We set out this summer to find some great inclusive suburban spots to play. Here are 10 we think everyone will enjoy. 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook The Sandlot is Oak Brook Park District’s newest attraction. It is a fully accessible and inclusive park equipped with two ramps for wheelchair accessibility and adaptable swings. What kids will love: Kids will enjoy the musical elements and saucer swing. What parents will love: The variety of play equipment for all abilities and shaded seating area. Special note: This is a perfect location to host a playdate or birthday party. This is an inclusive playground that really suits the needs for various abilities. 15W400 Harvester Drive, Burr Ridge Harvester Park is nearly 37 acres of wetlands equipped with playgrounds, fishing, trails, observations points, discovery centers and much more. What kids will love: The splash pad and musical barn fully stocked with instruments to create various musical sounds. What parents will love: The shaded pavilion and accessibility to …
From the best family brunches to the coolest kids’ soft play areas, here are the shortlists for this year’s awards ceremony Dubai is one of the most family-friendly cities on Earth. There, we said it. Don’t believe us? Then feast your eyes on the nominees for this year’s Time Out Dubai Kids Awards, which will take place on Sunday September 22 at Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City. Categories are more competitive than ever for 2019, with so many superb activities for kids of all ages, and the parents who are secretly just as excited about flinging themselves onto inflatable landing pads. From the UAE-wide Best Family Hotel to the Dubai-specific Best Soft Play Venue, these awards are designed to highlight the greatest destinations around for parents and their energetic broods, plus the services they need to make lasting memories – that’s why this year we’ve introduced new categories including Best UAE Family Leisure Store and Best Maternity/Family Photographer. Whether you’ve just arrived in the city …
As summer stretches on and the temperatures tick skyward, Florida families know that sometimes the best place to play is inside where the AC is cool and sunscreen is not required. Thankfully, the First Coast is home to plenty of indoor activities so you’ll never be bored while beating the heat. (locations at the Beaches and Bartram Springs, www.baynbee.com) Bay & Bee is a locally owned, eco-friendly indoor play space inspired by Montessori and Waldorf educational principles and geared toward children, infant to age 5. In addition to open play, classes and workshops are available to members. Your first visit is free and monthly memberships start at $62 a month. (8380 Baymeadows Rd, www.sensorytowne.com) Sensory Towne is a cutting edge sensory gym that provides a safe and inclusive environment for all children and families to enjoy no matter what their ability. Their one-of-a-kind sensory circuit classes, interactive floors, equipment and educational opportunities make it a great place to play. Open Gym is available to the …
Boca Raton play gym aims to be the one place kids don’t have to say they’re sorry “I LOVE THIS PLACE!” my 6 year-old daughter and 2 year-old nephew exclaimed as my sister and I walked (they ran) into the brand-new location of We Rock the Spectrum Boca Raton. I almost yelled the same thing considering we were entering a wonderfully air conditioned space from 93-degree Florida heat outside. An indoor play gym on a scorching or rainy day is a Boca mom’s godsend if you happen to have little kids with lots of energy to burn. And We Rock is extra special because they not only cater to typically developing children, but to those with autism or special needs as well—They believe in accommodating everyone. While We Rock the Spectrum Boca Raton is now in an upgraded location in The Boca Hamptons Plaza on Lyons Road, we’ve been going to this sensory-safe play gym since my daughter, Avery, was only 1 year old. (FYI—I …
BOCA RATON, Fla. (CBS12) — A place to play, learn and be accepted for children on the Autism spectrum. “He loves coming and using the zip-line and the trampoline,” said one mother, Kristin Streit, of her son. But while We Rock the Spectrum looks like any other place for kids to play, it’s actually specifically designed to be especially friendly to kids on the spectrum. “I have one child with autism, one without. It’s a great, safe place for him to come where he can meet all of his sensory needs in one,” said Streit. There are swings and trampolines that look normal but are actually based on sensory equipment found at occupational therapy centers. “There are so many things he can play with and so many things he can enjoy,” said Streit. The gym’s motto: “Finally a place where you never have to say sorry.” “It’s wonderful to come and meet other people and feel like I can come and not have to apologize,” …
Boca Raton Sensory Gym Doubles in Size, Servicing 1,000+ in First Month We Rock the Spectrum – Boca Raton Hosts a Celebration for their Bigger and Better Location Boca Raton, FL – We Rock the Spectrum – Boca Raton has opened the doors to its brand-new, upgraded location that is double the size of its previous space. To celebrate their success and the opening of this amazing new gym, they will be hosting an event on Sunday, July 21st from 11am to 4pm. The celebration will take place at the new gym at The Boca Hamptons, 9060 Kimberly Blvd, Suite 36 – 39, Boca Raton, FL 33434. We Rock the Spectrum caters to children with special needs and families with children of ALL abilities are encouraged to come enjoy the new gym. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the original location, it became apparent to owners, Gail and John Field, that they had outgrown the space and finding a larger gym was the next best step for their community. It …
A new gym in the Upstate is open to kids of all ability levels and has special sensory equipment for kids on the autism spectrum! (6/8/2019)
Beat the heat, the rain, and any weather Texas can send this way in an indoor play area. From babies to teens, get the kids out of the house this summer with these local options. Stonebridge Church – Stonebridge Church hosts “Playdates” for kids and their parents to get to know each other at their large indoor playground. The Woodlands United Methodist Church – The play area at The Woodlands United Methodist Church is known as “Safari Stop” and is designed for children aged 3-9. The Woodlands Mall – Geared toward preschool and elementary aged kids, The Woodlands Mall has a play area open during mall hours for children under 42 inches tall. The Montgomery County Library System – From babies to teens, each library in the Montgomery County Library System hosts classes and activities. The Woodlands Church – The play structure at The Woodlands Church accommodates toddlers to 12 year-olds and spans from the floor to the ceiling of the 40-foot atrium. Kanga’s Playcenter …
A new gym opened on Woodruff Saturday welcoming children of all abilities and catering especially to those children who may be on the spectrum. Kim and Chris Tolbert opened the gym this weekend and said We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym was founded to provide a place for children of all ability levels to learn, have fun and grow together in. Tolbert said children can play on sensory equipment that is specifically designed to aid children with sensory processing disorders. There are locations across the nation and each gym includes a minimum of ten pieces of play equipment. The equipment is designed to work with the developmental needs of children with sensory processing disorders. Tolbert said she used to be a teacher for children with disabilities and recognizes that equipment is sometimes used by Occupational Therapists, who run sessions with the children they work with inside some gym locations. Instruments include a zip line, tunnel, trampoline and other pieces that encourage growing upper body strength …
SIMPSONVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) – There’s a new gym opening in Simpsonville, but it’s not filled with barbells and treadmills. Rather, this gym is one that aims to include all children of all abilities. We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, an international franchise, announced Thursday the new location at 2607 Woodruff Road, Suite A, will have a grand opening on June 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gym’s owners says the event is open to the public and encourages families with children from all walks of life to come. Admission is $12 per child and 20% of proceeds will go to the My Brother Rocks the Spectrum foundation. According to a press release, each franchise offers sensory-safe play for kids with autism, special needs, and neurotypical development. The gyms offer ten pieces of therapeutic equipment specifically designed to work with many sensory processing issues children on the spectrum face, while still providing all kids with the sensory-diet necessary for improved learning and neurological …
