Centre parks with Autistic DS

[squashedalmondcroissant]

So I wanted to take DS to Disneyland for his 18th birthday but unfortunately his passport is taking ages to come back for various reasons and I’m trying to arrange something fun as a trip for him instead.

He has what would be considered ‘low functioning/profound autism’ and learning disabilities. Very little self care, speech, independence etc. Highest rate of DLA, he is physically mobile but cannot, for example, ride a bicycle on his own as he is quite clumsy and can’t balance properly.

I’m considering centre parks for a short break but not sure if there will be enough activities to keep us entertained for the 4 days we’ll be there, has anyone been with someone in a similar situation? He loves water and swimming but we’d be going in March so a bit early and cold for the outdoor activities on the lakes. Looking at Woburn as that’s the closest to get to and easiest for us.

TIA!

You might be better somewhere like this.

https://www.thethomascentre.co.uk/

That does sounds lovely but it’s too far away and too expensive sadly 😞

I think it depends on how DS is with other activities and around other people. I don’t know if you can now, but you used to be able to see the activities on the website.

BTW, have you tried adult stabilisers or an SN tricycle? Or an adapted bike with a seat for DS or an SN trailer for your bicycle?

Our dc is a couple of years younger and sounds similar to your ds in terms of level of functioning. They absolutely love Centreparcs. There is no limit to how long you can spend in the swimming area (which is also lovely and warm) so we always end up going twice a day (a long stint during the day and then a short visit in the evening after dinner).
We haven’t ever done any of the activities because we don’t need to but we do sometimes use the outdoor play areas and if you go to the Whinfell site there is another play area above the shops which no one ever seems to use which is good to spend half an hour in.
You can also get cabins with hottubs if that is something your ds would like.

My DS has autism and Centre Parcs is his happy place. We've been going for about 15 years. He loves it as it's the same every time! He has a different presentation to your DS though.

We often see families there who have DC with additional needs. It can be a good choice I think, especially if there are NT siblings so everyone can get to do things they enjoy.

It can get busy but you were thinking of Disneyland so presumably your DS is OK with crowds?
The good thing about Centre Parcs is you have your own lodge so can make it like 'home' - my DS likes to bring familiar blankets, his favourite DVDs etc. It's also somewhere to go back to if things get too much. They have adapted lodges if you need one for his self care needs.

As there are no cars on site, it feels a safe place to be able to wander about. If your DS likes animals, there are deer, ducks, squirrels around that come right up to your lodge which is lovely.

The pool area is heated and under cover so you will be fine in March. If he loves swimming, you can go every day, all day. I think my DS's record was 6 hours in the pool! (There's a cafe in the pool area that serves burgers, chips etc.)

As others have suggested, check out their website so you can get an idea of what activities are on offer that might be of interest. Be warned though - they are really quite expensive! Also, you will need to take absolutely everything with you (soap, salt and pepper etc).
We don't really do many activities when we go other than swimming. They would be too much for my DS. We sometimes go on an electric boat on the lake though and we've done pottery painting.

Once you've got his passport sorted and if he's able to fly, I would really recommend Lalandia in Billund. (It's next to Legoland). Their waterpark is out of this world!

Thank you for the replies and recommendations - I’ve booked it! We’re going for Woburn as it’s the closest to home and we can spend more time there 😊 We are making him a sort of ‘holiday book’ with a list of the activities so hopefully he’ll find something he’ll enjoy and would like to do. He loves swimming so if nothing else he’ll be happy in the pool but I’m going to try and encourage him to do a few different activities! He loves water and going on boats so hopefully a pedalo or electric boat will appeal to him and I’m going to book a tandem bike so hopefully we can go for bike rides together. I’d love him to try the climbing wall or the zip line but I suspect he may be too heavy! Pottery painting and the other crafty things I think are the most likely, glad to see someone else has had success with this.

I meant to say - happy birthday to your DS! I hope you all have a wonderful time at Centre Parcs and make some lovely memories.

Do post again if you have any specific questions about Centre Parcs. It sounds like there are a couple of us regulars on here!