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RECREATION
Adaptive Sports and Recreation Association
Year-round league sports, sports mentor and mentee program, and recreational sports for children and adults with physical disabilities and Jr. wheelchair sports camp for kids.
SD, 92195
619-336-1806
www.adaptivesportsandrec.org
Adventure Ski and Snowboard School
Certified Recreational Therapist school director and professional ski instructors experienced with special needs use a one-on-one approach to teach people of all ages, abilities and disabilities how to ski, improve skiing or snowboard in a safe, carpeted, school setting. Includes the visually impaired, people with ASD, and those with many physical disabilities.
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-942-2188
www.adventureski.com
Altitude Trampoline Park
Fun, inclusive, bounce experience with high-quality trampolines, dodgeball court, Battlebeam, foam pit, rock climbing walls and more.
1928 Hacienda Dr.
Vista, CA 92081
760-842-5142
www.altitudevista.com
America the Beautiful Access Pass, National Parks Service
U.S. residents with documented disabilities are eligible for a free pass to all national parks, historic sites and recreation areas that charge entrance fees.
www.nps.gov
A Night to Remember Prom
A prom honoring students ages 15-22 with special needs. Guests get hair/make-up done, limo rides, and walk down the red carpet before entering the dance/dinner. Each student with special needs is partnered with a typical San Diego high school student who serves as their host.
www.anighttorememberprom.com
Aqua Pros Swim School
Pool Pals swimming program for children with Autism and annual surf camp.
4635 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. (Located in Boys & Girls Club)
SD, 92117
619-209-2990
www.aquapros.org
Arms Wide Open
Instructors guide students through dance, movement and percussion, enabling the dancer with special needs to learn and work at their own pace while enjoying dance and performing choreography.
237 East Main St. #A
El Cajon, CA 92020
619-579-6197
www.awosd.org
ASD Mornings at the Nat
Once a month, the San Diego Natural History Museum opens an hour early to provide a less crowded environment for visitors with ASD and similar diagnoses to explore galleries at their own pace and watch a movie in the giant screen theater with lower volume and more light. It also offers a quiet room from 9 a.m. to noon if visitors need to decompress. Please RSVP online.
1788 El Prado,
SD, 92101
877-946-7797
www.sdnat.org/visit/accessibility/asd-mornings
Autism Accessibility and Hearing-Impaired Offerings at the Fleet
Once a month families with children with Autism enjoy science exhibits and a sensory-friendly film screening in a quieter setting, an hour before public opening and with access to a special cool-off space. Offers Rear Window closed-captioning for all films in the Giant Dome Theater.
Fleet Science Center
1875 El Prado, SD, 92101
619-238-1233
www.fleetscience.org
AYSO VIP (Very Important Player) Program
Program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults with physical or mental disabilities. The emphasis is on participation and fun!
800-872-2976
www.ayso.org/VIP
Barnes Tennis Center Wheelchair Program
A program for children and adults with physical handicaps. Beginning, intermediate and advanced levels.
4490 W. Point Loma Blvd.
SD, 92107
619-221-9000
www.barnestenniscenter.com
Blue Roses Girls Group
Formed to foster making and sustaining friendships with activities (fashion shows, camps and more) aimed at teen girls with Autism, ASD, and social challenges due to special needs.
www.bluerosesgirls.com
Bubbles Swim School
Offers instructional swim for students of all ages and abilities, starting as young as two months old. Dedicated to providing the highest quality of instruction and safety. Call for an evaluation.
10369 Campo Rd.
Spring Valley, CA 91978
619-660-0128
www.bubblesswimschool.com
Capability Ranch
Activity center for youth with disabilities and developmental delays plan monthly enriching activities and events that inspire imagination and entertain. Visit Facebook page for details.
18030 Highland Valley Rd.
Ramona, CA 92065
914-582-5901
www.capabilityranch.org
Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)
9591 Waples St., SD, 92121
858-866-0959
www.challengedathletes.org
Cheryl’s Place, Montevalle Park
Play park with specially designed playground equipment accessible to children in wheelchairs.
840 Duncan Ranch Rd.
Chula Vista, CA 91914
www.chulavistaca.gov
Children’s Choir/Voices in Unity
Free, inclusive K-6 children’s and 7th–12th grade youth choirs led by Soprano Lynn Mendoza-Khan. Children participate in spring and fall vocal and performance lessons and choir practice culminating in a final performance at semester’s end. No choral experience necessary.
