ML Interest Tag: braille

Adaptive Clothing for Kids That Doesn’t Sacrifice Style

by Kate Cartia

When it comes to clothes, your kid is all about perfecting “the look.” And nowadays, having sensory processing disorder or other disabilities doesn’t have to hold your fashion-forward kiddo back; plenty of companies out there offer on-trend adaptive clothing for kids. From compression shirts to sensory-friendly pants, these inclusive clothing lines have something for kids of all abilities.

French Toast

French Toast is the destination for all things school uniforms, and that includes every kiddo. Their adaptive line includes polos, dresses, hoodies, and more, all with the same color and style options of their other offerings. You’ll be set for the school year with a French Toast haul.

Shop French Toast Adaptive School Uniforms Here!

 

Sense-ational You

Sense-ational You goes beyond just sensory friendly options to offer styles with built-in sensory tools that help neurodivergent kids regulate all day. From hidden adjustable compression to sound reducing hoods to built-in fidgets and more, their goal is to make unique sensory garments that make sure kids have what they need no matter where they are.

Shop Sense-ational You Here!

 

Spoonie Threads

This line of adaptive pieces offers collections for both kiddos and adults. Their goal? Creating practical, helpful, and easy clothing that doesn’t sacrifice fashion. There are options for stoma, feeding tubes, diabetes care, wheelchair users, amputees, surgical recovery, and to manage cancer treatments. Kids’ sizes range from preemie to kids 18.

Shop Spoonie Threads Here!

 

Thereabouts by JCPenny

This inclusive line of kids’ clothing from JCPenney has something for every shape, size, style, and ability. Sizes range from 2T-22, has plenty of gender-neutral options, and has adaptive features like sensory-friendly seaming, hook and loop closures, hidden abdominal openings, magnetic zippers, and no tags.

Shop JCPenny’s Thereabouts Line Here!

 

befree

befree, the company behind zipOns, the adaptive pants for kids and adults, was created when a mother, whose daughter has cerebral palsy, couldn’t find pants to accommodate her daughter’s recovery from surgery. The pants have zippers up the side of each leg, making it easy to accommodate medical gear, and they help make it easy for kids to get dressed quickly. They are offered in black, charcoal, or navy, with different zipper colors to choose from. They’re comfy pants with a drawstring waist and can be put on or taken off standing up or sitting down. Plus, the zippers are covered inside the pants, meaning kids don’t have to worry about contact with their skin.

Shop befree zipOns Here!

 

Kohl’s Adaptive & Sensory-Friendly

Kohl’s sensory-friendly and adaptive clothing for kids include special features like flat seams, longer lengths, abdominal access, and two-way zippers (to name a few), indistinguishable from the rest of the brand. With faves like Nike, Land’s End, Tak Gear, and more, there’s something for every kiddo.

Shop Kohl’s Adaptive & Sensory-Friendly Here!

Billy Footwear

Universally designed Billy Footwear is a blend of function and fashion, so everyone can rock cool kicks, no matter who they are. What makes them so accessible to everyone is their design—a simple full zipper that runs from toe to top so they open completely, making it easy for feet to just slip right in. An easy zipper tug closes them snugly around the wearer’s feet. And the funky patterns and shimmery metallics give them total kid appeal.

Shop Billy Footwear Here!

 

Patti + Ricky

Consider Patti + Ricky your one-stop shop for every disability-friendly clothing option under the sun. Founder Alexandra Connell has curated collections for people of all abilities. Looking for magnetic shirts? They’ve got them. How about Velcro belts? Those too. And our favorite, Chewelry (yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like), is a must-have for kids with sensory sensitivities who like to fidget or chew. They even have Braille shirts by Braille’iant that allow you to customize a name or saying in Braille right onto the shirt.

Shop Patti + Ricky Here!

 

Kozie Clothes

Kids who dig weight or pressure to help alleviate anxiety or mitigate responses related to ADHD, Autism, or SPD can find everything they need to dress for success at Kozie Clothes. From compression clothing (think: long, short, and double-layered tees and pants, too) to weighted vests and special swimwear, Kozie offers the building blocks of a functional wardrobe. And the removable tags, elastic bands, and multi-use pockets are a bonus.

Extra credit: If their weighted and compression clothes are a hit, check out the weighted blanket, too.

Shop Kozie Clothes Here!

 

The Good Day Lab

Imagine a world where spills don’t stay on that school shirt. Yup, The Good Day Lab has a line of comfortable 100% cotton t-shirts that have an added clean shield technology that repels liquids. Soft, breathable, and offered in eight colors, kids struggling with anxiety won’t have to worry about staining their clothes. Our editor’s kids tried these shirts, and we can say they live up to expectations.

Shop The Good Day Lab Here!

 

Mightly

While this line isn’t technically considered to be adaptive, Mightly has tagless, itch-free labels, covered elastic waistbands, and flat seams, which are perfect features for a kiddo who feels everything. With adorable graphic tees, leggings, dresses, shorts, and even underwear, you’ll be able to find plenty to outfit your child this fall.

Shop Mightly Here!

 

Lands End Universal Collection

Quality and function are what Lands’ End bring to their Universal Collection. And easy dressing—for everyone—has driven their designs. Offering a full line of school uniform pieces that replace buttons and zippers with magnets, and including magnetic openings to accommodate leg foot braces, they’ve thought of pretty much everything. No more morning hassle as you rush the kids out the door because they can throw on these school uniforms with ease and independence.

Extra credit: Sensory-friendly tags are part of the whole package here, too.

Shop the Lands’ End Universal Collection Here!

 

Cat & Jack by Target

From the moment Target debuted its Cat & Jack Adaptive clothing line, it has been a go-to for affordable clothing options for kids with disabilities. And it runs the gamut. From wheelchair-friendly options to clothes that offer abdominal access to tagless and seamless clothing for kids with sensory issues—you can find it all here. The best part? Their adaptive line has the same playful graphics and colorful patterns found on all their clothing. Plus, with most items topping out under $15, it’s easy on the wallet.

Extra credit: They now have baby sizes!

Shop Cat & Jack Adaptive Collection Here!

 

Ez Socks

Whether your kiddo needs mobility or motor skill support, putting on socks can be challenging. But the reinforced loops on Ez Socks make it…well, e-z-er. This simple redesign is helping lots of kids gain independence in every aspect of getting ready for school in the morning. And the sock patterns are all super cute.

