fostering a sense of awe for imagination, a thirst for exploration, and a passion for learning. At ImagineU, the potential of future trailblazers, dreamers, scientists, farmers, artists, and teachers is cultivated. It stands as a realm of endless possibilities and unwavering potential. Through play, children embrace the joy of learning, with imagination being the pinnacle of their endeavors.
The Tulare County Museum is the largest museum in Tulare County, offering a captivating exploration of the region’s history. It boasts an impressive collection of Native American baskets, one of the largest in California, alongside artifacts from the pioneer era, including a remarkable assortment of guns, saddles (including Visalia Saddles), and agricultural equipment from the early 1900s. The museum also features restored buildings from the late 1800s, creating an immersive experience of Tulare County’s past. A recent addition is the History of Farm Labor and Agriculture Museum, which highlights the contributions of various cultural groups to farming and agriculture. With its diverse exhibits and treasures, the Tulare County Museum paints a vivid picture of the county’s vibrant history.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science in Sugar Land has extended its reach as part of the HMNS family. Positioned conveniently near Highway 59, this branch of the Houston Museum of Natural Science presents captivating science exhibitions that are certain to captivate individuals of all ages.
Established in 1958, the PCHS Museum holds the distinction of being the most ancient historical institution in Pinal County. Its primary objective is to safeguard and disseminate the remarkable history of Florence and Pinal County through captivating exhibitions and educational initiatives. Moreover, the museum serves as a repository for an extensive and varied research collection, which serves as the foundation for developing exhibitions, programs, and fostering opportunities for academic and community-based research.
The Fort Worth Zoo, with over 7,000 animals, has earned numerous accolades, including being voted the No. 1 zoo in North America by USA Today, the Best Zoo in Texas by Yahoo Travel, the No. 5 zoo in the nation by USA Travel Guide, the No. 1 family attraction in the DFW Metroplex by Zagat survey, and listed as a Top 10 Zoo or Aquarium by FamilyFun magazine. Its focus on education and conservation is exceptional, positively impacting the lives of over one million annual visitors.
Strategically positioned at the confluence of the formidable Cape Fear River and the expansive Atlantic Ocean, the N.C. Maritime Museum at Southport weaves together tales of piracy, plunder, daring blockade runners, captivating riverfront archaeology, and a myriad of other seafaring exploits. Engaging educational initiatives tailored for both children and adults are regularly offered, shedding light on the region’s intriguing past as a sanctuary for blockade runners and a covert haven for notorious pirates.
Mesa Arts Center, which is owned and managed by the City of Mesa, stands as a remarkable facility in the vibrant downtown area of Mesa. This architecturally impressive venue serves as Arizona’s largest arts center, boasting four theaters, five art galleries, and 14 art studios. Visitors, art enthusiasts, and students alike flock to Mesa Arts Center to indulge in exceptional live entertainment, captivating performances, top-notch visual art exhibitions, and exceptional arts education classes.
The Arizona Museum of Natural History is a premier museum in Arizona, known for its dinosaur exhibits, archaeological collections, and historical galleries. It offers animatronic dinosaurs, interactive displays, and educational programs for all ages, making it a comprehensive resource for learning and exploration.
The GRAMMY Museum, founded in 2008, is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a deeper appreciation for the history and importance of music. Through its exhibits, educational programs, grants, preservation efforts, and public events, the Museum strives to honor musical legacies. It delves into every facet of the art form, ranging from the technological advancements in recording to the iconic figures who have left indelible imprints on our cultural landscape.
The i.d.e.a. Museum, located in Mesa, Arizona, offers a range of art and interactive experiences aimed at promoting early learning, fostering creative thinking, and encouraging quality family time. Visitors can explore three distinct spaces within the museum: ArtVille, HUB, and the Whiteman Family Exhibition Gallery. In addition to these permanent installations, the museum hosts a variety of special events, creative classes, workshops, and even birthday parties for a truly immersive and engaging experience.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science stands as a highly sought-after destination in Houston, drawing in numerous visitors. Situated within the esteemed Houston Museum District, this exceptional museum boasts an extensive paleontology hall, a captivating gem and mineral hall, the Burke Baker Planetarium, and the enlightening Wiess Energy Hall. Additionally, the museum continuously welcomes record-breaking traveling exhibitions annually. Within its premises, HMNS proudly presents a vast butterfly center, showcasing an enchanting tropical environment that is home to thousands of fluttering butterflies.
Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania offers 100+ species on 16 acres. Fun and educational for families with giraffe feeding, carousel rides, and Treetop Adventures. See the Trail of the Jaguar exhibit. Convenient suburban location near highways and public transport with free parking.
Experience the thrill of operating a crane, indulge in grocery shopping, organize mail, and embark on an adventurous journey to a tree house at the captivating and engaging Family Museum. Located in Bettendorf, Iowa, this interactive museum is designed to captivate children aged 8 and below, fostering a harmonious blend of play and learning for families. Embracing inclusivity, the museum hosts Special Needs Nights on a quarterly basis, offering families an experience where the sensory elements such as sounds, lights, and crowd size are thoughtfully minimized. Additionally, sensory kits and tranquil spaces are readily available upon request to ensure a comfortable visit for all.
The Museum of the American Revolution presents the captivating story of the American Revolution using original artifacts, immersive displays, engaging theater experiences, and interactive screens. To ensure a comfortable visit for all guests, the Museum provides noise-reducing headphones and a peaceful room for private film screenings. For visitors with visual and/or hearing impairments, the Museum offers closed captioning, tactile maps, Touch Tours, transcripts of audio tours, and American Sign Language interpreters upon request, among other accommodations.
Experience the extraordinary at the Reading (PA) Public Museum, Arboretum, and Neag Planetarium in Pennsylvania—an unparalleled adventure for the entire family! Discover a world of endless possibilities with their dynamic hands-on exhibitions and captivating planetarium shows that are constantly evolving.
In downtown Toronto, you’ll find Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. It’s an expansive indoor aquarium with lots to see! They have nine different areas called galleries, and inside you can see over 20,000 animals. They have 450 different kinds of animals, so you’ll see a wide variety. And here’s something cool – they have 100 interactive things you can do while you’re there. It’s a fun and educational place to learn about underwater creatures!
Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, the Santa Barbara Zoo has 30 acres of botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Zoo has more than 500 animals on view, including Asian elephants, snow leopards, Humboldt penguins, Masai giraffes, white-handed gibbons, and highly endangered California condors, among others. The Zoo now offers dedicated quiet spaces and provides sensory backpacks to guests on the spectrum or with sensory needs.
The Space Center Houston offers more than 400 sights and activities and strives to be accepting and accessible to guests with autism spectrum disorder and other cognitive challenges. Sensory Friendly Evenings feature reduced lights, sounds and crowds. Space Center University for the visually impaired and other events are designed to provide quality learning experiences for guests with special needs. Guests can check out sensory friendly backpacks, which have sound-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, a fun space book and other sensory items.
The Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory in the Greater Palm Springs area offers over 400+ free programs, events and exhibits annually, while over 175,000 people utilize the library’s services annually. In 2018, the Rancho Mirage Library added the Observatory and has since assisted 15,000+ visitors each year in getting closer to the stars.
Guide Disclaimer
It is important to note that this guide is not sponsored, and the inclusion of any particular establishment does not imply endorsement or personal vouching by the creators or publishers of this list. While we have made efforts to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided, it is always recommended that parents of children with autism consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions regarding accommodations.
The destinations listed in this guide have achieved certification based on their own assessments and qualifications. However, it is essential for parents to conduct their own research and due diligence to determine if a specific establishment can adequately meet the individual needs of their child with autism. We strongly encourage parents to reach out directly to the destinations listed in this guide to inquire about their specific autism-related services, facilities, and accommodations.
We assume no liability for any actions taken or decisions made based on the information provided in this guide. This guide serves as a resource to raise awareness about Certified Autism Center™ destinations. It is not an endorsement or personal recommendation, and we strongly advise parents to consult professionals and conduct their own research before making any reservations or arrangements.