Water is a very powerful and healing tool for autistic individuals. It can be highly therapeutic and provides behavioral and physical benefits of being active in the water.
Being in the water often gives a sense of calmness to autistic individuals, especially to autistic children. The buoyancy and pressure of the water create a supportive environment where they can develop their sensory processing skills through hydrostatic pressure, vestibular stimulation, and muscle sensation.
On top of that, positive effects can occur when children play and have fun in the water. Autistic children who spend time in the water have been reported to be more verbal, social, cooperative, have a better mood, and focus afterward.
When traveling with an autistic child, it may be a good idea to consider travel destinations that provide water experiences suited for them. Below you will find a list of Certified Autism Centers™ (CAC) that offer different water activities for all.
Knoebel Amusement Resort: Elsyburg, PA
Knoebel Amusement Resort is America’s largest free-admission amusement park that offers lots of fun activities, from family and kiddie rides to the crystal pool filled with 900,000 gallons of water.
Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel: Mt. Pleasant, MI
This waterpark is one of the most visited waterparks in Michigan, you can enjoy a lot of waterpark attractions like the FlowRider, or you can gently flow down the lazy river, and to top it all, it has a hotel where you can stay and relax.
Water World: Federal Heights, CO
Water World offers 51 thrilling and unique attractions and is just 10 miles outside of Denver. Plunge into the excitement by trying all of their water rides and attractions.
Ramon Village Resort: San Pedro, Belize
Are you looking for something more serene and quiet? Ramon Village Resort has you covered. It overlooks a white sandy beach and the world’s second-largest Barrier Reef and is just a 5-minute walk from the Village of San Pedro. Ramon’s Village’s main focus is on scuba diving and other water-related activities. The resort also offers free scuba instruction for any autistic child or any other special need wishing to learn how to scuba dive.
The Water-Centric Trinity in Orlando, Florida
Discovery Cove, Aquatica, and SeaWorld, which are all located in Orlando, Florida, have different activities and experiences for the whole family to interact with water and wildlife.
Thanks to these parks, autistic individuals and their families can experience all the water-centric thrills and fun.
Ripley’s Aquariums: The United States and Canada
Did you know many of Ripley’s attractions are Certified Autism Centers™ — including Ripley’s Aquariums? Ripley’s Aquariums are located in the United States and Canada. These attractions’ mission is to showcase the beauty and significance of the aquatic world and its animals while encouraging us to respect and protect our world’s water systems. Visit each aquarium’s website to learn more about the experience and sensory events: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.
Georgia Aquarium: Atlanta, GA
Are you looking for aquatic fun and activities in Atlanta? Then head to the Georgia Aquarium. The Georgia Aquarium showcases tens of thousands of animals across hundreds of incredible exhibits. There’s truly something that every family member will appreciate seeing.
Georgia Aquarium is a perfect option for a fun, educational experience that will give your family a taste of ocean life.
Beaches Resorts: Jamaica and Turks & Caicos
Looking for the perfect Caribbean getaway for the whole family? Beaches Resorts has three locations that have become Advanced Certified Autism Centers™: Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Negril, Jamaica, and Turks and Caicos. Each resort features a Kid’s Camp with a team that has been thoroughly trained in autism sensitivity and awareness so parents can relax knowing their kids are in good hands.
Take a load off and relax with your loved ones in a beautiful destination where your entire family will feel cared for, safe, and included.
Travel to a Certified Autism Center with Confidence
Travel is indeed for everyone. Fortunately, families with autistic individuals no longer miss out on travel opportunities that involve exciting water activities.
Safe travels ahead!
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