First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego
4190 Front St.
SD, 92103
619-298-9978
www.firstuusandiego.org/children-and-youth-choirs
Children’s Nature Retreat
Twenty-acre, ranch-style animal retreat and farm for over 120 domesticated livestock from around the world helps children learn and foster an appreciation for animals, nature, sustainable farming and the ecosystem. Reservations for groups with special needs. Birthday parties available.
5178 Japatul Spur
Alpine, CA 91901
619-320-4942
www.childrensnatureretreat.com
Color, Construct, Create
Fun, therapeutic and skill-enhancing art class for school-age children with and without special needs brought to your location. Afterschool programs and summer camps available.
SD, 92128
858-472-6009
www.colorconstructcreate.com
Connections Improv Program for Teens–Unscripted Learning
Afterschool improve comedy program for kids with ASD.
3717 India St.,
SD, 92103
619-500-4628
www.unscriptedlearning.org
Creative Stages of Dance/New Dramatic Arts
San Diego Danceworks offers introductory and private dance lessons for children with special needs.
2653 Ariane Dr.,
SD, 92117
858-272-7456
www.sddanceworks.com/about/creative-stages
Danceology Performing Arts Campus
Adaptive Dance introduces the basics of ballet and creative movement to girls ages 4-8 with special needs. In a fun and inviting atmosphere, dancers learn and explore the art of dance. Dancers have the opportunity to perform in the holiday show and June showcase.
10750 Thornmint Rd. #102
SD, 92127
858-613-1155
www.danceology.biz
Dance Therapy with Addie’s AutismFitt and MetroDanceSD
MetroDanceSD instructors are partnered with an Addie’s OT/PT to teach children how to dance. Classes incorporate tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, contemporary, hip hop, break dancing, tumbling, hula and tumbling.
7850 Mission Center Ct. #100
SD, 92108
619-578-2232
861 Harold Pl. #205
Chula Vista, CA 91914
www.autismfitt.com
Dance this Ability: Malashock Dance Co.
In partnership with St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, Malashock Dance facilitates a program where young adults are integrated into a professional environment at Dance Place San Diego. A weekly dance class incorporates motor skills, spatial awareness, self-expression and more.
Dorothea Laub, Dance Place San Diego
2650 Truxtun Rd. #104
SD, 92106
619-260-1622
www.malashockdance.org
Dance with Me: Dance and Company
This 50-minute class is designed for young children with special needs to express themselves through simple dance movements, enhance motor skills, improve health, increase flexibility, develop confidence and increase social skills.
6635 Flanders Dr. #D
SD, 92121
858-750-3021
12120 Alta Carmel Ct. #D SD 9212
8
858-524-6355
www.danceandcompany.com
Dixon Lake–Accessible Cabin
Accessible camping for persons with physical disabilities.
1700 La Honda Dr.
Escondido, CA 92027
Park Ranger: 760-839-4680
www.escondido.org/Dixon-Lake-accessible-cabin.aspx
Easter Seals of Southern California
Summer camp in the San Bernardino Mountains.
401 S. Ivy St.
Escondido, CA 92025
951-264-4855
www.easterseals.com/southerncal
Engel Family Field, San Dieguito County Park
Wheelchair accessible baseball field built by Miracle League.
1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr.
Del Mar, CA 92014
858-755-2386
www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/in/park-pages/SanDieguito.html
Eucalyptus Park
Playground built by American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons and KaBOOM! that includes a spiral climber, angled cliff hanger, and V-bounce for children with special needs.
4th and C St.
Chula Vista, CA 91910
www.chulavistaca.gov
Family Karate
Karate programs for the physically challenged.
12798 Rancho Peñasquitos Blvd.
SD, 92129
858-484-4747
www.familykarateusa.com
Flip Force
Tumbling, martial arts and dance classes open to people with all abilities in a faith-based environment.
9282 Miramar Rd., SD, 92126
858-578-3547
www.flipforcesandiego.com
Floaties Swim School
Group swim instruction (3:1) for infants through adults designed to stimulate brain development while improving social and gross motor skills from instructors with special needs training in a salt-purified pool. Birthday parties available.
13180 Poway Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
877-277-7946
www.floatiesswimschool.com
Friendship Circle of San Diego
Provides inclusive social and recreational experiences for children and adults with special needs.
16934 Chabad Way
Poway, CA 92064
858-487-4879
www.friendshipcirclesd.org
GB Productions’ STARS Program at North Park Vaudeville & Candy Shoppe
The STARS Theater Arts program for individuals with intellectual disabilities puts an emphasis on developing abilities in stage presence, comedy improvisation, reading and memorizing scripts, costuming, and working as a team to support fellow actors.
