Popular Autism Friendly Fall Festivals in Atlanta
As autumn leaves paint Atlanta in vibrant hues, the city comes alive with fall festivals that cater to families and children of all abilities. For parents of kids with autism, finding engaging and inclusive activities can be a challenge. Fortunately, Atlanta offers a variety of sensory-friendly fall festivals that provide a perfect blend of fun and comfort for children on the spectrum.
This guide explores the top fall festivals in Atlanta that are ideal for kids with autism. From the enchanting Stone Mountain Park Pumpkin Festival to the serene Scarecrows in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, families have many options to enjoy. These events offer pumpkin patches, outdoor activities, and specially designed sensory-friendly experiences, ensuring that children with autism can fully participate in the autumn festivities around Atlanta, Georgia.
Stone Mountain Park Pumpkin Festival
Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival offers a captivating autumn experience for families, combining daytime fun with nighttime enchantment . This event features a variety of attractions, including the new Pumpkin Drone Show, which synchronizes color-changing drones to festive music, creating themed shapes in the sky . Visitors can explore the Wonderland’s Fantastical 3D Immersive Experience, hunt for treasure at Treasure Island, and wander through the Enchanted Forest . The festival also includes family-friendly park attractions, fall entertainment, and Instagram-worthy picture-book settings . As night falls, the park transforms with thousands of glowing lights, massive jack-o-lanterns, and a giant glowing pumpkin tree . The event concludes with a glowing nighttime parade featuring themed floats and storybook characters .
Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Scarecrows in the Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Scarecrows in the Garden event is a beloved fall tradition, now in its 22nd year . From October 1 to November 3, visitors can enjoy creative scarecrows handcrafted by businesses, individuals, schools, and organizations scattered throughout the Garden . This event offers a unique blend of art, nature, and community spirit.
Participants compete for prizes, including Premium Garden Lights Holiday Nights tickets, Family Memberships, and curated gift baskets . Visitors can also vote for their favorite scarecrow in the People’s Choice Award, with a chance to win a Family Membership . The Garden transforms into a whimsical autumn wonderland, featuring live music, food, activities, and performances .
For families with children with autism, the Garden offers special sensory-friendly events. These include drop-in learning and art stations, and performances like “Fantastic Bug-Snackin’ Plants” by Jeanne Lyons, which caters to individuals with cognitive and sensory-processing disabilities .
Burt’s Pumpkin Farm
Burt’s Pumpkin Farm, a family-owned establishment in Dawsonville, Georgia, has been a beloved fall destination since the 1970s . Johnny and Kathy Burt started growing pumpkins near Amicalola Falls, selling them to park visitors . The farm has grown significantly over the years, now offering over 20 varieties of pumpkins, ornamental corn, and winter squash . Visitors can enjoy a scenic hayride around the farm, which has become one of its main attractions . The farm is also known for its delicious baked goods made from family recipes, with the sweet aroma filling the air as they’re prepared on-site . Burt’s Pumpkin Farm provides a quintessential autumn experience, combining natural beauty, family fun, and the charm of a working farm .
Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s Sensory Friendly Saturdays
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers Sensory Friendly Sessions on select Sunday mornings, providing a calmer environment for children with developmental disabilities or sensory sensitivities . During these sessions, the museum modifies the experience by turning off exhibit sounds, reducing light, and limiting admission . The museum strives to be an inclusive space, with staff members on-site ready to assist guests with sensory solutions .
For families needing a break, the museum offers a quiet space . Sensory packs, available at the front desk, include headphones and sensory toys . On most Sensory Friendly Sessions, families can meet Callie the Therapy Dog, who offers soft sensory play and gentle interactions .
Fernbank Museum’s Sensory-Friendly Afternoons
Fernbank Museum offers a series of sensory events designed for guests with sensory sensitivities or special needs . These experiences provide a quieter and calmer environment for exploring the museum, nature trails of WildWoods, and enjoying sensory-friendly film screenings . During Sensory Mornings, the museum opens an hour early, allowing visitors to explore indoor exhibits and outdoor nature experiences at their own pace . The Giant Screen Theater presents movies with modified lighting, lowered volume, and no need for 3D glasses . These events are included with General Admission and typically conclude at 10 a.m., though guests are welcome to continue their visit during regular hours .
Conclusion
Atlanta’s fall festivals offer a wealth of opportunities for families with children on the autism spectrum to enjoy the season. These events, from Stone Mountain Park’s enchanting Pumpkin Festival to the Children’s Museum’s sensory-friendly sessions, provide inclusive experiences that cater to diverse needs. The carefully curated environments and activities at these festivals allow kids with autism to fully participate in the autumn fun, creating lasting memories for the whole family.
These festivals not only provide entertainment but also serve as platforms to foster understanding and acceptance. By offering sensory-friendly options and inclusive activities, they create spaces where all children can thrive and enjoy the beauty of fall. To get more fall ideas, don’t hesitate to contact Kids Club ABA. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, these festivals invite families to embrace the season’s magic, ensuring that every child, regardless of their abilities, can experience the joy of autumn in Atlanta.
