If your kiddo loves music, making art, dancing, or performing, these camps and classes are for them! Check them out here and watch the recording of our Facebook Live event, where we give you the lowdown on many of these awesome options! Be sure to also check out our lists of recreational camps and classes, sleepaway camps and family weekends, social skills camps and classes, therapeutic day camps, and education and STEM programs.
We've put together a guide for how to find the best camp for your child: questions to ask, funding options, and what camps legally have to provide.
And don’t forget that since Regional Center restored social and recreational funding, they can now help pay for summer programs (and support in accessing them). Our Public Benefits Specialist, Lisa Concoff Kronbeck, tells us, “Although funding was restored last summer for social recreation and camping, many regional centers are not adequately prepared to fulfill these funding requests, largely due to a lack of vendored providers. Every Regional Center should have a list of vendors on its website. If you know which program you want your child to attend and it’s not on the list, now is a good time to reach out and find out if they are willing to go through the vendorization process. Another option is to look at vendor lists for other nearby Regional Centers and see if anyone on their list is local to you.” You can read more in our article, Regional Center’s Social-Recreational Funding Is Back!
While we are here to help you navigate the system, save you time, bring you clarity and confidence, and connect you with the best available information and resources, please be aware that Undivided does not officially endorse or represent any of the resources, providers, services, schools, or clinics we reference or suggest. For more information, please refer to the disclaimer at the conclusion of this report.
Recreational Activities and Therapy Facility
1808 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 581-8101
Format: In-Person Programs
Adrian’s Place is a community hub located in Santa Monica offering recreational, social, and academic programs tailored to meet individuals of all abilities. The facility is designed for program directors, activity instructors, tutors, and therapists to use as a convenient location to grow their programs. In addition, they offer parent and sibling support groups throughout each month, workshops, and pop-up classes. Programs currently offered include Basketball, Karate, Gross Motor Fitness, Guitar Lessons, Music/Jam Sessions, Group Dance Class, Voice/Guitar Lessons, and Yoga. Keep visiting their website as they are adding more programs and workshops.
Dates: Classes are ongoing; see the Newsletter
Location: Santa Monica
Register: Choose a program here.
Cost: Varies depending on program or class
Ages: Varies by program
1:1 Aide: If an aide is helpful for your child, contact the specific program you are interested in signing up for to discuss further.
30317 Canwood Road #37
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
(805) 524-5503
Director: Bonnie Schlachte
Format: Virtual and In-person Programs
As a non-profit, Ballet For All Kids is a program that “teaches classical ballet technique and other dance styles using the Schlachte Method, a certified curriculum developed to accommodate all abilities, body types, and learning styles.” They share how this method has been successful in teaching children with autism, learning and developmental disabilities, anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, and ADHD, in addition to neurotypical children. You are invited to contact them directly for questions and regarding accommodations for your child.
Summer camp is tentatively scheduled for the last week of July through the first two weeks of August.
Dates: The classes are structured by semester, but you may sign up for a free trial class at any time as they offer open enrollment.
Location: Virtual and in-person dance classes
Register: Find in-person class registration, live online classes, and virtual private lessons registration on their website.
Cost: In-person classes pay the semester tuition fee plus a $25 registration fee. Tuition is prorated throughout the semester.
Ages: For all ages, including teens and adults
1:1 Aide: They are allowing 1:1 aides in the class as long as they are following COVID protocols.
2116 Colorado Blvd.
Eagle Rock, CA 90041
(323) 982-1655
info@bloomschoolofmusicanddance.com
Format: In-person Classes and Summer Day Camp
Offering a wide range of music and dance classes in-studio, outdoors, or online, Bloom School of Music and Dance offers an initial trial session for $20, giving prospective students the chance to meet with their instructor and get a feel for the program before making a longer commitment. A number of the instructors at Bloom School have worked with students with disabilities, but their availability is dependent on the particular class in which a client is interested and the client’s scheduling availability. You may contact Bloom directly to know if the class and programs offered are the right fit for your child’s ability level. Bloom is comfortable providing virtual instruction if that works best for the student. Prospective clients are encouraged to call the school to discuss the availability of instructors with experience teaching students with disabilities.
Dates:
A general schedule can be found on their website, but they request that prospective students contact the school for specific dates.
Week 2: August 1 to 5
Hours:
Friday: 9:00—11:30 a.m.
Friday: 11:30 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
Location: Eagle Rock. They have recently added a new outdoor area and redesigned indoor spaces in time for their summer camp to accommodate in-person dancing, music making, instrument creativity, and more.
Register:
For Summer Camp: Sign up today
Cost:
Aftercare tuition: $200 per week
Ages:
Rock Band Camp (ages eight to fifteen with one year of instrument experience required)
1:1 Aide: Bloom will accommodate 1:1 aides.
