Kennywood has partnered with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a global leader in online training and certification standards, to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC). The Mission of Kennywood Park is to provide the finest in family fun and entertainment to all our Guests. Becoming a Certified Autism Center allows us to better serve our guests on the autism spectrum, and their families.
Certified Staff
Kennywood Team Members receive specialized training to ensure they have the required knowledge, skills, temperament and expertise to cater to all children, including those with special needs. Training focuses include: Sensory Awareness, Motor Skills, Autism Overview, Program Development, Social Skills, Communication, Environment, and Emotional Awareness.
IBCCES Sensory GuideTM
The IBCCES Sensory Guide provides insight on how a child with sensory processing issues may be affected by each sense for rides and attractions at Kennywood. Guide Available Soon
Quiet Rooms
Guests in need of a quiet place are encouraged to visit Dancing Waters, the shaded fountain located across from the Gran Prix. The fountain area and nearby Gazebo are much calmer than most other parts of Kennywood, with fewer attractions and less foot traffic. We are researching locations for future quiet spaces in order to have more than one option around the park.
Sensory Bags
Kennywood offers Sensory Bags at the Rider Safety Center, Guest Relations, First Aid and the Service Center. The bags include ear plugs, coloring book and crayons, a fidget toy, and squeezable ball.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Kennywood is happy to offer noise-cancelling headphones to our guests with autism. A limited number of noise-cancelling headphones are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and can be picked up at the Rider Safety Center, Guest Relations, First Aid or the Service Center located behind Noah's Ark. Noise-cancelling headphones must be returned at the end of your visit.
Changing Tables
Kennywood will be installing an ADA-approved adult-sized changing table for older children or adults in need of such a location. The adult changing table will be located in the family restroom near the Star Refreshment Stand, just outside of Steelers Country. A second family restroom is located in Kiddieland, though this location only has changing stations for small children.
Resources for Guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Travel is a resource provided by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to help parents understand their options for travel. Autism Travel provides parents with a community to share ideas, plan trips with other families, and explore travel options at some of the most beautiful places in the world.
