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
Adapted Sports Nights. Individuals with disabilities throw mini javelins & softballs, run the obstacle course, kick soccer balls and more. Through 5/18. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com
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
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, adativerechub.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
July 18
Sensory-Friendly Saturday at The Cleveland Museum of Art. Enjoy adapted events to meet diverse sensory-processing needs. 9-10 a.m. 11150 East Blvd., clevelandart.org
P.A.L.S. Big Screen Sensory Friendly Movie: The Muppets. Enjoy a movie where the sound is lower, the lights are brighter and where talking, singing and moving is perfectly acceptable. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Parma-Snow Branch Library, cuyahogalibrary.org
July 19
Zoothing Hour. Open early for guests with different abilities who do not like loud noises and/or crowds. 9-10 a.m. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org
Family Day at Lake County Captains. The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio wants you to enjoy a baseball game with fellow friends and family at this inclusive and accessible event. 1-4 p.m. 35300 Vine St., Eastlake, cuyahogadd.org.
Storytime with Sign Language: Colors. Learn some ASL signs while enjoying stories, songs and activities. Grades K-2. Akron Public Library, 60 South High St., akronglibary.org
July 20-24 & July 27-31
Camp Wonderful. With personalized support, trained staff, and engaging activities, every camper is celebrated, supported, and set up for a summer filled with joy and connection. Week One – ages 12-17. Week Two – ages 6-11. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Medina Recreation Center, 855 Weymouth Road, mcbdd.org
July 21
ACEing Autism at Towpath Tennis Center. Tennis clinic tailored for children with autism ages 5-18. 4-5 p.m. Towpath, 2108 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron, aceingautism.org
July 24
Adaptive Archery with Rec2Connect. An inclusive archery experience specifically designed for people with disabilities. 5-6 p.m. York Road Archery Range, Brecksville Reservation, clevelandmetroparks.com
July 24-26
Dream Camp. A weekend of adaptive sports and recreation including wheelchair basketball and softball, kayaking, swimming, track, high ropes, games, campfire and more. For youth with disabilities aged 7-18. Recreation Unlimited, 7700 Piper Road, Ashley, adaptivesportsohio.org
July 25
Touch-A-Truck: Sensory Hour. Trucks and equipment of all sizes including a school bus and fire trucks. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. between McDowell and East Woods School, Hudson, hudson.oh.us
Next Chapter Club. An inclusive program for ages 14+ where all are welcome and accepted. Parma-Snow Branch Library, 2121 Snow Road, Parma, cuyahogadd.org
Inclusive Digital Open Studio. Noon-2 p.m. Registration required. Future Ink Graphics, 2937 W. 25th St., Cleveland, futureinkgraphics.com
Adaptive Dance with Sara Lawrence-Sucato. Learn seated movement adaptations for beginner contemporary, beginner tap and African drum and dance classes. For all ages. 10 a.m. dancecleveland.org
Music Therapy & More. Designed for families and their children, ages 0 – 6 years, who have concerns about development to teach them how to use music to improve their child’s academic, motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior. 10-10:30 a.m. Maple Heights Branch Library, 5225 Library Lane, connectingforkids.org
July 30
Inclusive Drop-In Playgroup at Cove Park. Open to families and their children ages 0-6, with or without concerns about development. Get hands-on support, meet other families and connect to community resources while children play. 10 a.m.-noon.1294 Cove Ave., Lakewood, connectingforkids.org.
August 1
The Lion King – Sensory Friendly Performance. Lower sound and light levels, strobe effects removed, fewer special effects and more. 1:30 p.m. KeyBank State Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org
August 5
Adaptive Kayaking. Guests with disabilities have an opportunity to try kayaking. Adaptive equipment provided. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Garfield Park Program Center, 11350 Broadway Ave, Garfield Heights, clevelandmetroparks.com
August 7
Sensory Friendly Day at the Medina County Fair. Lights and music will be turned off from 12-2 p.m. Medina County Fairgrounds, 720 W. Smith Rd., Medina, medinaohiofair.com
August 8
Music Therapy & More. Families learn how to use music to improve their child’s academic, motor, communication and more. Ages 0-6 years. 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, westlakelibrary.org
August 10
P.A.L.S. Big Screen Sensory Friendly Movie: How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014). The sound is lower and the lights are brighter, and talking, singing and moving is acceptable. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Parma-Snow Branch Library, 2121 Snow Road, Parma, cuyahogalibrary.org
August 11
Safety Day. Meet first responders and learn about helpful health and safety resources. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Medina County Achievement Center, 4691 Windfall Rd., Medina, mcbdd.org
August 15
Zoothing Hour. Open early for guests with different abilities who do not like loud noises and/or crowds. 9-10 a.m. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org
All Abilities Children’s Garden Experience. Enjoy a reserved time for those with special needs to enjoy a carousel ride and garden activities. 10-11:30 a.m. Schoepfle Garden, 11106 Market St., Wakeman, loraincountymetroparks.com
Sensory-Friendly Saturday at The Cleveland Museum of Art. Enjoy adapted events to meet diverse sensory-processing needs. 9-10 a.m. 11150 East Blvd., clevelandart.org
August 22
Sensory Hour. Enjoy fewer guests, a limited use of microphones, and reduced noise. 8:30-9:30 p.m. Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., greaterclevelandaquarium.com
Adapted Ice Cream Making. Milk a cow, tour the gardens and make your own ice cream. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com
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 13
The Positivity Spectrum’s Quiet Carnival. Sensory-sensitive celebration for autistic adults and children, caregivers, and friends. 1-4 p.m. Macedonia High School, the positivityspectrum.org
Want your event or resource added to this list? Email [email protected]
