Family Vacation Activities in St. Augustine, Fla., for Children with Special Needs

By Julie Landry Laviolette

If you’re traveling with a child on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities, you will find a warm welcome in St. Augustine, Florida. Many of the businesses – even the tourist information offices – have received training to be Certified Autism Centers. Several attractions also offer sensory-free environments, quiet spaces and sensory toys. 

Historic sites

Old Town Trolley Tours –This open-air hop-on, hop-off trolley sightseeing tour has 22 stops and offers lots of flexibility. Stops include the Old Jail, the Castillo de San Marcos fort, the Colonial Quarter, even the Fountain of Youth. You can stay as long as you like at any stop. The trolley tour company is a Certified Autism Center, with staff members trained to help visitors who have sensory needs or who are on the autism spectrum. Sensory guides and sensory awareness signage are available for several attractions, including the trolley tour, the Old Jail, the Oldest Store Museum Experience, the St. Augustine History Museum and Potter’s Wax Museum. The guides help guests prepare for their visit and make the most of the experience.

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum – This 1874 lighthouse has hands-on activities and exhibits, daily programs, camps and nature trails. For program information or accommodations for visitors with special needs, call the education department at 904-895-0745.

Arts, books and play

Sensory Sundays – Sensory Sundays are held weekly from 1 to 2 p.m. at the St. Johns County Public Library. The event, in the Randolph Caldecott Children’s Room at the Main Library, is geared to visitors with sensory sensitivities. Lights are dimmed, monitors are turned off and doors are shut to lessen noise. Tactile and visual sensory items will be available. No reservation is required. The Main Library is at 1960 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd., St. Augustine. For information, call 904-827-6940.

First Coast Cultural Center – Home to art galleries with changing exhibits, art classes and camps, this center is free to visit. It’s also a Certified Autism Center, and all staff members have received training to help people with neurodiversities, including autism, enjoy their visit. The center has an outreach music therapy program called Sound Connections that works in schools with many children on the spectrum. The 10-week summer camp program and one-week winter break camp can accommodate children with sensory issues or autism. A low-sensory space in the two-story center can be used for a sensory break during camps, exhibits or events.

Awetism Wonderland – The Awesome Sensory Gym is an indoor sensory gym inside an autism therapy center. The play space is open to the public and offers a safe environment that children can use to improve balance, coordination and fine motor skills. Open play passes and memberships are available.

Water activities

SurfQuest – This free monthly surfing lesson and beach day aims to help people of all physical and intellectual abilities feel more comfortable around the water. All ages are welcome. Adaptive equipment like wheelchairs and strollers are available for participants with limited mobility. Therapeutic teaching methods are used to help people with all abilities enjoy the beach and ocean together in a barrier-free environment. Beach Days are held on designated Saturdays at 1 p.m. on Mary Street, at the beach ramp on Crescent Beach. It is a program of The Arc of the St. Johns.

St. Augustine Sailing – Enjoy the tranquil, quiet waters overlooking St. Augustine on a luxury sailing charter. St. Augustine Sailing is a Certified Autism Center, with office staff and captains trained on how to help guests on the spectrum or with sensory challenges enjoy their cruise. Private charters are available throughout the day, and the charter company has sensory toys that can be brought onboard. Special diets can be accommodated, and quiet check-in times in a calm area can be requested. The marina has a sensory quiet environment and shaded patio free of distractions to make check-in pleasant and free of distractions.

Sports

Field of Dreams – Field of Dreams is a specially designed baseball field that allows children with physical and cognitive challenges an opportunity to play baseball, wear a uniform and play as a member of a team. The league is for children from ages 5, or in kindergarten or older, and accepts players of all abilities and levels. Games are played at 1401 Shetland Drive, St. Johns.

Tourist information

City of St. Augustine Visitor and Information Center – Often the first stop to visitors wanting to explore the Nation’s Oldest City, the visitor’s center is in the historic downtown. A Certified Autism Center, the center’s staff has received special training to create an environment to welcome, support and accommodate all visitors. The center has restrooms, a gift shop and information about events and attractions. Lots of parking is available next door at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility.

Ponte Vedra Beach Visitors Information Center – The staff at the visitor’s center has been trained to help and accommodate visitors on the autism spectrum and who have sensory sensitivities. A Certified Autism Center, the staff has brochures and maps covering the beaches, Palm Valley and Nocatee areas.

Places to stay

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa – This four-star resort, about halfway between St. Augustine and Jacksonville on Ponte Vedra Beach, is a Certified Autism Center. Its staff is specially trained to work with guests on the autism spectrum or who have sensory challenges. Set on 65 sprawling acres, the resort has a private beach area, nature trails, serene wooded biking and walking paths, four swimming pools and several eateries.

Other resources

HEAL – HEAL, or Helping Enrich Autistic Lives, is a nonprofit that raises money to give special bikes and iPads to help special needs students at schools in Northeast Florida. The organization has a free surfing camp for children and adults with disabilities each summer.

Fun4AuggieKids is a resource for activities for children on the autism spectrum in the St. Augustine area.

Autismtravel.com is a free online resource that lists Certified Autism Centers and connects families to other resources and each other. Certified Autism Center requirements include staff training and an on-site audit by autism experts.

Center for Autism & Related Disabilities – The University of Florida’s Jacksonville office offers support, assistance and resources.

Sportsability Alliance, formerly The Florida Disabled Outdoors Association, offers a searchable database by county of parks, pools, beaches, attractions and events for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.