Free studio art classes are available at the Cooper Union for high-schoolers (9 to 12th grade) on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. except for observed holidays. Find classes in Architecture, Digital Media/Photography, Drawing, Graphic Design, Painting, Sculpture, Senior Design Studio, and Senior Visual Art Studio. The program provides free MetroCards to assist students with travel to and from classes.
No prior experience is necessary; students only need to be highly motivated. Visit cooper.edu/academics/outreach-and-pre-college/saturday-program or email saturdayprogram@cooper.edu to learn more. Otherwise, call (212) 353-4108.
Teens have the chance to develop their computational interests or learn valuable lifelong skills with the Youth and Teen Media Education Program by NYC Parks. For more information about a wide selection of programs, visit nycgovparks.org/programs/media/teens or email media.ed@parks.nyc.gov. Call (212) 360-2791 for support.
Math and problem-solving are the focal points of the BEAM programs. BEAM supports middle and high school students who are underrepresented in STEM careers. Students are welcome to take part in a wide range of enrichment events throughout the year and summer, such as classes on the weekends, field trips and lab visits, and more.
After a child has participated in a sumeer program, they will receive an invitation to apply to the BEAM Pathway program. This program kicks off with a free 3-week session at a college campus in the summer of 2025. Learn more at beammath.org/a-10-year-program. Contact BEAM at (888) 264-2793 or info@beammath.org.
New York City public school K–12 students are invited to apply to STEM Matters NYC enrichment programs offered during spring break. Visit nycdoe.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/camper/App to submit your application. Applicants entering kindergarten through grade 9 are selected to participate via lottery.
Teenagers in grades 8–12 learn about urban agriculture and the wonders of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The Garden Apprentice Program is a nine-month-based apprenticeship. Applications for the 2025 program will be available in fall 2024. Please email gap@bbg.org for more information. Visit www.bbg.org/learn/gap or email gap@bbg.org for more information.
CityParks Learn from the CityParks Foundation offers environmental education programs for elementary, middle, and high school students throughout New York City. CityParks Learn programs are free or low-cost and include school day, after-school, and summer sessions. And even more, they offer internship opportunities and apprenticeships for high school and college students every year. Learn about available programs at cityparksfoundation.org/learn. To apply, go over the “APPLY NOW” section for the program of your choice.
Their programs are located in more than 400 parks, recreation centers, and public schools across New York City. Explore options for middle schoolers at cityparksfoundation.org/learn
It offers free after-school programs for children from 6 to 13 years old. Programming is based around monthly themes including sports, famous artists, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). Registration is required. To apply, visit nycgovparks.org/programs/recreation/afterschool.
Instructional Clinic programs provide sessions at NYC City Parks for children aged eight and up, allowing them to learn sports in an approach that is safe, easy, and successful. There are so many sports options! For further information, contact your neighborhood recreation facility at nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters or visit cityparksfoundation.org/play. Apply to your favorite sports programs as early as late in the winter or early in the spring.
SBU Soccer offers quality and affordable programs that give new players a solid base and help competitive children improve and use their skills. Sessions vary based on the child’s experience. Children 2-19 are welcome to SBU. The school charges an affordable fee for practice equipment. Learn and apply at southbronxunited.org.
Please note that there is an enrollment fee that varies depending on the program. In cases of financial hardship, families can submit financial assistance for a partial or complete waiver.
For aspiring soccer college players, SBU offers the community ID camps or clinics. Register for an Open ID Clinic using the form at southbronxunited.org/idclinic and attend the next available clinic date.
Summer Rising is a free, safe, and fun academic and enrichment program for NYC students currently in grades K–8. It takes place every summer. In every neighborhood, well-known community-based organizations and local school leaders run it. Breakfast, lunch, and a snack are served to each student! The deadline to apply is usually in March so keep an eye out early in the year. Learn more about this city-wide program at schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/summer.
Find a city’s outdoor pool near you and take swimming lessons in the summer. Visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/outdoor-pools to learn more about open days and hours of operation.
