There are few times happier for a family than going on vacation; it is their special time for being together where they should only be thinking about fun and making great memories. Of course, our world is made up of all kinds of families, including families with children who have special needs or different sensory abilities. Central Florida’s Polk County area is proud to offer these families a welcoming environment right in the heart of Florida, where some of the area’s greatest attractions do everything they can to make sure all families and the littlest of kiddos have the best time ever.
Nestled between Orlando and Tampa, Polk County is a location where families can truly unwind, it is close to all the famous attractions of Central Florida while far enough away to avoid some of the frantic pace and higher costs. The area now offers some great options for families who have children with varying abilities. Attractions such as the Peppa Pig Theme Park, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, the Florida Children’s Museum can help families focus that little bit more on the fun.
Photo courtesy of Visit Central Florida
Peppa Pig Theme Park, Winter Haven
The Peppa Pig Theme Park opened in early 2022 and was America’s first theme park to be granted the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Educations Standards (IBCCES) Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation. This is a park beloved by families with the littlest of children, because it really goes at the pace of the kids. Then add in the accessibility and sensory inclusion aspects and this park is a gift to many families.
The park has an excellent pre-planning sensory guide designed by the IBCCES providing information on touch, taste, sound, sight and smell. Sensory guidelines according to these specifications are posted on every ride and attraction in the park. All the staff members are equipped to assist guests with sensory sensitivities, and the park also offers quiet areas and sensory kits.
Aside from sensory inclusion the park grants children with accessibility requirements a special Hero Pass. The Hero Pass allows for a one-time expedited attractions access for the guest who is assigned the pass and their party (up to 6). The Mr. Bull ride offers assisted transfer, the Muddy Puddles splash pad has transfer tables and Peppa’s Balloon Ride has a wheelchair-accessible basket that allows for a child to roll directly onto the ride vehicle without needing transfer, while still having space for a grown-up to accompany the child. Request the Peppa Pig Theme Park Sensory Guide to get the full details.
Click here to read the Peppa Pig Theme Park Sensory Guide and click here to read the Hero Accessibility Guide.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Winter Haven
We are thrilled that the CAC designation has also been extended to the main LEGOLAND theme park and each of its hotels, as well as ADA compliant rides. LEGOLAND is just a few steps from the Peppa Pig Theme Park and is simply Florida’s greatest theme park for children up to twelve years old. Many of the features included in the Peppa Pig Theme Park including sensory guides, low sensory areas, certified staff members and kits are also available here.
Click here to read the LEGOLAND Florida Resort Sensory Guide.
Photo courtesy of Visit Central Florida
The Florida Children’s Museum, Lakeland
This is a fabulous new 48,000 square ft museum situated within the beautiful new Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, and about 25 minutes from LEGOLAND. The Florida Children’s Museum offers ADA compliant access and has worked in close partnership with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (C.A.R.D) and the University of South Florida to be Autism Friendly. The colors, the layout of the museum and the acoustics are all chosen and designed to make the museum as fun and enriching an experience as possible for all children. There is a quiet room in the museum and sensory kits include noise-reducing headphone, sunglasses and a hand fidget toy. The museum has also prepared a beautiful Social Story that can be downloaded ahead of the family’s visit that helps children and families understand what to expect.
Aside from these beautiful attractions Central Florida has an abundance of beautiful parks and gardens including Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Hollis Garden in Lakeland and Circle B Bar Reserve also in Lakeland, as well as other outdoor attractions like Safari Wilderness. It’s all about making sure everyone can fully enjoy their time together while on vacation. For more information, please reach out to Visit Central Florida.
Click here to read the Florida Children’s Museum Sensory Guide.
comments