Autism Friendly Attractions in Jacksonville

Traveling should be an experience for all, no matter age or ability.

As a mother of three neurodivergent children living in Jax, I know first-hand about all the amazing sensory-friendly adventures Jacksonville has to offer. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to explore or an exciting adventure, we have you covered! Here’s your guide to all the autism-friendly fun on the First Coast.

Art can not only be therapeutic, but it can also give autistic individuals an outlet to express themselves. For this reason and so many more, the museums in Jax are one of our favorite family activities.

Located in downtown Jacksonville, the Museum of Contemporary Art has tons of different programs that encourages visitors of all ages and abilities to engage more deeply with art. More specifically to ASD families, the MOCA Museum has a program called Autism Creates. The classes are designed for children with autism spectrum disorders. These art and art making-based activities encourages expression and social interaction between children with ASD and their teachers, caregivers, and peers. They are held on the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m.

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is another must visit. Sensory bags are available to borrow at the front desk located in the main entrance, along with laptops. Headphone zones are located at the outdoor garden space, and there is also a quiet room available. Whether you are visiting the Art Connections space with your little ones, exploring the different galleries, or taking a serene stroll in the historic gardens, the Cummer Museum encourages all its visitors to enjoy art. This museum also provides multiple tours for kids, and special needs services are available to alter programs to fit your needs.

The Museum of Science & History (also known as MOSH) is another great outing to add to your itinerary! Each Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. are MOSH sensory-friendly hours. During this time, the lighting and sounds are modified. There are three levels of exciting and interactive exhibitions, and you and your family will have the opportunity to enjoy them all.

Are you looking for something a little more active? You know, the kind of outing that allows everyone to get out that extra bottled-up energy (and encourage a nap after)? Try Surge Adventure Park. On the first Sunday of each month, Surge Jax hosts Sensory Sunday. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., children with special needs can enjoy the space without loud music or flashing lights! Also, the park is not open to the public during these hours. This time is reserved strictly for those participating in Sensory Sunday

This one is for my adventurous travelers seeking to do something a little different. How do you feel about adding skydiving to the agenda? Okay, well maybe not skydiving in the sense you may be thinking, but hear me out. iFly Jacksonville is an indoor sky diving experience that I highly suggest everyone try at least once. On the first Monday of each month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., iFly Jacksonville host an All-Abilities Night. Here, they encourage individuals to define their own abilities and provide highly trained instructors who personally guide the flyers through the experience. They ensure proper accommodations based on specific challenges and provide additional assistance and attention throughout the night.

Certified sensory inclusive, a visit to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a great way to spend the day with family and friends. They have properly trained staff members, sensory bags for guests during zoo visits, and designated quiet areas for when breaks are needed. In each sensory bag, you can find noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards, all of which we have personally found extremely helpful. If you are planning to visit the zoo, I highly suggest downloading the KultureCity App. This free app will help guide you on how to access the sensory features at the Zoo, and there is also a Social Story available to provide a preview of what to expect during your visit.

While these next few places do not host a specific autism friendly time, night, or day of the week (that I am aware of), I cannot leave without mentioning them. These events and spaces are some of our favorite family outings.

The Jacksonville Public Library in downtown Jax is a family favorite. Everyone from my autistic teen to my youngest who has sensory processing disorder absolutely loves it here. There is something for everyone. There’s an art gallery. A teen room filled with age-appropriate reads, computers, instruments, video games, and board games. A children’s library that also houses age-appropriate books, computers, fun scavenger hunts, puppet shows, and so much more!

The Riverside Arts Market is held every Saturday under the bridge. Here, you can enjoy local eats from some of Jax best food trucks, shop small with local vendors, or just enjoy the breeze from the St. Johns River as you enjoy the vibes.

Last but certainly not least, can you really take a trip to Jacksonville without a visit to Jacksonville Beach? Of course you can, but why wouldn’t you? There are numerous places to eat indoors, outdoors, or on the go. You can take a dip in the water or enjoy the view from the sand. If you decide to head to the beach on a Saturday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., you and your family can even enjoy a silent disco on the pier with Hush Hush Jax! I do however think it’s important to note that there is cutoff time to kid friendly music, so I’d ask at arrival.

There are tons of autism-friendly things to do in Jacksonville, Florida. Some that aren’t even listed here! These are just a few places that this local mom and her neurodivergent family like to visit. With each place listed, I highly recommend researching further to ensure they fit your family’s needs. I hope you found this guide helpful, and it inspires you and your family to enjoy an autism-friendly visit to Jax.

Author

Sharnique Green

LOCAL EXPERT- FAMILY AND KIDS