Written by Sara Keller with contributions from Audrey Walters
Summer is officially here! If your family is navigating summer with a child with sensory sensitivities, medical challenges, or other disabilities, you know that this season comes with unique challenges. If you’re looking for summertime fun that takes your child’s needs into account, read on to discover a list of exciting, inclusive events coming up in our Indianapolis community. From theater camps to sports clinics, pool parties to social opportunities just for parents of children with special needs, our June round-up is packed full of awesome activities that everyone in the family can enjoy.
Please note that many of these programs and events require advance registration. Be sure to sign up early to secure your spot!
This list is created in partnership with Tendercare Home Health. For over 30 years, Tendercare has been helping medically complex children and their families thrive at home. Whether through paying family members to deliver care or connecting children with experienced pediatric nurses, Tendercare strives to enrich children’s lives at home in every way.
June Events for Children with Special Needs
ArtMix Youth Programming
ArtMix, 1505 N Delaware St, Indianapolis
Saturdays, June 7-July 26, Times Vary
ArtMix provides art classes with income-based tuition for children and teens of all abilities! The summer Youth classes begin on June 7 and run for 8 consecutive weeks. Choose from an Exploratory Mixed Media class (ages 4-7), or the Exploratory Clay class (ages 8-12), both of which meet from 9:30-10:30 am. Aides and parents are welcome to accompany students, free of charge! Please see the ArtMix website for information on tuition and registration.
Neurodiversity Connection Mama Meet Up
We Rock the Spectrum, 13644 N Meridian St, Carmel
June 10, 6-8 pm
Parents and caregivers of neurodiverse children are invited to attend a roundtable discussion where pediatric therapists will share and be available for questions. Discussion time will be followed by a relaxing time to talk with others, enjoy refreshments, and work on a paint-by-number craft. Cost is $10 to attend and childcare is available for $25 per child.
Sensory-Friendly Market
Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S Union Street, Westfield
June 12, 5-8 pm
Does your family sometimes find Farmer’s Markets difficult to navigate, with all the crowds, music, sounds, and other distractions? Enjoy this classic summer activity in a sensory-friendly way at Westfield’s Grand Junction Plaza on June 12.
Easterseals Crossroads Gaming Studio Grand Opening
Easterseals Crossroads, 5th Floor, 4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis
June 12, 5-7 pm
Experience inclusive gaming at Easterseals Crossroads’ brand new Gaming Studio! Participate in a Mario Kart Tournament, a Ms. Pac-Man Competition, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Please RSVP to Brandon Scott at BScott@EastersealsCrossroads.org by May 30.
Neurodivergent Girls’ Group
Indianapolis Public Library – West Perry Branch, 6650 S Harding St, Indianapolis
June 14, 10:30 am-12 pm
Join Collaborative Journeys LLC for monthly meetings with a supportive social group just for neurodivergent girls aged 9-12. At each meeting, girls will have the chance to interact with others, try new things, learn social skills, and make friends, all while having fun under the instruction of female group leaders. Cost is $30 per session, but some needs-based scholarships are available. Spots are limited, so register ahead of time.
Parent Networking and Connection
Sunpetal Pediatric Therapy, 9505 Delegates Row, Indianapolis
June 14, 10-11:30 am
Join other parents of children with special needs for a morning of connection at Sunpetal Pediatric Therapy! Let your children play and enjoy the center while you have conversations with other adults and enjoy free bagels and coffee. This event is free, but please RSVP.
Sensory-Friendly Afternoon
Indiana State Museum, 650 W Washington Street, Indianapolis
June 15, 3-5 pm
Learn and play in a quiet, calm environment at the Indiana State Museum. These monthly opportunities include lowered lighting, reduced distractions, and sensory-based activities throughout the museum. Those who would benefit from a social narrative may pick one up from the ticket counter. Sensory-Friendly Afternoons are included with museum admission.
Camp Yes And
The Church Within, 1125 Spruce St, Indianapolis
June 16-20, 1-4:30 pm
Does your teen love the spotlight? Do they love to make people laugh? Neurodiverse high school students are invited to join Camp Yes And, a FREE improv theater camp that happens annually each summer. No prior experience in improv is necessary, just come join the fun! Register ahead of time online.
RHI Sports Cicero Adaptive Waterski Clinic
Morse Reservoir at Red Bridge Park, 697 West Jackson St, Cicero
June 18-19, 8:30 am-4:30 pm
This annual waterski clinic provides a chance for individuals with physical disabilities to experience waterskiing. Participants can register for one or both days of the clinic and a free lunch is provided for attendees and their guests. At-the-door pricing is $25 per day, but those who register early pay just $15 per day. Be sure to read the list of requirements for participants to see if this program is a good fit for your older child or teen.
RHI Sports Wheelchair Basketball Clinic
Fort Benjamin Harrison National Guard Armory, 9920 E 59th Street, Lawrence
June 21, 10 am-12 pm
RHI says that for this clinic at Fort Benjamin Harrison, “no experience is necessary — just come ready to have fun!” School age children can try out a sports chair and learn some basketball fundamentals from RHI coaches and players from the Jr. and Varsity Racers teams. Cost is just $5, but registration is required.
FUSE Summer Pool Party
Kathy Dowling Aquatic Center, 300 N Apple St, Greenfield
June 20, 8-10 pm
Join DDSi and FUSE for a private pool party for the disability community! All individuals with disabilities, as well as their families, friends, and siblings, are invited to join. Tickets are free, but you must register by June 19 to secure your spot.
Neurodiverse Family Play Day
Herron Morton Place Park, 1927 Alabama St, Indianapolis
June 28, 10 am-3 pm
Join Brave Life Therapy and KI Productions for a Family Play Day designed just for families with neurodiverse children. Enjoy activities for children of all ages, including the enclosed playground, a sensory area, a quiet tent, arts and crafts, sensory-friendly games and activities, raffles and gift bags, and opportunities to connect with service providers and resources in your community. The entire event is free! Please RSVP to harley@thebravelifetherapy.com.
Murphy Park Aquatic Center is our favorite destination for an inclusive swim experience.
River Heritage Park in Carmel has adaptive playground equipment so children of all abilities can play together.
