Sesame Street has been a family favorite for generations, and its commitment to inclusion became even more visible when Julia, a 4-year-old Muppet with autism, joined the show. Sesame Place Philadelphia in Langhorne, PA, followed suit with a focus on accessibility and inclusion, earning a designation that makes the park a go-to destination for families with children with autism.
Through a partnership with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), Sesame Place is the first theme park in the world to become a Certified Autism Center. This means the venue’s employees and features cater to the safety and enjoyment of guests with autism and other special needs. The designation was renewed for 2026.
Here are the specs that earned Sesame Place the accreditation:
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Certified staff: Team members have the proper knowledge, skills and attitude regarding topics like sensory awareness, communication and social skills to cater to kids with any special needs.
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IBCCES Sensory Guide: This gives parents and kids an idea of how a child with sensory issues may be affected by a ride or attraction.
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Ride Accessibility Program: This takes into consideration the individual abilities of each guest regarding the requirements of each ride. Prior to visiting, guests can fill out a questionnaire and take it to the Welcome Center upon arrival. Once the form is processed, the guest will receive a personalized list of rides that’ll keep them safe and having fun.
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Quiet rooms and noise-cancelling headphones: If your kiddo needs a break from the sounds of the park or crowds, take a break in one of two new quiet rooms near Big Bird’s Rambling River, complete with adjustable lighting and cozy seating. Kids with hearing sensitivity can also snag a pair of WhipsEars headphones to block out sound.
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Low sensory areas and parade viewing: Watch the characters march by without worrying about unwanted high-fives or hugs by sitting where the parade starts or several rows back from the viewing line. Need a calmer location while walking around? Visit Twiddle Bug Tracks and the area behind Sesame Street Neighborhood.
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Dining options: You can talk to someone about when to hit meal facilities during non-peak hours to avoid crowds, as well as how to book a character dine with limited direct interaction. Guests with special dietary needs can bring their own food.
In 2025, the park opened an upgraded low sensory room within its Family Care Center. The room has adjustable lighting, comfortable seating, and sensory toys to help promote relaxation and relieve stress.
In addition, Sesame Place Philadelphia honored Autism Acceptance Month with a free giveaway of Julia Glo Pals Kits to anyone who visited on April 2, which was World Autism Day.
The park has also identified low-sensory areas for guests and offers low-sensory parade viewing and dining options. Noise-canceling headphones, provided by KidCo, are available for single-day use.
Sesame Place is located at 100 Sesame Rd. in Langhorne, PA. For more information, visit sesameplace.com or call 1-215-702-ELMO.
- Jennifer Amato contributed to this story.
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