LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A family in Lake County is making it their mission to provide a safe and fun space for kids and adults who have autism or other disabilities. The destination is called Puzzle Ranch. It’s an outdoor attraction with animals that takes you right into an old western film.
“We are inspired by our children. We moved to this property for a more therapeutic lifestyle for our kids and we had a heart to open it up to other families going through the same challenges,” owner Cameron Munoz said.
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Munoz and her husband, Abner, are parents to four boys who are on the autism spectrum. Elijah is 7. Michael and his twin brother, Matthew, are 8 and Alex is 14 years old.
“We know how difficult it can be to find things to do with the family that you feel safe and comfortable. Going into other environments can pose a lot of challenges and anxiety for parents,” Cameron said.
The family made the move from the city life in Orlando to a 5-acre rural property in Sorrento in 2020.
“The kids loved it immediately, they started climbing trees and loving the animals,” Abner said.
They’re inviting other families to enjoy their property, Puzzle Ranch. The farm provides a sensory-friendly environment outdoors with a petting farm, nature trails, gemstone mining and therapeutic horses.
“Having as much opportunity to touch or ride or have their interaction. It’s soothing for our boys to interact with the horses,” Cameron said.
Looking around, you’ll notice Puzzle Ranch has a special theme.
“Wild West. We always like the cowboy movies and wild west and the architecture. We decided to go with the theme and make it cowboy town,” Abner said.
They have full-sized bathrooms and cabins so families can stay overnight or book a weekend trip at Puzzle Ranch.
The Munoz family is expanding the space, creating a Native American-inspired camp ground, western chapel for weddings and event spaces.
Giving families of all types, even those with special needs, a place to relax, have fun and make memories.
“We want to try to make it easy for other families to come, to feel safe, to create a community where they feel welcomed and not judged. If someone has a meltdown or challenging behaviors, it’s OK because we’re all familiar,” Cameron said.
“We want to make them feel like they don’t have to worry about kids being different or acting different because we understand,” Abner said.
Understanding is the message the Munoz family wants to pass on to others through Puzzle Ranch.
“I really think it’s important for people to be aware of autism and the disabilities you don’t always see. Just having grace, being kind to others you may not understand behavior that you’re seeing,” Cameron said. “Just trying not to judge others. Being kind and offering support.”
Puzzle Ranch will be hosting a Spring Festival Fundraiser to help raise money for the “Puzzle Ranch Project” that includes programs that assist families with special needs with free services at their ranch. The event is scheduled for April 30, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is free and tickets will be sold for the different activities at the day of the event.