2031 El Cajon Blvd., SD, 92104
619-647-4958
Tickets
www.northparkvaudeville.com
Gigi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center
(See listing under Down Syndrome)
Green Field
Wheelchair accessible baseball field built by Miracle League.
7th & G Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118
www.miracleleagueofsandiego
.org
Grossmont College Adapted Aerobic Classes
School enrollment necessary. Adaptive equipment and training provided.
Disabled Student Services
8800 Grossmont College Dr.
El Cajon, CA 92020
619-644-7000 x7112
www.grossmont.edu
Grossmont Recreation Therapy
Includes gentle fitness, arthritis aquatic program, aquacize, adaptive aquatics program, SPLASH and adaptive golf clinic. Includes programs for stroke survivors and family members.
5555 Grossmont Center Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91941
619-644-4104
I Can Play!
(See listing under Infant/Toddler Specific)
Ice Plex Special Skaters Program
Ice skating class for all ages. Skate rentals included. Coaches available for private lessons.
555 N. Tulip St.
Escondido, CA 92025
760-489-5550
www.iceoplexescondido.com
iFLY Indoor Skydiving–All Abilities Nights
Custom designed flight programs for kids 3 and up with physical and cognitive challenges. Guided through flight by specially trained IBA instructors. All gear included. Schedules vary and are updated on website and Facebook.
2385 Camino Del Rio North
SD, 92108
619-432-4359
3
178 Vista Way
Oceanside, CA 92056
760-606-4359
www.iflyworld.com
Include Autism Baseball League
Baseball inclusion program provides league experience to youth diagnosed with Autism. It raises Autism awareness throughout San Diego County by pairing teams from Include Autism with local youth baseball players. Held at Twin Trails Park in Rancho Peñasquitos.
858-603-7344
www.includeautism.org/inclusion-baseball-league
InnerDancer Performing Arts
Peer and friendship centered social interaction and dance development program for all abilities. Weekly classes and inclusive performance opportunities.
8975 Lawrence Welk Dr. #13
Escondido, CA 92026
602-502-2743
www.innerdancers.org
Jas Arnold Trail for All People
Fully ADA accessible, 1,100 linear foot loop in the Black Mountain Regional Park offers amazing views and an inviting park space for people with mobility issues. Features interpretative signage and shade structures with space for wheelchair visitors.
Miner’s Ridge Loop Parking Area
14895 Carmel Valley Rd.
SD, 92129
858-538-8021
www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/trail-for-all-people
Juan Carlos Organization Zumba For All
Lisbeth Garces and her team provide inclusive Zumba in various locations around San Diego.
www.jcorg.org
Kids Included Together (KIT)
(See listing under Inclusion)
KidVentures
Provides a safe, fun and nurturing environment for San Diego families with children with special needs. Staff works with educators, occupational therapists and child psychologists to provide a welcoming place to learn and play.
10760 Thornmint Rd.
SD, 92127
858-207-6088
851 Showroom Pl.
Chula Vista, CA 91914
619-651-8622
2865 Sims Rd.
Point Loma, CA 92106
619-573-9625
www.indoorplaysandiego.com
Little League: Challenger Division
Division of Little League for children ages 4-18 with physical or mental disabilities. Use the league finder tool to find the Challenger division nearest you.
www.littleleague.org/learn/about/divisions/challenger.htm
Miracle League of San Diego
Inclusive baseball league for ages 5 and up, Played on an accessible field, perfect for kids who don’t fit into a typical league. Players are paired with hand-picked buddies based on need so families can enjoy the experience of watching their kids play with real color commentary.
Engel Family Field
1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr.
Del Mar, CA 92014
Green Field
7th & G Ave., Coronado, CA 92118
www.miracleleagueofsandiego.org
Miracle Movers Special Needs Dance Program, Performing Arts Workshop
Classes for children ages 2-8 with special needs focusing on creative movement therapy, mind body connection, spatial awareness exercises and dance vocabulary.
1465 Encinitas Blvd. #A102
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-753-2671
Mountain High Adaptive Ski Program
Adaptive lessons are 1:1 under the PSIA trained supervision of the Mountain High Winter Sports School. Serves students ages 4 and up. They must be able to hold head upright and must maintain breathing on their own. Reservation 72 hours in advance required. Includes fitting of equipment.
888-754-7878
www.mthigh.com/lessons-and-rentals/specialty-programs/adaptive-lessons.html
Murray Callan Swim School
Inclusive swim classes based on the individual needs of each child.
