Summer vacation means it is time for you and your family to go outside and play! Families who have kids that have special needs may find that not every playground is suitable for their child. There are playgrounds that have been specifically designed to fit the needs of all children. Here is a quick list of where to find several of them.
Morgan’s Wonderland is located in San Antonio, Texas. It is the world’s first Ultra Accessible Family Fun Park that was designed for children and adults who have special needs to enjoy with their family members. The child, or adult, who has a special need can enter the park for free. One parent or caregiver can enter for just $10.00. Each additional family member can come in for $15.00. All guests are given wristbands that have RFID tags attached, in case someone becomes separated from the group.
Pump It Up Playground has over 150 locations all across the United States. It is an indoor playground that features inflatable bounce houses, slides, obstacle courses, and more. They hold a special Sensory Jump Time program that is sensory-friendly for kids who have autism or other types of special needs that include sensory issues. You will need to contact the Pump It Up Playground that is closest to you to find out exactly what days and times it will be happening.
Let All the Children Play is located in Eisenhower Park, in East Meadow, New York. It is brand new, and just opened up on May 5, 2012. This playground has been designed to allow children with disabilities the opportunity to experience play right next to their able-bodied peers. Kids will find accessible equipment to move across, ride on, or slide down. There are areas for sensory play and open areas that can be used for sports and games.
SNAP stands for Special Needs Accessible Playground. It is located in Morgan County in Hartselle, Alabama. It opened for the season on May 18, 2012. Some new features have been added. The SNAP splash pad now includes three new benches that are placed around the water area and another new bench located near the swings. The splash pad is an area where children can enjoy water features as much or as little as they would like to. There is now a bi-level drinking fountain. A white linked chain fence now surrounds the perimeter of the splash pad and sidewalks.
Bradley’s Fun For All Playground is located in Hagan-Stone Park, in Pleasant Garden, North Carolina. It is open from 8:00 in the morning until sunset. The playground is designed for all children, of any ability, to be able to play together. The ground is made of rubber, making it a bit softer to land on if a child falls. There are more than twenty stations, and it has an accessible picnic shelter and restrooms.
Image by Matthew Egan on Flickr