Summer 2025 - Programs, Events, and More!
- Boston Ability Center
- Jun 27
- 5 min read
For the second year in a row, the Boston Ability Center staff generated a list of local inclusive activities that we hope will provide fun for the whole family this summer!
*Please be sure to visit the websites below for the most up-to-date information.
What: Find beach mats to the water, sand beach wheelchairs and floating beach wheelchairs in Massachusetts state parks with the DCR Universal Access Program.
What: Contact each pool / spray park location to confirm hours, parking, to reserve a beach wheelchair, or other site factors affecting accessibility.
What: Participants must be age 13 or older. All skill levels and physical disabilities are welcome. Participants must register in advance.
Where: Hadley, MA
What: For teens & young adults with Down Syndrome ages 13-22. AIM activities vary and include fitness, art, games, dance, and more
Where: Email aim@mdsc or call 781-221-0024
What: An accessible and adaptive cycling program. Anyone that has a mobility limitation and wants to experience cycling is welcome and encouraged to participate.
Where: Natick, MA
What: Movie showings where the lights are turned up and the sound is turned down; viewers are welcome to get up, dance, walk, shout or sing!
Where: Multiple locations across MA
What: Program for musicians with disabilities
Where: Boston, MA
What: A play space and craft studio for kids, adults, and families
Where: Natick, MA
What: Offers children with disabilities or other special/medical needs the opportunity to visit the Museum at a time when there are only a few other visitors. Social story available on website.
Where: Boston, MA
What: The Especially for Me event series offers dedicated hours and free admission for families with disabilities.
Where: Acton, MA
What: A week of camp-related events and activities for families of chronically ill children
Where: Brewster, MA
What: Local farm with a 0.4 mile paved walking trail. Website features a social story and additional accessibility information.
Where: Lincoln, MA
What: Adaptive fitness programs - 1:1, semi-private, small groups
Where: West Roxbury, MA
What: Inclusive sports programs, including baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and more.
Where: Partnering with communities across MA
What: Specialized sports program for children ages 12 months to 12 years.
Where: Southeastern MA
What: A drop-in, parent-supervised program for autistic children and teens. Participants can explore the Autism Welcoming Businesses at Natick Mall (including Jam Time, Build-A-Bear, and more!) and visit the Autism Welcoming Center, where they can engage in various activities at their own pace, including Lego building, Magna-Tiles, kinetic sand and clay, arts and crafts, games, and more. Families are encouraged to bring therapists to support social skills or community-based goals.
Where: Natick, MA
What: Entry level program with a selection of trails to meet the rider's needs. Spaulding Adaptive Sports (SASC) has several styles and makes of bikes, from recumbent leg bikes to a variety of arm bikes, to meet the abilities of riders.
Where: Marstons Mills, MA
What: Program for kids and teens on the autism spectrum and their families to explore and experience art. Each class consists of a gallery tour focusing on a few specific artworks, followed by an art-making activity in the classroom
Where: Boston, MA
What: An inclusive boutique celebrating diverse identities through captivating stories and nurturing salon experiences. Offers sensory-friendly haircuts, dance parties, story time, and more.
Where: Norwood, MA
What: Every first Saturday at 2:00pm. Two-hour session has a reduced admission capacity and lower lights and sounds. Noise-canceling headphones and “sensory boxes” are available, as well as a high staff/volunteer:visitor ratio.
Where: Peabody, MA
What: Free of charge, inclusive, basketball program for youth. It is both a structured and adaptive environment where players learn the fundamentals of basketball, while their confidence is prioritized. The four week program welcomes players from 5 to 18 years olds, with any level of basketball skills and experience
Where: Newton, MA
What: Adaptive programs & events for youth and adults
Where: East Boston, MA
What: Get your tickets to watch from the stands with the MDSC as the Red Sox recognize integral members of the MDSC community during the pre-game ceremonies. Then, enjoy the game with fellow MDSC-ers as they cheer on the Sox, all the while celebrating loved ones with Down Syndrome.
Where: Boston, MA
What: See a movie on the big screen with no loud noises and higher house lights for better visibility.
Where: Littleton, MA
What: Meet sheep, goats, and other barnyard friends on select dates during the summer. This program offers a dedicated hour with a reduced number of guests and quieter sensory friendly environment. Website features a social story and a special sensory kit and visual story guide are available in the barnyard.
Where: Hingham, MA
What: Reduced number of guests, lower lighting and video volume. Sensory bags and social story available. Visual interpreting is also available for people who are blind or low vision.
Where: Chatham, MA
What: First Sunday of every month - one hour prior to opening for special accommodations, including reduced lighting and sound.
Where: Marlborough, MA
What: Jump and socialize in a quieter, toned-down environment
Where: Multiple locations across MA
What: Southwick’s Zoo will open an hour early on select days for guests looking for a sensory-friendly opportunity to visit the zoo and enjoy a quieter atmosphere and environment. Website features a social story and sensory bags are available at the guest services window.
Where: Mendon, MA
What: Riders are placed with licensed horseback riding instructors to work on goals that encourage self-confidence and contribute to improved physical conditions. Clients (ages 6 and older) can sign up for therapeutic riding lessons year-round.
Where: Andover, MA
What: "Understanding behaviors through a sensory lens: Internal Body Awareness Edition" on August 5, 2025
Where: Virtual
What: One of the largest universal playgrounds in the commonwealth featuring inclusive design for all ages and abilities, including an adaptive zipline, wheelchair swing, and more.
Where: Waltham, MA
What: Waypoint Adventure challenges people with disabilities to discover their purpose, talents, and strengths through the transformative power of adventure. Summer programs related to canoeing, tandem cycling, and more!
Where: Concord, MA
Please feel free to email the Boston Ability Center (frontdesk@bostonabilitycenter.com) with recommendations for programs, events, classes and more! We are always eager to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations in the community who share our values.
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