9. SESAME PLACE, PENNSYLVANIA

It’s time to hit the street – Sesame Street, that is! Sesame Place in Philadelphia is a must-visit for Elmo-obsessed kids and nostalgic adults, a magical place where everyone can feel at home. This theme and water park, like the show that inspired it, is famous for its inclusivity. Its robust accessibility program has everyone covered.

Sesame Place was the first theme park in the world to receive designation as a Certified Autism Center (CAC). Staff members have been specifically trained to support visitors with autism so that they can have the best experience possible. If any visitors become overwhelmed by the sensory stimulation of the park, they can visit one of the Sensory Rooms, created in partnership with Enabling Devices. There, you’ll find many tactile and sensory devices to soothe and engage.

They also have a Ride Accessibility Program (RAP), which begins with a questionnaire to match your needs to each ride at the park. Bring your completed questionnaire to the Welcome Center to receive a tailored list of attractions, and access supports like noise-cancelling headphones, show scripts, and wheelchair rentals.

Around the park, you’ll find accessible restrooms (including a facility with adult changing tables across from Big Bird’s Burgers & Bites), viewing areas, restaurants and more.

The Sesame Place website is a treasure trove of accessibility-related information and resources, so you can plan your visit to maximise your enjoyment: sesameplace.com/philadelphia/help/

On the day, ensure you have the official Sesame Place app downloaded to your device, as it contains maps, queuing guides, ahead-of-time purchases, and more. It’s available for free for Apple and Android users through their respective stores.