ML Interest Tag: robot-building

The Children’s Creativity Museum Has Reopened!

by Christine Lai

Finally opening their second floor for the first time in 23 months for a full re-opening, the Children’s Creativity Museum lives up to their name by encouraging and fostering creativity. From the way children think, the emotions they have, how they communicate and how they express themselves—all of it is investigated at this incredible museum. It’s time for little creative thinkers to get busy and explore!

Christine Lai

First Floor

Through September, a special exhibit entitled XOXO: An Exhibit about Love and Community is in residence on the first floor. This exhibit invites kids ages two through 12 to engage in hands-on activities to share emotions, play and spark conversations. 

Christine Lai

Some of these activities include creating silhouettes, speaking into tone phones that change the tone of the voice and writing down negative thoughts and then shredding them using a large shredder (therapeutic for adults, too). There is also a community wall in which questions about love and community (“what makes you feel safe?”) can be answered and shared on the wall.

 

Christine Lai

We loved the beautifully decorated and cozy Storybook park with its welcoming bean bags, plethora of books and creative sensory alphabet signs. Next door, a set of see-saws were also very popular in which we worked together on creative balance.

Christine Lai

Have expressive littles? The Early Childhood Zone is suited for the five and unders and encourages play through soft blue blocks, train tables and will soon have painting at the outdoor patio.

Christine Lai

Second Floor

At the Making Music Studio, kids can make musical instruments with their own creativity or by following cards with inspiring ideas. Little percussionists will love performing their musical pieces and marching to the beat of their own tune at the Drum Pad and Sound Effect stations—headphones included! 

 

Christine Lai

Next door is home of the Animation Studio where kids can try their hand at stop-motion animation and produce an original animated film. Figures and scenes are created with LEGO bricks with interchangeable back drops to match and the completed film can even be emailed to share with friends and family. 

Good to know:

  • Thursday and Friday hours are from 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. for preschool playtime on the first floor only (reservations not required). Saturday and Sunday hours are from 10 a.m.- 4.p.m. (reservations recommended). 
  • The LeRoy King carousel is open on weekends from 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. $5 for nonmembers, $3 for members. 
  • Stop by the amazing Yerba Buena playground next door to complete the epic day
  • Metered street parking is difficult; consider using Spot Hero to find a nearby garage

221 4th St,
San Francisco

Plan your visit today!

—Christine Lai

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9 Rockin’ Music Festivals You Didn’t Know Are Kid-Friendly

by Gabby Cullen

Even though these days you’re more likely to find yourself at a Music Together session instead of a jam session, don’t say goodbye to the days of summer music extravaganzas. To make it easier to find your happy place, we’ve rounded up the most awesome festivals that don’t just let kids in—they welcome them with open arms. Scroll down to see when and where.

Summerfest: June 26-30 & July 2-7, Milwaukee, Wi

Summerfest

It’s like a rock & roll day camp for the whole family. The coolest part about the world’s largest music festival isn’t just about singing your heart out at diverse musical acts like Billie Eilish, Death Cab for Cutie, Willie Nelson and more,  but also a chance to experience kiddie-rock performances, live theater, water fun with splash pads and paddle boats, fireworks, robot building and even a bacon eating contest!

Parents, you’ll need to head to the Northwestern Mutual Children's Theater and Playzone featuring not only jungle gyms and slides, but that’s where you’ll spot the children’s theater and interactive activities. From the Captivation Station and color labs to Comedy Sportz, the Milwaukee Art Museum and even spatula sizzles at the Mad Scientist lab—it’s an exciting extravaganza!

Don't miss the Summerfest Parade: Wed., June 26–Fri., June 28; Tues., July 2 & Wed., July 2 at 3 p.m.

Online: summerfest.com

High Sierra Music Festival: July 4-7, Quincy, CA

The ultimate in jam-band festivals, High Sierra is like a big warm hug for families. The Family Village scene is always hoppin’, from the Living Folklore puppet shows, family breakfasts and water games to the family talent show, shady chill zone for breastfeeding mothers, and the High Sierra KIDS parade. The Village Greens is always open for play, play and more play, and the Sing Along hut is perfect for...you guessed it, sing-alongs. There’s even the Rockin’ Nannies group of qualified caregivers who host a sleepover each night for parents wanting a little late night music action.

