Parks and Fun
Courtney's Sandcastle
Courtney's Sandcastle
Courtney's Sandcastle
This is called a Universal Access Park. It is built with all children in mind including those in wheelchairs and walkers. There are special swings to support those that cannot support themselves. A sensory garden for site, touch, sound and smell. Located in San Clemente California
Pavion Park
Courtney's Sandcastle
Courtney's Sandcastle
Sitting next to a school that used to have special needs classes, this park has universal access. There is also a large grass field and pathway around it that your kids can play in or ride their bikes on. It's perfect for walkers and gate trainers.
Photo Credit: Michele Whiteaker/FunOrangeCountyParks.com
Angel's Playground
Courtney's Sandcastle
Angel's Playground
This is called Angel's Playground at Tewinkle Park in Costa Mesa. One of the few universal access parks that contains shaded areas for fun, without getting too hot. Recycled materials make up the flooring and it can get hot in the summer. Always wear your shoes.
Photo Credit: Michele Whiteaker/FunOrangeCountyParks.com
Box Canyon Park
Box Canyon Park
Angel's Playground
Located in Yorba Linda, this park is unique in design as it houses two structures, a pirate ship for kids aged 2-6 and a castle for those aged 6-12, both are wheelchair accessible.
Photo Credit: Michele Whiteaker/FunOrangeCountyParks.com
Sand Free Parks
Box Canyon Park
Sand Free Parks
Some children, such as those with Autism have sensory issues with sand and bark that may limit them on what they want to play with. They will often play with the sand or bark and ignore the actual facilities. Here are some parks that don't have that, allowing your child to enjoy the park.
Photo Credit: Michele Whiteaker/FunOrangeCountyParks.com
Fenced Parks
Box Canyon Park
Sand Free Parks
A little extra security goes a long way when you are a parent of a child with special needs. When they tend to run off, a fenced in park gives you more security that they don't leave the area, even if you are watching them. Even more so if you have more than one child.
Photo Credit: Michele Whiteaker/FunOrangeCountyParks.com
Sandy Feet Initiatve
Aquarium of the Pacific
Aquarium of the Pacific
Special Needs children might have siblings that don't have those same special abilities. The Sandy Feet Initiative helps teach surfing and respect for the beach for these siblings.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Aquarium of the Pacific
Aquarium of the Pacific
Children of all disabilities love to see the fish and the large tanks. What's great is that they have events for you to check out on their events page for Autism Nights, Abilities Night, and the Festival of Human Abilities.
Special Fishies
Aquarium of the Pacific
Special Fishies
This organization is dedicated to teaching swimming to children with special needs. They build confidence and focus on safety so your child is in good hands.
Fish For Life
Just Like Me Foundation
Special Fishies
Taking Special Needs Children out for fishing trips in Dana Point. They have some great photos of the kids having a blast and learning how to fish.
Just Like Me Foundation
Just Like Me Foundation
Just Like Me Foundation
All children grow up, and special needs teenagers need to be themselves too. This place helps them achieve the goal of just being a teenager. It helps them experience after school activities and fun.
UCP of Orange County
Just Like Me Foundation
Just Like Me Foundation
located at the Newport Aquatics Center, this place has an Outrigger Paddling for children and adults with special abilities
The Shea Center
United States Adaptive Recreation Center
United States Adaptive Recreation Center
Therapeutic Riding Center uses horses as a way of teaching control, balance, strength and speech to those with special abilities.
United States Adaptive Recreation Center
United States Adaptive Recreation Center
United States Adaptive Recreation Center
Adaptive sports programs for all ages and all special abilities. This program uses adaptive equipment and volunteers to provide the same experience to those with special needs as those without.
Adaptive Freedom Foundation
United States Adaptive Recreation Center
Adaptive Freedom Foundation
This group brings adaptive, wheelchair accessible paddleboarding to kids with Special Needs. They are a great non-profit organization that gives joy and fun to the children. They partner with Bridging the Gap, and Just Like Me
Judo Classes
Straight Up Abilities
Adaptive Freedom Foundation
Special Needs Judo Classes. Taught by Sensei Amanda Eugenio
Call (925) 858 - 2364
E-mail: aeugenio12@gmail.com
Straight Up Abilities
Straight Up Abilities
Straight Up Abilities
"Everyone Can and Should Dance" is the motto of this dance studio that teaches dance to those with physical and intellectual special abilities. Located in Anaheim.
Best Day Foundation
Straight Up Abilities
Straight Up Abilities
This group is another that brings adaptive technology to those with Special Abilities to the beach and more. They have chapters in several places including Orange County. For more information click the link below.