Museums
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
212-245-0072
intrepidmusem.org
The Intrepid Museum hosts monthly programs for children with learning and or developmental needs. For teens and adults with such needs, the museum offers programs that take place 6 times a year. Programs occur on Sundays and are two-hours long, consisting of an interactive museum tour as well as creative hands-on engagement.
Jewish Museum
1109 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128
212-423-3200
thejewishmuseum.org
The Jewish Museum welcomes visitors with special needs and strives to create an inclusive environment through providing a range of services such as accessibility features and workshops. During workshops, visitors will view art pieces as inspiration to create their very own artworks.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213
718-735-4400
brooklynkids.org
The Brooklyn Museum invites children with Autism Spectrum Disorders to their sensory room, which is specifically designed by experts who have experience working with children with special needs. The purpose of the room is to provide an inclusive space for children to socialize with others and become in tune with their own senses. Time in the space will be divided into both guided exploration, led by an educator, and independent exploration. Be sure to notify the educator of your child’s diagnosis and any sensitivities he or she may have.
The Alamo Draft House
445 Albee Sq, Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-513-2547
drafthouse.com
The Alamo Draft House has certain screenings for individuals with special needs. Such screenings are at a lower volume and have brighter lighting to make for a more comfortable environment.
New York Transit Museum
99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-694-1600
nytransitmuseum.org
The New York Transit Museum sets aside several days a year, known as Special Day for Special Kids, to give children with special needs along with their families the opportunity to roam the museum at no cost before it opens to the general public.
In addition, the museum holds a regular after school program for elementary school students (grades 2-5) on the autism spectrum who are interested in trains. The program is designed by experts and aims to help kids expand the social tool kit and enhance their confidence.
Sensory Gyms
The Ability Center
3514 Avenue S at East 36th Street
http://theabilitycenter.net/
718-336-3832
For kids 3 and up, the Ability Center holds occupational and physical therapy sessions, both of which will take place in an inclusive and fun sensory gym.
Dynamic Solutions Physical and Occupational Therapy
532 Court Street at Huntington Street
718-254-0800
37 Eighth Avenue
718-636-0545
dynamicsolutionstherapy.com
Serving the New York City community from 2 locations, Dynamic Solutions Physical and Occupational Therapy seeks to help infants and students with the skills they will need for day to day life.
Extreme Kids and Crew
71 Sullivan Street
347-410-6050
extremekidsandcrew.org
Founded by a local mom of three children, one having special needs, Extreme Kids and Crew hopes to give families a fun space to bond.
Gowanus Treehouse
540 President Street Suite 1E, between Third and Fourth Avenues
Gowanus Treehouse’s sensory gym is kitted out with a treehouse, zipline, climbing wall, swings, and more, as well as fine-motor activities for infants and students alike to enjoy as a means of occupational therapy.
Sensory Freeway
8804 Fifth Avenue at 88th Street
718-238-7451
sensoryfreeway.com
Sensory Freeway is one of the larger gyms in the area, consisting of two gyms along with group and individual therapy rooms. Moreover, this sensory gym has classes.
SPOTS
26 Court Street
718-855-5600
spotsot.com
SPOTS, which stands for Special Programs in Occupational Therapy Services, is targeted to infants and children up to 16 years old. Treatment plans are unique to each and every child and are determined through preliminary screening.
Sensory Street
703 Flatbush Avenue
718-789-2451
Led by occupational therapist Beatrice Hector, Sensory Street has a range of classes for infants, children, and teens up to 21 years of age.