Special Needs Resources & Activities for Kids

The Special Needs category of the MKE Family Fun Guide is dedicated to supporting families in Milwaukee by providing essential resources, activities, and community connections for children with special needs.

From sensory-friendly performances and specialized therapy centers to inclusive recreational activities and educational support, this guide highlights the best that Milwaukee has to offer for children and families navigating the world of special needs.

Explore a variety of programs, events, and services designed to empower and enrich the lives of children with diverse abilities.

Sep

Best Resources for Special Needs Kids Around Milwaukee

September 20, 2024Calie HerbstSpecial Needs

Navigating the world of resources for children with special needs can be overwhelming, but Milwaukee has several incredible options designed to support families and create a thriving community. Here are some of the best places to explore: St. Francis Children’s Center 6700 N Port Washington Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53217 Located on Port Washington Road, St....

Apr

St. Francis Children’s Center: A Community for Special Needs Families

April 23, 2024Calie HerbstSpecial Needs

Milwaukee With Kids is proud to partner with St Francis Children’s Center to spread the word about their programs for kids and families. If you’re anything like me, you might have passed St. Francis Children’s Center on Port Washington Road countless times without knowing the crucial support and resources they provide to families with special...

Sep

First Stage Announces Sensory Friendly Performance Schedule (2022)

September 30, 2022Calie HerbstFamily Fun Hub, Special Needs

First Stage this week announced their schedule for sensory-friendly theater performances for the 2022-23 season. Families can enjoy a Sensory Friendly Performance with children who need sensory accommodations, and they can share the experience of seeing family-friendly theater. First Stage’s Sensory Friendly Performances are sponsored in part by UPAF Kasey’s Fund. These performances feature a welcoming environment including modified...

Sep

Children’s Wisconsin: Victoria’s Drive to Thrive

September 12, 2022mkewithkidsFamily Fun Hub, Special Needs

Victoria struggled to learn to crawl and walk, but now nothing is slowing her down. Milwaukee WIth Kids is proud to be partnering with Children’s Wisconsin to highlight the many way they are there for all families at every turn. Shortly after Victoria was born in 2019, she was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Often kids with Down syndrome...

Sep

Children’s Wisconsin: Saving Ayden’s Smile

September 6, 2022mkewithkidsFamily Fun Hub, Special Needs

Milwaukee WIth Kids is proud to be partnering with Children’s Wisconsin to highlight the many way they are there for all families at every turn. Ayden’s pain was so severe that he was unable to sleep or eat. The cause? Cavities that turned into infections. For months, his mom tried everything she could to get...

Jan

First Stage Announces Sensory Friendly Performance Schedule

January 24, 2022Calie HerbstFamily Fun Hub, Special Needs

Young actors perform in “The Watsons Go To Birmingham” at Todd Wehr Theater. First Stage announced last week that families in Milwaukee can enjoy a Sensory Friendly Performance with children who need sensory accommodations so that they can share the experience of seeing family-friendly theater. These performances feature a welcoming environment including modified lighting and sound, modified house rules...

Dec

MPM Unveils New Sensory Room For Visitors

December 10, 2019Calie HerbstFamily Fun Hub, Special Needs

Tactile panels in the museum’s new sensory room provide different textures that can provide stimulation or a calming focus. The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) opened its new sensory room in October, sponsored by The Ziemann Foundation. The room offers visitors a calm place to retreat from the museum’s sensory-rich exhibits which can be overwhelming for...

Jan

Special Needs Resources around Milwaukee

January 23, 2018Calie HerbstFamily Fun Hub, Special Needs

Broadscope Disability Services 6102 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield, WI 53220 (414) 329-4500 broadscope.org Broadscope provides respite options for caregivers, with locations in Milwaukee and Waukesha. Curative Care Network curative.org Curative Care provides high quality services to children, adults and seniors with disabilities or limiting conditions in southeast Wisconsin. Sensory Friendly Sessions at Betty Brinn Darby’s...