1012 Law St., SD, 92109
858-273-7946
www.murraycallanswimschools
.com
The New Children’s Museum
Offers a safe, interactive and engaging environment in which children of all ages and abilities can participate in hands-on art-making and other sensory activities.
200 W. Island Ave., SD, 92101
619-233-8792
www.thinkplaycreate.org
North County Gymnastics and the Gyminny Kids
Classes designed to help children 15 months and up, including those with high-functioning disabilities, experience gymnastics in a fun and positive environment. Class ratio is no more than 5:1.
17022 Camino San Bernardo
SD, 92127
858-451-0204
www.gyminnykids.com
Our Family Spa
(See listing under Integrative Approach to Therapies)
PACT (Positive Action Community Theatre)
Theater and dance programs designed to empower kids with special needs through performance.
Dance North County
535 Encinitas Blvd. #101
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-815-8512
www.pacthouse.org
Parents United Special Needs Foundation (PUSE)
(See Parent and Family Resources)
Poway Youth Basketball League, Challenged Division
Challenged athletes program for youths with intellectual disabilities. All games played in Meadowbrook Middle School’s gym.
Poway, CA 92064
www.pybl.com
Rise and Shine Christian Choral Program
The San Diego Chorister Guild’s free program for children ages 8–18 with developmental or cognitive disabilities is open to children regardless of family church affiliation. Parents required to attend.
760-807-6359
klundeen24@hotmail.com
www.choristersguildsandiego
.org
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
Special early morning hours geared for families with children on the spectrum or with sensory sensitivities to enjoy purposeful play-based exhibits in a welcoming, comfortable quiet environment.
320 N. Broadway
Escondido, CA 92025
760-233-7755
www.sdcdm.org
San Diego Chill Hockey League
Low-priced, amateur ice hockey league for boys and girls ages 7-12 with disabilities who are physically able to play but unable to participate in a typical organized league. Ice, equipment, coaching and mentoring provided.
UTC Ice Sports Center
4545 La Jolla Village Dr.
SD, 92122
www.sandiegochill.org
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet
Ballet for Me! is a classical ballet program specifically designed for children ages 7–12 with unique physical needs.
1650 El Prado #209
Casa del Prado Building
Balboa Park, SD, 92101
619-233-3060
www.sdcyb.org
San Diego Park and Rec—Therapeutic Recreation Services
Inclusive camps, sports leagues, social groups and recreational activities for individuals 3 and up with special needs and their families. Quarterly publication of activities.
3325 Zoo Dr., SD, 92101
619-525-8247
www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/activities/trs
San Diego Soccer Club’s TOPSoccer Program
North County community-based inclusive spring and fall soccer program for ages 4 and up with physical or mental disabilities.
sdsctopsoccer@gmail.com
www.sandiegosoccerclub.org
Sensory-Friendly Films
Bi-monthly films with lowered sound and more light for kids with sensory needs.
AMC Mission Valley
1640 Camino Del Rio N.
SD, 92108
AMC Palm Promenade
770 Dennery Rd., SD, 92154
www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
Sensory Story Time at the San Diego Central Library
Children ages 4-11 who have difficulty in large groups, are on the Autism Spectrum, or experience sensory overload are welcome to this monthly program. Books, songs, movement and therapeutic activities encourage peer interaction. Call to register, space is limited.
330 Park Blvd., SD, 92101
619-238-6664
www.sandiego.gov/public-library
Sing, Move and Play Music Academy
Offers 1:1 piano and group keyboard lessons for ages 3–adult. Music helps physical, emotional, intellectual and social development. Try Harmony Road group instruction (18 mos–11 yrs), a comprehensive early childhood music program.
13018 Pomard Way
Poway, CA 92064
858-449-3606
www.singmoveandplay.com
Sky Sailing at Warner Springs
Adaptive soaring equipment for young adults with physical disabilities.
31930 Hwy. 79
Warner Springs, CA 92086
760-782-0404
www.skysailing.com
SMYBB Shooting Stars
Inclusive program for ages 5–22 with social, intellectual and mild physical disabilities to learn and enjoy basketball in a fun, non-competitive environment, some with “buddies” (basketball mentors). At Corky Smith Gym on Sundays, October-January.
274 Pico Ave.
San Marcos, CA 92069
760-598-8090
www.smybbshootingstars.com
Special Olympics of Southern California/SD County
Offers free, year-round sports training and competition for all with intellectual disabilities. Develops improved physical fitness, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image.
