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Top 10 Activities for Neurodivergent Kids in Fairfax
Finding fun, safe, and inclusive activities for neurodivergent kids can sometimes feel like navigating a maze, especially for parents and caregivers who are trying to meet unique sensory, emotional, or social needs. As someone with ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, I understand how important it is to create environments where neurodivergent kids can thrive. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the top 10 activities in and around Fairfax County for children with ADHD, anxiety, autism, and ODD. Whether your child finds friends at a sensory-friendly play space, peace by the water, or joy in movement, this list is full of sensory-friendly and ability-adapted options designed to meet them where they are.
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Therapeutic Horseback Riding
For parents wanting an activity close to home that provides socialization, physical fitness, and self-confidence to neurodivergent children, Orange Ability Center covers a lot of ground. Orange Ability Center provides therapeutic riding to those with physical and/or emotional needs and their families. Additionally, OAC includes poultry therapy, gardening activities, family picnics, and workshops that allow the families and children to form friendships within the program.
Location: 11200 Waples Mill Rd #100, Fairfax, VA
Ages: 2-26
Specialties: Anxiety, Autism, ADHD, ODD -
Fishing Mentor Program
For neurodivergent children, many urban activities can be overstimulating. Lucky and Blessed fishing allows children to be outdoors on a lake which many kids find calming. This non-profit focuses on providing unique fishing experiences for neurodivergent or differently abled populations. During July and August of 2025, neurodivergent kids can join the LABF Mentorship Program, where they will be taught how to fish one-on-one. Children will build social skills and self confidence while experiencing ability-adaptive physical activity. LABF also offers family fishing events for one-day excursions.
Location: Chesapeake Bay, Maryland
Ages: 2-26
Specialties: Autism, ADHD
Amusement Park
While amusement parks may be sensory overload for some neurodivergent children, Six Flags has made an effort to offer accommodations for children who need breaks throughout the day. As a Certified Autism Center, Six Flags provides a Guest Accessibility Guide, which details the type of sensory stimuli of each attraction and the mobility requirements of each ride. Overstimulated children may visit the Quiet Room in the First Aid center in order to take a break and reduce sensory stimulation. Six Flags also allows service animals for those who may need them and Six Flags is also ADA compliant.
Location: Woodmore, Maryland
Ages: 2-26
Specialties: ADHD, Autism, ODD -
Ability Adaptive Tae Kwon Do Program
The adaptive martial arts program at Jhoon Rhee is perfect for high energy or anxious children with a developmental, intellectual, or physical disability. Both the meditative and physical aspects of Tae Kwon Do help many differently abled children find an activity that's supportive. The instructor of the program is a 5th Degree Black Belt and studied Integrative Studies with concentrations in Creative Arts and Therapy, and specifically adapts Tae Kwon Do techniques to best suit the abilities of each student.
Location: 2449 N Harrison St, Arlington, VA
Ages: 4-26
Specialties: Autism, Anxiety, ODD -
Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese
On the first Sunday of every month, Chuck E. Cheese offers an experience for children who get easily over-stimulated, but still want to enjoy their rides and play spaces. Fairfax’s Chuck E. Cheese will dim the lights, reduce noise levels, and offer sensory experiences for neurodivergent or anxious children to enjoy. The team at Chuck E. Cheese is trained to provide thoughtful care for children who may find arcades overwhelming.
Location: 9404 Main St, Fairfax, VA
Ages: 2-14
Specialties: Autism, ADHD -
Children's Gym
If your child is struggling with self-esteem issues or would like to get more active, KidStrong offers 45 minute classes for young children to build confidence, work on their social skills, and just have fun. These classes have been built by child development experts to best help children work on themselves emotionally, physically, and mentally. The children work on public speaking, age-appropriate physical challenges, and problem solving.
Location: 9540 Main St #8, Fairfax, VA
Ages: 2-11
Specialties: Anxiety, self-esteem issues, ODD -
Sensory-Sensitive Movie Theatre
On Tuesdays before 2 p.m., and during select weekend showings, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema offers disability-friendly screenings through its Alamo for All program. These sensory-friendly showings feature lowered volume and slightly raised theater lights to support safe movement. Audience members are welcome to talk, move around, and engage in stimming or tics without restriction. Adaptive technology is also permitted, should your child need it.
Location: 375 Merchant Walk Sq, Charlottesville, VA
Ages: 2-26
Specialties: Autism, ADHD, ODD, Tourette Syndrome -
Sensory-Friendly Tour of Mount Vernon
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Whether your child loves sensory stimuli or feels overwhelmed by them, this tour has been custom made to accommodate for children of all abilities. Your child will be given a sensory bag containing items for both fidgeting and noise protection before the tour begins. Your family may then explore the historic area and mansion at your own pace, with a break room available between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. If your child likes learning through physical stimuli, the tour provides a hands-on lesson about the archeology of Mount Vernon. Before your visit, check out the social narratives guide and information on accessibility to prepare for the excursion.
Location: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, Virginia
Ages: 2-26
Specialties: Autism, ADHD -
Indoor Playground
While KidStrong offers a great program for children with anxiety or a behavioral disorder, We Rock the Spectrum focuses on creating an indoor play space for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This indoor playground has been made special for sensory-sensitive children. Additionally, children can move over to an arts and crafts area to explore their creative minds. If the children ever feel overwhelmed, the calming room allows the kids to take a break from the noise and sit with themselves. We Rock the Spectrum has bookings for anywhere from one-on-one care to birthday parties depending on your needs.
Location: 211 Providence Road, Suite 3, Chesapeake, VA
Ages: 3-13
Specialties: Autism -
Sensory-friendly Theater
If your child enjoys reading or listening to plays but finds actually going to them overwhelming, the Accessible Theatre Project may be up your alley. A group of students from the University of Virginia have devoted themselves to creating theatre that puts accessibility at the forefront of their work. Similarly to the Alamo for All project, the lighting and sound effects will be lowered in volume and effect in order to accommodate for overstimulation. For children with ADHD, who may find long run times difficult, the plays average a run time of an hour, and the seating is flexible, in case children want to be close to the door in order to step out. Kids who need a sensory break can choose to go to the quiet room which has comfortable seating, and volunteer support staff will always be available to support your child if they need further assistance. Most importantly, the Accessible Theatre Project prides itself on being judgment free.
Location: Charlottesville,VA
Ages: 8-18
Specialties: Autism, ADHD, ODD
