Find activities and events for children with special needs and their parents and families. Many events provide sensory-friendly and inclusive activities for all abilities. Check out the following happenings and resources in the region.
February 21
Adaptive Play Group. Caregivers of children with concerns about development can engage with others while practicing play and social skills. 9:30 a.m. Lakewood Library, 15425 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, lakewoodpubliclibrary.org
February 22
Adaptive Kayaking. Designed for guests (Ages 8 and over) with disabilities to try kayaking in the warmth of a pool. 9:30-11 a.m. Seven Hills Community Recreation Center Pool, 7777 Summit View Dr., sevenhillsohio.org
February 28
Snowflake Dance. A sensory-friendly and welcoming event for participants of all abilities, with thoughtful support in place to help everyone feel comfortable and included. 5-8:30 p.m. Pepper Pike Learning Center, 32000 Chagrin Blvd., orangerec.com
March 2
College Planning for Students with IEPs and 504 Plans. Free webinar to explore steps for a successful transition and support for students with disabilities. 7-8 p.m. autismakron.org/college-planning-webinar
March 5
Western Cuyahoga County Resource Fair. For families with children facing developmental, behavioral, or academic challenges. 6-8 p.m. Don Umerley Civic Center, 21016 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, connectingforkids.org
March 6
Stark DD Walk for Awareness. A showcase of community resources designed for anyone supporting someone with special needs. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Belden Village Mall, Canton, beldenvillagemall.com
March 15
Family Fun Fest. A fun-filled, inclusive day for all ages and abilities with inflatables, balloon artists, a sensory-friendly performance and more. 1-4 p.m. Solon Community Center, 35000 Portz Pkwy., solonohio.org
DSANEO Bowling Buddies Parma. Individuals with Down syndrome bowl two games for free. 1-3 p.m. Rollhouse Parma, 12859 Brookpark Road, Parma, cuyahogadd.org
March 18
Lorain County Resource Fair. For families with children facing developmental, behavioral, or academic challenges. 6-8 p.m. LCCC Spritzer Conference Center, 1005 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, connectingforkids.org
March 18-20
This is How We Play. Celebrate 2026 March DD Awareness Month with play-based, hands-on programs themed “This is how we PLAY!” We Rock the Spectrum, 3087 Graham Road, Stow, summitdd.org
March 26 through May 7
Jr. Cavs Adapted Basketball. Beginner sessions are held for athletes ages 5 and up from 6-7 p.m. 3/26-5/7. Westlake Recreation Center 28955 Hilliard Blvd., Westlake, achievementcenters.org
March 28
Healthy Kids. A free, family-friendly community event focused on healthy habits for kids and families. Noon-3 p.m. Rocket Arena, One Center Court, Cleveland, clevelandymca.org/youth-and-family/healthy-kids-day
March 31
Eastern Cuyahoga County Resource Fair. For families with children facing developmental, behavioral, or academic challenges. 6-8 p.m. Cuyahoga Community College, 4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills, connectingforkids.org
Resources
The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD) has a free guide to help you fully enjoy your community. The Cuyahoga DD Online Resource Guide is a resource for inclusive places, job opportunities, and events. (https://www.cuyahogadd.org/resources/individual-family-resources/online-resource-guide) All the places in the guide meet Cuyahoga DD’s ALL means ALL standards for accessibility and inclusion. Calendar events take place throughout Cuyahoga County.
LiveSpecial.com — LiveSpecial.com includes an easy-to-navigate community resource guide that provides information to help any age person with special needs, whether you are looking for fun places to go or support resources.
Want your event or resource added to this list? Email [email protected]
