- Day Trips (14)
- Helpful Tips (4)
- Hotels (2)
We recently went to Stowe and had a wonderful experience. From the lodging, activities, skiing, to the incredible staff; this is definitely a place that accommodates children with special needs.
The skiing at Stowe goes above and beyond to accommodate individuals with special needs. Stowe Adaptive is an incredible program that offers lessons and equipment to make sure that every individual can get out on the mountain. And Stowe also offers a “Buddy Pass”! Here is some great information that Donna Barton (Operation Manager) at Stowe offered:
The idea of the Buddy Pass is that if you are unable to meet the minimum Essential Eligibility Criteria, you qualify for our adaptive lesson program or the Buddy program. Check out the EEC requirements on their website.
In addition, here at Stowe…if you do not meet the minimum requirements of the EECs and you apply for a scholarship through Friends of Stowe Adaptive Sports, you may be granted a scholarship to use toward lessons or access. For more information click here
Stowe Rocks is an indoor rock climbing facility that has both auto-belay courses for kids to climb as well as 8 manual belay sections. The staff that is on site to help is incredible. They are patient, friendly, and great at encouraging kids to climb and take chances!
$26.00 for kids 12 and under to climb for 2 hours.
If your child is not up to climbing they can always take the gondola up to the top of Mt. Mansfield.
Definitely a fun place to visit!
Inside The Wild Center explore 54,000-square-feet of exhibit halls, meet one of our many animals at an animal encounter, join us for a live show, or watch one of many amazing films. The Wild Center was made for visiting with children. Hands-on exhibits let you hang out in a spiders web, make clouds, blow snow, and get up close with live animals.
After visiting the center make sure to take the Wild Walk which takes visitors up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest. It’s designed to transform the way we see into the natural world by offering up the perspective of the rest of nature.
Wild Walk is accessible to people of all generations and abilities. There are side paths and options to take, suspension bridges, and stairs down, but the entire main structure, from the trail leading to Feeder Alley all the way to the viewing pod on the final tower platform was built specifically so that it would afford everyone the chance to experience the Walk.
Located in St. Pete’s Beach, Florida, Tradewinds has been rated a top destination for families. It has specifically been recommended for families who are traveling with a cild who has special needs. As a designated special needs friendly resort by Be Friendlier, our staff undergoes continuous training to ensure we understand sensitivities, developmental disabilities and unique situations so we’re equipped to help. From room safety kits to gluten-free menu options, we take all of your needs into consideration so you can “Just Let Go!” Make sure to check out their wonderful kids program.
Planning a trip and worried about having your child go through security and/or being on a plane? Make sure to check out TSA Cares before your travel. If you contact them 3 days prior to you departure and provide them with your flight number they will help make sure that you are supported through the entire process. You will need to tell them your child’s diagnosis, what things will make it difficult for them, and what strategies might help them have a successful experience. You can also print out a TSA Cares card via their website to carry with you.
TSA Cares usually connects with your via email and/or phone, goes over your itinerary and will talk to you about what will happen. When you get to TSA you tell them you have spoken to a TSA Cares representative and they will take it from there.
TSA Cares is absolutely amazing and very helpful! It makes traveling a lot easier and less stressful for everyone.
Universal Studio in Florida does an incredible job at accommodating children with any special need. They have a Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP) which you can get at the customer service desk. It is best to have a doctors note explaining the disability and accommodation that would be helpful while exploring the park. This pass helped us decrease the amount of time we stood in line, the amount of time we were in the sun, and assistance getting on and off rides. All the employees were very accommodating and friendly! We have been there twice and were very pleased both times. Check out AAP Pass to get more information.
The Upper Deck Pub is a great place to bring kids, especially if they like sports. The best part about the Upper Deck Pub is the amazing staff. They are patient, flexible, and friendly. We have gone several times and every waitstaff was great with our “inflexible” kid. The kid meals are very well priced and come with delicious dessert options! To top it off, there are lots of televisions, great sport memorabilia, and baskets of popcorn for kids to munch on while they wait for the food.
This park has a great playground for younger children or children with mobility issues. There are two play structures, swings, and smaller slides for children to play on. The park also has a picnic area, soccer and baseball fields, and plenty of grass to run around or fly a kite!
The park is also connected to the South Burlington Bike Path which is wonderful.