You can pack in food to the festival but be sure to sample the wide array of food trucks, gourmet eats and microbrews that will be available throughout the festival days.

Insider Tip: Head for Shady Grove campground; that’s where you’ll find quiet spots for camping.

Lollapalooza: Aug. 1-4, Chicago, IL

Katrina Barber/Lollapalooza 2018

Lollapalooza's lineup this summer is packed with diverse acts, from Twenty One Pilots to Ariana Grande. Kidzapalooza, which is its own kiddie concert event within the rock festival and located in a separate area of Grant Park.

The family-fest within a fest includes a stellar line up of kindie-rock groups, plus there’s music stations with drums and guitars, breakdancers, a mural wall for painting and tons of amazing Chicago-style food.

Insider Tip: You can take turns watching the main stage and the kid-stage. Kidzapalooza is open each day from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., kids 10 and under are free!

Online: Lollapalooza.com

Pickathon Independent Music Festival: Aug. 2-4, Happy Valley, OR

iStock

If you’re looking for a chance to give your tiny ones a lesson in sustainability while enjoying groovy bluegrass tunes, the Pickathon is where you need to be. No plastic to be found; bring in your own utensils or participate in an exchange program when sampling the organic fare.

Pitch a tent at the family camping zone, where lights are out early and it’s up and at em’ at the crack of dawn. The constant flow of activities for kids is pretty unreal. From basket making to foam arrow target shooting, circus camp, fairy wand making and the grand dragon parade, there’s something for everyone. Even the tiny tots can get in on the fun with their very own movement and games.

Outside Lands: Aug. 9-11, San Francisco, CA

It's the Bay Area’s most epic music event and this year's headliners include Twenty One Pilots, Paul Simon and KC Musgraves. If the fam is looking for a quiet place to chill, head for less crowded spots early on. The picnic tables just past the windmill at the Lands End Stage, or up on the hill next to the Sutro Stage are best bets.

The gourmet grub at Outside Lands is legendary but no worries—even the pickiest eater will find nosh. There’s fancy grilled cheese, pizza, satay and chicken and waffles for the kids; and parents can savor kale salad, smoked-coconut sugar brisket and Maine lobster rolls.

Direct the crew towards Eco Lands and head straight for the Rock & Roll Family Zone, where taking a moment to chill is encouraged! Feed worms at the Garden for the Environment booth, contribute to the Solar Habitat Microbuild at the AT&T sponsored booth, and find the Surf for Life and Urban Sprouts Photo Booths for post-worthy shots.

Online: OutsideLands.com

Bumbershoot: Aug. 30-Sep. 2, Seattle, WA

iStock

Seattle’s long-running Bumbershoot was a celebration way back before music festivals were on everyone’s summer bucket list. Held every year over Labor Day Weekend, you'll find big name headliners along side budding new acts. Besides the diverse lineup, attendees can find cool dance performances, visual arts, film and comedy.

Families with kids 10 and under can head straight for Youngershoot. Curated by the Seattle Children’s Museum, the list of activities for tiny rockers is endless. While there isn’t any child-care available, we know parents will enjoy themselves as much as budding musicians. The intro to architecture—inspired by Seattle’s famous skyline—is an especially popular station.

Insider Tip: The complete list of fun at Youngershoot hasn’t been announced yet. Check back here to get updates before the show starts in Sept.

Online: bumbershoot.com

Pilgrimage Music Festival: Sep. 21-23, Franklin, TN

VisitFranklin.com

Franklin, Tennessee is a beautiful little hamlet outside of Nashville and once a year it goes off the hook with this family-friendly all-star lineup of music from across genres. Held at the beautiful Harlinsdale Farm, fans young and old can enjoy this two-day festival that also attracts some of the best food in the region along with art and artisans. This year's lineup includes the Foo Fighters, Keith Urban, The Killers, Leon Bridges and more. Kiddos will love the Art Barn and the kid-specific stage (the Vanderbilt Health Lil' Pilgrims Family Stage) and Mare Barn Theater where they'll find activities and performances geared toward the pint-sized set.  

