10 Long Island Play Spaces Perfect for Children with Special Needs
If one thing is certain, children love to go out and play in places where they are free to be themselves. Below is a list of playgrounds where children of all abilities are welcome. Each Long Island playground mentioned in this article will provide your child with an exciting experience!
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Bay Park – East Rockaway
198 First Avenue, East Rockaway, NY 11518
516 – 571 – 7245
Located in the southwest corner of Nassau County, Bay Park is perfect for your little ones! Enjoy the many play structures and spray park that this park has to offer. One of the play structures has ramps that are wheelchair accessible. The spray park also has no lips or barriers around it, making it easier for those with limited mobility to participate in the fun.
Sensory Beans – Wantagh
3309 Merrick Rd, Wantagh, NY 11793
516 – 308 – 1462
Whether you’re looking to escape the heat, rain, or snow, take your kids to Sensory Beans in Wantagh for a fun outing! This indoor playground is great for all ages and caters to children of all needs and abilities. On their website it says, “Children are free to learn about their world in a self-directed experience and no child is judged or made to feel inadequate.” When you have Sensory Beans, your kids can slide down slides and crawl through tunnels all day long.
East End Children’s Museum – Bridgehampton
376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
631 – 537 – 8250
There’s always something for your kids to do at the Children’s Museum of Bridgehampton’s East End! Let your child navigate a pirate ship, firetruck, grocery store and more. There are sensory experiences around the inside and outside. Just make sure to make a reservation before visiting!
Planting Fields in the Sensory Garden – Oyster Bay
1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
516 – 922 – 9210
Enjoy some fresh air and sensory play all in one when you visit the Planting Fields Sensory Garden. This garden is open daily and is open to all abilities. You and your children will love the colorful flowers and peaceful atmosphere.
Children’s Museum of Long Island – Garden City
11 Davis Ave, Garden City, NY 11530
516 – 224 – 5800
The Long Island Children’s Museum in Garden City has a sensory room in addition to more than ten other interactive exhibits. This museum is committed to serving those with disabilities, providing assistive devices such as soundproof headphones, weighted lap-pads and non-renewable items. To read more about the museum’s accessibility and inclusion resources, click here!
Game of the Planet – Bellmore
418 Bedford Ave, Bellmore, NY 11710
516 – 447 – 2686
Planet Play in Bellmore is one of the best places to go for an awesome day out with your kids! Let’s go Sensitive Space Playtime for two hours of fun with experienced staff. During Sensitive Space Playtime, the lights are on, the sound is turned down and your kids can climb Planet Play’s 700 square foot jungle gym or bounce on their inflatable!
Haypath Park – Ancient Bethpage
240 Haypath Rd, Old Bethpage, NY 11804
The Haypath Inclusive Playground at Haypath Park is filled with engaging, accommodating equipment in an open setting. Some of the features of the playground include puzzles and a musical instrument themed area. All the sensory equipment in this playground has been made so low that someone who can’t walk can still join in the fun. To read more about the accessibility of Haypath Park, see the article here!
Safari Adventure – Head of the river
1074 Pulaski St, Riverhead, NY 11901
631 – 727 – 4386
Safari Adventure in Riverhead is known as an exciting amusement center with arcade games, slides, obstacle courses and more. I’m here to tell you that this attraction also has a sensory calming spa for your little ones to enjoy. The sensory calming spa at Safari Adventure includes calming music, dimmed LED lights, weighted blankets, Lego table, train table and more!
Rockets Park – Port Jefferson
34 Roessner, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
631 – 418 – 6699
Change gears, play musical instruments and navigate a maze aboard a pirate ship when you arrive at Rocketship Park! In addition to this, your kids can slide down the long slides in a huge rocket ship themed playset. While your kids play on this park fence, you can enjoy some beautiful views of Port Jefferson!
Tanner Park – Copiague
400 Baylawn Ave, Copiague, NY 11726
631 – 893 – 2100
There is something for everyone at Tanner Park in Copiague! This playground offers a large rope climbing structure, swings and a spray park. This entire park is also wheelchair accessible! Your kids will absolutely love the interactive features along the accessible ramps as well.