Recreation Resources in San Diego County

A Kid Again

Program that provides fun, free excursions to kids with life-threatening conditions. 

Accessibility Mornings at the New Children’s Museum

Provides free access for families who benefit from a sensory-friendly experience and quieter setting (downtown location only) the second Saturday of each month, an hour before opening to the public (stay all day, if desired).

ACEing Autism Tennis Clinics

Offers weekend tennis clinics for children with Autism between the ages of 5–18. Clinics are one hour, with sessions running for 6–8 weeks at a time. Barnes Tennis Center

Adaptive Adventures

Creates life-changing opportunities for people with physical disabilities. Participants enjoy fresh air and sunshine as they ski, kayak, wakeboard, bike or hike around the country.

Adaptive Freedom Foundation

Offers open-water experiences for people with disabilities free of charge.

Adventure Ski and Snowboard School

Certified Recreational Therapist and professional snowsports instructors experienced with special needs use a one-on-one approach to teach people of all abilities how to ski or snowboard (or improve skills) on a safe, carpeted slope. Includes people with ASD, physical disabilities, visual impairment and more.

Altitude Trampoline Park

Fun, inclusive, bounce experience with high-quality trampolines, dodgeball court, Battlebeam, foam pit, rock climbing walls and more.

Amanda’s Adaptive Martial Arts

Adaptive martial arts from a COTA and family member of a person with disabilities focusing on body awareness, muscle strength, impulse control and sensory processing.

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.

AmpSurf Adaptive Surfing

Nonprofit organization established to Promote, Inspire, Educate, and Rehabilitate (PIER) people with disabilities and their families through Adaptive Surf Therapy, learn-to-surf clinics and competitions throughout Southern California.

Angel City Sports (formerly Adaptive Sports and Recreation Association)

Angel City Sports is a nonprofit organization providing year-round adaptive sports for kids, adults and veterans with physical disabilities or visual impairments. Provides free equipment, coaching and competitive opportunities.

Aqua-Tots SNAP Swim Lessons

Special Needs Aquatic Program (SNAP) pairs a trained instructor 1:1 with a child; Mommy and Me classes for infants as young as 4 months.

Arms Wide Open

Instructors guide students through dance, movement and percussion, enabling dancers with disabilities to learn and work at their own pace while enjoying dance and choreography.

AYSO VIP (Very Important Players) Soccer Program

Program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults with physical or mental disabilities. The emphasis is on participation and fun! VIPcoordinator@ayso152.org

Barnes Tennis Center Wheelchair Program

A program for children and adults with physical limitations. Beginning, intermediate and advanced levels.

Binford I CAN, Too! Center at San Diego Central Library

Services for kids with accessibility needs, including two private study rooms and computers equipped with assistive software, digital talking books for individuals enrolled with the Braille Institute’s Library Services, a homebound services program, library-by-mail program, and drive-up book return. 
San Diego Central Library

Bridge to the Beach Program

Provides family-friendly beach days and a one-week camp that enables ATPF clients and families to practice paddle boarding, kayaking and surfing. Participants are paired with Junior Lifeguards for 1:1 mentoring June-August.

Bubbles Swim School

Offers instructional swim for students of all ages and abilities, as young as two months old. Dedicated to the highest quality of instruction and safety. Call for an evaluation.

California Miss Amazing

Teaches girls self-esteem through two programs: AMPLIFY is an educational program that teaches self-advocacy skills to girls (ages 5 & up) and women with disabilities in a fun environment; ADVOCATE is a leadership development program that empowers girls and women with disabilities to drive important changes locally and nationally.

Callan Swim School

Inclusive swim classes based on the individual needs of each child.

335 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92078
760-744-7946
www.callanswimschool.com

Cardiff Sockers Champions League

Champions League Soccer program designed for athletes of all ages and abilities to participate in the joy of playing soccer.

Challenge Air

Offers motivational and inspirational experiences to physically challenged children and youth through aviation. Events held around the country.

Challenge Center

Physical therapy, fitness and wellness programs to rehabilitate, encourage independence and improve quality of life for people of all ages with physical disabilities, their families and caregivers.

Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)

Recreational opportunities, equipment grants, community and mentorship for individuals with physical challenges.

