Morgan's Wonderland

Morgan's Wonderland holds the distinction of being the world's first theme park designed for individuals with special needs, and it has become one of San Antonio's most beloved family attractions for visitors of all abilities. Founded in 2010 by Gordon Hartman after watching his daughter Morgan struggle to play at a typical playground, the park was built from the ground up so that every ride, every pathway, and every experience would be accessible to everyone. The result is a place of extraordinary joy that changes how families think about inclusive play.

The 25-acre park features more than 25 rides and attractions, all wheelchair-accessible and designed for a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities. The Wonderland Express train takes families on a scenic ride around the park's perimeter. The carousel features chariots and animals that accommodate wheelchairs alongside traditional horses.

The Off-Road Adventure ride takes families through a wooded trail in accessible vehicles. An 18-hole fully accessible miniature golf course, a zip line with wheelchair harness capability, and a catch-and-release fishing lake round out the lineup.

What strikes most visiting families immediately is the atmosphere. There is a palpable sense of happiness here that is different from typical theme parks. Children who have never been able to ride a carousel or a Ferris wheel experience those things for the first time, and the joy is infectious.

Families report that their typically-developing children gain an invaluable understanding of inclusion and empathy simply by spending a day here.

Morgan's Inspiration Island, the adjacent water park opened in 2017, takes the accessibility mission further with heated splash pads, lazy rivers, and water play areas all designed for wheelchair access. The park provides waterproof wheelchairs free of charge — the first facility in the world to do so. The heated water means the park is comfortable in spring and fall when air temperatures might otherwise make water play chilly.

Practically speaking, the park is extremely well-organized for families. Wide concrete paths accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons with ease. Shaded rest areas with seating appear every hundred yards or so.

Sensory-quiet spaces offer calming environments for children who become overstimulated. The staff-to-guest ratio is notably high, and team members receive specialized training in working with guests of varying abilities.

Admission is free for all guests with documented special needs, which is central to the park's nonprofit mission. General admission for other guests is approximately $19 per person, which funds the park's operations and accessibility initiatives. The park operates seasonally, typically March through November, so checking the calendar before planning your visit is essential.