Learn more at visitfranklin.com and pilgrimagefestival.com

 

Austin City Limits: Oct. 4-6 & 11-13, Austin, TX

Sara Marjorie Strick/ACL 2018

If your dreams of attending SXSW have been waylaid by bringing kids along, don't fret. Turns out, Austin is home to another major music festival and this one is as kid-friendly as they come. The Austin City Limits music festival takes place over two different weekends and the lineup includes the stellar, the up-and-coming and indie stars. This year you'll find Billie Eilish, Mumford & Sons, Thom Yorke (of Radiohead) and The Cure, among others.

The littles will make a beeline for Austin Kiddie Limits. This mini-version offers up a ton of awesome entertainment for budding musicians, including a drum zone, hip hop workshops, hands-on art and more. There's also necessities like baby changing stations and a family-friendly entrance. 

Insider Tip: Kids 10 and under are free. Look for the Kidz Beach Area to beat the heat. It’s a shady spot perfect for making sand castles while listening to your favorite acts.

Online: aclfestival.com

Joshua Tree Music Festival: Oct. 10-13, Joshua Tree, CA

If you don’t feel like taking petite burners to the playa this year, consider another desert music-fest promoting community vibes and art. The Joshua Tree Musical Festival is super family oriented and besides the amazing scenery, there’s cosmic creations, painting parasols, puppet making and improv.

Within the festival grounds, the one acre lake is surrounded by Kidsville, the world market and organic food purveyors. The best spot to pitch a tent is in Family Camp on the North West side of the campground, but if you want to be out of the wind and dirt, there are trailers for rent, too. Kids 10 and under are free and be prepared for lots and lots of hula hoopers!

Insider Tip: You and the littles can beat the desert heat (and dust) with shade cloths that are draped over viewing areas and a quick visit to the free cool down shower stations.

Online: joshuatreemusicfestival.com

— Amber Guetebier & Gabby Cullen

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Budding Builders: 5 Great Spots for Kids Who Tinker

by Melissa Heckscher

Do your kids like to tinker? Do you find them taking apart Barbie Dolls or pulling the tires off toy cars just so they can put them back together again? Then it’s time to set your budding builder free (just in time for Kid’s Invention Day on Jan. 17)! Whether it’s constructing go-karts from recycled materials or engineering real, working robots, there are plenty of places for LA kids who want to take up tinkering. Read on to see our top five spots to let those inventions take shape.

photo: The reDiscover Center via Facebook

The Tinkering School LA at the ReDiscover Center (West LA & Pasadena)

If you want your kids to learn the art of building something from nothing, take them to the reDiscover Center, stat! This Mar Vista warehouse, devoted exclusively to the art of tinkering, lets kids as young as 7 build almost anything they set their minds to using all sorts of materials, not to mention, using real tools including hammers, power drills and saws (with some help to keep them safe, of course). The Center is fully-stocked for tinkering: It’s got cardboard tubes and wood chunks galore, fabric scraps, PVC pipes, and other instrumental odds and ends (many of which were donated from the community and local businesses).

So what does a reDiscover tinkerer make, exactly? Whatever they want! According to lead tinkering teacher Barb Noren, past projects have included 3D self-portraits, pinball machines, dog beds, cat towers, go-karts and pedal cars (Pssst: Check out this totally awesome roller coaster made at reDiscover’s summer camp). “The funny thing is,  so many times people give kids explicit instructions on how to make something; we don’t do that at all,” Noren said. “We want to let them be free to explore to make whatever they want to make.”  

The center has open studio hours from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. every weekday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Kids must attend the prerequisite tools safety course before they can attend any open studio (though they’re welcome to explore the “Crafting Corner” where they can construct without tools). Weeklong camps over winter vacation and throughout the summer let kids delve into more in-depth, collaborative projects. There are also junior camps for kids ages 5-7 that give kids a taste of tinkering without the hefty power tools.

reDiscover Center
12958 W Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles
(310) 393-3636
*reDiscover events and camps are also held at various locations in Pasadena, see website for details.
Cost: $30 for tool training; $20 for drop-in; $500 for five-day camps (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Online: rediscoverla.com

photo: Engineering for Kids Los Angeles via Facebook

Engineering for Kids Los Angeles 

Hoping to get your budding builder into MIT someday? Tinkering and engineering are, after all, basically the same thing, so an Engineering for Kids class might be just the thing. A national franchise with a Los Angeles branch, EFK works mainly with local schools and camps to bring its STEM-based curriculum to the next generation of mathematicians, engineers, and scientists. The program offers classes in everything from aerospace, civil and marine engineering to software engineering and video game design. The goal, according to its website, is to teach kids “the importance of trial and error through testing and making improvements.”

