Inclusive Recreation

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The Community Services Department is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers individuals with disabilities to fully participate in all our programs and services. We recognize and celebrate the diverse abilities and perspectives that each person brings, and we strive to create accessible and supportive experiences for everyone.

If you or someone you know would like to enjoy our offerings and need an accommodation, please fill out the accommodation request form below.

To provide feedback, please fill out the Inclusion & Accessibility Feedback form linked to the right.

Accommodation Request

The City of Palo Alto welcomes people of all abilities to enjoy our programs, classes, and events. If you or someone you know needs accommodation support to participate, please complete and submit the form below. Staff will review your information and be in touch soon to discuss your accommodation needs. Hard copy forms can also be provided, as well as an in-person meeting with staff, as needed. For assistance, please contact Amanda Deml, Assistant Director of Community Services at (650) 463-4950, or email csdaccommodations@paloalto.gov

Accommodation Request Form

Magical Bridge Foundation

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The City of Palo Alto is excited to partner with The Magical Bridge Foundation, a nonprofit inclusive organization catering to individuals of all-abilities! Magical Bridge Foundation is providing magical programs and services that are open to all.  

Magical Bridge Playground located at Mitchell Park is an all-inclusive park that caters to individuals of all ages and all abilities. It is free and open to the public from sunrise to sunset! For more information, please visit the link below. 

Magical Bridge Playground in Palo Alto

Magical Series Programs

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Introducing the Magical Series - a collection of inclusive programs designed for people of all ages and abilities, proudly brought to you by Magical Bridge in partnership with the City of Palo Alto. Building on a shared commitment to creating joyful, accessible experiences, the Magical Series invites community members to participate in a variety of events, classes, and activities. 

Programs take place at the Magical Bridge Playground at Mitchell Park and at locations throughout Palo Alto, with new offerings added to inspire connection, creativity, and community. Whether you're discovering a new hobby, joining a special event, the Magical Series offers something for everyone to enjoy! 

Magical Series Programs

Children's Theater Magical Series

The Magical Series was originally developed by the Children’s Theatre in partnership with the Magical Bridge Foundation. Magical Series offerings are mindful of developmental rather than chronological age groups, adjusted sensory environments, and smaller classes. Now, the Magical Series has expanded to provide a variation of different programs all across Palo Alto! 

Main Stage Performances in the 2024-2025

Season Main Stage Magical Series Performances have gentler sound and light cues, plus limited audience sizes to give our sensory-sensitive friends a bit of extra space. For more information visit Main Stage Production.

Playhouse Series Performance

With very simple sets and costumes, and lots of opportunities to get up and wiggle, this story-teller style theatre is a great choice for most audience members. If your family would benefit from early seating, please check in at the Box Office to request to enter the theatre early.

For more information about the full season of 2024-2025 Playhouse Series performances, visit Playhouse Productions.

Upcoming Magical Series Classes and Camp

Spectrum Friendly Dance Class

We welcome all of our friends of different abilities to this class, with a parent or 1:1 caregiver or aide.

Spectrum Friendly Story Acting

Books are used to teach children to create characters with their bodies and voices, encouraging creativity. 5:1 participant to instructor ratio. For children needing 1:1 support, a parent, caretaker, or aide is required to join the classroom.

Super Family Sundays at the Palo Alto Junior Musuem & Zoo

Super Family Sunday is a free event where the Palo Alto Junior Musuem & Zoo is open exclusively to families with children who have disabilities. Children with all abilities are welcome, as well as parents, siblings and grandparents. Come and meet zoo animals up-close and enjoy an event catered to families with children with disabilities! 

In order to maintain a non-crowded environment, spots are limited, and reservations are required. Reservations fill up quickly, please click the button below for additional information. For questions or to request special accommodations, please call (650) 329-2111 or visit their website accessibility page.

Super Family Sunday Information

 Events 

One Sunday a Month 

Event time: Sundays, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. 

Super Family Sunday Article

Palo Alto Art Center Accessibility Resources

The Art Center offers a variety of accessibility resources for visitors and program participants listed below.

Palo Alto Art Center ACCESS

Community Resources

Additional resources can be found below on the Human Services Page. 

Disability Services