All month long, attractions and organizations in the greater Cleveland/Akron area offer events dedicated to individuals who have special needs and their families. Check the list below to find family fun near you:
SUNDAYS
Teen Scene for Boys. Life skills activities for teenagers with special needs with structured programming and age-appropriate lesson plans with experienced behavioral aides. 1:30-3 p.m. Friendship Circle, 27900 Gates Mills Blvd., Pepper Pike, friendscleveland.com
Special Needs Open Jump. Exclusively for children with special needs and their siblings. 7-8:30 p.m. Skyzone, 750 Alpha Drive, Highland Hts., 440-596-3400; and 31500 Viking Pkwy., Westlake, 440-414-0444, milestones.org
TUESDAYS
Big Dog Bounce Autism Night. Spend some time socializing while your kiddos play in a safe, clean, supportive environment. 5-8 p.m. Big Dog Bounce, Ashtabula Towne Square Mall, 3315 N. Ridge Road E., Ashtabula, milestones.org
Teen Scene for Girls. An abundance of social interaction with a focus on cooking, menu planning, etiquette and preparing a Café Night for the community. 5:15-6:45 p.m. Friendship Circle, 27900 Gates Mills Blvd., Pepper Pike, friendscleveland.com
WEDNESDAYS
Asperger’s Boot Camp for Teens. Meets on 9/12 and 9/26 and covers different social skills topics such as: the art of chit-chat, how to break into a group, and using gestures better. 6:30-8 p.m. Autism Society of Greater Akron, 2858 W. Market St., autismakron.org
September 3
Coffee, Tea and Autism. Informal support group in Medina that provides a time for discussion and information sharing among anyone impacted by autism. 5:30-6:45 p.m. Medina ESC, 124 W. Washington St., autismakron.org
September 8
Bob Meister Special Needs Fishing Derby. Exclusively for individuals with special needs. Following the derby, prizes will be awarded and pizza lunch will be served. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sippo Lake Marina, 5300 Tyner St., Canton, starkparks.com
September 10
Mellow Monday Sensory Night. Moderate lighting and music and air compressors are turned off for laser tag, ropes course, arcade, bowling, cafe, and spin zone. 5-8 p.m. Make Believe Family Fun Ctr., 8303 Day Drive, Parma, makebelieveparma.com
September 12
Fantastic Fishing. Individuals with disabilities learn fishing basics in the parks as they try to catch bluegill, catfish and largemouth bass. Instruction, equipment and bait provided. 6-7 p.m. Lake FarmPark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com
September 15
Special Needs Acceptance & Inclusion Walk & Family Fun Fair. The one-mile walk will take place through the city of Akron in the area of North High School, with the finish line culminating at the Family Fun Fair location. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Out of the Box Community Center, 1011 Gorge Blvd., Akron, zanesinc.org
September 16
FUNds For Kids! End of Summer Bash. Benefiting The Up Side of Downs of Northeast Ohio. Family-friendly event that will include live music, face painting, pony rides, raffle prizes and more. Noon-3 p.m. Medina Square, theupsideofdowns.org
September 18
Crocker Kids: Down on the Farm. An event for all children, with areas and activities that are specifically sensory-friendly and music played at a lower volume. The event promises a fun, farm-themed afternoon and is a chance for awareness and understanding, whether or not your child has special sensory needs. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Crocker Park, 189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, northeastohioparent.com
September 19
Firehouse Friends Storytime. Enjoy 30 minutes of stories and activities while interacting with firefighters from the Mentor Fire Department. After, check out the fire trucks in the parking lot. 5:30-6 p.m. Civic Center Fire Station, 8467 Civic Center Blvd., Mentor. Registration is required; text Jenna at 440-221-3805 or email [email protected]
September 20
BLAST Night at the Movies. The mission of BLAST is to provide safe social and recreational activities to people with developmental disabilities. BLAST events are a great way to develop and foster friendships with peers. 6 p.m. Linda Theatre, 1745 Goodyear Blvd., Akron, summitdd.org
September 22
Youth Challenge Superhero Dash. Youth Challenge brings together young people with physical disabilities and teen volunteers who inspire each other through adapted sports, recreation and social growth activities. 8 a.m. Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Ave., hermescleveland.com
Art-Tism Paint Party. Join Mother to Mother and Higher Art Life for a paint party for individuals with special needs and their family. 2-5 p.m. The Word Church, 18909 S. Miles Road, Warrensville Hts., 216-584-5564, [email protected]
September 30
Zoothing Hour. The zoo is open early for people with special needs who don’t like crowds or loud noises. 9-10 a.m. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org
If you have a child with special needs, you might find the following resources helpful:
- Cerebral Palsy Family Network — a compassionate community that provides resources for loved ones with Cerebral Palsy
- Learn about Financial Planning for Kids with Special Needs
- How to Recognize Typical Developmental Hurdles in Children with Special Needs
