Fun Autism-Friendly Activities Around Dallas

Lisa R:  Founded in 1991, this chain of gymnastics centers offers children of all different abilities a fun, safe learning environment where they can grow their skills. The Gymmie Kids program provides individualized support for children who may not be able to learn gymnastics in a typical recreational setting. Participants can choose from private lessons or recreational classes with a shadow coach. The program has served kids with genetic or chromosomal conditions, autism, neuromuscular and orthopedic disorders, developmental delays and vision or hearing impairments.

Stephanie W.:  On select Saturday mornings over the summer, the City of Rowlett's Wet Zone is open to children with special needs and their families, so they can play and swim at this great DFW outdoor waterpark without all the crowds. The park has water slides, a water playground, a lap pool and much more!

Heisha:  ACEing Autism is a wonderful program for kids with autism. Their tennis lessons help develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination in a group environment that aids socialization. They provide tennis racquets and balls plus a t-shirt. At the end of the sessions, they have an award ceremony that includes all participants. It's held at UT Dallas and my son loves it! I also enjoy visiting with fellow parents during practice and sometimes they bring in a speaker so we learn while our kids are playing tennis.

Lisa R:  This special sports league lets kids who would ordinarily be excluded from organized sports participate alongside their fully abled peers. Each player with special needs is matched with one or more buddies to help them play to the best of their ability. Emphasis is on social skills, self esteem, and peer relationship rather than team rivalries.

Lisa R:  Special Strong offers comprehensive fitness and nutrition training for people with special needs. Programs cover functional movements & corrective exercise, brain & sensory system training, and strength & endurance training. Programs operate out of numerous Dallas area fitness studios and can be adapted for kids and adults with a wide range of disabilities and needs.

Heisha:  Beyond Karate has lots of locations throughout DFW. My autistic son loves it and the school also has social activities for its students, so it's not "just" karate. Students have disabilities ranging from autism to being in a wheelchair.

Lisa R:  Kids with autism often have a particular fascination with water and are more likely to wander away from caretakers, making backyard pools and lakes particularly dangerous for them. Ilise Kohleriter is a Red Cross Certified ISR swimming instructor who offers year round lessons at two Dallas locations. In addition to her swimming certifications, Ms. Kohleriter has degrees in psychology and social work and has undergone special training in order to teach self-rescue skills to kids with autism.

Lisa R:  H.E.R.O.E.S. is all about Helping Everyone Reach Outstanding Educational Success, and was created by special education teachers and parents to help individuals with all different types of disabilities gain life skills through activities in the community. The program is staffed by certified educators, therapists and volunteers and offers individualized day programs, in home training, family programs, retreats, and more. Programs incorporate a range of fun activities while helping students gain practical skills.

Lisa R:  This non-profit equestrian center offers services for children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping, social, and learning disabilities. Clients here are treated with physical and occupational therapy, equine facilitated counseling, therapeutic carriage driving, therapeutic horsemanship, and competition. In addition to full sized horses, miniature therapy horses are able to go directly to clients who can't come to the stables.

Lisa R:  Parent empowerment is a central part of the mission at this sensory gym and therapy center for kids with special needs, including those with autism, ADHD, down syndrome, cerebral palsy and sensory processing disorders. The center offers a variety of educational, therapeutic and recreational services for kids and families.

Lisa R:  This national organization with chapters throughout Texas improves the lives and abilities of people with intellectual disabilities through the camaraderie and challenge of sports practice and competition. The group offers year round sports training and allows participants 8 and up to compete in friendly contests after practicing with a certified volunteer coach. Kids 2-7 yrs, with and without disabilities, are invited to play together in the Young Athletes Program. Additional programs focused on health, leadership, and more are available.

Lisa R:  Several times a year, the Dallas Museum of Art opens its doors early for visitors with autism and special needs and their families to enjoy gallery tours and art making activities designed just for them. Each themed event includes an interactive performance facilitated by a music therapist and relaxation time in a sensory room with occupational therapy students. Advance registration is required.

Lisa R:  The Miracle League program lets kids and adults with physical limitations and other special needs participate in organized softball tailored to their abilities. All players dress in uniform and round the bases every inning in a fun-focused game that always ends in a tie. The accessible field includes access ramps and wide play decks. Thanks to the work of committed volunteers, YMCA staff, and sponsors, this program, complete with uniforms, is free to all participants. Game locations are at Cottonwood Creek Park, and practice locations are at the YMCA or local offsite venues.

Stephanie W.:  Grapevine is the first certified sensory inclusive library in Texas and partners with KultureCity to make the library a welcoming and comfortable space for guests with sensory needs, including making sensory bags available for use inside the library.