Springtime Adventures: Outdoor Activities in San Antonio for Children with Autism

San Antonio families with children on the autism spectrum can enjoy the outdoors this spring with numerous autism-friendly activities.  The warm weather and blooming flowers provide a great opportunity for sensory stimulation, physical activity, and social interaction in a natural setting.

Here’s a guide to some of the best autism-friendly outdoor experiences in San Antonio this spring.

Morgan’s Wonderland & Inspiration Island

Morgan’s Wonderland is the world’s first Ultra-Accessible™ theme park, specifically designed for individuals with special needs.

With over 25 attractions—including a wheelchair-accessible Ferris wheel, sensory-friendly playgrounds, and catch-and-release fishing—get ready for some inclusive adventure. Adjacent to the park, Morgan’s Inspiration Island provides a fully accessible water park experience, featuring waterproof wheelchairs and temperature-controlled splash pads.

Said a recent reviewer, “Morgan’s Wonderland is a one-of-a-kind park that truly lives up to its mission of inclusivity. It’s designed to accommodate individuals of all abilities, making it a fantastic place for families and friends to enjoy together. One of the things I absolutely loved was how seamlessly everyone interacted, whether you had a disability or not. There was no sense of separation. Everyone played, laughed, and enjoyed the park as equals.”

We can’t think of a better place to be this spring in San Antonio!

Nature Walks and Sensory Gardens

Spending time in nature can have a profound calming effect on many children with autism. The sights, sounds, and textures of the natural world can provide a welcome respite from the often overwhelming sensory input of daily life. The open space and fresh air can also help to reduce feelings of anxiety and claustrophobia.

Nature can provide sensory stimulation, engagement, and opportunities for physical activity that can benefit children with autism. San Antonio has many parks that are ideal for nature walks and sensory exploration.

• Mitchell’s Landing: Recognized as a “National Demonstration Site” for Inclusive Play & Youth Physical Activity, this playground provides opportunities for social interaction, engagement, and physical development for individuals of all abilities, through uninhibited play.  Mitchell’s Landing has been designed to encourage continual play and promote physical activity for children, benefitting all of our community members.

  A newly opened pirate-themed inclusive playground, Mitchell’s Landing features innovative play structures designed for children of all abilities, including those with sensory sensitivities. Engaging in simple scavenger hunts during these walks can add an element of fun and encourage observational skill.

• San Antonio Botanical Garden: From its Sensory Garden where children are encouraged to engage their sense of touch and smell, with plants of interesting textures and scents, as well as Braille signage and tactile sculptures, enhancing the sensory experience for visitors to sensory-rich activities, the garden frequently hosts activities that are suitable for individuals with sensory processing needs, providing an inclusive environment for all visitors.

  Visit its event calendar for more info on family-friendly programming, which is full of opportunities for children with Autism in San Antonio.

• Brackenridge Park: This expansive park offers shaded trails, a serene river, and proximity to the Japanese Tea Garden, providing a peaceful environment for leisurely walking. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy time with family! Pack a blanket, bring your favorite snacks, and relax under the shade of sprawling oak trees. After lunch, you can check out the nearby San Antonio Zoo or ride the miniature train. Check out the calendar for a list of upcoming events to get you and your family outdoors.
• Orsinger Park: Known for its quiet trails and large sandbox, this park is perfect for children who enjoy tactile play and a less crowded atmosphere.

Sensory-Friendly Events and Programs

San Antonio offers various sensory-friendly programs tailored to children with autism:

• The DoSeum’s Beyond Limits Program: This initiative provides a peaceful and inclusive environment with modified exhibits and reduced noise levels, allowing children to explore at their own pace. Its calendar is brimming with events for kids of all ages. Come see why it’s one of the nation’s best children’s museums!
• Kinetic Kids: Its mission is to “Enrich the lives of children with special needs and their families through sports, fine arts and educational programs to foster the development of courage, confidence, fitness, pride, joy and community.” Kinetic Kids offers adaptive sports and recreational programs, and enables children with special needs to participate in activities like swimming, gymnastics, and track in a supportive setting. 
• We Rock the Spectrum” – Cibolo Canyons: An indoor gym designed specifically for children with sensory processing disorders, it provides a safe space for play and socialization. 

• Sensory-Friendly Film program: For those that want some fun indoors, AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where the lights are turned up, the sound is turned down, and movement and participation are encouraged. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes.

• Mammen Family Public Library: With a welcoming and accommodating environment for children with Autism, there are events and programs for all ages. For younger children, storytimes, playtimes, and seasonal workshops encourage early literacy and social interaction through singing, reading, and crafts, while early to upper elementary programs feature LEGO building, STEM explorations, book clubs, and art classes are designed to be engaging and can be beneficial for children with autism by providing structured activities that promote learning and social interaction.

Inclusive Parks and Playgrounds

Several parks in San Antonio have made strides in becoming more inclusive:

• Leon Valley Parks: Thanks to community advocacy, parks in Leon Valley have installed communication boards to assist non-verbal children in expressing their needs and feelings.
• Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair: This downtown park features a large playground with water and sand play areas, offering diverse sensory experiences in a vibrant setting. 

So Much Spring Fun Awaits for Kids with Autism in San Antonio

San Antonio is the place to be for springtime fun! 

Plus, its commitment to inclusivity ensures that families with children on the autism spectrum have access to enriching experiences, both outdoors and inside.  By exploring these thoughtfully designed spaces and programs, you can create memorable springtime adventures.

Based on your child’s needs, plan ahead to visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and reduce sensory overload, AND don’t forget to bring a comfort item like noise-canceling headphones, favorite toys, or snacks to help your child feel secure.

Wishing you and your child loads of fun this spring!