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.
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.
Camp Huntington
A special camp for special campers. Camp Huntington offers
week-long and weekend camps that focus on building independence, team work and
bring out hidden talents and abilities. Activities include swimming, music,
sports, drama, crafts, cooking, gardening and much more! High
Falls, 845-687-7840.
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. 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.
Orange County
Sports Club
Try the Special Needs Adaptive Play (SNAP) class
for kids interested in gymnastics and movement. The class is 45 minutes and
there are many other classes from mommy and me up through pre-teen and more so
the whole family can play at the same club! Florida, 845-651-1000.
Lagrange
Challenger Bowling Club
Doing some research and I found quite a few
towns that offer adaptive sports programs for children and adults with physical
or developmental special needs. Lagrange bowling club is just one example that
provides a fun, supportive, non-judgmental environment that promotes self-
esteem and socialization.
Mid-Hudson Music
Together
It’s tough parenting siblings when one has
a disability and one doesn’t. Finding classes and things the kids can do
at the same time can be a challenge so we love that Mid Hudson Music Together
offers a Supportive Family class! The idea is that both children with and
without developmental special needs can play and learn from each other. They
also offer individual and group music therapy.
Art Fun for Kids
If art is more your child’s interest,
Jerry from ARC is teaching kids of all ages how to draw, paint, cut and paste
with special programs including art therapy, to special needs classes and art
parties. These classes combine art education and learning the basics with a
child centered art therapy approach. Kingston, 845-331-2662.
NatureAccess®Program
Mohonk Preserve's special outdoor program promotes the
inclusion of people with disabilities in outdoor nature programs. In order to
make participation in these programs as smoothly as possible, call ahead to
make arrangements and specially trained staff will be there to assist you. This
program is open to class trips, summer camp, public programs, outreach visits
and group visits.
Updated February 16, 2023
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