NYC Parks Summer Day Camp offers 6–13-year-olds a variety of summer activities. Campers participate in sports, fitness, and outdoor activities while exploring New York City’s cultural and educational offerings. Apply early! Registration is conducted through a lottery in early March. Learn more and apply at nycgovparks.org/summercamp/applying.
Fresh Air Fund offers outdoor summer activities for kids to provide them with new experiences, skills, and ways to see things from different points of view. Learn about their different programs at freshair.org. Create an account at freshair.org/sign-up-for-camp and apply early in the year! If you have trouble registering, email apply@freshair.org or call 800-367-0003.
The YMCA offers day camps in all five boroughs for children aged 8–12. Learn more at ymcanyc.org/programs/camp.
Updated on February 21, 2024
NYC teens between 14 and 21 receive career exploration and paid work experience each summer through the nation’s biggest youth employment program, the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Participants can earn money through their participation. Call 1-800-246-4646 for questions and learn how to apply at nyc.gov/syep. Applications usually close in March. Apply early!
Futures and Options provides paid, mentored internships and career readiness workshops to high school juniors and seniors. Apply by visiting futuresandoptions.org/our-programs/our-programs-internships.
The Apollo Theater Academy High School Internship Program offers paid professional development opportunities for high school students pursuing administrative, programming, and production jobs in the arts and entertainment industries. The annual deadline is in January every year. Visit www.apollotheater.org/education to learn more.
The Met offers undergraduate and graduate students paid internships that would help them gain professional experience and explore museum careers in the arts. The annual deadline is in January. Learn how to apply at metmuseum.org/about-the-met/internships/undergraduate-and-graduate-students/summer.
Tech Scholars engage 9–12 grade girls in coding through passion projects in the humanities. The program creates digital media projects that aim to have a social impact. Visit www.nyhistory.org/education to apply. Annual deadlines are usually in early May. Call (212) 873-3400 for more information.
The New York District Attorney Internship Program is a robust internship that offers students hands-on experience with the criminal justice system. Application deadlines are usually in March. For questions, inquire at highschoolinternship@dany.nyc.gov or by calling (347-417-2001). Visit manhattanda.org/careers/internship-opportunities/high-school-internship to learn more.
The Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides high school students with hands-on experience in laboratory techniques. Visit mskcc.org/education-training/high-school-college/hopp-summer-student and start an application. Yearly applications start in November. For any questions, please reach out to the HOPP Summer Student Program at HOPPSummerProgram@mskcc.org or (646) 888-2013.
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships for high school and college students to improve science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. Learn more at nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs.
Mt. Sinai is offering free virtual summer courses and in-person internships. For additional information, please visit https://icahn.mssm.edu/about/diversity/ceye/programs/summer or send an email to ceye@mssm.edu. The deadline for applications is in March every year.
The Ma’ayan Laboratory’s Summer Research Training Program in Biomedical Big Data Science is a ten-week research intense program for undergraduate and master’s students interested in cutting-edge biomedical data-intensive research projects. For more information, visit labs.icahn.mssm.edu/maayanlab/summer-research-program. The application deadline is in February.
Updated on February 22, 2024
NYC has many world-renowned museums to visit, all offering tailored programs and events for families and children with ASD. All the programs listed below are free of charge.
The Lincoln Center is a performing arts center in NYC that offers free special events for children, teens, and adults with disabilities.
The Passport to the Arts program gives families access to interactive workshops and virtual events at various venues, such as the Lincoln Center, the New York City Ballet, The Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and the Chamber Music Society.
For information about upcoming events or performances, you must sign up online at lincolncenter.org/series/accessibility-at-lincoln-center/s/Passport%20to%20the%20Arts.
To register for “Passport to the Arts” do the following:
Learn more about the Passport to the Arts schedule and accommodation by emailing access@LincolnCenter.org or calling (212) 875 5375.
For general information, visit lincolncenter.org/series/accessibility-at-lincoln-center/s/Passport%20to%20the%20Arts.
Relaxed Performances are open to all but designed for people with autism, sensory and communication disorders, or learning disabilities.