Extra credit: Tweens and teens can get in on this simple sock design too.

Shop Ez Socks Here!

 

Lander’s Kid-Approved Reversible Sweats

It’s a kid’s dream to live in “soft pants” at all times (who are we kidding, it’s our dream, too!). Lander has breathable, double-knit cotton clothes free of zippers, seams, or tags. You can wear them four ways: inside out, outside in, and with the front/back swapped. Brilliant!

Shop Lander’s End Kid-Approved Reversible Sweats Here!

 

Little Green Radicals Adaptive Line

Little Green Radicals Adaptive Line is created  with input from parents of children with disabilities who wanted comfy, adaptive clothing that’s also bright, beautiful, functional, and organic. Whimsical prints and cheerful colors make this mix-and-match line a winner for sure. Make sure to check out their sizing guide here.

Shop Little Green Radicals Adaptive Line Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

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32 Toys That Encourage Diversity & Inclusion

by Kate Loweth

Inclusivity can be taught from a very young age and these companies are doing their part to make the toy landscape a diverse one. From a doll that looks like your child to one that teaches about their medical condition, diverse toys can make us feel valued as humans and show us that there’s a whole world beyond our front door.

Barbie Inspiring Women Series

Barbie Inspiring Women Series is diverse toy line

Showcasing women who've made the world a better place through determination and fighting for justice and equal opportunity, Barbie's Inspiring Women Series includes change makers like Eleanor Roosevelt, Dr. Maya Angelou, and Hellen Keller. Now the collection has a new doll: civil rights activities and women's suffragette, Ida B. Wells.

Wells co-founded the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) which fight for freedom, justice, and equal opportunity to this day. Not only does the doll pay homage to this history-making woman, but Barbie has also partnered with Girls Write Now, a non-profit organization that removes gender, race, age, and poverty barriers to mentor future writers and leaders. 

You can shop the entire collection here.

Teni and Tayo Creations

Teni and Tayo Creations are excited to share a piece of Africa with young children. Omobola Imoisili founded the brand after relocating to L.A. from Nigeria and wanting to give her small daughters something representative of their heritage while they attend school. Brand mascots Feyi Fay, a superhero fairy, and Captain Nosa, a Nigerian scientist, and superhero, encourage kids to do well in school and promote a love of learning in all the brand’s offerings. From STEM toys to books and apparel, there are diverse toys available for everyone. 

Shop the collection here

ISH Dolls

ISH Dolls creates diverse toys and clothing that celebrate culture and the Hindu faith. Their colorful plush dolls are designed to bring joy to children of all backgrounds and to introduce them to the avatars found in Hindu culture. This mom-owned business launched at the height of the pandemic in May 2020 with its first plush, Baby Krishna, and followed up with his companions Rahda, Durga and Baby Lakshmi.

IG: @ISHDOLLS 

Shop the collection here

Everyone Is Awesome LEGO Set

Everything—and everyone—is awesome! Inspired by the rainbow flag of the LGBTQIA+ community, LEGO's “Everyone is Awesome” 346-piece set features 11 unique monochrome figures with individual colors and hairstyles. Once completed, it’s the perfect size for a desk or window display, to bring a colorful pop to life every day.

Buy it here

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGXeLVlnOuX/?hidecaption=true

Qai Qai Doll from Serena Williams

Qai Qai is no ordinary doll; since appearing on social media alongside Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, and their daughter Olympia, Qai Qai has amassed thousands of followers of her own. According to Serena Williams, "When we first opened @RealQaiQai's account on Instagram two years ago, it was just supposed to be an inside joke, but we've come to realize that Qai Qai could be the beginning of a new kind of toy story, and one that we're excited to help bring to life so our daughter and millions of other children can see and play with more toys that look like them." 

Get your Qai Qai here

Creatable World Deluxe Character Kit Customizable Doll

We love these dolls from Creatable World as they let kids change the doll's looks with wigs and clothing. Celebrate all of our differences!

Shop the collection here

Red & Olive

Your heart will melt at the cute offerings from Red & Olive. Not only are the knit ethical dolls adorable, but they also help support the artisans who handmake each one. Each fair trade doll is handmade by Peruvian artists, empowering them to provide for themselves and their families. The companion dolls come with either matching beanies or bows.

Shop the collection here

Little Biscuits Dress-Me Notepad

inclusive notepad diverse

Part sketch pad, part paper dolls, kids can "dress up" the little people to look just like them or anything else they can imagine! 

Shop the collection here

Modi Toys

Celebrate the culture and traditions of India with Modi Toys. This family-owned small business offers plush diverse toys and gift baskets that feature Baby Ganesh, Baby Krishna, and Baby Hanuman along with books that explain their history. You can even personalize the plush toys with a baby's name—the perfect gift for a new arrival.

Shop the collection here

The Little Feminist Book Club

Diversify your child's bookshelf with the help of The Little Feminist Books Club. When you select the 7-9 age group, you will get two paperbacks or one hardcover book each month, along with a hands-on activity that goes along with the book, a discussion card, and a parent letter explaining why the book was chosen. 

Subscriptions start at $23/month. Get yours here. 

Healthy Roots Doll Zoe

The Healthy Roots Doll Zoe is a life-like 18” doll with hair uniquely designed with curl power that allows it to be washed and styled, giving kids the chance to learn more about how to care for their curls by practicing on hers. The inspiration for Zoe came from Yelitsa Jean-Charles, a young woman—who like many others—never had a doll that looked like her growing up.

Kids can use real products and try out countless styles from puffs to box braids! Zoe learned to love her hair after she did the big chop with her mom. Together they learned how to love every single one of her curls. Now she’s here to help other girls learn to love their curls.

Zoe is available here

Worldgirls

Check out these dolls for girls on a mission to change the world. Inspired by their upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, twin sisters Laken and Carlissa King sought to create dolls that spark creativity and celebrate togetherness.

Worldgirls are 18-inch dolls representing girls from around the world who are chosen to attend the top-secret school, Worldgirls Hall. Each Worldgirl is assigned 1 of 5 traits: WARRIOR, HEALER, EXPLORER, REBEL, and SCHOLAR. The company created the traits so children could connect with the dolls' unique passions rather than their looks.  

