Moments from the All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair

A Day Filled with Play, Connection and Belonging!

From guests racing matchbox cars down the Super Hero City Speedway to families posing for photos with Princess Elsa and Buddy the Elf, the All-Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair brought hundreds of smiles to Miramar Hourglass Recreation Center.

Families of all ages and abilities joined us for an afternoon filled with creative activities, entertainment, valuable resources and meaningful community connections. A heartfelt thank you to every family, sponsor, vendor, and volunteer who helped make the event such a joyful success.

A Welcoming Start for Every Family

We were honored to have VIP guests Ciara Wery and Marisa Cox, our 2026 Flourishing Families cover models, welcome families at the entrance, pose for photos and sign autographs while inspiring guests with their friendship and accomplishments.

The day began with Sensory Time, creating a calmer environment with limited announcements and no music. As the event continued, families explored the Mini Golf Course, Padres Pitching Challenge, Elmo’s Sensory Station, Emerald City Poppy Patch, Minecraft Fort and many other creative activity stations.

Character meet-and-greets with Princess Elsa, Buddy the Elf, Chuck E. Cheese, Mandorlians, Obi Wan and PBS KIDS character Carl the Collector, brought plenty of excitement, hugs and memorable photos. The Capture Corner photo booth was a hit as families posed together and took home fun memories from the day.

Resources That Make a Difference

While guests were entertained, parents and caregivers connected with over 85 resource and service providers. Families asked questions, learned about available programs and discovered organizations that could support their families beyond the event.

The new Transition to Adulthood area helped teens, young adults, adults and their families explore resources related to education, employment, recreation, social skills, independent living and support services and more.

One parent shared: “This event gave our family a place where everyone felt welcome. My child was able to participate at their own pace, and I found resources I didn’t know were available. We left with helpful information, new connections and happy memories.”

Families also picked up free copies of Flourishing Families: The Parent Resource Guide at the Special Needs Resource Foundation booth. The free annual guide includes more than 1,375 carefully curated resources throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties.

Celebrating Entrepreneurs at the ShopAble Marketplace

The ShopAble Marketplace gave talented business owners with disabilities an opportunity to showcase and sell their products and services.

An Impact That Continues Beyond the Event

The All-Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair is about more than one afternoon of fun. It creates a welcoming place where families can build relationships, discover trusted resources and participate in a community that celebrates people of every age and ability.

This year’s event with registrations of 1,278 guests, brought together hundreds of local families, 85+ resource and service providers, 8 ShopAble businesses, and 29 volunteers. Families also picked up complimentary copies of Flourishing Families and connected with services that can continue supporting them long after the event.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

A big thank you to our Ambassador sponsors! This event was made possible, in part, through funding from Cortica, the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities, North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, First 5 San Diego, and San Diego Family Magazine.

Were you there? Explore our photo gallery and watch the event video below to relive the laughter, activities, connections and special moments from the day.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make the All-Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair a memorable celebration of inclusion, connection and community.

We look forward to welcoming families to another Special Needs Resource Foundation event. Sign up to be part of our email community. Details on our next inclusive event will be coming soon!