The piece’s artistic integrity remains unchanged; however, modifications to the social and sensory environment may be made. This structure can also be beneficial for neurodivergent people, families with young children, and anyone who finds traditional performance protocols do not work for their needs.
For more information about upcoming relaxed performances and to reserve or purchase tickets, please visit www.lincolncenter.org/series/accessibility-at-lincoln-center/s/Relaxed%20Performances
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, colloquially known as “The Met,” offers almost 5,000 years of art worldwide for everyone to see and enjoy. It is next to Central Park on the east side. Find tactile opportunities and art-making activities for your children with the “Discoveries” workshops throughout the year.
“Discoveries” welcomes children of all ages, but it recommends that children ages 3–11 attend. Workshop topics and activities include art making with paintings, music, sculptures, etc. Materials are provided at no cost.
Remember that admission to the museum is free for children under 12, with an adult and a caregiver accompanying a disabled visitor.
For information on upcoming workshops, go to www.metmuseum.org/events/programs/access/visitors-with-developmental-and-learning-disabilities. Remember that some events are drop-in, while others require reservations. Participation in all workshops is first come, first served, and space is limited.
Going to a Discoveries Program at The Metropolitan Museum of Art – www.metmuseum.org/-/media/files/events/programs/progs-for-visitors-with-disabilities/social-narrative-discoveries.pdf
To visit art exhibitions and plan for an enjoyable visit, check out these useful resources www.metmuseum.org/events/programs/access/visitors-with-developmental-and-learning-disabilities/for-visitors-with-autism-spectrum-disorders.
For further questions or inquiries, visit metmuseum.org/learn/accessibility.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is an art museum on the east side of Midtown Manhattan, New York. It is home to the world’s greatest modern and contemporary art collection.
Create Ability is a series of events open to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and friends to appreciate and create art together.
Each event explores a different theme through engaging activities in the Museum’s galleries and classrooms. MoMa has a sensory map and social guide available at www.moma.org/visit/accessibility.
Create Ability is offered free of charge. The program occurs on the first Sunday of every month, with a few exceptions. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Registration opens one month before the program date. For more information, email AccessPrograms@moma.org or call Access Programs at 212-408-6447.
To receive program updates, go to www.moma.org/visit/accessibility/create-ability-contact-form and complete the form.
To find general information about MoMa events, visit www.moma.org/calendar.
The Intrepid Museum is a museum dedicated to American military and maritime history. It is at Pier 86 on 46th Street, along the Hudson River.
The museum provides free programs and events for people with developmental disabilities, sensory impairments, or autism, and their families. This includes family-led museum tours and art-making activities.
Check out the available programs below:
It takes place on select Sundays during regular Museum hours. Families can take a guided museum tour and participate in art-making activities that everyone can enjoy. Events alternate between virtual and onsite programs. Check out the calendar for upcoming events at intrepidmuseum.org/access-program-events.
Available for children with autism between the ages of 3 and 18. It operates early in the morning before the museum opens to the public! Families receive a sensory bag with interactive activities designed for the whole family and explore the Museum without the crowds. Participants receive a social narrative ahead of time. Check out the calendar for upcoming events at intrepidmuseum.org/access-program-events.
This is for teens and adults with autism or other sensory disabilities and their families and friends after the museum closes to the public! Participants receive a social narrative ahead of time. Check out the calendar for upcoming events at intrepidmuseum.org/access-program-events.
The Jewish Museum is an art museum and repository of cultural artifacts located at 1109 Fifth Avenue.
The museum offers diverse exhibitions and programs and maintains a unique collection of nearly 30,000 works of art, ceremonial objects, and media reflecting the global Jewish experience over more than 4,000 years.
The museum offers a program called ‘Access Family Workshops’ for children and adults who have developmental or learning disabilities, free of charge. Workshops include gallery activities and an art project.
To register:
Learn more at thejewishmuseum.org/programs/visitors-with-disabilities#learning. For more information or to register for a workshop, please call (212) 423-3289 or email access@thejm.org.
The American Museum of Natural History is a natural history museum on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. It has more than 40 galleries exploring the natural world. Caregivers accompanying visitors with disabilities receive complimentary Museum admission.