Multiple locations in La Habra, Costa Mesa, Long Beach, and Huntington Beach
Artistic Director: Sari Anna Thomas
(818) 281-3723
Format: In-person and Virtual Programs
While most of their students have Down syndrome, Down for Dance is open to all abilities and has a handful of students who have other intellectual disabilities. They offer online and in-person programs. These programs include Art Explorations, Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Musical Theater. They are very open to students attending with a 1:1 aide for support, and they also have a volunteer program so that there are volunteers in the room for every class. They are in the midst of rebuilding this volunteer program since they just reinstated their in-person program in 2021. While they rebuild this volunteer class support program, if an aide comes with their dancer, it will ensure that they receive the 1:1 support they need to be successful.
For Summer activities, please contact them directly as it gets closer or check back here as we will update you as information becomes available.
Dates: The classes are scheduled for six-week sessions, but students are able to join mid-session, and tuition is prorated.
Location: The in-person classes are taught at different locations throughout Orange County and Long Beach.
Register: In-Person Programs and Online Programs
Cost: Tuition Rates
75-minute classes: $155 for the six-week session
Ages: Classes are designed for ages seven through adult. If your dancer is almost seven, Down for Dance is happy to consider younger dancers on an individual basis. If your dancer is between the ages of two to six and you are interested in future classes for this age group, send them a quick email letting them know, and they will reach out as soon as they are back up and running!
1:1 Aide: They are very open to having an aide offer in-class support. They would want to make sure the aide and instructor have a moment to connect prior to their first class so that everyone can be on the same page from the start.
Westside School of Ballet
1709 Stewart Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(916) 257-5784
Program Coordinator: Rachel Marie Symons
Format: In-person and Virtual Programs
Free 2 Be Me Dance is an adaptive dance program that brings the joy of dance to all people with diverse abilities. Currently, they offer ballet and hip-hop classes where dancers have the opportunity to learn technique and choreography and to perform. A typical class begins with a warm-up methodology called BrainDance, followed by warm-up exercises and stretches. Their approach is rooted in meaningful connections, meeting each dancer where they are at, and ensuring that they and their families feel genuinely loved, supported, and celebrated from the moment they walk in the door.
In ballet, they practice barre work, center work, choreography, and a cool-down. Each class incorporates structured play activities that encourage community-building, social skills, compassion, and physical development. At the end of each class, dancers have the opportunity to shine in freestyle that brings out their unique expression, boosts self-confidence, and empowers them to be exactly who they are.
Dates:
Sundays 10:00—11:30 a.m.
Location:
The in-person location is currently only offered in the Santa Monica area (possibly changing due to COVID, but most likely remaining in SM). They welcome all who would like to join over Zoom, however. They have had students joining virtually from all over the world.
Register: Register on their website.
Cost: $300 per semester
Ages:
1:1 Aide:
Multiple locations in Venice, Santa Monica, Long Beach, and Studio City
Director of Straight UP Abilities: Robin Olive
(213) 559-7178
Format: In-person and Online Programs
Straight UP Abilities offers “professional performance art training to students of ALL abilities.” The programs are open to everyone as they pride themselves in creating more inclusion in their classes. They currently provide a variety of in-person and virtual classes. Virtual classes include acting, dancing, and sign language classes. They also have a free option right now: the Daily Shine class Monday through Friday, 12:00—12:30 p.m. on Zoom. To join, go to their website.
Dates: Ongoing
Location:
Register: Registration Form
Cost: $75 per month for a weekly in-person class or their online classes, with a $25 registration fee.
Ages: The classes are for all ages and all abilities.
1:1 Aide: Yes, they are open to a 1:1 aide.
611 N. Brand Blvd., Ste. 100
Glendale, CA 91203
General information: (858) 251-7901
Benefits team: (858) 216-8837
Format: In-Person and Online
Cortica offers diagnostic evaluations and evidence-based therapies for child development, including Neurodevelopmental Music Therapy. They apply the tools of neurotherapy to “foster language, sensory integration, and motor planning and execution.” Cortica does not offer music lessons in which a student is instructed in playing an instrument, but they utilize music therapy as part of a comprehensive therapeutic program. Cortica currently offers their music therapy online as an option.
Dates: Scheduling for therapy will be conducted after an initial consultation.
Location: Glendale
Register: Appointments can be made by calling the general information line or by filling out their online form.
Cost: Cortica is contracted with a wide range of providers. Prospective clients are asked to contact Cortica’s benefits team, who will conduct a benefit check and cost estimate prior to scheduling.
Ages: Cortica has clients as young as eight months old with an upper age limit of twenty-one years old. Generally, the clients enrolled in the music therapy program are teenagers.
1:1 Aide: Yes, generally that is acceptable, but Cortica does have to approve the aide.
