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
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
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
June 12
Empower Sports & Connecting For Kids Kickball. A night of family support, exercise, friendship and laughs. 6-8 p.m. Cove Park, 1294 Cove Ave., Lakewood, connectingforkids.org
June 13
Music Therapy & More. Program designed to improve academic, motor, communication and social skills, as well as behavior. 9:30 a.m. Madison Branch Library, 13229 Madison Ave., Lakewood, lakewoodpubliclibrary.org
June 28
A Most Excellent Race. Sign up for the 10k run, 5k run or walk, or 1-mile walk. Camp Cheerful, 15000 Cheerful Lane, Strongsville, campcheerful.achievementcenters.org
June 29
Caregiver Support Group – Summer Survival. Caregivers of children with ADHD, anxiety, autism or other concerns can connect with other families on similar journeys. 7-8 p.m. Virtual, connectingforkids.org
July 13-17
Camp Wonderful. Children ages 6-11 with developmental differences will have a summer filled with joy and connection. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Medina Recreation Center, 855 Weymouth Road, Medina, mcbdd.org
July 17
Family Kayak Program. A beginner-level kayak program focusing on entry-level kayaking skills, safety and lake exploration. 4-6 p.m. Wallace Lake, 213 Prospect Road, Berea, cuyahogadd.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
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 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
Want your event or resource added to this list? Email [email protected]