Don’t have an EFK program at your school? No problem. Classes are available on demand for homeschool groups and birthday parties if you’ve got a group of 10 or more (and are willing to pay a minimum of $275 for a single class/party program to come to you). Party activities include fun and (shh) educational projects like stomp rockets, candy catapults, and slimebots.

Hint: If your child’s school doesn’t already have an EFK class in its roster of after-school offerings, it might be worth sending this link to the principal to get one started.

Various locations
Cost: $275 and up for parties and private events; after-school classes are offered through schools and vary in price
Online: engineeringforkids.com

photo: Rolling Robots

Rolling Robots (Glendale, Palos Verdes & West LA)

Kids who long to tinker with something that’ll beep-bop-beep (or vroom-vroom-vroom) will love the robot-building offerings at this popular spot that gives kids everything they need to construct real, working bots in just a few hours. Whether it’s a one-day workshop or a weeklong summer camp, kids as young as 4 can build real “rolling” robots, while older engineers can tackle more advanced stuff like robotics coding, scratch coding, and 3D printing design. All locations offer drop-in classes as well as monthly memberships and camps (both winter and summer camps). As for birthday parties, the two-hour program works an activity, game and a party bag gift all in one, since kids get to build, test and take home their creations.

If your kids’ interest in tinkering is limited to building worlds on a screen, Rolling Robots also has Minecraft Nights twice a month where Minecrafters can gather, eat pizza, and have their own dedicated computer to build whatever pixelated worlds they can create in three hours.

Various locations
Cost:  $179 for monthly memberships; $229 for an 8-class package; $45 and up for Minecraft nights
Online: rollingrobots.com

photo: Play-Well TEKnologies

LEGO Camps with Play-Well TEKnologies (Various locations)

Not all tinkering has to be high tech. Fans of those infamous little bricks will be in LEGO-heaven at Play-Well TEKnologies’ LEGO-centric winter and summer camps that offer little builders everything they need to construct castles, cars and more with thousands of LEGOS available for the taking. With course names like “Jedi Master Engineering” and “Ninjaneering,” we’re guessing it won’t be hard to get your LEGO-neers on board with the summer program. They’ll feel like they’re just playing—and you’ll feel good knowing the curriculum is designed by engineers and teachers and made to give kids ages 5 to 11 basic engineering, architecture and physics skills.

Various locations  
Cost: $150 and up for one-week (half-day) camps
Online: play-well.org

photo: ktbuffy via Flickr 

Free Workshops at The Home Depot

Kids will learn some basic woodworking skills, and use real tools, at these free workshops held the first Saturday of every month at from 9 a.m. and noon. You and your little (this isn’t a drop-off program) will be given a supply kit and an instruction sheet, then have at it with novice wood construction projects which have, in the past, included DIY coin banks, pull-wagons, and birdhouses. To secure your spot, register at the Home Depot Workshop page (you’ll need to enter your zip code to register at your nearest location). In addition to the free lesson (and a cool DIY project to take home), your little carpenters will also get a cool kid-sized Home Depot apron, an achievement pin, and certificate of completion.

Hint: Make sure to register and get there early! Supply kits are given on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Various locations
Cost: Free
Online: Homedepot.com

Do you know any other good spots to tinker? Tell us about them in the comments below!

