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Besides the one time events listed on our main events page, here is a listing for activities and organizations that highlight inclusion of our special needs kids. Examples are sports teams, cultural and amusement groups, etc.

Hoofbeats and Heartbeats
Otsego, MN
Phone: 763-441-2274
Website: http://www.hoofbeatsheartbeats.org/

Hoofbeats and Heartbeats is an equestrian learning center dedicated to providing therapeutic riding and teaching proper horse care and management to individuals with emotional and physical disabilities, elderly and youth.

Kids on 2 Wheels Bike Events
Buffalo, MN
http://www.kidson2wheels.org

Kids on 2 Wheels, Inc. is a non-profit company that provides opportunities for kids with disabilities and/or special needs to learn to ride 2-wheel bikes. Visit the website for more information and the registration form.

Hockey organization: http://www.mnspecialhockey.org

Minnesota Special Hockey exists for the enrichment of the athlete with a developmental disability. In addition to physical hockey skills, the program emphasizes the development of desirable individual characteristics such as dependability, self-reliance, concentration, willingness to share and personal accountability.

Bowling: http://www.andoverlanes.com

A bowling league at Andover Lanes that meets on Saturdays. The league is for kids with special needs and their siblings. The league meets year round. We bowl for 10 weeks, and then have a party with pizza and treats along with medals or trophies on the 10th week. Bowling starts at 11AM. We bowl one game every week. The cost is $45 for everything. All kids are able to bowl. There are bumpers and ramps. Kids with wheel chairs get in there and bowl just fine.

13633 Martin Street NW * Andover, MN 55304
(763) 754-8000

Baseball: http://www.miracleleaguemnmetronorth.com

Since 2006 the Miracle League of MN Metro North, located in Blaine, Minnesota, has been providing children with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. Offering two baseball leagues, spring/summer and summer/fall.

Gymnastics: http://www.gymnasticsgalaxy.com

The special needs program at Gymnastics Galaxy is fun, productive and will help build self-confidence in an inclusive, caring environment. They hope to enrich the lives of children so they can achieve new possibilities. The classes will include coach-led stretching, activities and an open gym period for your child to explore with the parent.

Class Offerings: Fridays 5:15 - 6:15 and Saturdays 12:00 - 1:00
Cost: $80 for an 8 week session
Minimum of 4 children needed to run the class - parent participation required
23815 Johnson Street * East Bethel, MN
(763) 434-4929

Soccer League:

In the Coon Rapids area: www.mnyouthsoccer.org/programs/topsoccer.cfm

TOPSoccer is a community-based soccer program that is designed to meet the needs of children ages eight and older with physical and/or mental disabilities. The program is geared toward player development rather than to competition. Athletes are placed on teams according to ability NOT by age.

In the Rogers area: www.rogersayso.clubspaces.com/

The VIP (Very Important Player) program is a unique division of AYSO Region #1512 for challenged players with physical, mental or developmental limitations such as autism, down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, ADD, etc. The program is open to children ages 4 – 11 years old and provides quality soccer experiences to anyone whose physical, mental or developmental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on a mainstream team.

Mall of America - Nickelodeon Universe

Parents of Kids with Special Needs children can stop by customer service within Nickelodeon Universe for your Park Handbook. Visit http://www.nickelodeonuniverse.com for more details. A Manager will sign off on rides appropriate for your child and an adult can ride all the rides free of charge with the special kid as a chaperon. The book will also enable up to four people in the party to enter the rides from the exit so there is little to no wait time. All four people in the party are able to ride the ride twice too so that there is less challenge involved with getting on and off the rides.

The Science Museum of Minnesota: http://www.smm.org

Bring a copy of your Medical Assistance Card with you the next time you visit the Science Museum in downtown St. Paul. You will be eligible for discounted admission and membership. Some have had a great family trip to the museum all for under $10....WOW!

Sensory Friendly Films at AMC Theaters

AMC Entertainment (AMC) and ASA have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Go to http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sensoryfilms for more details.

Please contact Shannon Rients if you have suggestions for other resource needs on this page.