Good To Go

Keeping kids busy and happy during the dog days of summer is no small feat, typically requiring extensive planning and a hefty dose of imagination.

And, for parents of special needs children, finding entertaining, engaging and accessible leisure activities and getaways is an even more challenging endeavor.

Although the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits discrimination and sets standards for private enterprises that cater to the public to accommodate people with disabilities, some public facilities and businesses go the extra mile to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Here, we outline dozens of special-needs-friendly activities and organizations throughout South Florida and beyond.

Note that the term "special needs" covers a wide variety of conditions, including autism, and not all of the following ideas will be suitable for every individual. Call ahead to make reservations where needed, to check availability of equipment you might require or to find out if the venue meets your specific needs.

Play on!

ARTS AND SCIENCE

Saturday Fundays

At the Children's Science Explorium in Sugar Sand Park, Boca Raton, Saturday Funday programs happen once a month during the summer for kids 3-15. Therapists of My Florida Therapy lead fun-filled projects and demonstration activities at the hands-on science center, including sensory projects, arts and crafts, friendship building, music and movement, yoga and interactive games. The program welcomes all children with special needs.

Info: scienceexplorium.org

Sensory-Friendly Programs

On the first Saturday of each month, children enjoy the Children's Science Explorium in a sensory-modified setting, complete with sound and lighting adjustments. Monthly Sunday-Sensory movies at the museum feature an inclusive environment, sound and light modification, and space to move around and sit on the floor. They're also wheelchair accessible.

Info: 561-347-3906

Inclusive Science Playground with Splash Pad

The inclusive tri-level playground at the Children's Science Explorium features interactive components, including wheelchair-accessible swings and slides; sensory walls; and an expanded climbing structure that accommodates people of all ages and abilities. Other inclusive equipment includes the Oodle Swing, Sensory Play Roller Table, Quiet Nook and Sign Language Alphabet Board.

Info: scienceexplorium.org

RECREATION

Miracle League Baseball

The Miracle League of Delray invites kids to play ball regardless of their ability. The field, decked out with a cushioned synthetic turf to help prevent injuries, has wheelchair accessible dugouts and a flat surface to eliminate barriers to wheelchair-bound or visually impaired players. Games are held at Robert P. Miller Park in Delray Beach.

Info: miracleleaguepalmbeachcounty.com

Boundless Dreams

A new playground, Boundless Dreams, opened at the end of June in Robert Miller P. Park. The playground includes an ADA-approved ramp, a specialized rubber surface, equipment for spinning and sliding, sensory play panels, baseball-themed play elements, sunshade protection and a sensory butterfly garden.

Info: miracleleaguepalmbeachcounty.com

Therapeutic Recreation

Palm Beach County's Therapeutic Recreation program at the Therapeutic Recreation Complex in Lake Worth offers a variety of adaptive recreation programs for people with disabilities. At the complex, Special Olympics Florida-Palm Beach County provides training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Info: 561-966-7015 discoverpbcgov.org/parks

Weekend Swim

Make a splash at the Club Managers Association of America Therapeutic Recreation Complex at John Prince Park in Lake Worth. Swimmers in wheelchairs enter the pool using a portable lift on select days, including Aug. 4, Aug. 19 and Sept. 15.

Info: Contact Michelle Terebinski at 561-966-7080 or mterebin@pbcgov.org

RESTAURANTS

Chuck E. Cheese's

Select locations of the children's entertainment chain Chuck E. Cheese's open two hours early on the first Sunday of every month for Sensory Sensitive Sundays. A trained staff is on hand to make sure each guest has a fun-filled visit. The experience includes less noise, smaller crowds, dimmed lighting, limited appearances by Chuck E., food and games. Nearby participating locations are in Boca Raton and West Palm Beach.

Info: chuckecheese.com

The Chocolate Spectrum

Valerie Herskowitz and her autistic son, Blake, run The Chocolate Spectrum, an artisanal chocolate company that creates "sweet opportunities for those with autism," according to its website. The kitchen and café in Jupiter offers chocolate- and pastry-making classes for children, teens and adults of all abilities as well as cake-decorating classes for differently abled teens. No reservations required.

