Recreation Resources in San Diego County

A Kid Again

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

Adaptive Adventures

Creates life-changing opportunities for people with physical disabilities. Participants enjoy skiing, kayaking, wakeboarding, biking or hiking 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 instructors use a one-on-one approach to teach people of all abilities how to ski or snowboard on a safe, carpeted slope.

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 established to Promote, Inspire, Educate, and Rehabilitate (PIER) people with disabilities through adaptive surf therapy, surf clinics and competitions throughout Southern California. Annual surf camp for ages 10­–50 at Mission Beach.

Angel City Sports

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 EPIC Soccer Program

Formerly VIP, this program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults with disabilities, where the emphasis is on participation and fun!

Barnes Tennis Center Wheelchair Programs

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

Belmont Park

Let play be the only plan for the day in SoCal’s most legendary amusement park. Belmont Park is small enough to be relaxed, but big enough to fill your day with rides, games and food. Everything you want is all in one place, where everyone is included!

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. Dedicated to the highest quality of instruction and safety. Call for an evaluation.

California Miss Amazing

Teaches self-esteem through two programs: AMPLIFY is an educational program teaching self-advocacy skills to girls (5 & up) and women with disabilities; ADVOCATE is a leadership development program that empowers girls and women with disabilities to impact change 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 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

Adaptive sailing at its finest! Every Friday and Saturday on San Diego Harbor. All sailing is free, no experience necessary. We have special boats that make sailing fun and enjoyable for people with a wide range of disabilities.

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 for children with Autism and other special needs. Offers reduced lighting and noise and trained staff. Participating locations in San Diego, La Mesa, Santee, Escondido, El Centro.

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.

Dance with thisABILITY

Malashock Dance Studio offers this inclusive dance class for dancers 12+ with disabilities, focusing on flexibility, balance, and motor skills while building confidence and self-expression through movement.

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-run nonprofit dedicated to impacting the lives of children and adults with disabilities.

Dixon Lake–Accessible Cabin

Accessible camping for persons with physical disabilities.

Elev8 Arts at Expressions Dance & Movement Center­

Free dance classes for children with special needs covered by generous donations of the community through Elev8 Arts Foundation.

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.

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 trained faculty. Students are assessed to discern the level of support needed to participate.

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.

Friendship Circle of San Diego

Everyone deserves an inclusive place to go for love, respect and, most importantly, friendship. We foster friendships between people with special needs of all ages and stages, with their typically developing peers.

GB Productions’ STARS Theater Arts Program

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

Get Air Trampoline Park

“A Special Time for You” is a twice monthly session for kids with special needs. Music is played at a lower volume and the 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 & up with disabilities. Kids are placed into groups based on ability.

Leisure Express Local

The Arc of San Diego offers teens and adults activities such as sporting events, plays and festivals with staff trained to build social skills and promote independence.

Life Rolls On

Provides adaptive surfing, skating and fishing 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, foam-padded armor and foam sword and shield games.  

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 Celebration

In partnership with the Tim Tebow Foundation, a celebratory experience for ages 14 and up with special needs.  Poway: 858-748-1875; Vista: 760-724-6700

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 special needs to teach 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.

Roll to Success

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

Sam’s Posse Round-Up Rodeo

Free adaptive rodeo for ages 5 & up with intellectual and physical disabilities takes place in a safe, fun, inclusive environment.

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 Mornings at the New Children’s Museum 

For families who benefit from a sensory-friendly experience and quieter setting; select Saturdays from 9–11 am. Registration encouraged.

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

Gentle fitness conditioning classes and recreation.

Sky Sailing at Warner Springs

Adaptive soaring equipment for young adults with physical disabilities.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

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

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 Swim and Surf Lessons

Will travel to community or home pool for private or semi-private swim lessons for children with disabilities. Monthly adaptive surfing in Oceanside.

Special Olympics Southern California/SD County

Offers free, year-round sports training and competition for all with intellectual disabilities. Develops improved physical fitness, self-confidence and a positive self-image.

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 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.

Therapeutic Recreation Services

Provides recreation programs for children and adults with any type of disability. Certified Recreation Therapists work with participants on social and recreation skills, leisure education, appropriate behavior, and recreation participation in inclusive environments.

City Heights

TruFit Adaptive Fitness app

Online program provides accessible, adaptive wellness solutions for individuals and groups.

Unified Esports League

Program for people of different abilities (ages 8+) with a passion for video games and technology. Participants improve social life, enhance technology skills and collaborate with peers.

USD Football and Baseball Player Mentor Program

USD Toreros and Autism Tree Project Foundation (ATPF) mentor kids with Autism. The Toreros host ATPF families at home games, where kids get to cheer on the team and play catch with 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.

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