A Destination Mindful of All Your Senses.
Mesa, Arizona is the first-ever Autism Certified City in the United States.
WHAT: YES Day for Autism
Join Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) for the inaugural YES Day for Autism. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with autism service provider booths; enjoy entertainment including live music and special performances; and other family-friendly activities including games, arts and crafts, face painting, bounce houses, free pumpkin patch and more! Various food vendors will also be onsite.
WHEN: October 24, 2021
WHERE: Tempe Beach Park, 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe 85281
Mesa, Arizona is your newest place to play and experience authentic Arizona fun with confidence, knowing your needs come first.
Discover the country’s first Autism Certified City! Recognized nationally as one of the most family-friendly communities in the United States, Mesa hotels and attractions are rolling out the red carpet to welcome travelers on the spectrum. Whether creating a work of art, panning for gold, or exploring our stunning desert landscape for the first time, Mesa offers a full-sensory experience for every family.
Official Autism Travel Guide
Find comprehensive information and tools to plan your family's visit to Mesa.
Learn MoreAutism Travel GeoTour
Visit Mesa’s Autism Travel GeoTour is a strategic collection of geocaches anchored at many of Mesa’s participating Certified Autism Centers and city parks — these hidden finds will get the whole family hunting and gathering for fun! All ages and all lifestyles from outdoor adventurers to tech-lovers will enjoy the thrill of searching for geocaches on this custom family-friendly tour.
COMPANIES THAT HAVE COMPLETED OR COMMITTED TO CERTIFICATION:
Click on company name for more information
LODGING
- Best Western Plus Mesa (in progress)
- Courtyard Phoenix Mesa
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix-Mesa
- DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa
- Four Points by Sheraton at Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport
- Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix-Mesa/Chandler (in progress)
- Hyatt Place Phoenix-Mesa
- Residence Inn Phoenix Mesa
- Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch
- Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West
ATTRACTIONS
- Arizona Goat Yoga
- Arizona Museum of Natural History
- Butterfly Wonderland
- City of Mesa: Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities
- Escape Rooms Mesa (in progress)
- Hohokam Stadium (Oakland A's)
- i.d.e.a. Museum
- Jake’s Unlimited (in progress)
- Longbow Golf Club (in progress)
- Mesa Arts Center
- Mesa Convention Center / Mesa Amphitheater
- Mesa Public Library at Dobson Ranch
- OdySea Aquarium
- Riverbound Sports Paddle Co.
- Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch
- Sloan Park (Chicago Cubs)
- True Garden Urban Farm (in progress)
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
DINING
- 12 West Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant
- Jake’s Unlimited (in progress)
- Jarrod's Coffee, Tea & Gallery (in progress)
- La Plancha Grill @ Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West
- Macayo's Mexican Food - East Mesa
Macayo's Mexican Food - West Mesa
- The Resident @ DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
- Arizona Office of Tourism
- Boeing (in progress)
- City of Mesa: Fire & Medical Department
- City of Mesa: Police Department
- College Bound AZ
- Copa Health, powered by MARC Community Resources and Partners in Recovery
- East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (in progress)
- East Valley Partnership (in progress)
- Gateway Bank
- Helen's Hope Chest / Mesa United Way (in progress)
- House of Refuge
- Lexington Therapy Services (in progress)
- Mesa Chamber of Commerce
- Mesa Convention Center / Mesa Amphitheater
- Mesa Hohokams (in progress)
- Norris Air
- Pawsitive Friendships
- Salt River Project (SRP)
- Town of Queen Creek Fire & Medical (in progress)
- Town of Queen Creek: Parks & Recreation Department
- Visit Mesa
