Every child deserves a wonderful holiday season filled with love and fun family experiences that they’ll remember for a lifetime. On Staten Island, there are many ways children of all ages and abilities can have a beautiful and joyous holiday season. Browse these holiday events in Staten Island for kids with special needs that include photos with Santa, sensory-friendly shows and so much more.
Holiday Events in Staten Island for Kids with Special Needs
Falling Into Fun
Sunday, Nov. 13; 11am-2pm
Avis/South Shore JCC
1297 Arthur Kill Rd. • 718-475-5270
Enjoy a free event for caregivers, care receivers and their families, featuring a fun afternoon of arts and crafts, interactive games, corn hole, face painting, relay races and live music. Participants can also attend sample Zumba, chair yoga, line dancing, sitercise and quilling classes.
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory Sensory Friendly Show
Sunday, Nov. 20; 1-2pm
St. George Theatre
35 Hyatt St. • 718-442-2900
The show is presented in a friendly, supportive environment for children and adults who are diagnosed with intellectual developmental disabilities or on the autism spectrum, and their families and friends.
Family Game Show Fundraiser
Sunday, Nov. 20; 4:30-6pm
Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC
1466 Manor Rd. • 718-475-5200
Head to the JCC for game show fun for families with children of all ages. Families will go head-to-head in a variety of competitive and wacky challenges like trivia, charades, Name-That-Tune and more.
50% of admission cost will be donated to Sunrise Day Camp, the JCC’s free camp for kids with cancer and their siblings. Register at SIJCC.org.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 17; 9am
GRACE Foundation of New York
460 W Brielle Ave. • 718-983-3800
Enjoy a hot breakfast that includes a fun photo opp with Santa. Raffles, vendors, candy and arts and crafts are part of the fun.
Santa Cares Day at the Staten Island Mall
Sunday, Dec. 4; 9am
Staten Island Mall
2655 Richmond Ave. • 718-761-6666
Head to this event before the Staten Island Mall opens. Children within all spectrums of special needs and their families are invited to this sensory-friendly visit for family photos with Santa. Make your reservation online.
Holiday Market for a Cause
Wednesday, Dec. 7; 6-10pm
Z-Two Lounge
2925 Veterans Rd. W
Browse over 25 vendors at this holiday market that benefits Michael’s Cause, an organization that fights Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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