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 Cinema. A theater environment for guests with sensory processing challenges and their families. 6/22-7/27. 6:30 p.m. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N., Canton, cantonpalacetheatre.org
THURSDAYS
Growing and Grounded. Learn grounding skills through expressive arts, gain self-awareness, develop coping skills, and learn how to navigate challenges. Ages 7-11. Fairmount Center for the Arts, 8400 Fairmount Road, Novelty, fairmountcenter.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. Every 3rd Saturday, enjoy adapted events to meet diverse sensory-processing needs. 9-10 a.m. The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., clevelandart.org
DAY-BY-DAY
April 27
Sensory Sends. The event is all about making climbing accessible to everyone. We’re turning down the volume and dimming the lights to create a focused, sensory-friendly environment where you can climb comfortably. 9-11 a.m. 3377 Warrensville Center Road, Shaker Heights, portal.shakerrocksclimbing.com/shaker-rocks
Cuyahoga DD Connect & Play Days For kids 5 and under with caregivers. Have fun at this indoor playground and gym with activities in a sensory-safe environment for kids of all abilities .700 Beta Drive, Suite 300 Mayfield, 12-2 p.m. For more info, cuyahogadd.org register visit here
Adapted Archery. An introduction to archery for individuals with disabilities. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Hidden Lake South, 7024 Kniffen Road, Leroy Twp., lakemetroparks.com
Rec2connect’s May Teen Social Game Time. Teens (13–17) can enjoy table, video, and board games, 12:45–2:45 p.m. at the R2C corporate offices in Independence. 6200 Oak Tree Blvd. Cost $20. For more info, cuyahogadd.org
May 3
Sensory-Friendly Family Concert: Mo Willems’s Because. A symphony of chance, discovery, persistence and magic. 3-4 p.m. Mandel Concert Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandorchestra.com
Zoothing hour. The zoo opens an hour early for guests with different abilities who prefer to avoid loud noises and crowds. Guests can enjoy the zoo before it opens to the public. There is no additional charge for Zoothing hour. 9-10 a.m. akronzoo.org/zoothing-hour
May 5
Changing Problem Behavior Into Positive Behavior. A seminar for parents of children with developmental disabilities. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Medina County Library, 210 S. Broadway, Medina, mcbdd.org
May 7
Discovery Sampler: Martial Arts. Participants in grades K-5th have the opportunity to try Taekwondo alongside peers. 3:45-4:45 p.m. Pepper Pike Learning Center, 3200 Chagrin Blvd., orangerec.com
May 9
Community Festival and Walk: The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio. A free, family-centered celebration. 8:30 a.m. Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, diversitycenterneo.org
Adapted Play Day. Children with autism and/or different abilities can play with special toys and engage with others. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, mcdl.info
May 21 through August 5
Adapted Horseback Riding. Learn horsemanship and riding skills in an environment tailored to each child’s specific needs, goals and learning styles. Camp Cheerful, 15000 Cheerful Lane, Strongsville, campcheerful.achievementcenters.org
May 23
Inclusive Creative Movement Workshop. A fun, inclusive creative movement and dance class for ages 5-8. 10:30-11 a.m. Reed Memorial Library, 167 E. Main St., Ravenna, reedlibrary.org
May 30
P.A.L.S. Sensory Friendly Movie: How to Train Your Dragon. The sound is lower, the lights are brighter and talking is acceptable. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Parma-Snow Branch Library, 2121 Snow Road, cuyahogalibrary.org
SuperKids Classic All Inclusive Soapbox Derby Race. Children of all abilities can race gravity-powered cars. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Derby Downs, 789 Derby Downs Drive, Akron, superkidsohio.org/racers
Through May 18
Adapted Sports Nights. Individuals with disabilities will throw mini javelins & softballs, run the obstacle course, kick soccer balls and more. Mondays 5:30-6:30 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com
June 7
Sensory-Friendly Hours. A calmer, low-stimulation museum experience with reduced noise, lighting and crowds. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 1100 Rock & Roll Blvd., Cleveland, rockhall.com
June 8 through August 14
Creative Living Unlimited: Life Steps. A unique educational day camp with a therapeutic component designed for children (ages 8+) and adults with cognitive and functional disabilities. Creative Therapy Ranch, 5200 Lake Road, Medina, mcbdd.org
Want your event or resource added to this list? Email [email protected]
