Autism and Sensory Friendly Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a neighboring state for us, so we visit often. It is a large state with many family friendly attractions, which means there are plenty of places where kids can learn, explore, and have fun. Here are some of our favorite places to visit with my son.

Sesame Place – Langhorne

Sesame Place is one of the most autism friendly theme parks in the country. The park is a certified autism center, which means staff receive specialized training to support guests with autism and sensory sensitivities.

The park offers several helpful resources for families including a ride accessibility program, quiet rooms, and low sensory parade viewing areas. Sesame Place also hosts special sensory friendly events throughout the year. Kids can enjoy water rides, roller coasters designed for younger riders, and meet their favorite Sesame Street characters.

For children who love familiar characters and interactive attractions, this park can be a fun and welcoming experience.

Dutch Wonderland – Lancaster

Dutch Wonderland is another great destination for families. The park is very accessible and designed with younger children in mind, which makes it easier to navigate compared to larger theme parks.

There are more than 35 rides including gentle roller coasters, carousels, and water attractions. The park also has live shows, playground areas, and a water play section that kids enjoy during warmer months. Because the park is designed for families with younger children, many of the rides are less intense and easier for kids to enjoy.

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm – Lancaster County

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is one of our favorite places to visit at the end of summer and early fall. There is so much for kids to do, and the wide open outdoor space makes it easy to explore at your own pace.

Families can enjoy corn mazes, wagon rides, pedal carts, giant slides, and farm themed play areas. Kids can climb, run, and interact with different farm activities throughout the property. The outdoor setting gives children plenty of space to move around, which can help reduce overstimulation compared to crowded indoor attractions.

Seasonal events and farm activities make this a fun destination for families looking for a day of outdoor adventure.

Cartoon Network Hotel – Lancaster

The Cartoon Network Hotel in Lancaster is a fun themed stay for families visiting the area. I have seen some mixed reviews online, but my son actually loved it.

The rooms are motel style, so when you step outside of your room you are immediately outdoors. In the summer this works well because kids can easily access the pool and water play areas. When the weather is cooler you may not be able to enjoy those water features as much.

One of the things we really enjoyed was making s’mores right outside of our room in the evening. It created a relaxed environment where families could gather and enjoy time together.

Other Autism and Sensory Friendly Places in Pennsylvania

Crayola Experience – Easton

This colorful attraction allows kids to explore creativity through hands on activities. Children can create art projects, experiment with colors, and participate in interactive exhibits.

Please Touch Museum – Philadelphia

This museum is designed specifically for children and encourages learning through play. Kids can explore themed exhibits, build, climb, and interact with different displays.

Philadelphia Zoo – Philadelphia

The zoo offers large outdoor spaces where families can walk at their own pace while exploring animals from around the world.

Hersheypark – Hershey

Hersheypark offers accessibility programs that help guests with disabilities enjoy rides and attractions more comfortably.

State Parks and Nature Areas

Pennsylvania has many parks and natural areas where families can spend time outdoors. These environments often provide quiet spaces where children can explore without the noise and crowds found in busy attractions.

To see these adventures in action and discover more autism friendly travel ideas, make sure you are following me on Instagram @autismspectrumadventures.