Traveling with a child who has mobility challenges or developmental disabilities can be incredibly rewarding. With the right planning, it opens doors to unforgettable memories and new experiences. For Georgia families, some of the best accessible destinations are right in their backyard or just a few hours away.
By choosing inclusive destinations and preparing for your child’s specific needs, your family can enjoy relaxing, exciting, and enriching adventures without unnecessary stress.
Planning for Accessibility: What Georgia Families Should Know
Before you pack your bags, here are some essentials to consider, especially helpful if you're driving or flying from Georgia:
Know the Route: Whether heading to the mountains, coast, or across state lines, map out rest stops and accessible venues.
Book Smart: Confirm accessible hotel rooms with features like roll-in showers and visual alerts. Even in familiar cities, accessibility levels can vary widely.
Call Ahead: Don’t rely solely on websites. Contact attractions directly to ask about accessibility for mobility aids, sensory needs, or dietary restrictions.
Plan for Health: Pack medications, important documents, and emergency contacts. Research nearby urgent care facilities before you go.
Stick to a Routine: Consistent mealtimes and rest periods help many children with developmental disabilities feel more secure and comfortable while traveling.
Top Accessible Destinations for Families
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a family road trip, these national and regional destinations go the extra mile for accessibility:
Morgan’s Wonderland – San Antonio, Texas
Perfect for families open to a longer trip, this 25-acre inclusive theme park was designed for individuals with disabilities. Every attraction is wheelchair accessible, and children with developmental challenges can enjoy sensory-friendly zones and adapted activities.
📍 5223 David Edwards Dr, San Antonio, TX 78233
🌐 www.morganswonderland.com
Disney Parks – Florida & California
Just a quick flight or manageable road trip from Georgia, Disney World (Orlando) is one of the most accessible attractions in the country. With the Disability Access Service (DAS), quiet zones, and accessible rides, the parks accommodate a wide range of mobility and sensory needs.
📍 Walt Disney World: Orlando, FL 32830
🌐 www.disneyworld.com
Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
For adventurous families seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Yellowstone’s accessible trails and viewing areas are ideal. While it’s farther from Georgia, the park offers a unique opportunity for children to connect with nature in a manageable, inclusive environment.
📍 2 Officers Row, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
🌐 www.nps.gov/yell
Myrtle Beach – South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a family favorite for many Georgians, just a few hours from much of the state. Known for its sensory-friendly initiatives, beach wheelchair rentals, and autism awareness training for hospitality staff, it’s a great choice for a low-stress coastal vacation.
📍 Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
🌐 www.visitmyrtlebeach.com
Wilmington – North Carolina
Another easy road trip from Georgia, Wilmington offers beach mats for wheelchair users and inclusive attractions like the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. It’s a quieter option compared to more crowded beach towns, which can benefit children with sensory sensitivities.
📍 Wilmington, NC 28401
🌐 www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com
Georgia Destinations That Go the Extra Mile
You don’t need to leave the state to find inclusive and accessible adventures. Here are five Georgia-based destinations that prioritize accessibility, with helpful information to plan your visit.
Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta
One of the most accessible attractions in the state, the Georgia Aquarium offers wheelchair-friendly paths, sensory bags, companion restrooms, and certified autism-friendly staff.
📍 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
🌐 www.georgiaaquarium.org
Callaway Resort & Gardens – Pine Mountain
Just an hour and a half from Atlanta, Callaway is perfect for a weekend getaway. Enjoy butterfly gardens, wide walking paths, and a beach area equipped with mobility mats. The serene setting is ideal for children who benefit from calm environments.
📍 17617 US-27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
🌐 www.callawaygardens.com
Fernbank Museum of Natural History – Atlanta
Fernbank is fully accessible, from parking to exhibits. The museum also provides sensory maps and tactile-friendly exhibits, making it a great option for fun and learning.
📍 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
🌐 www.fernbankmuseum.org
Savannah Children’s Museum – Savannah
An open-air museum built for hands-on learning. With accessible paths and inclusive exhibits, it’s a great stop for children of all abilities visiting the coast.
📍 655 Louisville Rd, Savannah, GA 31401
🌐 www.chsgeorgia.org/savannah-childrens-museum
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center – Atlanta
Located inside Phipps Plaza, this indoor LEGO® playground offers accessible exhibits, wheelchair-friendly layouts, and sensory-friendly playtimes throughout the year.
📍 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 (inside Phipps Plaza)
🌐 www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/atlanta
Travel Tips for Georgia Families
Traveling from Georgia gives you access to mountains and coastline and easy road trips to Florida, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. Here are some helpful tips for making any trip smoother:
Use Georgia-Based Resources: Organizations like the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD)offer planning tools and referrals for accessible travel services.
Bring Documentation: If flying, bring a doctor’s note or diagnosis summary for TSA assistance. If driving, keep a folder with emergency contacts and medical information.
Choose Familiar Chains: Hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt often have consistent accessibility features and staff training. Use apps like AccessNow or Wheelmap to verify.
Pack Comfort Items: Whether you're headed to the coast or the city, bring headphones, sensory tools, or communication aids your child uses daily.
Ask About Discounts: Many attractions offer free or reduced-price admission for children with disabilities and their caregivers—just ask when booking.
Traveling with a child with disabilities may require additional planning, but that effort pays off in meaningful experiences, joyful moments, and lasting memories. And for Georgia families, there are more options than ever—both nearby and within reach.
From the thoughtful design of Camp Dream to the welcoming environment at the Georgia Aquarium, inclusive destinations help children thrive and explore their world. When we choose places that prioritize accessibility, we empower our children to engage, grow, and enjoy the beauty of travel, just like everyone else.