Finding indoor facilities to keep kids healthy and active during the winter months can be a challenge, especially when you have kids who need special accommodations to help them participate to the fullest. We hope to make the process of selecting an indoor facility a little easier by providing basic information on five facilities with considerations for kids with special needs. We have also spoken to our therapists in order to connect these activities with motor, speech, and language developmental skills your child may be working on.
Trampoline covered floors and walls? Yes! Sky High Sports has trampolines galore, and for the younger kids, a multi-level adventureland. The first Tuesday of every month from 4-6pm is reserved just for kids with special needs and costs only $5 for each child. Admission to this event is free for an accompanying parent or therapist.
Parents who have been with us longer may remember that we held some therapy sessions at the Circuit Bouldering Gym (CBG) as a special treat in the past. With its adapted climbing area geared toward the youngest climbers, after-school programs for kids as young as 4 years old, and birthday party accommodations, this is a great place to have fun and be active. CBG holds a discounted beginner’s night on Sundays after 5pm, offers a 20% discount on groups of 8 or more, and provides family membership plans at a more cost effective rate. The drop-in rate for all climbers is $12. Safety is CBG’s main priority and kids must be supervised at all times with at least one caregiver in charge of groups of 6 kids or less. All climbers under 13 years old are required to have their parent or legal guardian submit an online waiver before climbing. CBG is welcoming and accepting of kids and adults with special needs.
Southwest Community Center & Pool (SWCCP) has a smorgasbord of creative activities for your little ones, teenagers, and everyone in between. One of the many perks of SWCCP is its status as a program of Portland Parks and Recreation, which means activities can be adapted to fit your child’s needs. Simply contact Inclusion Services (503-823-4328) at your Portland Parks and Recreation facility of choice at least 10 days before the scheduled activity or class. Does your child need a sign interpreter or loop system? Be sure to contact the same number at least 5 days in advance. SWCCP also offers specially designed activities and classes for kids and adults with disabilities through a program called AIR (also 503-823-4328) as well as income-based scholarships. AIR classes include drop-in bowling, ceramics, and Saturday outings in the community.
PlaydatePDX goes the extra mile with a dining area serving healthy food and drink options that allow caregivers to take a breather while kids get the nutrition their growing bodies need. They conveniently offer Stumptown espresso drinks, grilled sandwiches, kid-size meals, and some adult beverages. On weekdays, kids can have unlimited play for $8 ($4 for kids 3 years and younger). Weekends and holidays cost $10 ($5 for kids 3 years and younger). For a mellower environment, be sure to visit on a weekday. Also, feel free to use their party rooms or cafe area to calm tantrums or over-stimulation. Although the front entrance and the toddler area are wheelchair accessible, the main play structure can only be reached by stairs. PlaydatePDX welcomes kiddos with special needs and tolerates differences. For a limited time admission is free on the last Wednesday of the month with a donation of 2 canned food items to support the Oregon Food Bank. You can save more time for playing by filling out PlaydatePDX’s online waiver beforehand and don’t forget to bring it with you!
Pump It Up Junior has an ample supply of over-sized inflatable play equipment geared towards the toddler to early school-age group. They offer completely private birthday party events with exclusive access to giant inflatables and party theme options including glow-in-the-dark, pirates, and superheroes. On the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, Sensory Jump Nights are held just for kids on the autism spectrum and their families. This event includes sensory games in a safe and controlled environment and costs $7 per child.
#1 Sky High Sports
11131 SW Greenburg Rd Tigard, OR 97223.
503-924-5867
http://por.jumpskyhigh.com/index.php
Have fun while targeting gross motor development by bouncing on the trampolines. For an added challenge have kids try to catch or toss a ball as they jump to work on coordination and visual tracking.
#2 Circuit Bouldering Gym
6050 SW Macadam Ave Portland, OR 97239
503-246-5111
http://thecircuitgym.com/southwest/
Spotlight fine and gross motor development by having kids practice grasping climbing grips and bearing their weight with physical support as needed. Practice social development and safety skills by highlighting how we listen with our eyes and ears to build social awareness.
#3 Southwest Community Center and Pool
6820 SW 48th Ave Portland, OR
503-823-2140
http://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/60161
Arts & crafts, music, and cooking classes encourage kids to develop their fine motor skills, while swimming, dancing, and soccer help establish and maintain gross motor and motor planning skills. Bolster your child’s social and communicative development by assisting them with following directions, being part of the group, and interacting with peers who have similar interests.
#4 PlayDatePDX
1434 NW 17th Ave Portland, OR.
503-227-7529
http://www.playdatepdx.com
Climbing and crawling on PlayDatePDX’s play structures can help strengthen your child’s gross motor development. Help your child with their social skills by practicing turn taking, waiting in line, and negotiating play space or toys.
#5 Pump It Up Beaverton Junior
16205 SW Bethany Ct. Suite 120 Beaverton, OR
503-645-1042
http://pumpitupparty.com/junior-beaverton-or
Promote development of your child’s balance, coordination, and body awareness by having them walk or stand on the giant inflatables.
