Sensory-Friendly Playgrounds and Play Spaces
Play is an integral part of all children’s lives as they discover and process their world. However, if your child has autism and/or is on the spectrum you’ll want to find nearby sensory-friendly playgrounds and play spaces that all-inclusive opportunities for kids of all abilities to engage their senses. There are a few options in Westchester as well as nearby parks in Dutchess County and Rockland. Plus, check out our list for a range of sensory-friendly indoor play spaces throughout the County.
Psst…Meet Judy Hope Chinitz: Author and Special Needs Educator
Sensory-Friendly Playgrounds in Westchester
Harmony Park (Rye)
Located at the Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, Harmony Park is an adaptive playground and sensory garden. Installed in 2019, the park offers wheelchair-accessible equipment and sensory activities. Here, individuals with mobility issues can swing, play, experience nature and practice critical skills. This includes a merry-go-round, a table for water play, music, games, and more — all of which are wheelchair-accessible. Thus, this benefits children and adults with autism, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities. 1186 King Street, Rye Brook, NY 10573
Granite Knolls Sports Complex (Mohegan Lake)
Located on 15 acres of the Granite Knolls Park, this inclusive playground was opened in 2022. Here, families can find an area where children of all abilities can play. This include areas where kids can explore their senses through site, sound, smell, and touch. Additionally, there is a sensory garden with planters that are designed to lower stress and anxiety. This includes jasmine, peppermint, and lavender. Granite Knolls Sports & Recreation Complex, 2975 Stony Street, Mohegan Lake, NY 10547
Saxon Woods Park (White Plains)
This facility is known as the location of an 18-hold golf course and swimming pool. The location is also home to Andy’s Playground where you will find some adaptive playground equipment from Boundless Playground. 1800 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY 10605.
Sensory-Friendly Playgrounds in Rockland
Lowland Park (Rockland)
The Lowland Park is not specially an all sensory-friendly park but they do have a wheelchair swing. Sisters Amanda and Kelly Casey, along with the help of friends and family, donated a wheelchair-accessible swing to Lowland Park in an effort to provide equipment to children with disabilities. Lowland Hill Road, Stony Point, Rockland.
Sensory-Friendly Playgrounds in Dutchess County
Julies’s Gym (Hopewell Junction)
Take a drive to Hopewell Junction to enjoy this all-inclusive playground. The facility includes an ADA interactive music experiences, accessible swing sets, an aero glider, and more. Additionally, the park boosts 16,000-square-foot of accessible playground spaces and a 5,500-square-foot accessible serenity garden. Incredibly, Julie’s Gym is the first accessible playground constructed in Dutchess County. 5 Old Lime Kiln Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Sensory-Friendly Spaces in Westchester
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym (New Rochelle)
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym offers fun and safe indoor gym for kids with special needs and those on the spectrum to run, jump, play, and climb. This includes a range of equipment such as suspended equipment with swings; crash mats and pillows; a trampoline, a fine motor and arts and crafts area; and more. Additionally, they have respite and break time care to give a break to families and one-to-one attendant care for those who require more support. In addition, they offer classes, host open plays, and host birthday parties. 606 Main Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801.
Gigi’s Playhouse (Ardsley)
Gigi’s Playhouse offers programs and events for children with Down’s Syndrome. Programming includes yoga, dance, music, art, and more.
Northeast Westchester Special Recreation (Hawthorne)
Northeast Westchester Special Recreation offers therapeutic programs to kids and adults who have developmental disabilities. This includes a summer camp, community trips, bowling, sports, and more. Additionally, all experiences are designed to help with physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning as well as foster and cultivate meaningful relationships. 63 Bradhurst Ave, Hawthorne, NY 10532