—Melissa Heckscher

 

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19 Amazing Things to Do with Kids on the Spectrum

by LeTania Kirkland Smith

One of the things we love most about LA is that it is home to families of all shapes, sizes and varieties—which includes those with special needs and on the autism spectrum. There is also a growing community of support and activities available for families. From working with animals to getting out on the sports field, there are a million (or 19!) outings that are not only inclusive of kids with autism but specifically designed for them.

photo: The Gentle Barn

 

Working with Animals

The Gentle Barn
Ellie Laks founded The Gentle Barn in 1999 as a way to connect her love for animals and kids. Laks felt deeply connected to animals and believed in their healing qualities from a young age. Having studied psychology and special education she created the Gentle Barn to create a space where animals and children can heal each other.  The Gentle Barn is not a petting zoo but an animal sanctuary. The barn rescues abused and traumatized animals, brings them back to health and gives them a space to live the rest of their lives peacefully. The Barn is open to everyone but was also created  to provide a space for at-risk and special needs kids. Lak says the Barn is a safe, quiet space where kids can explore and “they are free to be themselves, they are completely accepted for how they show up, and the animals love them unconditionally.” The Gentle Barn is located in Santa Clarita and is open to the public Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Check their website for tickets and schedules.

15825 Sierra Highway
Santa Clarita
661-252-2440
Online: gentlebarn.org

Danny’s Farm
Danny’s Farm is an inclusive petting zoo that is housed at Cal Poly Pomona. The farm was created by former Dodger’s pitcher Jim Gott and his wife as a way to honor their son Danny, who has autism.  As they discovered more about their son, they found that he had a love for farm animals, which in turn had a therapeutic effect on him. The farm is operated by the Cal Poly Pomona’s Veterinary Sciences department and its students. While the farm no longer offers a specialty autism program, it does provide a safe space where all children are welcome. The farm is open Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.,  March through mid-November. Danny’s Farm also hosts a mobile petting zoo, which will come to you.

4102 S. University Dr.
Pomona
909-896-7741
Online: dannysfarm.org

photo: Paul Weaver via Flickr

Get out on That Field: Sports and Rec

Little League Challenger Division
American Little League has stepped up to the plate to provide a safe and rewarding place for all kids to play ball. The Challenger League is open to kids 4-18 (or up to 22, if they are still in high school) and teams are created based on ability rather than age. The game is tweaked slightly to allow everyone a chance at bat and on the field and there is no score keeping. The buddy system is used, though players are encouraged to do as much on their own as possible with their buddy always nearby to help.  Check their website or call for more information about a Challenger division near you.

570-326-1921 x2254
Online: littleleague.org

AYSO VIP
The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) offer what the call the VIP program for all kids with special needs. In this program, trained coaches and volunteers work with kids and provides a “buddy system” during the games to help kids learn the game and interact with new friends in a safe and supportive environment. Check their website to get more details about league locations.

800-872-2976
Online: ayso.org

photo: Kids Like Me

The Help Group “Kids Like Me” Program
The Help Group has created a series of campuses throughout the L.A. that offers pre-K through high hchool programs for kids on the spectrum. “Kids Like Me” is an extracurricular program open to the public that offers typical after-school activities like sports, art, dance and even specialties like film making. The objective of the program is to combine fun activities with a social skills based curriculum. The staff is trained to observe interactions between students and use their experience as teachable moments for social interaction. The program is open to all students across the autism spectrum, and the faculty works to group kids chronologically and developmentally to ensure they are with the best possible peer group.

Locations in Sherman Oaks and Culver City. Check out their website for the current schedule.
Online: kidslikemela.org

photo: My Gym

Gymnastics Classes

Gymnastics For Life
Coach Shawn Marsh has been living in the world of gymnastics for over 30 years. As a teenager growing up in South LA, an introduction to gymnastics provided a focus to pull him through the challenges of the neighborhood and stoked a lifelong love for gymnastics. He has taught in gyms throughout the city and personally coached a Special Olympics gymnast who went on to earn 4 gold medals. Coach Marsh has developed a curriculum that offers “traditional” and “non-traditional” gymnastics that allows little gymnasts to set their own standards that are appropriate for their age and developmental stage. A big bonus is that Coach Marsh offers group classes and in-home visits throughout LA and the San Fernando Valley. Check the website for locations and details.

818-636-3397
Online: gymnasticsforlife.com

Broadway Gymnastics School
Broadway Gymnastics School has been in the business of training little gymnasts since 1979. With a huge facility near Playa Vista, Broadway Gymnastics offers traditional classes and a special needs program that has been recognized by the Autism Speaks organization. Classes are open to babes 18 months and up. 1-on-1 coaching is available as well as group classes. There are after-school classes as well as a variety of camps, because we can all use a little help when school is out.