Shop the collection here

The Fresh Dolls

When Dr. Lisa Williams, CEO & Founder of the only Black-owned major doll company, saw the psychological implications of the importance of your toy box no matter your race or ethnicity, she created the Positively Perfect Dolls for younger children. In recent years her company has created The Fresh Dolls featuring black and multicultural fashion dolls and accessories. The Fresh Dolls were intentionally created with fuller hips and thighs, and a more realistic waistline, with trendy fashion pieces. New this year is their Wakanda Forever superhero line!

Shop the collection here.

MyFamilyBuilders

If you’ve ever had the frustration of finding dolls that look like your family (or friends!), you’ll LOVE this. Multiracial families, same-sex families, single-parent families, and adoptive families can now construct dolls that capture the beautiful reality of their households. MyFamilyBuilders is a unique, educational wooden diverse toy that is stackable and magnetic to create the perfect doll.

Shop the collection here

Nostalgia on the Go: Play Maysie

Play Maysie is diverse toy line

Created by single adoptive mom Kayla Lupean, Play Maysie is a portable, customizable world in a case for the pint-sized bunch. Noted as “everything a dollhouse should be,” this diverse toy is a gender-neutral classic childhood favorite that is made for adventures. Play Maysie’s design was inspired by the nostalgia of vintage tin lunchboxes. It folds out on both sides to showcase interchangeable, magnetic rooms with fixed wooden furniture—built for frustration-free play, less mess and no more lost pieces! With an eye on teaching sustainability, each Play Maysie is made of eco-friendly, renewable materials for indoor and outdoor play either at home or on the go.  

At the core of the company's mission, for every three Play Maysie cases purchased, they will donate another one to a child who is entering the foster care system. Their hope is, with an integral sense of ownership, foster youth can open their Play Maysie case at any time to create an experience where they feel safe, secure, and in control during a time where nearly everything in their world is unfamiliar.

Shop the collection here

Mouse Loves Pig's Melanin Magic Ribbon Wands

While you might be used to seeing ribbon wands in rainbow or pastel colors, the Melanin Magic Ribbon Wands are a celebration of melanin. Kids need to see all skin tones all together all on the same toy. Each ribbon deserves a place and the rainbow would look incomplete if it were missing one. These simple toys make a wonderful gross motor skills tool for dancing, twirling, jumping, and shaking. They also make a great conversation starter for kids. Purchasing one of these diverse toys support Brown Babes Rep Too, an organization dedicated to ensuring a diverse environment in small business advertising. 

You can find them here

Dolls with Autism, Dwarfism and Hearing Loss from Lottie Dolls

Lottie Dolls introduced a doll inspired by an autistic boy who loves astronomy. The diverse toy comes with an astronaut-in-training jumpsuit, companion dog, noise-reducing headphones, and sunglasses to reduce visual sensory overload. 

Lottie Dolls offers dolls that highlight diversity, including the Mia doll, a wildlife photographer with a cochlear implant, and the Sinead doll, the world's first doll with dwarfism.

Shop the collection here. 

Custom Dolls from Kay Customz

Crystal Kaye is the artist behind Kay Customz. Not only are Crystal’s custom dolls cute, but they’re also inclusive. She goes beyond creating dolls in a few different skin tones, and makes dolls with freckles (and not just the traditional two or three that are meant to look cute but don’t really represent what a normal person looks like freckles), vitiligo and albinism.

Shop the collection here

Build-a-Bear & Vermont Teddy Bear Company Amputee Bears

For kids with limb differences, Build-a-Bear and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company are there to create a bear with the same limb difference. Both offer customization that allows this treasured bear to match its owner. 

Differently-Abled Dolls from Barbie's Fashionistas Line

Barbie now has a diverse toy line of dolls

The Barbie Fashionistas line, which already includes Barbie dolls with various body types and hairstyles, also offers two differently-abled dolls. The first doll is in a wheelchair and the second is fitted with a prosthetic leg. “As a brand, we can elevate the conversation around physical disabilities by including them into our fashion doll line to further showcase a multi-dimensional view of beauty and fashion,” Mattel said.

Shop the collection here. 

Orijin Bees

To encourage their daughter's interest in African culture, two parents created this doll company with different shades of skin complexions and hair textures available. They even have a buy-one-gift-one program! 

Shop the collection here

Plastic Army Women from BMC Toys

Inspired by the letter from a six-year-old girl, the iconic green army men sold by BMC Toys now have an addition—women soldiers. They are available in four different military poses

Shop the collection here. 

Audio and Braille Instructions from LEGO

LEGO believes brick building should be inclusive for everyone, which is why LEGO Audio and Braille instructions were introduced in 2019.

The idea was inspired by Matthew Shifrin who was born blind and loved to play with LEGO bricks. As a child, he had a friend, Lilya who would painstakingly write down all of the LEGO building steps so that he could upload the written directions into a system that translated them in a Braille reader. For the first time in his life, he was able to build LEGO sets entirely on his own. 

When Lilya passed away, Shifrin decided he wanted to share his experience with others like him. A friend from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology introduced him to the Creative Play Lab at LEGO Group and his wonderful idea was developed into the LEGO Audio and Braille instruction. LEGO also has LEGO Braille bricks!

American Girl Truly Me Dolls

With dozens and dozens of looks to choose from in the Truly Me collection, your child can bring home an American Girl doll who brings out exactly who they are. From singing to soccer to so much more, every child can find outfits and accessories to match their interests.

Kids can even have their dolls fitted with a prosthetic leg by the company A Step Ahead Prosthetics.

Lakeshore Learning's People with Differing Abilities

We all want our kids to be open-minded, but in order to understand other people's differences, it's important that kids see those differences first-hand—and talk about them. Lakeshore Learning's People with Differing Abilities include people with realistic details and adaptive equipment—from a girl in a wheelchair to a boy with leg braces. For younger kiddos, Lakeshore also has a "Soft and Safe" version of these diverse toys that feature children with various disabilities.  

Shop the collection here.

Wonder Crew Boy Dolls

Wonder Crew is a diverse toy line

If you've got a superhero-loving kid who wants a doll—but not that kind of doll—Wonder Crew dolls are the perfect addition. The collection of boy dolls was designed to have the "adventure of an action figure with the emotional connection of the favorite stuffed animal." They're soft and perfect for cuddles, but they're also superheroes. What's even cooler? Each doll comes with two masks and capes: One for the doll and one for the kid who plays with it. Genius. 

