Autism-Friendly Activities to Do in Utah

Autism Friendly Activities (recommended by actual autism parents!)

While Utah generally has many family-friendly activities and places to go, not every place you can bring your kids to is inherently autism-friendly. We asked actual autism parents in Utah what they recommend!

Adventure Heights All-Abilities Park in Spanish Fork, Utah

Image courtesy of Adventure Heights All-Abilities Park Google Maps location.

This all-abilities park has everything your child could want! This All-Abilities Park was designed so families of all abilities can play together without anyone being left out. Created with input from special needs families, the park includes accessible playground equipment, ADA ramps throughout, and a single enclosed entrance that helps provide extra safety for children who may wander.

For autistic children, one of the highlights is the Sensory Garden—a quiet space with interactive sensory activities and musical instruments where kids can take a break from the busy playground if they become overstimulated. The park also features family restrooms, including a full-size changing table, adaptive swings and zip lines, and an awesome splash pad! This park has many thoughtful features that make it one of Utah's most inclusive family destinations.

Treehouse Museum in Ogden, Utah

Image courtesy of TreehouseMuseum.org

Treehouse Children's Museum in Ogden is a wonderful option for autistic children who enjoy imaginative, hands-on play. Instead of focusing on loud rides or fast-paced activities, the museum features interactive exhibits centered around storytelling, creativity, pretend play, art, and exploration, allowing children to engage at their own pace.

The museum is also committed to accessibility, with wheelchair-accessible exhibits, elevators, accessible restrooms, and seating throughout the building. Parents are encouraged to reach out if additional accommodations are needed.

While it isn't specifically designed as a sensory-friendly venue, many families appreciate that children can move freely between exhibits and take breaks as needed, making it a flexible environment for many autistic kids.

Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, Utah

Utah's Hogle Zoo is perfect for kids who have a special interest in animals. Most of the paths in the zoo park are wheelchair accessible. There are many statues and signs that are able to be touched and there is plenty of open space, predictable walking paths, and opportunities to explore animals at your own pace. Families can spend as much or as little time at each exhibit, making it easy to adjust the visit based on a child's energy level and sensory needs. There's even a play area for when kids need a break from walking around!

Another popular feature is their train ride. This is not open year-round, so call to make sure it's in service before promising your little ones a ride!

One feature that makes Hogle Zoo especially autism-friendly is its free Sensory Backpacks, available to check out at Guest Services. These backpacks include noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, nonverbal communication cards, "If lost, please call" stickers, a guide to sensory exhibits throughout the zoo, and animal models and artifacts for hands-on learning. These resources can help reduce sensory overload while making the zoo more accessible and enjoyable for autistic children and their families.

If you feel like splurging on a membership, you can reap the extra benefits that come with it. They host regular member-only events, which might appeal to kids who get overwhelmed in large crowds.

You can call and ask zoo staff any up-to-date information and accessibility resources they may have: (801) 584-1700

Ogden Nature Center

Photo courtesy of a Google review of the Ogden Nature Reserve.

Ogden Nature Center is a peaceful option for autistic children who enjoy nature and quieter environments. With 1.5 miles of easy walking trails, ponds, birds of prey, treehouses, and hands-on nature play, families can explore at their own pace without the crowds and noise of many attractions. The calm setting makes it a great choice for children who become overwhelmed in busy environments.

The center also includes several accessibility features, including paved and wheelchair-accessible trails near the main buildings, an accessible treehouse, and accessible restrooms. While much of the preserve consists of level dirt trails, the slower pace and natural surroundings make it a relaxing outing for many autistic children and their families.

Wheeler Historic Farm in Murray, Utah

Image courtesy of https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/wheeler-farm/

Wheeler Historic Farm is a great option for autistic children who enjoy animals, open spaces, and a slower-paced outing. The 75-acre working farm offers plenty of room to explore at your own pace, with walking paths, farm animals, picnic areas, and a playground. Families can choose how long to stay at each activity, making it easy to follow a child's interests and sensory needs.

The farm's calm outdoor environment can be a welcome alternative to louder, more crowded attractions. Optional activities like wagon rides, cow milking, and visiting the animals provide predictable, hands-on experiences, while the large open spaces make it easy to take breaks whenever needed. For many autism families, Wheeler Farm is a relaxing place to enjoy nature without feeling rushed or overstimulated.

