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Inclusive Community Programs and Opportunities to Get Kids Active

Updated: Apr 2, 2019


One of the best ways to get children active and engaged is to get them out into nature! Find a way for your family to experience every season!

As a physical therapist in a school department, it is my mission to support inclusion both at school and within our community. I believe that all children should have access to recreational, social and fitness opportunities regardless of their abilities. There is something out there for everyone and sometimes it takes trial and error before discovering the right program for your child.

I have compiled a list of my favorite inclusive programs and opportunities in our community that support getting active and engaged. If you don’t find what you are looking for here, please don’t give up your search. Reach out to your child’s pediatrician or a licenced physical or occupational therapist to discover other options tailored specifically for your child’s needs. Remember to check back regularly as I will continue to add to this list with new and fun opportunities. If you have a program or an event that you believe should be added to this list please email me at clevesque@rsu.org so that I can share it with others! The updated list can always be found by clicking on the title below!

Casie Levesque PT


Climbing Program at EVO Rock and Fitness, Portland

Horizons Ski Program at Sugarloaf

Horizons Sailing Program in Casco Bay



⭐️ Biddeford Recreation Department: Various sports and recreation programs are offered throughout the year to include several adaptive programs.


⭐️ Cascade Falls Trail: This is a gently sloping trail easily accessible by wheelchairs, children and elderly. This area is good for picnicking, fishing, hiking and viewing the falls.


⭐️ Community Bike Center: Daily Drop in Time, Outdoor Adventures, Kids Bike Factory, Bike Doctor, Stem Bike Mechanics, Summer Camps


⭐️ Eastern Trail: Eastern Trail is a trail for walking and biking opportunities that goes for 22 off-road miles from Bug Light in South Portland to Kennebunk. This link will bring to you the various access points with parking.


⭐️ Home Depot Building Project: Free, parent assisted class for kids held the 1st Saturday of every month at the Biddeford Home Depot.


⭐️ Maine Adaptive Summer Programs: Paddling, Golf, Cycling, Tennis, and Climbing


⭐️ Maine Adaptive Winter Programs: Skiing, Snowboarding, Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing and Climbing


⭐️ Mainely Fun Children’s Gym: Kittery, ME


⭐️ Oceanwood Horsemanship Program: Oceanwood, located in Ocean Park, provides therapeutic riding opportunities for students of all abilities.


⭐️ OOB Recreation Department: Various sports and recreation programs are offered throughout the year. They also have 6 beach Wheelchairs available for free rental.


Sledding: free with option for 5$ sled rental

Ice skating: free pond skating

Hiking: Free access to 30 kilometers of well kept trails

Farmyard: Families can visit the farmyard for 5$ person (2 yo and under are free). From mid may through September there is hands on access to a variety of farm animals and access to an engaging outdoor play area.


⭐️ Riding to the Top: - Therapeutic Horseback Riding


⭐️ Robbie Foundation Summer Programs: - Fine Arts, Music Lovers, Dancers and Hip Hop and Martial Arts


⭐️ Saco Recreation Department: Various sports and non sport recreation programs are offered throughout the year.


⭐️ Special Surfer Night: Events on June 18th, July 16th, and August 20th


⭐️ Winter Kids:

Welcome to Winter Festival: This is an annual community event with free outdoor activities for all! Check back for next year’s date.


⭐️ YMCA Swimming: The YMCA offers swim lessons for all ages, open swim, aquatics aerobic classes, as well as adaptive swim programs.

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