Shop the collection here

Jerry the Bear Teaches Kids about Diabetes

By taking care of Jerry's diabetes, children gain hands-on practice with counting carbs, monitoring Jerry's blood sugar and dosing Jerry with insulin. Kids care for Jerry using the virtual diabetes tools and the digital pantry in the product's app.

Follow along with Jerry's journey to train for the All-Stars Games! All 21 interactive storybooks are paired with care tasks to reinforce important diabetes lessons. The curriculum is co-designed with doctors, educators and families to create educational content that kids love.

Learn more here.

Lammily Dolls with Realistic Proportions

Lammily Dolls are a diverse toy line
Lammily Dolls

Do you know what's not empowering? Dolls with body proportions that are impossible to have in real life. That's why the makers of Lammily Dolls decided to make a collection of dolls using proportions akin to the average 19-year-old American woman. That means everything from the hands, arms, and neck to the waist, legs, and feet are realistic. The makers hope that playing with "normal" dolls will help young girls see their own bodies more positively (because sadly, studies show girls start worrying about their looks by age five). 

Shop the collection here.

Maru and Friends

Diversity is the name of the game when it comes to this line of dolls. Maru and Friends dolls are making a statement, and it’s one that’s long overdue. These dolls are more than just pretty playthings. Maru and Friends tell the tale of life as an immigrant. And your child can learn Maru’s story, as well as what it’s like for her friends to grow up in America.

Shop the collection here 

Handmade Keepsake Dolls from HarperIman

This line of dolls and accessories was created by Cynthia Watkins and Kathryn Burnett, a mother-daughter duo, in 2017. Different skin tones, sizes, and hair types are available and each doll is handmade with painstaking detail given to outfits with the ability to match a specific outfit if desired. 

Get yours Shop the collection here. 

I Never Forget a Face Memory Game

A memory game that is a diverse toy for kids

This award-winning game matches faces to countries. Twenty-four pairs of illustrated cards depict the happy faces of children from all over the world and make for a fun and educational memory game. At times challenging, the game helps sharpen recognition and memory skills. The back of the game box shows which country each child is from. 

Buy it here

SunWorks Multicultural Construction Paper

SunWorks

Great for multicultural arts and crafts activities. This set includes 10 sheets of each of these five colors: Manila, Salmon, Light Brown, Brown and Dark Brown.

Buy it here

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11 Incredible Books That Feature Kids with Disabilities

by Amber Guetebier

Whether we are reading to them or with them, books that put kids with disabilities at the center of the storyline benefit all children. For kids who have a disability, seeing themselves represented is validating and empowering. And children who do not have a disability can gain insight and empathy into the world of someone who does.

When it comes to children’s books, inclusion matters, and no one knows that better than parents of a child with a disability who has spent hours combing shelves trying to find a book that relates to their child. Many of the books on this list were written by parents of children with disabilities who wanted to see their children, and children like them, as the hero of the story. Scroll on for 11 great reads.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
Adiba Nelson

Meet ClaraBelle Blue

$6 BUY NOW

When mother and author Adiba Nelson struggled to find a single children's book that showed a Black child with disabilities, she wrote one herself. Inspired by Nelson's desire for her child, who has cerebral palsy, to see herself joyfully in a book and the world around her, Adiba wrote Meet Clarabelle Blue to do just that. Follow Clarabelle through her day and learn how she is just like you—she loves to giggle, she has to brush her teeth, she loves to laugh—just like all kids. An important book for children of all abilities to read to gain insight, compassion, and the importance of representation. Also available in Spanish.

Alice Park

Unique, You See: Autism

$11 BUY NOW

Written by the parent of a young child with autism, this book follows Landon, a boy who loves to play with his friends but struggles to communicate with others. Not only does it help show any kiddos on the spectrum that they're not alone, but it also educates all readers on some of the traits and behaviors linked to ASD. Above all, it serves as a reminder that each of us is unique and deserving of love and friendship.

The Amazingly Sensational Kids

The Amazing Sensational Kids Series

$15 BUY NOW

Inspired by their son, husband and wife co-authors Jamiyl and Tracy-Ann Samuels wrote The Amazing Sensational Kids series to empower children with autism as well as create empathy for those who have children on the spectrum in their life. All their books are fantastic, but The Sensationally Super Sandy stands out. Sandy has a big brother who doesn’t always speak or play with her, but as her parents explain to her what having autism means, Sandy learns how important it is to be kind when someone is different. And Sandy takes that to heart on the school playground.

Both main characters are relatable and loveable. The book gives perspective on what it can feel like to be the sibling of someone with autism and provides a very clear explanation of what autism is for children of any age. By Jamiyl Samuels and Tracy-Ann Samuels, illustrated by Nidhom.
Albert Whitman

Too Sticky: Sensory Issues with Autism

$15 BUY NOW

Children on the autism spectrum frequently have sensory issues, including disliking certain textures. Such is the case with our little hero, Holly, who loves science and doing experiments. But she is upset when she finds out the next experiment is going to be slime, something she strongly dislikes because it is too sticky! Together Holly, her teacher and her parents find a solution. Ages: 4-8. By Jen Malia, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff.

Marissa Nelson

Sensory Seeking Sebastiaan

$10 BUY NOW

Beautifully written by a parent with a child who has ADHD and Proprioceptive Sensory Disorder, this book is designed to empower sensory seekers and educate both sensory seekers and those around them with strategies that will help with self-regulation. But don’t just take our word for it, take their son’s: “This book gives me strategies to calm down,” he says. Using straightforward strategies and relatable language, this book is based on years of first-hand experience and Occupational Therapy. For any age child with ADHD, an SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), and their families. Written by Christia DeShields, illustrated by Marissa Nelson.

Undercats

The Fastest Woman on Earth

$19 BUY NOW

From Francesca Cavello, co-author of Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, this beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Paralympian Tatanya McFadden. Born in Russia with spina bifida, Tatanya lived the first six years of her life in an orphanage, where she learned to walk on her hands. After being adopted by her moms and moving to the US, McFadden began wheelchair racing at the age of just eight years old. The images by Luis San Vicente invoke the astounding speed and movement of this Paralympic star.

