Finding a place for kids with special needs to play can be difficult. HVP has a list of things to do and places to go.
Julie's Jungle
Julie's Jungle is the first fully- accessible playground in Dutchess County. Inclusivity has been the main focus of this playground since its inception in 2012. Julie's Jungle caters to the needs of all children including those who are able-bodied and those with visual, hearing, cognitive or physical impairments. The state-of-the-art adaptive playground gives children who have been previously excluded the opportunity to participate in outdoor fun while improving their social skills. The grounds also offer ramps and spacious decks, shorter stairs, Braille play panels and even a sensory garden. Hopewell Junction.
Winslow Riding Academy
Therapeutic horseback riding helps children and adults with disabilities
improve their physical, cognitive, social and emotional skills. At Winslow
Riding Academy, there are specific programs to help meet the needs of
individuals whether they have a disability or not. They provide both adaptive and traditional horseback riding lessons which incorporate mounted and unmounted horsemanship skills. Warwick, 845-986-6686.
Kelder’s Farm
Most farms are wonderful for kids with special
needs. The entire family can enjoy seasonal berry picking, farm animals and
running free. Though not open year-round, Kelder’s Farm is a wonderful place
for children with special needs and their families. Activities include a giant
air pillow, barnyard zoo, corn maze and seasonal berry and apple
picking. Opens in spring. Kerhonkson, 845-626-7137.
Poets Walk
There are so many beautiful parks and landscapes in our
area. We chose to highlight Poets Walk for this list because of
the different type of landscapes to explore, the quietness and overall
atmosphere of this park. Red Hook.
Sally's Dream Park
Sally's Dream Park is one of the best outdoor play experiences for your children with special needs. The newly redesigned park now offers even more accessibility for children of all ages including ramps, full support swings and unobstructed views from all seating areas. For toddlers and babies, there's also a smaller jungle gym that provides smaller slides and activity walls. Campbell Hall.
Town of Lagrange Special Needs Sports
The Town of Lagrange offers several programs for children with special needs. The town has soccer for people ages 5-21 with fall and spring sessions. Baseball for ages 6+, also with spring and fall programs. Bowling runs November 2026 to February 2027 for ages 5+.
Mid-Hudson Music Together
Child development researchers recommend mixed-age groupings because it fosters natural, family-style learning. Younger children enjoy observing and imitating the older ones; older children benefit from singing to, moving with and being appreciated by the younger ones. Each child is given the freedom to participate as they choose, without being burdened by age-specific expectations, and siblings can attend together.
Updated March 11, 2026
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