We began taking our son TJ, who is on the autism spectrum, to theme parks when he was just 3 years old. Along the way we've discovered that some amusement parks go out of their way to accommodate special needs kids more than others do. With autism-friendly rides (not too fast, loud, flashy, etc.), attractions that follow ADA rules and accommodate wheelchairs, and other features, these theme parks make the experience so much more enjoyable for children with special needs.

Here are the 10 best theme parks for special needs kids and their families. They were chosen because of both their sensitivity to children with special needs and the appropriateness of their rides and attractions for these kids. Find even more fun theme parks and water parks in our Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks Guide.

Houston restaurants with patios are great places for families to enjoy a meal together while experiencing the benefits of being outside. Restaurants with outdoor seating provide space for children to move around, often making for a more relaxed dining experience. Houston offers excellent outdoor dining options, especially for families. Some of them also have great views, and they all provide delicious dining! Keep reading to explore the top ten family-friendly restaurants for outdoor dining in Houston. And don't forget to check our Houston Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide for more recommendations.

Now that outdoor dining season is upon us, you'll be pleased to know Brooklyn boasts its share of restaurants with outdoor seating that go far behind simple sidewalk tables. We know parents are looking for more spacious outdoor dining at restaurants with patios, a backyard, picnic tables, and sometimes even a bit of grass!

Just in time for summer, we've rounded up our favorite restaurants for outdoor dining in Brooklyn. These family-friendly restaurants feature ample outdoor space, serve delicious food, and welcome families with children. If you're in the mood for variety, we've included a mix of cuisines: Japanese, Mexican, Cuban, southern comfort, and, of course, pizza, barbecue, and new American.

Headed to Brooklyn from a neighboring area? Browse our Brooklyn Kids Guide to take full advantage of the borough while you're there, or peruse our NYC Restaurant Guide for more family-friendly eats.

Atlanta restaurants with play spaces make it easy for families to dine out together. Atlanta has awesome restaurants to suit budgets of all sizes and family preferences. We've rounded up Atlanta restaurants with play spaces perfect for toddlers to eateries with go-karts and games for older kids. Your kids can even pretend to be air traffic controllers between bites!

Read on for the full list of restaurants with play spaces in Atlanta. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop on awesome happenings, including 100 Things To Do in Atlanta Before Kids Grow Up.

Chicago restaurants with patios offer a way for families to enjoy a meal out without worrying about their kids making messes or noise. And it's the perfect time of year for outdoor dining in Chicago. Many restaurants vastly expanded their outdoor seating areas (and tricked them out!) during the pandemic, and now families can take advantage of the gorgeous weather and outdoor seating to dine out in style.

From grilled sausage to whole roasted duck and lazy coffee-fueled brunches to late afternoon pretzel-fueled beer breaks, these are our favorite Chicago-area outdoor restaurants where families can enjoy a delicious meal outside their own four walls. And don't forget to check our Kid-Friendly Chicago Restaurant Guide for more recommendations.

Outdoor dining is aplenty in Los Angeles. If you want to eat al fresco, Southern California is the place to live. We can find restaurants with outdoor dining pretty much year-round— and they're all comfortably furnished, give kids space to play, and have fabulous food for adults & kids alike.

Whether you crave Mexican food, pizza, vegan meals, dim sum, or afternoon tea, we found it. If you want to eat on the beach, dine with peacocks, or on a fairy-light-strewn patio, it’s on the list below. Bon appètit!

Check out our Restaurant Guide for Los Angeles and Orange County Families for more kid-friendly eating experiences in Los Angeles, including restaurants where kids can play while parents eat and mouth-watering treats that dazzle kids of all ages.

Plenty of space, lots of beautiful views and delicious menu options; restaurants with outdoor dining around Connecticut are always a great idea for families! Especially as the temperatures start to rise. From river docks to secret gardens and beachside patios, these eateries are a hit with hungry families looking for good food and outdoor seating.

Some of these awesome Connecticut restaurants with outdoor seating even made our list of places where kids can play while you relax, which is the ultimate combination for happy dining as a family. And if you're looking for a great breakfast out with the kids, look through our list of Best Breakfast Restaurants in Connecticut.

With exciting views and kid-friendly vibes, these restaurants with outdoor dining near Boston are always a good choice for a family. From a city dock to a suburban orchard, outdoor restaurants offer families a chance to get out for a bite and enjoy the fresh air. Many even offer up green space and added activities and games to keep little diners—and their parents—happy and content throughout the whole meal.

Some of these great outdoor restaurants even made our list of places where kids can play while you relax, the ultimate combination for happy dining as a family. Check websites or call before heading out to find out each individual restaurant's policies about reservations and enjoy the refreshing pleasures of a meal outside!