Disclosure: This autism-friendly getaway was in partnership with Destination Ann Arbor and @annarbor.
All thoughts, experiences, and stories are entirely my own.
Quick Takeaway: Autism-Friendly Adventures in Ann Arbor (Screenshot)
✨ Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a hidden gem for families traveling with autistic kids.
From sensory-friendly attractions to kind staff and easy dining options, it’s a city that supports connection over chaos.
Top Autism-Friendly Highlights:
- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum — interactive, sensory-considerate exhibits.
- We Rock The Spectrum – Ann Arbor — designed for kids of all abilities.
- The Creature Conservancy — calm, educational animal encounters.
- Launch Family Entertainment — gross-motor movement and sensory input.
If you’re planning an autism-friendly family trip to Ann Arbor, here’s everything you need to know to make your visit smooth, joyful, and inclusive.
Why Autism-Friendly Travel in Ann Arbor Matters
Traveling with autistic kids can be both magic and meltdowns, sometimes in the same hour. I know because I’ve lived it: the suitcase that won’t close, the snacks that absolutely must come, and the public meltdowns I swore I’d never survive.
If you’re a parent raising neurodivergent kids, you’ve probably felt invisible in travel blogs that skip over these moments for picture-perfect scenes. But here, we show up for the real stuff, the chaos, the beauty, and the memorable moments that make travel worth it.
When I first started traveling with my son, I thought I had to have it all together, perfectly packed bags, well-researched autism-friendly destinations, and colour-coded itineraries. But what truly changed everything was being honest: about when I needed help, when I felt overwhelmed, and when I just wanted more joy.
Vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s permission. It gives us the freedom to say:
“Can we have a few extra minutes?”
“Is there a quieter table available?”
“My child needs movement, can we find space to play?”
That’s why, when I find a destination that gets it right, I share it.
Because another family might find the same peace, fun, and freedom we did in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Why Ann Arbor Works for Autism-Friendly Family Travel
Ann Arbor surprised us in the best way. It’s not just family-friendly, it’s inclusive and accessible.
The city blends sensory-considerate attractions, incredible food, and genuinely kind people who make traveling with autistic kids feel not only possible but enjoyable.
Here’s what our trip looked like, and how you can plan your own autism-friendly family adventure in Ann Arbor.
Day One: Hands-On Fun and Animal Encounters in Ann Arbor
We started our morning at The Jefferson Market—a cozy café perfect for homemade breakfast to start the day. This place is small and busy, but the service was super fast and bonus points for having children books at the front. I was able to read to my kids while we waited for our table which came quicker than I thought it would given the popularity of the place.
Next stop: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum—where curiosity rules and kids can touch, explore, and learn freely. The exhibits struck the perfect balance of structure and sensory play, and the staff were understanding and patient.
A short walk away, we grabbed lunch at First Bite—nourishing food that worked for everyone, and a large white board my kids were allowed to make drawings on, a huge win to keep them happy while I finished eating.
In the afternoon, we visited The Creature Conservancy—a peaceful, educational experience. Our kids loved learning about the different animals, and seeing the sloths and reptiles up close.
Before dinner, we stopped by The Milkshake Factory—a hit with our kids because ice cream for one, and chocolate for the other is a safe, happy treat in our family.
We ended the night at Launch Family Entertainment—a fun outlet for movement and sensory input. Dinner at Union Rec was relaxed, delicious, and welcoming, the perfect way to wrap up our first day.
Day Two: Sensory-Friendly Play Spaces and Family Dining in Ann Arbor
Breakfast at Avalon Café + Kitchen was bright, calm, and delicious, exactly what we needed before a busy day. Bonus, they had three large tv’s that each played a different cartoon show, which I didn’t realize going into but my kids were pleasantly happy to see.
The highlight was We Rock The Spectrum – Ann Arbor, an indoor sensory gym created for kids of all abilities. The swings, crash mats, and zip line gave our children the freedom to move, explore, and play in a completely judgment-free space. They spent hours here, and when they did need a break, they enjoyed time in the calming sensory room.
Late Lunch / Early Dinner at Grizzly Peak Brewing Company hit the spot—good food, low-key atmosphere, and patient staff who made dining with young kids feel easy.
Day Three: Mom Recharge & Family Fun Before Heading Home
We began our final morning at Sava’s—upscale yet kid-friendly, with quick service and a welcoming vibe. My kids loved the back of the kids menu, where they could colour the Sava image of the place they were eating inside.
After breakfast, I carved out a little “mom recharge” time with a massage and craniosacral therapy at K West Skin Body Spirit. After two full family days, this quiet reset felt like gold.
While I recharged, my mom took the kids to 2|42 Community Center—a safe, open space where they could run, climb, and explore freely.
Before heading home, we stopped by Matthaei Botanical Gardens for that outside feeling without the cold weather, then finished our trip at DinoLand Ann Arbor a huge hit for sensory seekers who love movement and bright visuals. I’m not sure if you have an autistic kid who’s obsessed with dinos but I do, and this place got it right!
It was the perfect way to wrap up our autism-friendly family travel in Ann Arbor.
How Inclusive Travel in Ann Arbor Supports Every Family
When you find a destination that meets your family’s rhythm, share it.
Because another parent out there is searching for that same sense of peace and possibility.
Ann Arbor doesn’t need to market itself as “autism-friendly.” It simply is for our family.
✅ Play spaces that welcome all abilities
✅ Staff that respond with empathy and understanding
✅ Dining spots with flexibility and patience
✅ Calm, open spaces for sensory breaks
That kind of travel environment matters. It lets both kids and parents breathe easier.
10 Autism-Friendly Travel Tips for Stress-Free Family Adventures
- Start small — short trips build confidence.
- Pack sensory comfort items and familiar snacks.
- Preview transitions with photos or videos.
- Choose autism-friendly hotels or rooms with separate sleep spaces.
- Travel during morning or shoulder-season times.If you’re preparing to fly with your autistic child, you may want to read my blog: “Flying with an Autistic Child: Survival Tips I Wish I Knew Before Our First Flight.” It shares practical strategies to make airport days and flights smoother for the family
- Build downtime into every day.
- Request quiet dining or early seating when possible.
- Celebrate small wins.
- Stay flexible — plans can change.
- Remember: travel doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.
If you are wanting more insight to prepare for a trip with an autistic child, see my blog: “Stress Free Travel With Autistic Kids: 12 Parent Tested Tips + Our Safety Net”
Final Thoughts
Traveling with autistic kids isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence.
Visit Ann Arbor is a destination that makes inclusive, joyful family travel possible.
If your family values discovery, connection, and sensory-aware fun, Ann Arbor, Michigan deserves a spot on your autism-friendly family travel list.
Because when the destination supports your family’s needs, the memories take care of themselves.
Partnership Disclosure
This trip was made possible through a paid partnership with Destination Ann Arbor.
All experiences and reflections are authentic to our family’s journey.
Remember, the journey is always worth the destination. ✈️
With gratitude,
Kayla Squier
@dreamjartravels – Inspiring you to turn your travel dreams into reality ✨
