Finding activities that feel comfortable and enjoyable for your child can take time. To help make things easier, we’ve curated a list of local, ASD-friendly experiences and resources that families in our community love.

Local Activities

A gold star shape with a black background
Young boys playing soccer on a field with a soccer goal in the background.

Athletics

Askate Foundation

Inclusive skateboarding programs designed to create a supportive space for children to build confidence, movement skills, and community.

Head Over Heels Gymnastics

A local gymnastics option for children who enjoy movement, climbing, balance, and active play.

Moody Miracle Field

An adaptive sports opportunity in Moody, AL created to make baseball accessible and enjoyable for children of all abilities.

Oak Mountain Challenger League

A supportive baseball and softball program designed for children who may benefit from a more inclusive team environment.

TOPSoccer

A community soccer program that gives children with diverse needs a chance to play, connect, and build confidence.

A young girl with braided hair, wearing colorful clothes, sneakers, and socks, standing in a museum, looking at ancient marble relief sculptures displayed on a wall.

educational

Anniston Museum and Gardens

A local museum and garden experience where families can explore nature, history, and hands-on learning together.

Creative Discovery Museum

A children’s museum in Chattanooga offering interactive exhibits that encourage curiosity, creativity, and exploration.

Gadsden Public Library

A welcoming community resource for storytimes, events, reading, and quiet family-friendly activities.

Imagination Place

A children’s museum experience through the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation that supports play-based learning and discovery.

McWane Science Center

A Birmingham science center with interactive exhibits that encourage hands-on learning and exploration.

A young girl with short blonde hair wearing a beige dress and black headphones playing an electric piano in a shopping mall.

entertainment

KultureCity

A sensory accessibility resource that helps families find more inclusive and sensory-aware experiences.

AMC Sensory Friendly Films

Movie screenings designed with adjusted sensory elements so families can enjoy films in a more relaxed environment.

Birmingham Zoo

Sensory Sensitivities
Information to help guests with sensory sensitivities plan a more comfortable visit to the Birmingham Zoo.

Chuck E. Cheese

(Sensory Sensitive Sundays) A reduced-sensory play experience designed to make visits feel more comfortable and accessible.

Kindermusik

Music classes for children that support creativity, movement, rhythm, and connection through guided activities.

A young boy wearing a blue shirt and jeans is swinging on a playground swing set under a clear blue sky, with amusement park rides in the background.

recreational

Camp McDowell

A camp and retreat setting in Nauvoo, AL offering outdoor experiences, connection, and opportunities for exploration.

The Exceptional Foundation

A Homewood-based organization providing year-round social and recreational services for adults and children with intellectual disabilities.

City of Hoover Recreation Facilities

A helpful starting point for finding local recreation spaces, programs, and activities for families in Hoover.

CAST for Kids Foundation

A fishing-focused program that creates accessible outdoor experiences for children with special needs and their families.

City of Hoover Therapeutic Programs

Therapeutic recreation programs designed to support participation, connection, and inclusive communities.

City of Hoover Community Classes

Community classes that give families opportunities to explore new interests, activities, and skill-building experiences.

EXPLORE Playground & Splashpad

An outdoor play and splashpad destination in Hoover designed for movement, play, and family fun.

Child petting a brown and white horse in a stable.

horseback riding

The Red Barn

A Leeds-based horseback riding program offering supportive equine experiences for children and families.

EASI

An equine-assisted program in Jasper, AL that provides horseback riding and supportive experiences.

Special Equestrians

An Indian Springs horseback riding program designed to support confidence, connection, and skill-building.

Storybook Farm

An Opelika-based horseback riding program creating meaningful equine experiences for children and families.

MANE

A Pike Road horseback riding program offering adaptive and therapeutic equine experiences.