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.
MONDAYS
Sensory Sensitive Playtime at Little Diggers. A calmer, quieter play environment with reduced music and dimmed lighting. 1-5 p.m. 3020 Westgate Mall Drive, Fairview Park, littlediggersplayspace.com
TUESDAYS
Adapted Rock Climbing. Beginner-friendly rock climbing for children ages 7+. 5-7 p.m. 3377 Warrensville Center Road, Shaker Heights, cuyahogadd.org
WEDNESDAYS
Cleveland Power Soccer Practice. A thrilling team sport designed for power wheelchair users of all ages. 6 p.m. Twinsburg Fitness Center, 10084 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg, adaptiverechub.org
SATURDAYS
Friendship Club. Judgment-free social opportunity where caregivers and children with autism connect. 2nd and 4th Saturdays. Ages 7-12. 10:30 a.m. Autism Society of Greater Akron, 2858 W. Market St., autismakron.org
Sensory-Friendly Saturdays at The Cleveland Museum of Art. Every third Saturday, enjoy adapted events to meet diverse sensory-processing needs. 9-10 a.m. 11150 East Blvd., clevelandart.org
August 26
Adapted Fishing Adventure. Learn fishing basics and try to catch bluegill, catfish and largemouth bass. 6-7 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com
September 12
Bob Meister Special Needs Fishing Derby. Exclusively for individuals with special needs. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Sippo Lake Park East, 5300 Tyner St., Canton, starkparks.com
September 13
The Positivity Spectrum’s Quiet Carnival. Sensory-sensitive celebration for autistic adults and children, caregivers, and friends. 1-4 p.m. Boliantz Stadium, Nordonia High School, 8006 S. Bedford Road, thepositivityspectrum.org
9/16
Adaptive Kayaking. Designed to give guests with disabilities the opportunity to try something new. Ages 8+. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Garfield Park Reservation, 11350 Broadway Ave., Garfield Heights, clevelandmetroparks.com
September 24
Interactive Tech Expo. Learn how assistive technology and remote support can increase independence, quality of life, and provide access to the community. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Summit Mall, 3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, simon.com/mall/summit-mall
September 26
P.A.L.S. Big Screen Sensory-Friendly Movie — The Princess Bride. Lower sound and brighter lights. Parma-Snow Branch Library, 2121 Snow Road, Parma, cuyahogalibrary.org
Step into Autism Walk, Fundraiser, & Resource Fair. Help to create a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Tam O’ Shanter Park, 5055 Hills and Dales Road NW, Canton, starkparks.com
Want your event or resource added to this list? Email [email protected]
