Summer Fun for Every Child: Inclusive Boston Activities for 2026
- Boston Ability Center
- 17 hours ago
- 5 min read
For the third 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: Reduced lighting, musicm ,and other distracting stimuli for the first operating hour of the day
Where: Assembly Row, 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: This initiative aims to ensure residents and visitors of all abilities can connect with nature through outdoor recreation at DCR parks across the state. The program will offer adaptive and accessible recreation opportunities, including hiking, boating, swimming, and cycling.
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: 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: Enjoy the water at your own pace with access to sensory-friendly pool toys, including therapy noodles, fidgets, kickboards, and water-resistant headphones. Website also includes video tour, social story, and more.
Where: Newton, 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: Free webinars - "Understanding behaviors through a sensory lens"
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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