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Kristy Cook, a mom of four, navigates life with her adventurous family including Robbie, her 9-year-old son, who lives with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). LGS is a rare form of epilepsy that causes developmental delays and challenging, daily seizures. But none of this stops Kristy and her family from living their best, most adventurous life. From breathtaking mountain vistas to immersive outdoor activities, the Cook family proves that travel isn’t just for the abled—it’s for everyone.
Now, when you think of family travel, what comes to mind? Fun? Chaos? Maybe a little of both, right? But Kristy, alongside her husband TJ, is redefining what it means to travel with a family, especially one that includes a child with disabilities. Fun, chaos . . . but at the heart of their travel philosophy? Inclusion. Making sure every family member, no matter their ability, has something to look forward to while on that trip. Kristy’s secret to successful trips is preparation and balance. You see, with the range of abilities and ages in their family, it’s all about finding places that offer options so for Kristy, planning is key. She starts with extensive research, making sure each destination has something for Robbie—like accessible hiking or adaptive equipment—while keeping her 11-year-old daughter’s interest and even her one-year-old in mind.
Of course, with all the travel highs, there are bound to be challenges. And Kristy doesn’t shy away from the tougher moments. There have been times when they’ve had to adapt quickly, like when Robbie fell sick on a trip to Michigan, turning their family vacation into a nerve-wracking dash back to Colorado for the comfort of their home hospital. But even in moments of crisis, the family remains steadfast, prepared and united. Kristy admits that packing for Robbie sometimes feels like carrying a rolling pharmacy, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Her preparation ensures that when they’re out in the world, they’re ready for anything.
Now, what’s remarkable about the Cook family isn’t just the meticulous planning or the destinations they visit. It’s the way they live fully, proving that disability doesn’t have to mean limitation. Robbie, who communicates primarily through body language and recently started using an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, is living proof of this. His joy, as Kristy describes it, is infectious. He lights up at the sight of water and loves being outside, whether it’s floating in a beach wheelchair or experiencing the wind in his face during an off-road adventure. He’s a curious, adventurous spirit and the Cook family’s travels give him—and them—experiences they never thought possible.
But what if you’re hesitant about traveling with a loved one who has a disability? Kristy’s advice: Start small. Try a local trip, see how your child or loved one responds, and build from there. Fear of the unknown can be overwhelming, but as Kristy wisely notes, “On the other side of fear is usually something beautiful.” Her family didn’t jump into two-week-long trips overnight. They began with small, local adventures to test out Robbie’s comfort levels and slowly expanded their travels.
Every trip they take gives them a new experience, shaping who they are as individuals and as a family. And they’re creating memories that will last a lifetime. For the Cook family, the journey is always evolving. The only question is: Where to next?
Colorado – A haven of accessibility and natural wonders
One of the Cook family’s favorite destinations is Ridgeway State Park in Colorado. Just outside of the scenic town of Ouray, Ridgeway is a gem when it comes to accessibility. The park boasts accessible campsites with paved trails that lead down to an adaptive fishing dock. Robbie, who uses a wheelchair, loved the floating beach wheelchair the park offers, allowing him to excitedly experience the lake. Additionally, the park’s Track Chair Program, designed for those with mobility challenges, is a standout. It provides access to adaptive hiking adventures through the use of off-road terrain wheelchairs. For families looking for inclusivity in the great outdoors, Ridgeway State Park is the place to be.
Close by, the town of Ouray—often referred to as the “Switzerland of America”—offers breathtaking mountain views and accessible hot springs. The Ouray Hot Springs features accessible ramps and beach wheelchairs that make soaking in the therapeutic waters a relaxing, inclusive experience. Not far from Ouray is Box Cañon Falls, where visitors can wheel or walk across a metal walkway to get up close to the thundering waterfall—an experience so immersive, you can feel the mist on your face!
For thrill-seekers, the Cook family ventured off-roading in Jeep Gladiators provided by local guides. This isn’t for the faint-hearted, but Robbie had a blast in the open-air backseat of the Jeep, soaking in the high-altitude views and the rush of wind on his face. Off-roading through the rugged Million Dollar Highway with its dramatic cliffs and sweeping vistas offered a thrill, but it’s not without its hair-raising moments—don’t look down too much if heights aren’t your thing!
Adventure meets nature – Bryce Canyon and the Ruby’s ATV Tours
Another highlight for the Cook family is Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. While Bryce Canyon is famous for its alien-like hoodoos and surreal landscapes, it also offers accessible trails. The path between Sunrise Point and Sunset Point is wheelchair-friendly, allowing everyone to take in the otherworldly views. Beyond just hiking, Bryce Canyon’s surrounding area offers some of the best off-roading experiences. The Cook family had a blast with Ruby’s ATV Tours, where Robbie got his first taste of riding in a side-by-side ATV. The tour operators were accommodating, allowing them to install adaptive car seats so Robbie could safely experience the rush of zooming across dirt trails and splashing through water. But the real kicker? At the end of their ATV adventure, they took Robbie through a water pit, sending waves splashing all around. His smile said it all—pure joy!
Hot Tub Boats and urban exploration in Seattle, Washington
Even urban adventures can offer unique experiences for families with special needs. The Cook family’s trip to Seattle proved that nature and city life can blend perfectly. One of the coolest things they did? Renting a Hot Tub Boat—yes, you heard that right! Floating around Seattle’s waters, including views of the iconic Space Needle, while sitting in a heated hot tub, was a memory that still makes them smile.
Robbie’s love for water meant this was a perfect activity for him. Seattle’s accessible attractions, including its numerous parks and waterfront views, make it a fantastic destination for families with special needs.
More outdoor adventures – Michigan and adaptive sports
The Cook family also found accessible treasures in Michigan. They explored the Sleeping Bear Dunes, where they discovered adaptive equipment like track chairs and beach wheelchairs allowing Robbie to experience the sand dunes and lake shorelines in ways many would think impossible. They even took him to the top of the dune climb using his adaptive Huckleberry Hiking cart. Additionally, they experienced the beauty of Indiana Dunes National Park by adapting on hiking trails and carrying their son in a backpack style child carrier. Though they didn’t find the off-road wheelchair they were looking for, the Cook family made the most of their time exploring these natural wonders.
Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park – A world of adventure
The iconic Yellowstone National Park also made it onto the Cook family’s travel map. Robbie’s curiosity was on full display here. The moment he set eyes on Old Faithful, one of the world’s most famous geysers, his excitement was palpable. Though he couldn’t express it in words, his laughter and energy said it all.
Yellowstone offers accessible trails and viewing platforms, making it possible for visitors with disabilities to enjoy its geothermal wonders and wildlife. Whether it’s spotting bison or waiting for a geyser to erupt, the magic of Yellowstone is open to everyone.
Encouragement for other families
Do not allow adventure, discovery and joy to be limited by ability. The world is full of inclusive opportunities. With a little research, planning and a willingness to adapt, families of all abilities can experience the beauty, wonder and excitement of travel.
Where will your accessible adventure take you next? Let the Cook family’s experiences inspire you to explore, embrace the unknown and create lifelong memories.