Challenged Sailors San Diego

Therapeutic and recreational adaptive sailing opportunities for fun and independence.

Cheryl’s Place, Montevalle Park

Park with specially designed playground equipment accessible to children in wheelchairs.

Chuck E Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays

Opens two hours early on the first Sunday of the month, specifically for children with Autism and other special needs. Offers reduced lighting and noise, trained staff and full menu.

Two San Diego locations:

3414 College Ave., SD 92115

9840 Hibert St., SD 92131

Chula Vista Parks & Rec Therapeutic Recreation

Dance, fitness and exercise classes and special events for children 17 & under and for adults 18+ through Chula Vista Parks & Red. Heritage Community Center

Connections – National Comedy Theatre

Board-certified behavioral analyst helps students ages 15–24 with Autism and other social delays explore emotions, listening skills, social skills and pragmatic language through games and funny, improvised scenarios.

Creative Stages of Dance/New Dramatic Arts

San Diego Danceworks offers introductory and private dance lessons for children with special needs.

Danceology Performing Arts Campus

Adaptive dance class teaches various genres of dance to ages 6+ with special needs.

Dancing Around the Oak Tree Art Studio

Inclusive art classes for people of all abilities. Schedule a class for your event.

Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra

Adaptive summer and winter sports school in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Volunteer-based nonprofit dedicated to changing the lives of children and adults with disabilities and their families.

Dixon Lake–Accessible Cabin

Accessible camping for persons with physical disabilities.

Engel Family Field, San Dieguito County Park

Wheelchair accessible baseball field built by Miracle League.

Eucalyptus Park

Playground built by American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons and KaBOOM! includes a spiral climber, angled cliff hanger, and V-bounce for children with special needs.

Expressions Dance and Movement Center-Darby’s Dancers

Free dance class for children with special needs (including dancewear, shoes and fees) covered by generous donations of community members and families of typical students.

Extraordinary Kids at Scripps Performing Arts Academy

Dance and musical theater program for kids 5–17 customized to fit a child’s needs. Inclusive and reverse mainstream classes are led by faculty trained by Dr. Erin Zwahlen, BCBA and Executive Director of the ABA Education Foundation. Students are assessed to discern the level of support needed to participate in class. Scholarships available.

Floaties Swim School

Group swim instruction (3:1) for infants through adults designed to stimulate brain development while improving social and gross motor skills. Instructors with special needs training teach in a salt-purified pool.

GB Productions’ STARS Theater Arts Program

For individuals with intellectual disabilities. Develops stage presence, comedy improvisation, reading and memorizing scripts, costuming, and working as a team. North Park Vaudeville & Candy Shoppe

Get Air Trampoline Park

“A Special Time for You” is a monthly session for jumpers with special needs; music is played at a lower volume and the park’s atmosphere is calmer. One parent/guardian can support jumpers on the trampoline for free.

Gigi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center

Provides free educational and therapeutic-based programming to individuals with Down Syndrome and support for their families. Christ Lutheran Church

Jas Arnold Trail for All People

Fully ADA-accessible loop in Black Mountain Regional Park offers amazing views and park space for people with mobility issues. Features interpretative signage and shade structures.

Miner’s Ridge Loop Parking Area

JCompany Youth Theatre

Award-winning, inclusive theater program guided and inspired by theater professionals for kids 4–18, regardless of gender, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation or economic status. Offers a variety of classes, performance, scholarship and outreach opportunities.

Kelly Brush Foundation

Provides grants for individuals with paralysis caused by spinal cord injury to purchase adaptive sports equipment. Partners with organizations to provide recreational opportunities and trains disabled athletes on ski racing safety.

Kids Included Together (KIT)

Provides learning opportunities that support recreation, child development and youth enrichment programs to include children with and without disabilities.

La Costa Youth Organization, Champions Division

Baseball program for ages 5–21 with developmental or physical disabilities. Champions players are paired with a peer buddy according to needs. Games (played in Carlsbad) have just two innings and guaranteed at-bats.

La Jolla Youth Soccer League’s TOPSoccer Program

For athletes ages 5–18 with mental or physical challenges. Kids are placed into groups based on ability.

Leisure Express Local

The Arc of San Diego offers all ages recreational activities such as sporting events, plays, festivals and more with skilled staff trained to build social skills and promote independence.