One Three Nine Inspired Press

Xander's Cerebral Palsy Superpowers

$13 BUY NOW

With a little boy named Xander as the narrator, the book explains all about cerebral palsy, including causes, types, and how it affects both him and his friends with cerebral palsy. This book teaches children about cerebral palsy and provides a representation of a strong, positive character for children with cerebral palsy to relate to and be proud of. Best for children ages 4-8 but is suitable for all ages. Written by Lori Leigh Yarborough and illustrated by Roksana Oslizlo.

: ‎ Harry N. Abrams

El Deafo

$11 BUY NOW

This graphic novel geared toward children 8-12 not only made the New York Times bestseller list, it also won a Newbery Honor award. Based on Cece Bell’s own life as the only deaf child in a school of hearing children, Bell wore a hearing aid which allowed her to hear a little more than just the lesson plans. This humorous story reminds children that being different is good and that those differences are actually what become your superpowers. El Deafo is also now an animated series. Written and illustrated by Cece Bell.

Ann Murray & Jean Weir

Where Is Marshmallow?

$11 BUY NOW

This inclusive book for elementary-aged kids (ages 7-9) features multiple heroes who are on the search for Marshmallow, the classroom bunny. When Marshmallow goes missing, two students find him; one with a visual impairment and the other who has autism. Once found, the bunny is comforted by a student with down syndrome. By Kathryn Lynn Seifert with illustrations by Ann Murray and Jean Weir.

‎ Farrar, Straus and Giroux

My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay

$17 BUY NOW

Zulay and her three best friends love the first grade. Zulay is blind, but she loves to do what all the other kids do, and study what they study. When the school’s Field Day comes along, Zulay announces she wants to run a race. With the help of her friends and a teacher, Zulay accomplishes her goal. The book, for ages 4-8, includes the Braille alphabet. Written by Cari Best and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton.

Albert Whitman & Company

We Want to Go to School!: The Fight for Disability Rights

$17 BUY NOW

Before 1971, millions of children in the United States were not allowed in public schools. But in 1971, seven kids and their families stood up for equal education and equal rights and went to court to fight for it. Co-authored by Janine Leffler and her mother, children’s book author and illustrator Maryann Cocca-Leffler, this book tells the story of Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia, which changed the course of disability education. Maryann has written a series of books based on her daughter Janine, who was born with cerebral palsy, but this is the first time they have written a book together.

This book will teach children ages 5-9, and all children and their grown-ups, about a landmark case that is not well-known. It is especially impactful for children to read at school to understand the significance of the law, the activists who fought for it, and both the history and future of disability education in the United States.

—Amber Guetebier

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Insider’s Guide to the New Junior Museum & Zoo

by Christine Lai

After an impossibly long wait, the newly rebuilt and redesigned Junior Museum and Zoo is finally open! Funded entirely by local, private donations, this project is truly one that is community-based and for everyone-special care was taken to be inclusive of all-abilities and needs. At close to double the footprint of the original museum and zoo, the addition of three classrooms (two indoor, one outdoor), program space for birthday parties and a large courtyard and garden translates into a much needed expansion for the popular spot. Read on to find out why inquisitive little minds and hands will want to visit this astounding museum and zoo today!

The Museum
Everything about this museum encourages kids to be interactive and hands-on and this starts at the entrance. An outdoor play area with a Boulder Hop will greet kids along with “Sway”, a public art piece which encourages kids to climb on and...well, sway. Propelled by hydraulics, the artwork mimics the action of scissors and will undoubtedly be a highlight before you even step into the museum! 

If you can manage to pry the kids off and head inside, they will be met by the Ball Exhibits which encourage the exploration of gravity. A roller coaster for balls (complete with loops of course) sends balls rolling and twisting down its tracks before ending at a ball funnel. Kids can also build their own ball machine or work on moving balls through a giant machine in collaboration with others. 

The Dome features opportunities to investigate properties of energy and force through building circuits while the mesmerizing Magnetic Sand station allows kids to manipulate and move sand.  A Baby’s Meadow just for crawlers and tots at the corner of the museum allows for the youngest visitors to play safely without the prospect of getting bowled over by overzealous preschoolers. A climb up platform will give minis a much needed height boost and provide an eagle’s view to the museum.

Artem Nazarov

Because kids love crawling and hiding in small spaces, they will LOVE the Log! This enclosed crawl space juts out into the meerkat exhibit, providing an immersive experience. Here, kids can come face-to-face with these adorable creatures and feel like they are part of the exhibit—truly, who is checking out whom?! 

The Zoo
“Loose in the Zoo” was the vision when recreating this space and protected by a large net overhead, this large aviary is just that! Birds are allowed to roam freely as are turtles, peacocks and flamingos. At the center of the zoo is a treehouse with platforms, rope bridges, net tubes and ladders for the adventurous to navigate. A built-in elevator aids anyone who needs a lift getting to the top. 

Be sure to have kids crawl and make their way into the underwater tunnel to enjoy a different view of the freshwater tank and its inhabitants. Water Bird pond is where you will find most of the flamingos hanging out and a stop by Wildlife Circle will give kids the opportunity to meet animals and their zookeepers such as Sequoia, the zoo’s 33 year old resident bald eagle.  

Accessibility on-site
Recognizing that children have different abilities and strengths, the museum/zoo has implemented numerous inclusive features including:
- Wheelchair transfer stations
-Accessible bathrooms with adult-sized changing tables 
-Bronze, life-like animal statues that are touchable can be found next to animal exhibits with braille labels and QR codes for audio recordings coming in January 2022
-Portable hearing loops to assist with T-coil hearing aids
-An American Sign Language interpreter (free of charge, must be requested two weeks in advance) 
-Visitors with sensory sensitivities can borrow a weighted blanket, noise-canceling headphones or seek out quiet time in one of two Calming Nooks

Artem Nazarov

Super Family Sundays is a free event on the following days set aside by the Junior Museum & Zoo especially for families with children who have disabilities. RSVP required. 

November 21, 2021 – 8:30 to 10 am
December 12, 2021 – 8:30 to 10 am
January 9, 2022 – 8:30 to 10 am
February 13, 2022 – 8:30 to 10 am
March 13, 2022 – 5:30 to 7:00 pm

1451 Middlefield Road
Palo Alto, CA

Hours: Fri.-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed 1-1:30p.m. for sanitizing
To open Tue.-Sun. beginning Dec. 21
Online: juniormuseumzoo.org

—story and photos by Christine Lai (unless otherwise noted)
featured photo by Artem Nazarov

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Helen Keller Joins the Class of Barbie Inspiring Women with New Doll

by Karly Wood

When it comes to inspiring women, there is no shortage of leading ladies who have made the world a better place. This month, the Barbie Inspiring Women series is getting a new doll, and she’s the perfect addition as the school year draws to a close.

