Temperatures will reach between the mid to high 60s all week. Nighttime temperatures will be colder, with temperatures reaching the mid 40s by the weekend. Watering days are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Tonight, Monday, and every Monday at 5 p.m. is the Monday Market Under the Stars, happening between Third and Fourth Streets downtown at The Promenade. The weekly farmers market features food, farm-fresh vegetable and handmade goods. For more information, go to facebook.com/mondaynightmarketlb. “Water Changes Everything,” a free, new exhibit at the Historical Society of Long Beach, is covering an issue that is used every day and often taken for granted: water. The exhibit is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, at the Historical Society of Long Beach. Go to hslb.org for more information. Story time is happening every Tuesday from 9:30 to 10 a.m. at Rancho Los Cerritos, 4600 Virginia Rd. For more information, go to rancholoscerritos.com. Bring your youngsters to evening PJ Story Time from 6 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the El Dorado Neighborhood Library, 2900 Studebaker Rd. This …
Playing outdoors is a great way to burn off energy. But there are going to be times during the winter months when your kids are going to profess they’re both bored and too cold, and they start climbing the walls. Fortunately, Central Ohio offers an abundance of fun places for children to play and for parents to watch—or participate. And many are year-round destinations. We’ve put together a list of some of the most popular play places in the region. Many have separate areas for preschool-aged children, and some offer classes and other programming. You’ll also find amenities such as parent seating, separate café or lounge areas, and food and drink menus. Before planning a visit, call or check online to verify prices, hours and other details, such as age and height restrictions. For venues that offer classes as well as public sessions, hours listed are “open play” times. To suggest a location we should consider adding to our list, send an email to contact@columbusparent.com. *** …
Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa and his helpers, who are experienced in interacting with children with autism. Autism Live, The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, and We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym have partnered again this holiday season to host a special event for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children who attend the Autism Live Sensitive Santa event will meet Santa, have their photos taken, and receive a wrapped toy, while also getting the opportunity to explore uniquely ASD-friendly gym equipment. This year’s event will kick off on Thursday December 5th, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, 5520 Crebs Avenue, Tarzana, California. The event will continue on Friday, December 6th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday December 7th, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. While on-site, children will be able to play on unique sensory gym equipment, have a private sensory friendly visit with Santa, and receive a premium wrapped toy …
ST. ANN, Mo. – Celeste Brown felt it was so important for her special needs son to play with children of all abilities that she spent her life savings to open an indoor playground that is fun, safe, and inclusive for all kids. More than a thousand children have walked through the doors of We Rock the Spectrum Gym in St. Ann since it opened last year. Celeste’s mom, Lois, nominated her daughter for our Pay It Forward award – a $500 gift card from First Bank. Celeste was considering retirement from her job as an administrative assistant at a religious organization a few years ago but that changed after she adopted a 6-year-old boy who is on the autism spectrum. “I met him and in15 minutes I’m getting choked up,” she said. “In 15 minutes, I knew that he was going to change my whole trajectory and he did.” Celeste’s son and hundreds of other children of all abilities have a colorful, sensory place …
THE WOODLANDS, TX — We hope the holiday season is treating you well! Here’s our pick of the top five things to do in The Woodlands this week:Create a Christmas painting with the family at Painting with a Twist’s Crazy Reindeer class (open to all ages) Nov. 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The instructor will show you step-by-step how to paint a beautiful work of art that you will take home at the end of the class. Bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage, and they’ll provide the rest! Join Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen Nov. 27 for a festive family Thanksgiving Eve. Chef Brittains’ specials and their traditional menu will be available all day, and any bottle of champagne or wine will be $10 off in continuance of their weekly Wednesday Wine Lovers’ Night. Spend Thanksgiving morning giving back by participating in the 30th Annual YMCA Run Thru the Woods at 7:45 a.m. The event starts and finishes at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. There are three courses to …
When my grandson visits, his Nanny and I are always looking for a fun place to take him that will allow him the room to use up some of his energy. On his last visit, I think we hit the jackpot. Located at 299 Route 9 in Unit 4 in Waretown, We Rock The Spectrum Kid’s Gym turned out to be the perfect place for him to play. Places are hard to find that would be good for a 2 year old. Luckily, there weren’t any private events happening when we dropped in because they do close for birthday parties, class trips, private playdates and other events where a group of children would need the room. I was greeted by two very friendly ladies who had me fill out the Release of Liability form. For only $12, our little energetic man was let loose upon the joint (of course accompanied by us adults) for unlimited fun. The poor kid didn’t know where to start. He …
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Kids shrieked, ran, climbed, bounced, swung and spun. They mashed Play-Doh into shapes, stacked blocks and pretended to grocery shop. It was the grand opening of an inclusive gym for special needs kids in Fort Myers. More than 120 families walked through the doors of We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, located at 17640 South Tamiami Trail, on November 9. They were greeted by colorful sensory equipment, including carpet and hammock swings, a zipline with a crash pit and trampolines. Zara Flores-Bernard, 3, jumps on the trampoline at the We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym in Fort Myers. The indoor playground allows kids of all abilities to have hands-on experiences and reach mental and physical milestones. Even if they aren’t usually social, kids who see others interacting may mirror their behaviors and begin to socialize. Xenon Harry, 2, pops out of a tunnel and smiles at Julian Fralicker, 5, at We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym in Fort Myers. That’s according …
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym (WRTS) is an amazing place that allows kids of all ability levels to enjoy activities together. Maura and Kevin Coley, owners of WRTS Daphne are thrilled to bring this emotionally safe, all-inclusive play space to our community. Maura is a speech language pathologist and Kevin is a secondary level educator. Their professional paths serving children with individual needs like autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, anxiety disorders, Down Syndrome and sensory processing difficulties instilled in them a passion for helping children achieve their best and be successful in life while having fun. Although this equipment is designed to help children with sensory processing disorders, kids of all ages and ability levels can benefit from it. Everyone has a chance to learn and play together, as well as encourage each other.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — “We Rock the Spectrum” is a sensory friendly gym that kids throughout the community can enjoy. The gym is geared towards kids who are on spectrum, however, it is a fun and safe place for kids of all ages. The owner of the gym said her own kids inspired her to open this special type of gym. “Taking my daughter to various therapies over the past few years–– I met numerous parents with kids on the spectrum and with other disorders,” said Vee Patel. “And I really realized a need for a place like this for all kids to play and learn together.” The grand opening for the gym is Saturday, Nov. 9th at 10 a.m.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — We Rock the Spectrum isn’t your typical indoor playground. It offers kids with special needs and those who are developing on track a place to let loose together. “The thing that’s wonderful, that I love about it, is that kids are in here and they’re learning, but they’re not being taught per se,” gym owner Fred Green said. Kids from the North Star Montessori School learn to play alongside others, who may be a little different. “They see children that still want to play, even if they have a physical disability, they still want to play and have fun,” North Star Montessori School owner Shari Askey said. The equipment is designed by occupational and physical therapists for kids of all abilities to play on — including special sensory items like a trampoline, bolster, crash pit and carpet swing, just to name a few. “The purpose is they’re kids. They’re going to play. They’re going to have fun. But when they’re doing …