Life Rolls On

Provides adaptive surfing and skating opportunities for kids with physical disabilities.

Limitless Adventures

Provides outdoor recreational hiking experiences for people with disabilities in San Diego County. GRIT all-terrain wheelchairs are available for participant use. Surfing and kayaking offered on occasion.

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.

Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra

Inclusive music education and performance organization for ages 3–23 including master class and outreach opportunities. Auditions required; students from neuro-diverse communities welcome.

Maraya Performing Arts

Chula Vista’s premier performing arts center offer classes in dance, music and theater for neurodiverse youth and adults. Cultivate a passion for the arts and join today!

Mesa Rim Adaptive Climbing Programs

Provides an adaptive climbing team for ages 16+ with physical disability, a small group youth Autism program, deaf and hard-of-hearing program, and a program for climbers with Hemophilia.

Mira Mesa AYSO VIP Soccer Program

Provides a quality soccer experience for individuals whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams.

Miracle League of San Diego

Inclusive baseball league for ages 5+ played on an accessible field. Players are paired with typical buddies (based on need) so families can enjoy the experience of watching their kids play with real color commentary.

Modern Sword Fighting of San Diego

Offers “Knight for A Day” birthday parties for kids of all abilities 6 and up; safe, soft foam-padded armor and foam sword and shield games at over 30 San Diego County parks. Also offers group/private classes in Modern Sword Fighting. 

Monday Night Live!

Students with special needs (ages 13 & up) explore themes through acting in a six-week online class. Stand-up, scene work, show hosting and movement are used to learn acting techniques, culminating in a comedy sketch show.
New Village Arts Theatre

Mountain High Adaptive Skiing

Adaptive lessons are 1:1 under the PSIA trained supervision of the Mountain High Winter Sports School. Students (ages 4+) must be able to hold head upright and maintain breathing on their own. Advanced 72-hour reservation required. Includes equipment.

National Wheelchair Basketball Association

Provides qualified individuals with physical disabilities the opportunity to play, learn and compete in wheelchair basketball.

Night to Shine Prom

In partnership with the Tim Tebow Foundation a prom night experience for kids 14 and up with special needs. Trinity Church

North County Gymnastics and the Gyminny Kids

Classes designed to help children 15 mos. & up, including those with high-functioning disabilities, experience gymnastics in a fun and positive environment. Class ratio is no more than 5:1.

Orion Martial Arts

Works with kids and adults with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, hearing impairment, sight impairment and more in karate, wrestling, coordination and agility training.

Outside the Lens – Media Makers

Film and media production studio provides individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities creative, educational, social and economic opportunities to achieve self-sufficiency and community inclusion. Training in digital media, filmmaking and photography as well as pathways to employment via mentorships, paid internships and shadowing professionals.

PACT (Positive Action Community Theatre)

Theater and dance programs designed to empower kids with special needs. Dance North County

Palomar Pop Warner Challenger Flag Football & Cheer

Flag football (with modifications) and cheer for ages 5–18 who are enrolled in school and have physical or mental disabilities. Level of play based on size, age and skill level is recommended where numbers allow.

Poway Youth Basketball League, Challenged Division

Challenged athletes program for youths with intellectual disabilities.

Rise and Shine Christian Choral Program

The San Diego Choristers Guild’s free program for ages 8–18 with developmental or cognitive disabilities is open to children regardless of family church affiliation. Parents required to attend.

Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park

An inclusive place to soar in open jump arenas, play trampoline dodgeball, do flips and somersaults.

Roll to Success

Veteran-led, men’s competitive wheelchair basketball team promotes ability awareness through school assemblies and demonstrations; players coach a nonprofit youth recreation league. Accepts donations of used sports wheelchairs for players with financial need.

Sam’s Posse Exceptional Rodeo

Participants run the poles and barrels on Posse Ponies, ride the not-so-roughstock bulls and broncs, and rope with professional cowboys. Local and rodeo royalty help kids navigate the events, pose for photos and provide live commentary.

San Diego Animal Sanctuary and Farm

The Children’s Nature Retreat Foundation has a farm with over 210 animals from around the world. Children visit to learn appreciation for animals, nature, sustainable farming and more. Reservations for groups with special needs.

