Below you will find a list of activities, programs and resources for children and teens with disabilities in Frederick County. If you have a suggestion, please contact us so we can add it. Note: some programs have eligibility requirements and limited spaces, please contact them directly for more information.
Sports and recreation
1. Adaptive Recreation through Frederick Parks and Rec
Adaptive sports, social groups, special interest classes, fitness classes
Social groups - Out on the Town for ages over 16, visits to fun places around Frederick
Submit program ideas or suggestions here
Adaptive gymnastics and ninja classes
Drop-in events and summer camps
Play groups offered: autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, foster families
3. Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Horseback riding for Frederick County residents with disabilities
Special Warriors: free special needs dance class
Elite Special Feet Dance: ages 8-17, Rhythm Works Integrative Dance
Rhythm Works class is designed for students Kindergarten and older who have specific learning needs
7. East Frederick Little League
Limited agility baseball - Spring 2025 if there is enough community interest
Kids Unlimited summer camps for children with autism and other special needs
Mix of Kindermusik and movement; everyone is welcome to participate
10. Mount Airy Lanes
Bowling league for special needs, adults and children
11. Music Together
Mixed age music classes, everyone is welcome to participate
12. Special Olympics of Frederick County
Provides year-round athletic training and competition for children and adults with disabilities
13. City of Frederick Parks and Recreation
Adaptive & inclusive classes are offered, half day adaptive summer camps
Sensory-friendly events:
Warehouse Cinemas offers sensory friendly movie screenings for PG films (not available for every movie, check website or social media for dates)
Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays with reduced noise and lighting on the first Sunday of each month
Frederick County Public Libraries offers recurring Autism/ASD Friendly storytimes: Wednesdays at C. Burr Artz Library
They also offer storytimes with therapy dogs and ASL immersive storytime for babies
Sensory-friendly haircuts at Belleza Salon offered for individuals with sensory differences, call for appointments
Walkersville Southern Railroad Sensory-Friendly Summertime Excursion 8/2
Fenced in and barrier-free playgrounds in Frederick County:
- Sophie and Madigan's Playground
- Pinecliff Park
- Ballenger Creek Park
- Kemptown Park
- Urbana District Park
- Old National Pike Park (fenced)
- Utica District Park (fenced)
- Staley Park (fenced)
- Thurmont Community Park (fenced)
- Middletown Park (fenced)
Additional Resources:
1. The Arc of Frederick County support from childhood to adulthood with education, resources and employment
2. The Freedom Center provides services and supports to empower individuals with disabilities to lead self-directed, independent, and productive lives in a barrier-free community
3. FCPS Partners for Success serves parents and educational professionals, children and youth ages 3 through 21
Special Education Family Resource Center open house event on February 21 1:00-4:00pm
4. Basal Therapies pediatric therapy programs and preschool
5. Frederick County Infants and Toddlers early intervention services
6. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. of Frederick County down syndrome advocacy group
8. Maryland School for the Deaf
9. A Mother's Rest Respite Program for parents and caregivers
10. Scott Key Center (adults)
11. Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County after school programs for pre-k through grade 8
12. Parents' Place of Maryland provides information and training to parents of children with disabilities
13. Maryland Deaf Community Center offering ASL classes and events, resources
*This is not a complete list - we will be adding additional programs to this article and would love suggestions! Please send an email to kellyeakin@macaronikid.com if you would like to add a program!
