Zoo Boo starts this weekend! Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo.
Zoo Boo, Bat Fest, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
Zoo Boo is one of our favorite Halloween events for younger kids. Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo
Best Halloween Events in Houston 2025 for Kids and Families: Haunted Houses, Trick-or-Treating, and More
See alligators in Beaumont, about 90 minutes from Houston. Photo courtesy of Gator Country Wildlife Adventure Park
Fall Day Trips From Houston for Families
Visit Froberg's Farm for fall festival fun, a pumpkin patch, and more. Photo courtesy the fall
GUIDE
Houston Fall Day Trips Guide: Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2025
There are plenty of choices for pumpkin patches near Houston. Photo courtesy of P6 Farms
Best Pumpkin Patches Near Houston for Fall Fun
Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
The 10 Best Free Hidden Gems for Kids in Houston
From pumpkins to corn mazes, there's loads of seasonal fun at local farms. Photo courtesy of P6 Farms
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 30 Top Things To Do in Houston This Fall 2025
Houston Fall festivals that are fun for the whole family. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Ultimate Guide to Fall Festivals in 2025 for Houston Families
Visit the Hall of Paleontology at the Museum of Natural Science. Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land.
Why HMNS at Sugar Land Is a Must-Visit for Houston Families
Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places to Earn Scout Badges in Houston
Unique Birthday Party Venues in Houston for One-of-a-Kind Birthday Parties
Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva
Gymnastics Gyms in Houston: Places to Take Gymnastic Classes, Camps, or Open Gym
Palace Social has bowling and a restaurant in addition to arcade games. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Where to Find the Coolest Arcades for Kids in Houston
The Mini classes at Goldfish Swim School are a great bonding experience for parent and child. Photo courtesy of the school
Best Mommy and Me Classes for Houston Babies and Parents 2025
Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.
Houston’s Best Claw Machine Arcades Where Kids (and Parents) Can Actually Win
A crafting party at one of these venues or at home is the perfect celebration for a creative kid. Photo courtesy of Color Me Mine
Best Crafting Parties for Teens in Houston
See aquatic life without a fee at Sea Center Texas. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Keep Cool in Houston: Top Beaches, Swimming Lakes, Splash Pads, and AC Spots
Our top picks for your Houston bar/bat mitzvah. Photo by Juliano ASTC, courtesy of Pexels.
Fun Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Venues in Houston
These Houston ice cream shops have the best treats for kids. Photo by Kelly Patino, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
Best Ice Cream Spots In Houston For Kids
Pick your own flowers at one of these Houston farms. Photo courtesy Summer Skye Gardens
Sunflowers, Tulips, and More Pick-Your-Own Flower Farms Near Houston
Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.
Houston Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families
Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids
Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
Best Playgrounds in Houston: Destination Playgrounds Worth the Drive
NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
Explore the Best Science Museums in Houston for Kids: Educational Fun for All Ages
Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Neighborhood Guide: Things To Do in West University and Rice Village with Kids
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment
Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Houston
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston
Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Attractions and Things To Do in Houston that are Kid-friendly
John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston With Kids
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
Best Texas Road Trips for Families
Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston
Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
Themed Restaurants in Houston for a Fun Night Out With Kids
Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
Family-Friendly Houston Breweries Where Kids Can Play, Too
Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
Fun Trampoline Parks Near Houston for Kids to Jump in the AC
Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings
Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
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Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
Quinceañeras in Houston: The Best Dress Shops and Venues for Your Teen Birthday
Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families
In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
Austin with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Austin, Texas
New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
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The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Galveston, TX
One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
The Best Petting Zoos Near Houston
Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
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Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids
Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
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MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1
Houston's bucket list for kid activities
100 Things To Do In Houston Before Kids Grow Up
Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Fun Preschool and Toddler Classes in Houston for Little Learners
Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
Kid-Friendly Salons and Spas Near Houston
Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Houston for Kids
Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Kid-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Houston
Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas
Photo courtesy of Osprey Cruises
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Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery
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Kids love the carousel on Kemah's boardwalk.
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San Antonio has a lot of budget-friendly things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Garden
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Birdwatching at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, photo courtesy of Houston Audubon
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Photo courtesy of Cypress Academy
Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Houston for Kids
Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School
13 Top-Notch Montessori Preschools in Houston
Hero Headquarters is a birthday party entertainment company in Houston. Photo courtesy of Hero Headquarters
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Check out one of these breakfasts in Houston for a casual meal when the kids get up early. Photo courtesy of Snooze
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Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
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For the best baby clothes, try these Houston baby boutiques. Photo courtesy of Threadfare Children's Boutique
The Coolest Baby Clothes in Houston: Best Boutiques & Stores
The Houston Zoo is a great stop for kids, and near other things to do in Houston, too. Photo by Jessica A., courtesy of the zoo
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Families enjoying a night out. Photo courtesy of Paradigm Brewing in Tomball
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Try fishing for the first time in Lake Livingston. Photo courtesy of Lake Livingston State Park, Facebook
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Playgrounds Without Limits photo courtesy of Memorial Park, Facebook
Accessible Playgrounds in Houston: 14 Places Where All Kids Can Play
Take a look at one of these popular toddler dance classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Ballet preschool program.
Toddler Dance Classes in Houston for your Tiny Dancer

Special Needs Programs on Long Island for Kids

Children can take part in music classes at the Adler Center in Plainview. Photo courtesy of the center
Children can take part in music classes at the Adler Center in Plainview. Photo courtesy of the center
9/12/22 - By Gina Massaro

Looking for special needs programs on Long Island? Read on for some of the options in Nassau and Suffolk counties. 