San Diego Chill Hockey League

Amateur ice hockey league for ages 7 & up with disabilities who are physically able to play, but unable to participate in a typical league. Equipment, coaching and mentoring provided.

UTC Ice Rink

San Diego Civic Youth Ballet

Ballet for Me! is a classical ballet program designed for children ages 2 & up with unique physical needs.

San Diego Ducks Sled Hockey

USA, NHL and U.S. Paralympic recognized sled hockey club includes clinics, recreational and competitive teams for physically disabled youth and adults.

San Diego Ice Arena

Allows certain mobility devices on the ice to experience the feeling of skating; partners with Sports for Exceptional Athletes for seasonal sessions of ice sports.

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.

San Dieguito’s Inclusive Play Space

Diverse and inclusive playground at San Dieguito County Park. All abilities engage in sensory, nature and fitness-based play. Specialty equipment with standard features, ramps and easy pavement-to-playground transitions.

Sensory Friendly San Diego

Safe, inclusive environment where neurodivergent individuals come together. See calendar of events and sensory-friendly locations that foster creative expression, skill-sharing and encourage all forms of communication. 

Sensory-Friendly Films AMC Mission Valley

AMC Theater bi-monthly films with lowered sound and more light for kids with sensory needs.

Sensory-Friendly Films AMC Palm Promenade

Bi-monthly films with lowered sound and more light for kids with sensory needs.

Sharp Healthcare Adapted Sports and Recreation Therapy

Includes gentle fitness conditioning classes and adaptive golf clinic.

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.

Sky Sailing at Warner Springs

Adaptive soaring equipment for young adults with physical disabilities.

SMYBB Shooting Stars

Inclusive program for ages 5–22 with social, intellectual and mild physical disabilities to learn basketball in a fun, non-competitive environment, some with “buddies” (mentors).

South Bay Little League Challenger Division

Special division of Little League for players 4–18 (up to age 22 if still enrolled in school) with a physical or intellectual challenge.

Special Fishies: Aquatic Freedom and Education

Inclusive semi- and private swim lessons, aquatic strengthening, and ocean safety for 6 mos.–adults at The Plunge in Belmont Park; instructor has 25 years experience working with people with disabilities.

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 friendships.

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center Aquatics Program

Year-round, warm water adaptive swim lessons for individuals with special needs. Taught by certified instructors who provide a low student to teacher ratio. Adaptive swim team available.

Stay Social

Provides adults with disabilities a variety of activities such as bowling, karaoke, movie nights and dances all with the goal of helping members meet new friends with common interests. 

Sunsational Swim School

Experienced swim instructors provide 1:1 lessons to children with special needs through the use of unique visual aids. Safety awareness and specialized instruction in your home or community pool.

Surfers Healing

Enriches the lives of people living with Autism by exposing them to surfing.

Surfin Fire Surf School

Year-round individual and group surf lessons and camps in Oceanside, Carlsbad 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.

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.

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!

Tap Fever Studios

Dance for all abilities. Instructors have experience working with the disabled community and provide dance opportunities free of charge.

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 Shine Project Foundation

Bridges the gap between families, individuals with special needs and local communities by partnering with businesses and organizations to provide special enrichment events, camps and inclusive opportunities.

USD Football and Baseball Player Mentor Program

USD Toreros teams and Autism Tree Project Foundation (ATPF) mentor 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.

USSD 4S Ranch Karate

Karate program for all abilities incorporates leadership, life lessons and social skills. Student evaluation leads to class placement and a two-week free trial period.

Valley Center TOPSoccer

Community-based soccer training program. Players are placed by
ability (not age). Athletes are partnered with a trained buddy. All ages welcome.

Vista Girls Softball Spirit Division

Team sport experience for boys and girls with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Every player in the Spirit Division is provided a typical buddy who helps and encourages them to learn softball skills.

Waves4All Adaptive Surfing and Sailing

Provides safe, adaptive surfing and sailing sessions by a team of lifelong surfers and ocean lovers.

Wheelchair Dancers Org.

Free classes for all ages and abilities interested in wheelchair dancing. Eight-week programs offered around San Diego in ballroom dance, Latin and other forms.

World Abilitysport

A leading worldwide organization in para sports passionate about offering competition opportunities to athletes with physical impairments.

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