5433 Beethoven St.
West LA
310-302-0035
Online: broadwaygym.com

Los Angeles School of Gymnastics
Tucked into Culver City, The Los Angeles School of Gymnastics has been training gymnasts of all ages since 1975. Now they are also working to bring the benefits of gymnastics and physicality to kids (and adults) with special needs. The qualities of gymnastics are used as a means for rehabilitation and can be considered part of your little tumbler’s occupational therapy. Plus, the LASG is linked with nearly every major funding organization, so you may be able to receive financial assistance for gymnastics classes.

8450 Higuera St.
Culver City
310-204-1980
Online: lagymnastics.com

My Gym
If you’re a parent in LA, chances are you’ve heard of My Gym, which has locations throughout the city (and the whole country). My Gym offers classes for kids from 6 weeks old and up. Classes include gymnastics, karate and dance. While every My Gym does not offer classes specific to kids on the spectrum, their locations are open to kids no matter their developmental challenges. Those on the spectrum are welcome to join classes and feel their way through it as well as bringing a shadow, if needed. Check their website, find your local gym and ask what classes might be best for your little mover.

Multiple locations across Los Angeles, check the website for details.
Online: mygym.com

photo: LeTania Kirkland Smith

Space to Play

We Rock the Spectrum
The top philosophy at We Rock the Spectrum is, “Finally a place where you never have to say ‘I’m sorry.'” WRTS is an indoor gym and play space that is fully inclusive for all children. The gym was founded by Dina Kimmel, whose son Gabriel is on the spectrum. After years of therapy and apologetically explaining that her son was autistic when out in public, she decided  to open a space to welcome families living with autism and educate those who are not. WRTS is unique in that it is open to all kids whether or not they are on the spectrum. WRTS has locations across the country (and now in Malaysia) and all are equipped with 10 pieces of sensory equipment designed to help kids with sensory processing disorders. But don’t think for a minute that the gym won’t appeal to kids of all abilities and ages. Who doesn’t want to spend time on a zip line or rock on a hammock swing? And parents are encouraged to interact right along with their kids; so go have a good jumping session and everyone will be better for it.

There are multiple locations in Los Angeles; check their website for the location nearest you.
Online: wrtsfranchise.com

photo: LeTania Kirkland Smith

Dream Big Children’s Center
If you’re in the market for an indoor play space, Dream Big Children’s Center in Monrovia fits the bill. This is an inclusive space that welcomes all kids but the center’s creator, Cristina Cordeiro, created the space with autistic kids in mind. Cordeiro has worked with autistic kids for over 15 years and has been the director of a behavioral therapy organization for the last five years. This experience combined with her new found life as a mama pushed her to create a space where all children—no matter their needs—can play together.

The space was meticulously designed with the needs of autistic kids in mind, with multiple themed rooms that designed to soften sound; the overall design of the center is neutral to help kids avoid sensory overload from bright colors and bright lighting. Dream Big’s staff have autism training and the center offers Applied Behavior Analysis therapy both in-home and at the center. A huge plus is that families with multiple kids can bring the whole family for some play time while meeting their child’s special needs. It’s a win-win.

612 S. Myrtle Ave.
Monrovia
626-775-7888
Online: dreambigchildren.com

photo: LeTania Kirkland Smith

Travel Town Museum
As one of the pillars of the Griffith Park experience, Travel Town is a must for any Angeleno, but it also happens to be a superb place for many kids on the spectrum. While nothing is a one-size-fits all scenario, the outdoor space combined with train tables and the experience of climbing into a real engine makes for a positive take-away. This LA classic comes highly recommended from families with kids on the spectrum.

5200 Zoo Dr.
323-662-5874
Online: traveltown.org

photo: The Water Whisperer

Into the Pool: Swimming Lessons

The Water Whisperer
Learning to swim and feel comfortable in the water is both a matter of safety and a boost in confidence for all young people. Emily Cohen, The Water Whisperer, employs a unique technique for teaching kids to swim and provides one on one classes for those with special needs. As an artist, Cohen takes a creative approach and uses toys, songs, games and lots of encouragement to get kids in the water. Cohen also believes in the power of routine—especially for kids with special needs—and adheres to the class routine to provide swimmers with a sense of security. The Water Whisper holds classes in Sherman Oaks and Woodland Hills. When contacting them be sure to provide all info about your little swimmer’s needs.