Finding proper care, schooling, activities, and services can be frustrating for Long Island parents with children who have special needs. Special needs children often want to–and can do–many things other children do, they just go about it in different ways. Schools and classes that focus on those with special needs, or offer an inclusion setting, are an important part of a special needs child's circle of care. 

For more information on programs, classes, and more for Long Island kids, check out our classes and enrichment guide and our Long Island Special Needs Guide.

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Variety Child Learning Center offers reading programs and more for special-needs children and their families. Photo courtesy of the center
Variety Child Learning Center offers reading programs and more for special-needs children and their families. Photo courtesy of the center

Special Needs Programs for Kids in Nassau County

ACDS

Plainview
ACDS' Plainview location houses an integrated day care for children 6 weeks to 5 years. Special needs children are integrated directly into the classrooms. The location also houses the Early Intervention clinic, which allows children who have been approved for EI to recieve in-person services direcly on-site. It is also home to their preschool. The Plainview and Merrick centers have Day Habilitation for those who have aged out of the school system. ACDS welcomes those with down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. READ MORE

Adler Center for Special Needs

Plainview
The Adler Center for Special Needs has classes and programs for children ages 3 and up with disabilties including autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and language delays. In addition to children's classes, there are inclusion programs for summer camp and classes for adults with special needs.  READ MORE

Family Center for Autism

Rockville Center
Staffed by certified behavior specialists, the Family Center for Autism has classes for children, starting at age 3, to adults over 21. Different classes are offered based on age group, but include art, movement and music, sports, minecraft, yoga, baking and many more. Classes are offered year-round and there are special camps and classes held during school breaks.  READ MORE

The Hagedorn Little Village School

Seaford
The Little Village has been an educational staple for families with special needs children for 50 years. Services such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and social services are integrated into the curriculum. They offer classes for children from 3 years to 12 years. They also offer early intervention services for children up to 3 years. They can provide evaluations as well as any services deemed necessary. In addition to all the services and classes they offer for special needs children, they provide counseling and help for caregivers. READ MORE

Variety Child Learning Center

Levittown, Syosset
Variety Child Care Center offers day care for children from birth through age 5, preschool and pre-k classes, and elementary level classes for children up to age 8. They focus on children with disabilities or those at-risk for disabilities. They offer inclusion classes, in which children with disabilities are integrated in a class setting with children who do not have IEPs. Variety also has special classes in which there is a lower student to staff ratio. They can send therapists and teachers to a school or your home, and they also do evaluations. READ MORE
Holistically-inclined Pop.Earth offers classes in cooking, fitness, and more. Photo courtesy of Pop.Earth
Holistically-inclined Pop.Earth offers classes in cooking, fitness, and more. Photo courtesy of Pop.Earth

Special Needs Programs for Kids in Suffolk County

Alternatives for Children

Aquebogue, Dix Hills, East Setauket, Southampton
Alternatives for Children specializes in programs for special needs preschoolers. In addition to providing a nurturing and safe environment for special needs children to learn and grow, they offer various services such as occupational therapy, music therapy and physical therapy. They also have assistive technology and teach children with disabilities how to properly use it. There are four locations; Aquebogue, Dix Hills, East Setauket and Southampton.  READ MORE

The Music Academy for Special Learners

Hauppauge
The Music Academy for Special Learners has classes for children and adults of all abilities. They offer music, theater and art classes, art therapy, music therapy and in-home lessons. READ MORE

Pop.Earth

Huntington Station
Population Earth, or Pop.Earth, focuses on a holistic approach to teaching yoga, reiki, art, and dance to kids on the spectrum. Pop.Earth is a not-for-profit organization and its classes are low-cost or free. Events must be registered for in advance. READ MORE

The Spirit Of Huntington

Huntington
The Spirit of Huntington provides art and music classes for those with special needs and veterans. The classes focus on process art, which helps students express themselves through their art. They also hold gallery exhibits of students artwork throughout various locations on Long Island.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Adler Center for Special Needs
The Hagedorn Little Village
Variety Child Learning Center
Alternatives for Children Aquebogue
The Music Academy for Special Learners
The Spirit of Huntington Art Center

About the Author

Gina Massaro
Gina Massaro is a Long Island native who believes in whimsy, fairies, and the idea of never growing up. She’s a mom to 3 young kids and a small zoo, and she has over 8 years of experience and childhood education expertise as a preschool educator. She tries to find time to write and paint between school pickups, diaper changes, and dog walks. For more of her art and writing check out her website: ginamassaro.com.
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