Deep in the heart of south Texas is San Antonio, home of the historic Alamo, the mighty Spurs and the lively River Walk. Now it has another claim to fame: Morgan’s Wonderland, a unique park for those with physical or cognitive disabilities.

Self-described as ”The World’s First Ultra-Accessible Family Fun Park,” this 25-acre playland features a beautifully ornate musical carrousel, off-road type vehicles that track around circuitous courses, an oversized train, multiple play areas, picnic grounds, a fishing platform and much more.

I was impressed by my visit to the just-opened park, which was professionally designed from the ground up to accommodate people with special needs. Pivoting platforms effortlessly place people using wheelchairs or walkers directly into and out of the train or car rides. Fanciful carrousel figures reveal large accommodating benches as well as regular seats. The multiple ‘playscape’ extended jungle gyms have wide platforms designed so that two wheelchairs can pass each other while providing ample space for everyone else. Some swings even include special platforms for securing wheelchairs for swinging! All play areas have the latest in soft rubber floors and are shaded from the Texas sun with brightly colored canvasses.


Additional fun activities include sand play areas with easy-to-use mechanical scoops, separate water play areas, an air-conditioned gym and outdoor musical gardens with colorful cartoon figures. A large sensory village includes an interactive theater, an auto fix-it shop, and a TV studio where visitors ham it up on cameras while watching themselves on TV. The water play area has a stocked lake with a catch-and-release fishing platform, outdoor water blasters that propel spinning targets and an area with electronically remote-controlled mini-galleons that race and battle on the water.


And, thankfully, there are large covered picnic table areas for catching that second wind. You can bring your own ice chests, food and snacks or purchase sandwiches and beverages at the park. After staking out a well-placed picnic table, you’ll want to first take the train ride. It goes around the entire park while the engineer provides an excellent over-view of the location and features of all the rides and activities…great for planning out your visit.


As impressive as this innovative facility is, equally remarkable is the fact that the park is amply staffed with mostly volunteers who assist  guests with anything… getting in and out of all the colorful  rides, fishing at the catfish platform or just helping carry ice chests, bags or strollers to and from the shaded picnic areas. They are wonderful, caring people who assist everyone in having fun.

And if you’re not yet blown away by this state-of-the-art, spacious, very special wonderland… it is free for any individual with special needs, only $5 for persons accompanying special needs individuals and $15 for everyone else. Parking is also free.

Please note that advance reservations are required, go to MorgansWonderland.com for more information and to read more about the park’s creation and mission.