The Discovery Squad is a one-of-a-kind tour program at the American Museum of Natural History intended specifically for families with autism spectrum disorders. On select Sunday mornings, families can join a 40-minute tour guided by professionally qualified tour guides, followed by exploring activities connected to the Museum halls before the Museum opens to the public. Tours are open to children aged 5 to 14 with autism spectrum disorders, who an adult must accompany.
To register, please email accessibility@amnh.org or call (212) 769-5200. To learn when tours are scheduled, visit their website at www.amnh.org/plan-your-visit.
Get additional information at www.amnh.org/plan-your-visit/tours.
Extreme Kids Clubs are weekly social groups for neurodiverse youth in New York City. Clubs emphasize confidence building, problem-solving, artistic expression, and social-emotional growth.
Clubs focus on arts, culinary skills, gaming, anime, and photography.
Many clubs are free, while others charge fees, allowing families to engage in programs while maintaining high-quality services and resources. Families select their own tier, with the Connector tier most closely representing program costs.
Clubs are offered in sessions of 8 weeks (about 2 months) by season. Club venues include the Brower Park Branch of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and the Oversea Mission Church in Chinatown.
For information about session dates, go to www.extremekidsandcrew.org/clubs. To join a club, visit www.extremekidsandcrew.org/clubs. For more information, call (347) 410-6050 or email info@extremekidsandcrew.org.
To learn about other programs by Extreme Kids & Crew, visit www.extremekidsandcrew.org.
DMF is a non-profit music school in East Harlem that gives people of all abilities the tools they need to improve as musicians, be creative, and thrive in a community. The foundation offers a variety of free classes and events, both online and in-person.
Examples of classes and events are:
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out for information about tailored programming that may benefit your child by contacting info@danielsmusic.org or calling (212) 289-8912.
For additional details about the different classes and events that DMF offers and to access information on registration, please visit their website at www.danielsmusic.org/music-programs.
Updated on July 19, 2024
Look for barrier-free parks with fewer tripping hazards and fenced-in playgrounds in your area. These can be enjoyable places for playing and making new friends.
For a list of neurodiverse-friendly venues to go, please read below.
NYC parks have inclusive play elements that offer social, cognitive, sensory, and motor activities for children with special needs. The parks are free to visit.
Visit this link to filter parks in NYC by borough, accessible features, and sensory-friendly resources: www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds
For neurodiverse children, selected NYC parks may offer:
NYC Parks offers a variety of public programs. Some are available during the summer, and others are available year-round. Learn more information here: www.nycgovparks.org/programs
An example of a program is the Sponsored Learning Program at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. This program includes hands-on activities to teach kids about conservation. Examples are “Garden Nature” and “Nature Crafts.” There is also an After-School Program available.
To get additional information, call (718) 760- 6565 or visit www.nycgovparks.org/contact-parks
The Adaptive Swim Program for People with Disabilities is a session-based series of classes. The program offers children and adults aquatic exercise programs and swim instruction at pools in NYC parks led by Aquatic Specialists.
Session starting dates vary by season. Check out each session date at www.nycgovparks.org/events/adaptive-aquatics.
To participate in the program, you must register for a placement lottery. For this:
The Outdoors for Autism program is an annual free event sponsored by INCLUDEnyc. Neurodiverse children from 0 to 18 and their families are welcome. The event occurs on a Sunday afternoon in June every year at 1055 Jerome Ave, Bronx, NY 10452.
Outdoors for Autism has plenty of fun activities which include:
Attending the event is free, but you should register to confirm your attendance. Visit includenyc.org/events/outdoors-for-autism and register in Early Spring. For more information, please visit includenyc.org/events/outdoors-for-autism or contact INCLUDEnyc at (217) 677-4600.
Achilles International is a program that uses athletics to help people with disabilities. Their offerings include training, race chances, and school-based initiatives for impaired children.
To register, visit www.achillesinternational.org/achilles-kids.
Call (212) 354-0300 or contact info@achillesinternational.org if you have any questions.