The school year is coming to an end and warm weather is in full swing. The Family Navigator for the St. Louis Arc, has assembled a list of activities, events, and parks for Arc families to enjoy. This list provides options for families whether your goal is to get active outside or to escape the summer heat with indoor activities. Whilst completing a range of activities can be fun, it’s also nice to have a few days relaxing in the backyard. By installing some w-p-c composite decking, many families can enjoy some time outdoors. Decking is perfect for entertaining guests and hosting parties, both of which can be exciting events to look forward to during the summer. Staying in the backyard is fun, but it’s also great to go out and enjoy some days out. Here’s a list of different attractions that might be of interest to some parents!
Please Note: The inclusion of the below links do not imply endorsement or support of the included companies, events, or activities.
Inclusive Programs and Events:
Recreation Council Summer Opportunities Guide
The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis provides a wonderful summer guide full of information on overnight camps, day camps, parks and recreation inclusion programs, sports and recreation.
Accessible Playgrounds:
Free Accessible Playgrounds In and Around St. Louis
Check out these area playgrounds designed to welcome children of all abilities to play together.
- Tree Top Playground at Shaw Park, 2 Topton Way, Clayton, MO 63105
- Gus’s Playground & Theresa’s Splash Pad at Willmore Park, 7200 Hampton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109
- The Dennis & Judith Jones Variety Wonderland Playground, Forest Park
- Discovery Playground in Jaycee Park, 2805 Elm St, St Charles, MO 63301
- St. Louis Children’s Hospital Together We Play Playground in Tilles Park, 9551 Litzsinger Rd, St. Louis, MO 63124
- Vago Park, 2700 Fee Fee Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
- Brendan’s Playground in Westhoff Park, 810 Sheppard Dr, O’Fallon, MO 63366
- Jake’s Field of Dreams in Heartland Park, 100 William Dierberg Dr, Wentzville, MO 63385
Sensory Friendly Events and Activities:
AMC Sensory Friendly Movies
Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday and Tuesday evening of every month. The Saturday program features family-friendly movies while the Tuesday evening program is for mature audiences. AMC says to check your local theater listings for showtimes.
Circus Flora
Circus Flora will be offering a sensory friendly performance of The Caper in Aisle 6 at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 20.
Magic House Calming Corner
The Calming Corner at the Magic House provides a private space with quiet activities when children with developmental and physical challenge need a break during their visit. Activities include books, sensory games, toys, a glider, bean bags, a child-sized rocker, toys and a bubble tube.
Reel Movies for Real Kids
Ronnie’s Cinema in South County and Mid Rivers Cinema in St. Peters offer Reel Movies for Real Kids on select Saturdays throughout the summer. Visit the website for more information on movies and times.
Rockin’ Jump
Rockin’ Jump in Shrewsbury offers a sensory friendly environment from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month.
Sensory Saturdays at the Zoo – Wild Wonder Outpost Discovery Room
9:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month
The new Sensory Saturday sessions will be modified with dimmer lighting, reduced sound and a sensory-break area with fidgets, pillows and other accommodations. The Zoo’s website states “Zoo staff members are experienced in working with children with special needs and enjoy helping children get the most from the gallery’s offerings-on their own terms”.
Sensory Storytime
Sensory Story Time is for families with children between the ages of 3 – 9 years old who have multi-sensory needs. Sensory Storytimes include freedom of movement with more visual aids, action and sensory experiences. These Storytimes are also smaller, reducing the group size and noise level for those with sound sensitivity.
St. Louis County Library
St. Louis Public Library
We Rock the Spectrum
Indoor playgrounds and kid gyms with a focus on providing a sensory safe play experience for children. The We Rock the Spectrum gyms provide open play hours, classes, camps and party reservations.
Saint Ann Location
Fenton Location