The first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, Helen Keller will serve as the newest collectible in the Barbie lineup. Keller’s achievements include being an educator, speaker, author and advocate during the early 1900’s.

photo: Courtesy of Mattel

The Inspiring Women series doll’s outfit is inspired by Keller herself, with a striped skirt and ruffled lace blouse. She comes with a braille book, complete with molded dots on the cover.

To ensure the new doll was authentic, Barbie paired up with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), a membership and advocacy organization for blind Americans. The duo worked to make sure the doll mirrored Keller and that the packaging, which contains braille on the front, was accessible for the blind and low vision community.

The Helen Keller Inspiring Women doll is available now at Barbie.com and retailers nationwide for $29.99.

––Karly Wood

 

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UNO Turns 50 & Is Launching New Games to Celebrate

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Don’t forget to shout out, “UNO!’ Today, Mattel announced its global celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic game. The brand has planned a yearlong celebration filled with new products, events and partnerships.

UNO

Conceived in 1971 in a barbershop in Cincinnati, Ohio, the iconic card game was created as a way for families to spend time together, and quickly became a household staple. Five decades later, UNO, now available in over 80 countries and with 17 decks sold every minute, has grown into a global sensation that offers fans of all ages a variety of innovative card-based and digital games.

UNO

“For 50 years, UNO has brought people together by transcending language, culture and age through gameplay. As the number one game in the world, we’ve maintained its origins of a beloved family pastime, while evolving into a cultural phenomenon,” said Ray Adler, Global Head of Mattel Games. “Combining the brand’s roots of inclusivity and simplicity, the passionate global fan base, and unprecedented momentum, UNO’s 50th anniversary is a yearlong celebration of the brand’s past, present and future.”

This year UNO is releasing one of the brand’s largest product lines offering new twists on gameplay, with products available for purchase beginning this month.

Commemorative Products and New Ways to Play

  • UNO 50th Anniversary Premium Card Set: This premium item is the official celebratory product and collector item for the 50th anniversary, available exclusively at Walmart. Contained in deluxe-box packaging is an exclusive gold coin commemorating the 50th anniversary, and the set also features a special “50/50” card and rule, which incorporates the coin into gameplay.
  • UNO 50th Anniversary Card Deck: The celebration continues with the UNO 50th Anniversary Card Deck, which has “gold” wild cards to commemorate the special anniversary.
  • UNO Iconic Series: Starting with the groovy 1970s, the UNO Iconic Series will include five individual decks honoring the last five decades, featuring nostalgic designs that represent each time period.
  • UNO Remix: UNO Remix is the first UNO game that evolves with every hand you play. It plays like classic UNO, but at the start of each round you’ll add special remix cards to the deck that change the game. When it’s all over, you’ll have created a customized UNO deck unique to you.
  • UNO Attack: Since 1998 UNO Attack has been a fan favorite, and an all-new updated version of the beloved card-launching extension brings added action with lights, new sounds, and cards that fly even higher.

To mark the moment, all 2021 new products will feature the new UNO 50th anniversary look, including a new logo and new tagline – Fifty Years of Being Wild.

UNO Championship and Celebratory Events

UNO will be inviting fans to celebrate the anniversary through a first of its kind tournament series hosted by Mattel, and a variety of celebratory games. To learn more about how to participate, visit the UNO website.

  • UNO Championship Series: UNO is launching the first-ever official UNO™ Championship Series, which gives fans the chance to prove they are the best UNO player out there. The UNO™ Championship Series will welcome fans from all over to compete to become the first official UNO™ World Champion, with the finale taking place in November 2021 featuring a grand prize of $50,000 for the winner.
  • Celebratory Games: Throughout the year, UNO will be hosting celebratory games and streams with fans and partners across digital platforms, including the UNO mobile app and platform game.

Partnerships

From iconic artists to athletes to nonprofit organizations, UNO is committed to developing diverse partnerships that build inclusive, sustainable, and culturally relevant products. In recent years, UNO has released UNO Braille, making the game widely accessible for the more than 7 million blind and low-vision individuals in the U.S., UNO ColorADD, the world’s first card game optimized for the color blind, and the UNO Artiste Series, a line that pays homage to influential artists by infusing art directly into a premium deck.

In its 50th year, UNO will be collaborating with a variety of iconic names across art, fashion, sports, and more to create uniquely designed products from fan-favorite names and brands.

This is just the beginning of what’s to come for the yearlong UNO celebration. Visit the UNO website for more information, and follow @UNO on Instagram and Facebook and @realUNOgame on Twitter for future updates.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Mattel/ Featured photo: David Chickering

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Rice Krispies Treats Is Releasing Kits to Help Parents This School Year

by Jennifer Swartvagher

This back-to-school season is unlike any other. Children and parents are continuing to navigate this new normal of distance and hybrid learning. A national survey by Rice Krispies Treats with real parents and kids uncovered the key moments when our kids might crave a little extra love this school year, and parents might not realize it.  

When kids seek reassurance, many parents don’t really know how important their tender words are. For example:

  • More than 75% of kids say meeting a new teacher, starting a new school and trying out for a new sports team as times when they need extra love from their parents. However, less than 50% of parents think their kids need more support during these moments.
  • As kids get older, they need as much support, or even more, than they did when they were younger. Yet parents admit they show less support to children ages 9 to 12 than those ages 7 to 8.1 
  • The top moment kids crave more support is when they leave for school each morning.

One way to help kids feel more supported: nearly 80% of kids said they crave a handwritten note. Rice Krispies Treats used the survey findings to create limited-edition “Love in Case of” kits, giving parents a new way to connect and show support.

Vanessa Lachey

The kits draw on the experience provided by real families, along with the expertise of actress, TV host and mom of three, Vanessa Lachey, and Lori Gottlieb, author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed. Inside the kits, parents will find 12 moments when a handwritten note on a Rice Krispies Treats writable wrapper provides more love, when it’s needed. And when do kids crave a note most? The survey says it’s that nerve-wracking morning moment when they leave home, which makes it the prime time to give kids love that will stick. 

