Accessible and Adaptive Activities for the Summer

Adults and children of all abilities can have fun in Massachusetts this summer. In addition to having a number of special needs events scheduled, Massachusetts also has accessible spray pools, beaches and parks with ramps, wheelchairs that navigate sand and/or can float in the water, adaptive activities, and much more. Check out this list of fun summer events, adaptive activities, and resources that are accessible and include everyone!

1. Massachusetts Accessible Pools & Spray Decks. All of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) swimming pools have outdoor chair lifts to provide access to the water. Several pools also have ramps into the water or offer zero-depth entry. Select pools and spray decks also have beach wheelchairs for use. Contact the pool or spray deck to reserve a beach wheelchair or for information about other site factors affecting accessibility. For a list of locations along with accessibility and contact details, visit the DCR Massparks Accessible Pools Page.

2. Adaptive Cycling. Sign up for an individual rental or join a group meetup for a longer ride. The group ride will start 15 minutes after the program starts and will be a three to six-mile ride. If you bring your own bike, no pre-registration required. Ages 12+. Trikes (including recumbent trikes) and handcycles are available. Please click here for more information on this program.

3. Morningstar Access to the Boston Children’s Museum. This program offers children with special and medical needs the opportunity to enjoy the Boston Children’s Museum in an uncrowded environment, with few other visitors and less concern about infections and large crowds. To accommodate different needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are now two different versions of Morningstar, masks on and masks off. Please select the one that works best for your family. Registration is required. Click here for more information about their summer events.

4. Adaptive Dance & Movement. This adaptive dance program has been tailored to meet the individual needs of people ages 4-22. It works to create an open environment in which every child or young adult can participate regardless of ability, and it integrates various components that may not be seen in a traditional dance or movement program. We participate in a variety of performances throughout the year with a partner studio. For more information, click here.

5. Sensory-Friendly Movies. Movie theaters are offering sensory friendly film showings in various cities and towns across Massachusetts this summer. Sensory Friendly films provides a family friendly and accepting environment to all special kids. The auditoriums have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members may dance, walk, shout or sing. Check with individual theaters for specific times. The summer lineup includes Garfield, Inside Out 2, and Despicable Me 4. Click here for more information about these summer events.

6. Adaptive Rock Climbing. Climb to new heights with this fun adaptive program for beginners and advanced climbers alike. The program is open to anyone 4 years old and over and does require some upper body strength. Adaptive Rock Climbing will continue the first and third Monday of each month at Central Rock Gym in Hadley. To sign up and get more information, please click here.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services