Are you looking for things to do in Southwest PA with kids or adults who have developmental or physical disabilities? There are many fun activities and events in Pittsburgh for families that include a child with disabilities.
Several Pittsburgh organizations and businesses offer events or special accommodations for kids and/or adults with disabilities on a regular, ongoing basis. We have also included Pittsburgh parks, trails and other public places accessible to people with disabilities.
While Macaroni KID South Hills does our best to keep up, please double-check with the Pittsburgh business or organization to make sure event details haven't changed.
Do you know of an upcoming event in the South Hills of Pittsburgh for families with functional needs? Email us details at emilyp@macaronikid.com, and we will add it to our Macaroni KID South Hills events calendar!
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Pittsburgh's organizations that offer events and activities for people with disabilities
The Spencer Family YMCA
The Spencer Family YMCA will be hosting the annual "My Turn to Tri" triathlon for people with disabilities. Each athlete must have a buddy who is available to assist the athlete in all events. For the swim, this means being available to swim with the athlete if necessary. For the bike, this means running or walking beside the athlete to keep them and others safe. For the run, this means running or walking with them for the duration of the race. It is our intention to also have a Y volunteer assigned to each athlete for their encouragement and protection, but the first protection must be from the athlete's buddy. Let your kids encourage themselves and experience that smile when they cross that finish line. https://www.pittsburghymca.org/mytri
United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania
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Pittsburgh's businesses and museums with events and activities for people with disabilities
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
This museum is friendly to all ages and all walks of life. Whatever your needs and accommodations, they have trained staff and special hours to assist you. They want to help you and your family have the best tour possible, so you can have fun too.
Carnegie Science Center
Visit the center on select Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon for Sensory Sensitive Science Hours, try saying that five times fast. Exhibit lights and sound effects will be adjusted, and special activities will be added to foster a safe, welcoming, and most of all, fun, environment for all visitors. Check out Jumping Jack Theater Presents: Starshine! for a special, sensory-friendly theater experience.
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust sponsors sensory-friendly shows throughout the year. Sensory-friendly show accommodations are show-specific, but they usually include dim lights, lowered sounds, reduced special effects (no strobes, loud sounds, bright lights, etc.), calm down areas, fidget toys, and a special needs-friendly environment where guests can get up and move around.
AMC Theater at the Waterfront
AMC offers sensory-friendly movie showings where they turn the lights up and turn the sound down. You can get up, walk around, dance and sing during the showing! The Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.
Pittsburgh CLO
The new Horizons Program teaches performing arts to people with disabilities. They offer musical theater classes and creative expression classes. Each class is specific to the individual to meet the students' talents and interests. Meet new friends. Learn from the professional and experienced faculty. Perform and have fun, together.
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Enjoy a day at the zoo with your family, in a calmer, more friendly environment. They offer proper resources and accommodations for the best experience. Sensory bags include special KCVIP badges, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and other resources are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at the Guest Services Booth located at the admission gates. Weighted lap pads are also available upon request.
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Pittsburgh sports opportunities for a person with disabilities
Baseball
- The Miracle League of South Hills, email/phone: info@miracleleaguesouthhills.org; 412-660-9976
- Challenger Baseball League, 412-231-4696
Soccer
- Pittsburgh Dynamo Youth Soccer, email: info@pittsburghdynamo.org
- PA West, email/phone: stateoffice@pawest-soccer.org; 412 856-8011
- Mt. Lebanon Soccer Association, MORE INFO HERE
Other Sports
- Pittsburgh Steelwheelers,steelwheelers.com
- The Special Olympics Allegheny County, email/phone: specialolympicsallco@verizon.net; 412-279-5450
- Dynamic Paddlers, 412-916-9960
- The Friendship Circle, email/phone: info@fcpgh.org; 412 224-4440
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Favorite accessible parks and trails in the South Hills
Casey's Clubhouse
Upper St. Clair
Casey’s Clubhouse is filled with fun for children of all ages. It is packed with state-of-the-art playground equipment ranging from sensory-friendly games, digital challenges, rock walls, various climbing objects, slides, slides, spinning things, more slides, more spinning things and did I mention slides? It's super inclusive and handicap accessible.
Mt. Washington Observation Area
Pittsburgh
This trail and overlook deck offers a gorgeous view of the city. This area is handicap accessible and will make for a great photo opportunity no matter who you are.
Point State Park
Pittsburgh
This historical park is filled with history and plenty of handicap-accessible entries. Feel free to take in the past and learn about what took place here with your whole family.
Do you know of any local resources that should be on our list? Email emilyp@macaronikid.com with info.