“Preparing for a new school year is always filled with new challenges, and this year I know my kids will be adapting to new routines,” Lachey said. “The Rice Krispies Treats writable wrapper gives me an easy, delicious way to reassure them that they are ‘New Routine Rockstars’ as they re-adjust to school day mornings, and the confidence to get their day started right.”

Inspiring parents to find moments when they might express a little extra love is part of the Rice Krispies Treats identity. From the creating the first writable wrapper to making a stand for inclusivity by creating Braille love notes and sensory stickers for children with autism, Rice Krispies Treats are a simple way for parents to share their support. 

“While most parents know the importance of showing love and support to nurture their children, there are certain moments when kids need extra love to flourish,” said Gottlieb, a licensed marriage and family therapist and bestselling author who helped curate the “Love in Case of” moments. 

The survey reinforces that it’s important to give support and more love even as kids grow older. 

“Whether it’s a hug or a personal message on a Rice Krispies Treats writable wrapper, a little love shines brightest when delivered at the right moment,” Gottlieb said. 

The “Love in Case of” kits are available exclusively at KelloggStore.com for $10 each. For each kit sold between Aug. 20 and Sept. 30, 2020, Kellogg will donate $20 to No Kid Hungry, which can provide up to 200 meals ($1 can provide up to 10 meals) to kids in need.  The kits include 12 unique moments curated from the national survey, as well as 12 Rice Krispies Treats featuring writable wrappers. For parents looking for additional inspiration, the kits include sample messages created in partnership with Gottlieb. 

“Rice Krispies Treats first featured writable wrappers because they allowed parents to show love and support even when they can’t be there,” said Sarah Reinecke, Director of Brand Marketing for Kellogg’s Portable Wholesome Snacks. “While we’ve expanded the types of messages over the years — from Braille to sensory stickers — our mission continues to be inspiring parents with ways to bring a smile to their kid’s face. The “Love in Case of” kits help identify moments when children will appreciate a little extra love the most.” 

Kellogg’s donation to No Kid Hungry contributes to Kellogg’s Better Days goal to help end hunger and create better days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030. For more information on Rice Krispies Treats or for additional tips from Lori Gottlieb on how to communicate with kids at certain ages, visit RiceKrispies.com. Parents also can also watch videos and see influencers’ photos that show when their own children needed a little extra love and just how Rice Krispies Treats writable wrappers helped them. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Kellogg’s

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These New LEGO Bricks Teach Visually Impaired Kids to Read Braille

by Shahrzad Warkentin

According to a 2009 study from the National Federation of the Blind only 10 percent of visually impaired children in the United States are learning to read Braille. The LEGO Foundation is looking to change that with the introduction of LEGO Braille Bricks, an innovative product specially designed to help visually impaired children learn language.

LEGO Braille Bricks introduces a fun and engaging way to help children with vision impairment develop tactile skills and learn the braille system. The bricks are molded with the same number of studs used for individual letters and numbers in the Braille alphabet and they are fully compatible with the LEGO System for construction and play. Each brick will also be labeled with a visual number or letter so that teachers and family members can play and interact as well.

The LEGO Braille Bricks kit just launched and will be distributed free of charge to select institutions, schools and services catering to the education of children with visual impairment.The LEGO Foundation will work together with Official Partners in each country to manage distribution of the toolkits and support localization and training of the teaching concept presented on www.LEGOBrailleBricks.com.

“We are thrilled to launch the first wave of the LEGO Braille Bricks program and get the toolkits into the hands of children,” says Stine Storm, Senior Play & Health Specialist at the LEGO Foundation. “Throughout the testing and pilot program, we have received overwhelming support and positive feedback from children, parents, teachers and partner organizations who have experienced the LEGO Braille Bricks and see the potential of these toolkits to encourage learning in a new and exciting way. The possibilities for learning through play are endless, and we look forward to seeing how this can inspire children in their journey to learn braille.”

Each kit will contain 300+ LEGO Braille Bricks covering the full alphabet in the chosen language, numbers 0-9, and select mathematical symbols and punctuation mark. It will be available in five LEGO colours and will also include three base plates and a brick separator.

“With these Braille Bricks, the LEGO Foundation has created a totally new and engaging way for children with vision impairment to learn to read and write,” says David Clarke, Director of Services at the Royal National Institute of Blind People, which worked with the LEGO Foundation to develop and test the bricks in the UK. “Braille is an important tool, particularly for young people with vision impairment, and these cleverly designed bricks enable children to learn braille creatively while also engaging with their classmates in a fun and interactive way.”

LEGO Group Senior Art Director, Morten Bonde, who worked as an internal consultant on the project suffers from a genetic eye disorder that is gradually turning him blind.  “I want to help all blind and visually impaired children in the world dare to dream and see that life has so much in store for them. When, some years ago, I was hit by stress and depression over my blind future, I decided one day that life is too precious for me not to enjoy every second of,” Bonde explained. “I would like to help give blind children the desire to embark on challenges, learn to fail, learn to see life as a playground, where anything can come true if you yourself believe that they can come true. That is my greatest ambition with my participation in the LEGO Braille Bricks project.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

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Mattel Launches an Inclusive Edition of the Epic Card Game with UNO Braille

by Erica Loop

Get ready to play your fave card game in a whole new way! Mattel recently announced the addition of an inclusive edition of an activity icon—UNO Braille!

In a collab with the National Federation of the Blind, UNO Braille is designed to increase the accessibility and availability of braille games for the blind community and those with low-vision.

photo: Courtesy of Mattel

According to a press release, “NFB was involved every step of the way ensuring UNO Braille was designed to be authentic and held to the highest standards for the blind/low vision community.”

The game will feature the epic UNO deck, but with braille on the corner of each card. The braille will provide blind or low-vision players with the card’s color, number or action. This makes it easy for everyone, including blind-low-vision and sited users, to play UNO Braille together.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Fotografierende via Pexels

 

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Calling All Groms: Local Skateparks Perfect for Newbies

by Sonia Gandiaga

If your little one dreams of kick flips, mastering the 50-50 grind and dropping in to a massive bowl, then you likely have a skater on your hands. While this distinctly California hobby has been around since our childhood, these days there are more sweet spots than ever to practice sick tricks. We’ve narrowed down our favorites below. So gear up your grom with a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards and say L8TR SK8TR!

photo: Chris Goldberg via flickr

San Francisco

Playland at 43rd Ave. 
This teeny community-built skatepark is the perfect spot for little ones, and also features a community garden and play space. It’s maintained by neighbors who pitch in to perform everything from routine maintenace to paint new murals, making it a real gem.

