Salt Lake City Autism-Friendly Family Resources & Activities
At Wildflower Grove, we know that navigating family life with a child on the autism spectrum requires specific knowledge of supportive local environments. We've compiled the ultimate guide to autism-friendly activities and essential ABA resources in Salt Lake City, ensuring every outing can be a positive, enriching experience. Ready to explore the best supports for your family? Contact us today to discuss your child's care plan.
Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum
Location: 444 W 100 S, Salt Lake City
This popular children's museum hosts Sensory Inclusive Morning events. During these times, the environment is intentionally modified: lights are dimmed, sound levels are reduced, and overall stimulation is lowered. This allows children on the autism spectrum to explore hands-on exhibits comfortably and at their own pace. Check their website for upcoming "sensory inclusive" hours and registration for free entry.
Clark Planetarium
Location: 110 400 W, Salt Lake City
The Planetarium lists and promotes Sensory Friendly Saturdays where the environment is adapted for sensory processing considerations, including modified lights, sounds, and exhibits. This venue is a large, structured space, making it great for kids who enjoy visual stimuli and need space to move around comfortably. We suggest asking ahead about the specific show and choose a less crowded showtime, sitting near exits if a break is needed.
Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA)
Location: Salt Lake City, UT (part of the University of Utah campus)
Part of the University of Utah campus, the UMFA holds Sensory Friendly Evenings where sound-making or flashing light installations are turned off and lights are dimmed. They provide helpful tools such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, and offer quiet zones. Additionally, the museum provides social stories (visual cues about what to expect) to prepare children for their visit. Visit during one of their “sensory-friendly” evenings if possible (check calendar) and pick one of the quieter galleries first.
Inclusive and Fenced Playgrounds
Finding safe and accessible outdoor spaces is vital for comfortable play. Here are key playgrounds in the area:
Fenced Parks
In Salt Lake City, Pioneer Park's playground zone is currently being upgraded.
Inclusive Playgrounds
Magna Regional Park is a destination-inclusive playground in northwest Salt Lake County, specifically designed for children of all abilities to play together.
Parks In Progress
The Liberty Park – Rotary Play Park is undergoing an upcoming inclusive redesign.
Murray Park Playground features a fenced toddler section, offering a secure area for younger children.
Sensory Salon & Essential Local Services
The Sensory Salon specializes in providing a sensory-friendly environment for routine tasks like haircuts. They utilize calming techniques and adapted settings to help make a typically stressful experience calm and positive for children with sensory sensitivities. This is an invaluable local service for consistent, low-stress personal care. Call now to schedule an appointment at (385) 560-2047.
Adaptive Recreation Program
Salt Lake County's Parks and Recreation department offers a dedicated Adaptive Program designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities, including autism.
Intro to Sports
A 6-week program where participants can try different sports in an inclusive and supportive environment. Offerings include basketball, soccer, and pickleball.
Adaptive Aquatics
The program offers swim lessons, a competitive swim club, and water polo for youth and adults with disabilities. The "Otters Swim Club" is designed for children with autism or other intellectual disabilities.
Other Sports
A variety of other adaptive sports are available, including baseball (Adaptive Miracle League), bowling, and hockey.
Special Olympics Utah Unified Sports
Special Olympics Utah partners with the Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) to provide inclusive sports opportunities for individuals with and without intellectual disabilities.
Unified Teams
These teams pair athletes with intellectual disabilities with "Unified Partners" (athletes without disabilities) of similar age and skill.
School-Based Programs
The program operates in schools throughout the year, with soccer and track & field offered at the high school level. Other options include Unified PE classes.
RSL Unified Soccer
In partnership with Real Salt Lake (RSL), Special Olympics Utah fields a Unified Soccer team for athletes with and without intellectual disabilities.
Local Adaptive Sports Organizations
Adaptive Arena
Located in Bluffdale, this facility offers free, organized indoor adaptive sports like goalball, sitting volleyball, and wheelchair basketball for athletes up to high school graduation. The program focuses on creating a safe and inclusive atmosphere for all participants.
Wasatch Adaptive Sports
Based out of Snowbird, this organization offers winter and summer activities for people with adaptive needs and their families. Programs include skiing, snowboarding, cycling, paddle sports, and mountain biking, with highly trained instructors.
National Ability Center (NAC)
Located near Park City, the NAC is an internationally recognized adaptive recreation program. It offers a wide range of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, cycling, and equestrian sports. Scholarships are available.
Utah Parent Center and Digital Learning
The Utah Parent Center offers comprehensive support groups and information on topics like autism employment. This central hub connects you with a valuable network of parents and professionals. Additionally, resources like the SJ Childs LLC, an autism consulting business, and their associated YouTube channel provide continuous educational content and expert tips for home implementation.
Diagnosis and Professional Information
For families seeking or verifying professional services, the Utah Department of Health's Family Health division provides critical documents. Their autism evaluations help direct families to essential professional services and diagnosis information, ensuring access to the full spectrum of necessary care.
Begin Your Family's Journey
These autism-friendly resources represent a pathway to richer, more inclusive family experiences. Wildflower Grove ABA is dedicated to supporting your child’s growth through expert, individualized care. Partner with us to seamlessly integrate these fantastic community resources with an effective, personalized ABA resources plan.