Kangaroo Zoo Has 2 Utah Locations in Pleasant Grove or North Salt Lake

Image from Kangaroo Zoo Google Review page.

Kangaroo Zoo is a fun indoor option for autistic children who love movement and sensory-seeking play. With giant inflatable bounce houses, obstacle courses, climbing structures, and plenty of space to run, it's a great place for kids to get their energy out regardless of the weather. The all-day admission also gives families the flexibility to take breaks and return to play without feeling rushed.

Kangaroo Zoo has also introduced Exceptional Saturdays, a sensory-friendly hour held on the first Saturday of each month for neurodivergent children and their families. These quieter times are designed to create a more welcoming environment with reduced stimulation. What a great way to make it easier for autistic children to enjoy this play facility!

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, Utah

Image courtesy of Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is one of Utah's best indoor attractions for all families, but can be a great place for autistic children as well. Some days are busier than others, but most of the time your visits can be a calm, self-paced experience where your little ones can explore fascinating marine life together. With wide pathways, interactive exhibits, touch pools, and plenty of opportunities to pause and take breaks, families can move through the aquarium at whatever pace works best for their child. The aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible and offers additional accommodations for guests with disabilities.

Many autistic children enjoy the soothing atmosphere of watching fish, sharks, jellyfish, and penguins, while hands-on exhibits provide sensory experiences without being overwhelming. Because exhibits are spread throughout the building, it's easy to step away from busier areas when needed, making the aquarium a flexible and enjoyable outing for many autism families.

Some extra amenities are available to membership families, or on a pay per day basis. Tuki's Island is a popular indoor play area, perfect for when weather is too harsh but your kids still need to run around and play. Kids 12 and under can enjoy this fun playground. It costs $3 per child for 2 hours, or free with a membership. Kids under 2 play free. It's indoor and totally enclosed, so you can breathe a little easier knowing it's a little bit harder for your kid to elope.

Utah Autism-Friendly Movie Showings at AMC Theaters in Layton Hills & West Jordan

AMC Sensory Friendly Films are a great way for autistic children and their families to enjoy the movie theater in a more comfortable, accepting environment. During these special screenings, the lights are turned up, the sound is lowered, and children are welcome to move around, talk, sing, or make noise without worrying about disturbing others. There are also no previews, so the movie begins right at the scheduled start time. (No more 30 minutes of previews? Yes please!)

This is only available at 2 AMC locations (so far): Layton Hills and West Jordan. You can expect these family-friendly showings to typically be held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. For many families, these screenings provide a low-stress opportunity to experience going to the movies in an environment designed with sensory needs in mind. Visit their website here to reserve tickets.

Hang Time Adventure Park in Orem, Utah

Image courtesy of Hang Time Adventure Park.

Hang Time Adventure Park is another indoor jumping playground, perfect for high-energy kids with gross motor needs. They have areas for kids of all ages, a giant ball pit for little kids, and huge rope swings for the big kids to try.

For the best value (if you plan on going at least once a month) a membership subscription seems to give you the most bang for your buck.

The Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point

From Google Reviews.

Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point is one of Utah's best indoor destinations for autistic children, with more than 400 hands-on exhibits that encourage exploration through play. Families can move at their own pace through interactive areas like Kidopolis, the Rainforest, Water Works, and the Discovery Garden, making it easy to follow a child's interests and take breaks when needed.

The museum also offers free Sensory Backpacks with noise-reducing headphones, fidget toys, sunglasses, timers, and "if lost" wristbands. (Available on a first come, first served basis.) Sensory maps help families identify areas with higher or lower sensory input so they can better plan their visit. These thoughtful supports make it easier for many autistic children to enjoy the museum comfortably.

Did we miss anything on our list? Send us a message and let us know any hidden treasures for autism families to enjoy.

Nova Supports Loves Hosting Autism Friendly Activities in Utah!

Nova Supports loves to host autism-friendly events with families in mind. In the past we have hosted sensory-friendly Halloween, Christmas, and Easter events, as well as autism-friendly movie showings. Stay up to date with our upcoming events so you don't miss the next one! We also would love to hear any ideas you have for events you think your kids would enjoy.