1360 43rd Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
Online: groundplaysf.org

SoMa West Skate Park
Skateboard legend Tony Hawk helped to build this park (score!), with plenty of opps for (literally) dropping in, or just hanging out to watch.

Beneath the Central Freeway, Valencia and Duboce Streets
San Francisco, Ca
Online: sfrecpark.org

Hilltop Park
When you’ve reached the giant 70-foot sundial, you’ll know you’re there. This is the city’s first public skateboard park, with a large skating bowl, hilltop views, and even cement slides (so bring the cardboard).

La Salle & Whitney Young Cir.
San Francisco, Ca
Online: sfrecpark.org

photo: latteda via flickr

Balboa Skatepark
This newer, all wooden skate park in Mission Terrace is calling all kiddos to get off the screens and skate into full-action mode.

San Jose Ave and Ocean Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
Online: balboaskate.org

La Raza Park /Potrero del Sol
As San Francisco’s largest skate park, this is the place to be. It has a Greek-style temple and colorful murals, and the weekend mornings draws lots of parents and younger kids.

Utah Streets
San Francisco, Ca
Online: sfparksalliance.org

photo: Thomas Park via flickr

East Bay

City View Skate Park
This park has the coolest setting of the old Alameda Navy Base—plus miles of beautiful water views.  Big bonus (more for you than them): lots of antique flea market shopping nearby.

1177 W Redline Ave.
Alameda, CA
Online: alamedaskate.ca.us

Braille House and Skatepark 
On weekdays, the Braille House functions as a studio for filming YouTube videos but come spring, summer and winter break they open the doors for skate camps. Private lessons are also available on select weekends and occasionally the crew opens the door for open skate.

14684 Washington Ave, San Leandro
Online: brailleskateboarding.com

Fremont Skate Park
A spacious park means there’s everything from stairs to rails to benches. Lots of options here for kids to practice popping those ollies.

40500 Paseo Padre Pkwy.
Fremont, CA
Online: fremontskate.gov

Kennelly Skate Park
From ramps to classes, this park can take the kiddos from newbie to full-fledged skater. Even BMX riders can use the park on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3–4:30 p.m., and Sundays from 1–2:30 p.m.

898 Red Rock Rd.
Piedmont, CA
Online: kennellyskate.ca.us

photo: Kelly O. via yelp

Berkeley Skate Park
Get ready for massive: 18,000-square-feet, complete with beginner-friendly areas plus classes, a skate club—and even scholarships. Park closed during events and rainy days.

Harrison St. (skatepark is located at Harrison Park)
Berkeley, CA
Online: berkeleyskate.ca.us

Joseph Emery Skate Spot
Located behind a CVS between Park and 45th Street, this park is also famously situated just outside Pixar Studios. The park is narrow, but spans the length of two city blocks and features plenty of skateable paths for little ones, mini ramps and a bowl for advanced skaters.

Off of San Pablo Avenue between 45th Street and Park Avenue
Emeryville, CA

Jack Holland Skate Park
This skate park may be small but it’s varying ramps and rails offer tons of potential, espeically for beginners. The park features shaded, stadium seating and a restroom. Bonus: It’s located right next to a playground just incase every little member of your family isn’t into allies (yet).

16301 E 14th St.
San Leandro, CA

San Ramon Central Park
This park is especially perfect for the youngest skaters. On weekends the priority usage is reserved for kids 11 and under. There’s also 40 more acres surrounding the skate park to explore, including a maze of water features, lots of trails, and picnicking galore.

12501 Alcosta Blvd.
San Ramon, CA
Online: sanramonpark.ca.us

photo: Victor Salanoy via flickr

Peninsula/South Bay

Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park
This one wins the award for largest skate park in California with some of the biggest and bestest features in the world (read: world’s biggest cradle, tallest vert wall, and largest full pipe . . . how cool is that?!). Also check out their birthday packages, lessons, rentals, camps and live music in the summer.

2305 S. White Rd.
San Jose, CA
Online: sjactionsports.com

Greer Skate Park
Greer is a 70’s style bowl park with fast flowing lines and a rounded lip that allows for fast and easy rollins/outs. The volcano in the center of the medium bowl has rough grindable lip.

1098 Armarillo Ave.
Palo Alto, CA
Online: cityofpaloalto.org

photo: Mae Respicio

Marin

Mill Valley Skate Park
Recently totally renovated in Spring 2019 and sitting adjacent to the Bay Trail and Mill Valley Middle School, this pristine new skatepark already has a loyal following amongst Mill Valley’s young skaters. The upgraded park features smooth, new concrete and plenty of ramps for beginners to advanced (though local residents urge parents to limit use to actual skateboarders and not little tikes on scooters). Most weekends you’ll find Hot Diggity food cart serving up snacks, drinks and hot dogs.

425 Sycamore Avenue (Mill Valley Middle School)
Mill Valley, CA

McInnis County Skate Park
You haven’t experienced a skate park until you’ve seen this gigantic sea of bowls, ramps, and half-pipes, and all surrounded by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills. Scooters are allowed in the park each day until 1 p.m. and there are lots of hiking trails for before and after.

10 Smith Ranch Rd.
San Rafael, CA
Online: mcinnisskate.org

Proof Lab
Easy means one-stop shop! They have gear, indoor ramp time, art, and even a cool cafe. Here’s their list of local instructors (check with Proof Lab for the most updated indoor ramp hours): prooflab.com/surf-skate-lessons

54/244 Shoreline Hwy.
Mill Valley, CA
415-380-8900
Online: prooflab.com

Corte Madera Skatepark
This one’s not the biggest, baddest of the bunch, but because of its sweet size it’s for the mini-shredders in your life. Bonus: ice cream truck on hot days, and a huge playground right next door.

Tamalpais Dr. and Pixley Ave.
Corte Madera, CA
Online: cortemaderaskatepark.com

—Chantal Lamers, Sonia Gandiaga and Mae Respicio

Featured photo: Bob_Dmyt via pixabay

 

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