10977 San Diego Mission Rd.
SD, 92108
619-283-6100
www.sosc.org/sandiego
Sports for Exceptional Athletes
Community-based sports program serving athletes with developmental disabilities ages 5–adult. Offers 24 sports in four seasons for persons with and without disabilities to interact and form lasting bonds of friendship.
9575 Aero Dr. #B, SD, 92123
858-565-7432
www.s4ea.org
St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center Adaptive Swim Lessons and Competitive Swim Team
Year-round, warm water adaptive swim lessons for ages 6 mos.–adult with special needs. Taught by certified instructors who provide a low student to teacher ratio. Adaptive swim team workouts are available for swimmers who want to compete. Pre-registration is necessary.
2119 E. Madison Ave.
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-5129 x114
www.stmsc.org
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding is a great way to build core strength, develop gross motor skills, attention and balance. It will challenge vestibular, proprioceptive and tactile systems, aiding in strengthening and calming a child.
Addie’s Autism Fitt Club
7850 Mission Center Ct. #100
SD, 92108
861 Harold Pl. #205
Chula Vista, CA 91914
619-578-2232
www.autismfitt.com
Stars Karate
(USA Freestyle Martial Arts)
Free karate lessons for children, ages 10 and 17 with disabilities. Typical siblings welcome in special classes but must pay.
3760 Sports Arena Blvd. #1
SD, 92110
619-224-9600
www.dragonkick.com
Surfin Fire Surf School
Year-round individual and group surf lessons and camps in Oceanside and Encinitas for all ages and most abilities by an Encinitas firefighter with swift water rescue certification and his trained staff. Surfboards and wetsuits provided to campers and private guests.
760-438-0538
www.surfinfire.com
Swiftkick Martial Arts
Applied martial arts program for kids with special needs where students work on balance, courage, self-awareness and core strength in a safe, non-threatening setting. Private sessions available.
16775 Bernardo Center Dr. #F
SD, 92128
858-385-1600
7040 Avenida Encinas #B107
Carlsbad, CA 92011
760-930-9300
www.swiftkickma.com
Swim2John
One-on-one swim program from 17 months old for most abilities. For ages 30 mos. and up, coach insists you will have a swimming child in 10 days!
858-444-6092
www.swim2john.com
TERI Campus of Life Enrichment Programs
Agriculture, equestrian, culinary, fitness and music programs for students and adults with special needs including the Peas ‘N Carrots 4-H club (the first of its kind to serve those with developmental disabilities and their siblings).
251 Airport Rd.
Oceanside, CA 92058
760-721-1706
www.teriinc.org
ThoughtSTEM Coding and Computer Science
The world of technology offers a unique experience to draw upon the abilities of students with Asperger’s and high functioning ASD, helping students 8-18 engage in fun projects while becoming expert coders. Minecraft and child-friendly programs help teach computer science and game design.
858-869-9430
www.thoughtstem.com
TOPSoccer (Outreach program through La Jolla Youth Soccer)
Available to athletes ages 5–18 with a range of mental or physical challenges. Athletes are placed into groups based on ability, not age. All activities are based on the needs of the athletes.
3908 Torrey Pines Rd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-677-9779
www.lajollasoccer.org
Ultra Star Cinemas Parent Movie Morning and Sensory-Friendly Films
Early bird pricing, reduced volume, dimmed lights and plenty of stroller parking make these viewing opportunities for new parents and children with special needs unique to the typical movie experience.
7510 Hazard Center Dr. #100
SD, 92108
619-685-2841
www.ultrastarmovies.com
USD Football and Baseball Player Mentor Program
USD Toreros teams and Autism Tree Project Foundation (ATPF) are active in mentoring kids with Autism. The Toreros host ATPF families at every home game, where the kids get to cheer on their players during the game and play catch with the players post game.
2845 Nimitz Blvd. #C
SD, 92106
619-222-4465
www.autismtreeproject.org/programs/usd-football-mentor-program
VALR Martial Arts Center
Martial arts for any ability; inclusive practices for children 4 and up.
12943 Pomerado Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
858-668-1887
www.valrmartialarts.com
Wheelchair Dancers Organization
All classes are free and available to all ages and abilities interested in wheelchair dancing. Eight-week programs offered around San Diego in ballroom dance, Latin and other forms.
4584 Calle de Vida, SD 92124
858-573-1571
www.wheelchairdancers.org
YMCA of San Diego County
Swim lessons, sports leagues, day camps and overnight camps for children preschool and up all summer long. Children with special needs are always welcome at the Y.
Countywide 858-292-9622
www.ymca.org