Online: thewaterwhisperer.com

One With the Water
One With the Water was created by Coach Kenneth Rippetoe. After working in Bolivia, Venezuela and Spain with “sponsor a child” programs to help kids in need receive education, Rippetoe founded One With the Water. Semi-private and private special needs classes are offered in community pools throughout the LA Area. One With the Water is a non-profit and is dedicated to providing scholarships to special needs kids and families who could use financial assistance. The organization also works closely with other therapy organizations to create a lasting community for its participants. Check out their website for more details.

323-364-7946
Online: onewiththewater.org

photo: The Miracle Project

Putting the Hands to Work: Performance and Creation

The Miracle Project
We all know the healing and therapeutic properties of the arts, but The Miracle Project has taken this idea as a mission. This organization has created an inclusive space where individuals with and without autism collaborate to develop and perform original musicals. The Miracle Project uses a methodology that combines theater, film, music, movement and other expressive arts and allows kids with autism to collaborate with others to develop as peers and artists.

Program director and teacher, Ryan Berman says this community helps “bring out the best” in those with autism and allows them to find their voice in a unique way. The Miracle Project offers classes in musical theater, improv, movement and music.  You can also check out the documentary Autism: The Musical, which tells the story of The Miracle Project.

9301 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 507
Beverly Hills
310-829-7034
Online: themiracleproject.org

photo: Purple Twig

Purple Twig
Purple Twig in Eagle Rock is a great place for art exploration for young artists of all abilities. The space offers specialized workshops and art classes as well as an open studio on Saturdays where kids can dig into a large variety of sensory (and recycled!) materials that can be a big plus for some kids on the spectrum. While Purple Twig does not specialize in art classes for kid with autism, it is a welcoming space. Check it out and see if it works for your family.

2038 Colorado Blvd.
Eagle Rock
323-254-8944
Online: purpletwig.com

Rolling Robots
Another spot that comes highly recommended by parents is the building workshop sensation Rolling Robots. RR has multiple locations and offers after school robot building workshops. Though RR does not offer specific special needs classes, it is an inclusive space. From the most basic to more complicated robotics this is a great spot where kids on the spectrum can focus, work with their hands and be a part of a community. RR also offers birthday parties and camps.

Rolling Robots las locations in Glendale, West LA and Palos Verdes.  Check the website for details.
Online: rollingrobots.com

photo: Ride On

Giddy-Up: Horseback Riding

Ride On
Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship teaches adaptive horseback riding to kids and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities from the age of 6 & up. The organization also uses the art of horseback riding to provide physical, occupational and speech therapy by using the movement of the horse to improve medical conditions as well as equine assisted psychotherapy. (Yes, that’s a mouthful, but it works!) Horseback riding is a unique form of therapy for kids on the spectrum because it is calming and stimulating, which provides a way for kids to physical regulate their bodies. Beyond that, connecting with the horses and other kids in the group allows those who may struggle socially to make connections they may not be able to otherwise. Scholarships are available for those in need.

Locations in Chatsworth and Newbury Park; check the website for details.
Online: rideon.org

photo: The Children’s Ranch Foundation

Children’s Ranch Foundation
The Children’s Ranch in Griffith Park is yet another bit of genius created by a mama inspired to help her child and others like her. Jackie Sloan began horseback riding with her own daughter as a therapeutic approach to living on the spectrum. Sloan was struck by the transformative effect riding and caring for animals had on her family and left her job as a practicing attorney to create the Children’s Ranch Foundation.

Working with animals, says Sloan, has a way of drawing children with special needs into a group setting and making social connections. The Ranch offers, therapeutic horseback riding, Ranch Play and Ranch Hands where kids are introduced to the animals and learn to care for them, as well as sibling and parent workshops. The Children’s Ranch is a deep commitment for families and takes a bit of paperwork to get going, but if your family is looking for a deeper therapeutic process, it’s more than worth the effort.

4007 Verdant St.
Atwater Village
213-447-6456
Online: thechildrensranch.org

Do you have any wonderful organizations or activities that are perfect for kids on the spectrum?  Please share them with our community in the comment section!

—LeTania Kirkland Smith

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