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.
PICK-A-DAY 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
Strikes, Smiles & Fun: Bowling Nights. Share the joy of playing together in this inclusive program that welcomes bowlers of every ability. 11/10-12/15. Rollhouse, 33185 Bainbridge Road, Solon, cuyahogadd.org
THURSDAYS
Adaptive Theatre. An interactive theatre class full of games, movement-based storytelling, improvisation and role-playing.Through 11/19. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Fairmount Center for the Arts, 106 Water St., Chardon, 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 at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Every 3rd Saturday, enjoy adapted events to meet diverse sensory-processing needs. 9-10 a.m. 11150 East Blvd., clevelandart.org
SUNDAYS
GLSC for Me: Sensory-Sensitive Hours. Designated sensory-sensitive hours. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The noise and bright lights are reduced to lower levels and adaptive materials including noise reducing headphones, fidget materials and weighted blankets are available for guests. Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, greatscience.com
DAY-BY-DAY
October 25
Zoothing Boo at the Zoo. An early opening designed for individuals who are sensitive to crowds and loud noises to enjoy trick-or-treating and fall fest activities. 10 a.m. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org
October 25
Halloween Spooktacular. Enjoy a sensory-friendly version of the concert and some pre-concert activities beforehand. 1 p.m. Severance Music Center, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandorchestra.com
Sensory-Friendly Night: Pumpkins & Piranhas. Enjoy full, sensory-friendly aquarium access, costumed scuba divers and more. 5:30-8 p.m. Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., greaterclevelandaquarium.com
November 6
Adapted Storytime. Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers can enjoy an inclusive storytime. 10:30-11 a.m. Maple Heights Branch Library, 5225 Library Lane, cuyahogalibrary.org
November 6-8, 20-22, 11-13
Respite Weekend. Campouts for children with disabilities. Akron Area YMCA Rotary Camp, 4460 Rex Lake Dr., Akron, gotcamp.org
November 7
Kids in the Kitchen. Children with disabilities ages 8-12 can learn cooking skills while preparing simple recipes. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, westlakelibrary.org
RePlay for Kids Toy Adapting Workshop. Help adapt battery-powered toys for children with disabilities while learning basic electronics skills. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. RePlay’s Creative Space, 6190 Cochran Road, Solon, replayforkids.org
November 9
P.A.L.S. Big Screen Sensory-Friendly Movie: Hoppers. Lower sound, brighter lighting and freedom to move, talk or sing. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Parma-Snow Branch Library, 2121 Snow Road, cuyahogalibrary.org
November 12
Artsy Paint Night. Kids ages 8-15 can create their own canvas masterpiece while learning painting techniques in an inclusive art class. 6:15-7:45 p.m. Solon Community Center, 35000 Portz Pkwy., cuyahogadd.org
November 14
Browser’s Reading Buddies. An adapted library program listed among accessible activities for children and families. 10:30 a.m. North Ridgeville Branch Library, 5700 Bainbridge Road, lorainpubliclibrary.org
GenZen Hangout. Tweens of all abilities can socialize and participate in activities in an inclusive library setting. 3 p.m. Middleburg Heights Branch Library, 16699 Bagley Road, cuyahogalibrary.org
November 15
Sensory-Friendly Time. Families with children with sensory needs can explore the museum in a quieter, less crowded environment. 8-9 a.m. Children’s Museum of Cleveland, 3813 Euclid Ave., cmcleveland.org
November 21
Inclusive Creative Movement Workshop. Children ages 5-8 can explore self-expression, imagination and confidence through fun, inclusive dance and movement activities. 10:30-11 a.m. Reed Memorial Library, 167 E. Main St., Ravenna, reedlibrary.org
December 6
Caring Santa. Children with special needs and their families can enjoy a sensory-friendly visit with Santa. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Summit Mall, Dillard’s North Court, 3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, simon.com
Want your event or resource added to this list? Email [email protected]