Info: 954-980-0134, valerie@thechocolatespectrum.com

GETAWAYS

Tranquil Adventures

Set sail from Key Largo with Captain Mick Nealey of Tranquil Adventures, a small boat and cruise operation specializing in charters for people with disabilities. His dock and two vessels are wheelchair accessible, and both vessels have lifts to assist individuals in and out of the water. Choose from a variety of activities, such as sightseeing in Everglades National Park or fishing in John Pennekamp State Park.

Info: 305-451-2102, 4ada.org

Dolphin Odyssey

Get up close and personal with a dolphin - complete with kisses, rubs and feeding opportunities - at Dolphin Odyssey at Miami Seaquarium. Most facilities at the Key Biscayne marine life park are accessible to guests with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs. Call at least 48 hours in advance to plan your visit.

Info: 305-361-5705, seaquarium.com

Island Dolphin Care

Island Dolphin Care in Key Largo offers dolphin-encounter programs for children 3 and up with a wide range of disabilities. Instructors are experienced in working with children with developmental disorders, critical and terminal illnesses, and rare disorders. Programs include therapeutic play with a dolphin while sitting on a dock and a swim for one person and one family member.

Info: 305-451-5884 contact@islanddolphincare.org

Everglades

See the Everglades on a narrated eco-tour from an accessible tram departing from the Shark Valley Visitor Center in Miami. The open vehicle travels a 15-mile path where visitors view wildlife on the sawgrass prairies. An Access Pass for Florida's national parks and federal recreation areas is available to residents who are medically determined to be permanently disabled. It provides free admittance to more than 2,000 sites.

Info: 305-221-8455 (tour); nps.gov/florida (park pass)

Gatorland

Fly like an eagle on the Accessible Gator Gauntlet Zip Line at Gatorland, Orlando's "Old Florida" theme park and preserve, which is inclusive to people with a variety of mobility challenges and disabilities. The Gator Gauntlet Zip Line is wheelchair accessible and allows guests to soar 350 feet over the park. Gatorland also offers a splash park, wildlife programs and shows, and an accessible train ride.

Info: gatorland.com

Legoland

Since Legoland opened in Winter Haven in 2011, the theme park and water park for kids 2-12 has worked to ensure its facilities are inclusive for guests with a wide range of disabilities as well as dietary restrictions. A variety of attractions and play areas accommodates those with autism, Asperger's syndrome, anxiety, depression or adjustment disorders. Those with autism spectrum disorders may take advantage of quiet rooms, specially trained personnel, noise-canceling headphones and weighted blankets.

Info: legoland.com/florida

Cruising

Autism on the Seas is the largest service provider and consultant to the cruise industry for disabled travelers. For its staffed cruises, Autism on the Seas charters cruises from regular cruise lines throughout the year where families with special needs receive accommodations for typical cruise services. Disabled travelers not traveling on a specially staffed Autism on the Seas cruise may receive a Cruise Assistance Package for all major lines to help plan their cruise. The service is free if booking is done through Autism on the Seas.

Info: autismontheseas.com

LODGING

Legoland

Both the Legoland Resort Hotel and the Legoland Beach Retreat have ADA-accessible rooms. The Mermaid's Cove, Hula Dancer's Cove and Lifeguard's Cove areas each comprise two accessible rooms, containing lighted alarms, lower shelves and a "full wet" bathroom with a seat in the shower. Guests with autism may opt for a room in a smaller, quieter area.

Info: legoland.com/florida

Universal Orlando

All onsite resort hotels at Universal Orlando are ADA compliant with specially equipped guest rooms and wheelchair-accessible restaurants. Be treated like a rock star at Hard Rock Hotel, where staffers are trained to accommodate guests with special needs. Room amenities include audio-visual smoke detectors; roll-in-showers; bathtub benches and grab rails; portable commodes; Braille in elevators and on menus; and wheelchair-accessible doors, peepholes, vanities and climate controls.

Info: hardrockhotelorlando.com

Disney World

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, like all Disney resort hotels, is ADA compliant, and its proximity to the monorail to Magic Kingdom and Epcot makes it very accessible for wheelchair users. It's also convenient for a quick return if you need a nap or break. Offerings include wheelchair- and hearing-impaired-accessible rooms.

Info: 407-560-2547 disability.services@disneyparks.com O