Specialized Recreation

Inclusion takes center stage with our specialized and adaptive recreation programs. Discover a diverse range of activities tailored to accommodate varying abilities, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive and enjoy the transformative power of recreation.


Join us every Wednesday for a fun activity! We alternate between Harbor Friendship Socials and our Move to Music program from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Harbor Friendship Socials

The Harbor Friendship Social is a gathering focused on fostering social connections and community spirit for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including creative arts and crafts, collaborative games and activities and enjoying the beauty of community together.

Group of people dressed in halloween costumes and laser tag gear. They are all in a group smiling and posing for the camera.

Details:

  • Every other Wednesday from Apr 22 – Jun 10
  • In-District: $52, Out-of-District: $62 (includes all dates)
  • Ages 13 and up

Move to Music

The Move to Music program is aimed at engaging participants in physical exercise that promote increased feelings of wellness. We will harness the natural motivation music provides our bodies to move, with stretching and strengthening opportunities. Music will be selected based on participants’ interests and movements modified to support individual participants’ strengths.

Group of people sitting in chairs arranged in a circle. In the center is one person on their knees. Everyone is holding pool noodles and hitting a yellow balloon in the air.

Details:

  • Every other Wednesday from Apr 29 – Jun 17
  • In-District: $65, Out-of-District: $78 (includes all dates)
  • Ages 13 and up

THURSDAY Harbor Friendship Social – Park Meet-Ups

Discover local parks with friends. Bring a friend to explore, connect, play or simply enjoy fresh air. Park activities will be selected based on groups interests. Activity options will be provided to engage friends with diverse abilities and needs as they enjoy the park.

One individual facing the camera looks at a second individual facing away from the camera. The first individual is smiling.

Details:

  • Every other Thursday from Jul 9 – Aug 13
  • In-District: $35, Out-of-District: $42 (includes all dates)
  • Ages 5 and up

Adaptive Sports and Recreation Camp

This three-day camp, designed by Paralympic Gold Medalist Megan Blunk, is for participants ages 5-17 whose primary support needs are related to physical disabilities and their siblings. Sports may include wheelchair basketball, adaptive archery, and adaptive biking, along with a variety of other activities.

Two individuals in basketball wheelchairs on a basketball court. One of them makes a shooting motion as they both look at the basket.

Details:

  • Aug 18 – 20 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • In-District: $50, Out-of-District: $60
  • Ages 5 and up

Specialized Adventure Camp

This three-day camp is designed for campers with intellectual disabilities and focuses on adventure, exploration, and meaningful outdoor experiences. Throughout the camp, participants will visit a variety of locations and engage in activities that encourage discovery, connection and fun.

Two people walk down a forest trail on a sunny day.

Details:

  • Jun 30 – Jul 2 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • In-District: $37, Out-of-District: $45
  • Ages 13 and up

We offer a number of other inclusive activities! From bowling to arts and crafts, come join us for a good time!

Specialized Play Connections

Specialized Plan Connections is a new opportunity for parents of neurodiverse children that may benefit in playing in a low sensory environment. Participants can enjoy hands-on activity stations that inspire creativity, discovery and friendship. Families and caregivers stay during the program to support participants and connect with other families in the community.

A mother squatting down to talk to her young son while they stand on a turf field.

Details:

  • July 8, July 22 and August 5
  • $15 Registration fee
  • Ages 3-12

Adaptive Sports Open Gym

Join us for a fun, inclusive open gym where you can try new sports, practice skills and make friends! This session welcomes athletes with physical disabilities and supports confidence, skill-building and connection. Have questions or need support? Reach out! We’ll do our best to help.

Child in an athletic wheelchair shoots a basketball.

Details:

  • Every Thursday from Jan. 8 – April 30
  • Recreation drop-in fee, no registration required
  • Ages 7-18

Specialized Bowling Meetup

Join us for a fun-filled time bowling at Ocean5, where you can meet new friends, boost your confidence and improve your skills! This inclusive event welcomes bowlers of all abilities, including those with intellectual and physical disabilities. Friends and family are encouraged to register and participate. Adaptive equipment will be available to ensure everyone can enjoy the game.

Two people smile for the camera. One is holding a bowling ball and wearing a blue shirt while the other is wearing a gray shirt.

Details:

  • Every other Saturday from Jan. 8 – April 30
  • Cost: $10
  • Ages 5 and up

Blue calendar for the month of July 2026 depicting Specialized activities throughout the month.

Our Summer 2026 Specialized Recreation Calendar is set! Click on the picture or the button below to view or download the full calendar for February, March and April.

PenMet Parks is proud to offer financial assistance through a tier-based program. Depending on household income, participants may receive 50% to 100% off program fees, up to a maximum of $400 per person each calendar year. Once the $400 limit is reached, standard program fees apply.

For more information on how to apply and eligibility requirements, visit our Financial Assistance page.

We’re here to help! If you have any questions, comments or ideas for our Adaptive and Specialized Recreation Programs, please email program director Mindy Gesell-Stanley. You can also give us a call at 253-858-3400.