Main Office:
6348 N. Milwaukee Ave., Ste. 347
Chicago, IL 60646
(818) 394-0649
Format: Online Programs
Harmonic Changes offers virtual Dance/Movement Therapy, Music Therapy, Neurologic Music Therapy, and Adapted Music Lessons for a wide range of instruments. They offer customized lesson plans designed for each student based on their interests and abilities, incorporating whole-body learning and potentially including multiple instruments. Harmonic Changes staff members are board-certified music therapists with specialized training and years of experience. They also offer a number of free virtual events to foster community involvement and promote the therapeutic benefits of music.
Dates: Harmonic Changes can provide scheduling options following a free consultation session.
Location: Harmonic Changes is based in Chicago, but they offer virtual services globally.
Register: Enrollment begins by filling out their free consultation request.
Cost: Harmonic Changes can provide a cost estimate following a free consultation session.
Ages: All ages.
1:1 Aide: Yes, aides can be accommodated.
10220 Culver Blvd., Ste. 101
Culver City, CA 90232
Format: Online and In-person Programs
Jazz Hands for Autism offers a twelve-week program, known as the Junior Academy, for children aged eight to seventeen who are interested in learning piano or guitar. Lessons are conducted individually with an instructor who has designed a personalized curriculum based on a student’s particular needs and abilities. Classes are offered via Zoom or at home.
Dates:
Location: The studio is located in Culver City, but they accept enrollment from anywhere for virtual instruction.
Register: Register by filling out their online form.
Cost: The Jazz Hands Junior Academy offers music classes at $70 per hour. You can take 30-minute lessons for $37.50 or 45-minute lessons for $56.25.
Ages: The Junior Academy accepts students aged eight to seventeen. Adult students can enroll in The Jazz Hands Music Academy, which is an individualized music education and vocational program for adults with one to two years’ prior experience in their instrument. They also provide job scouting and job placement in music-related fields.
1:1 Aide: Aides and/or parents are encouraged to participate in the lessons.
1929 Main St., Ste. #103
Irvine, CA 92614
(714) 348-4248
Format: In-person Programs
McKee offers music therapy and music lessons for students of all ages, and they’re Regional Center vendored and contracted with local school districts. Executive Director Christine Deelo says she “would be happy to speak with the parents on how we can help their child improve communication, behavior, and cognitive skills using music therapy.” All their music therapists maintain board certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).
Dates: Prospective clients are encouraged to contact Christine Deelo for scheduling options.
Location: Based in Irvine, they can possibly provide home visits in the Greater Los Angeles area depending on the client’s circumstances, but they also accept enrollment from anywhere for their virtual therapy services.
Register: Contact McKee via email or phone to begin the registration process.
Cost: Cost depends on several factors, such as location and session length. Estimates can be provided after a consultation with Christine Deelo.
Ages: All ages.
1:1 Aide: Yes, aides can be accommodated.
1329 1st Street, Suite 8
Long Beach, CA 90802
1101 Camino Real
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(818) 877-6797
Owner and Founder: John Mews, Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), MA
Format: In-person Programs
Mewsic Moves has been offering music therapy to improve the quality of life for children, families, and individuals with disabilities since 2004. They offer clinically and evidence-based therapy that successfully helps children and individuals accomplish their goals. They carefully incorporate musical elements into specifically designed programs that are “effective at targeting and improving a range of skills including social, communication, learning, memory, behavioral, emotional, and self-regulation.” They provide a variety of services such as Individual Support, Tele Music Therapy, Glee Choir, Virtual Glee Choir, and Social Skills. Sessions are one-to-one or in a group. Program goals are created following an initial assessment and are revised once they are achieved. Staff members have experience working with clients who use an AAC device, and they are accustomed to incorporating that into their sessions frequently. In addition, they are hoping to start an in-person adult Glee Choir soon as well as a music therapy social skills group for interested families.
They offer a free 30-minute consultation where they will discuss your child’s goals and how music therapy can support them.
Dates: Ongoing and ten-to-twelve-week sessions depending on program selected
Location: In-person in Santa Monica, in-home if located in the South Bay, and virtual sessions are also available.
Register: Select the service you are interested in, and you will be walked through the registration process.
Cost: Varies depending on the program selected.
Ages: All ages
1:1 Aides: They love to collaborate, so if a client has an aide, they could coach them and teach them on how to continue their music therapy interventions throughout the week. They also will teach family members, parents, ABA therapist, etc.
620 North Lake Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
pcda@pasadenachilddevelopment.org
(626) 793-7350 Ext. 256, Aimee Nava
Format: In-person and Online Programs
The mission of Pasadena Child Development Associates is to provide quality, family-centered, multi-disciplinary services for children with disabilities using the DIR/Floortime approach, and to provide training and consultation to staff, parents, and professionals about best child development practices. In addition to a variety of Creative Arts classes and therapies, PCDA offers a Teen Club, which “is a socialization training program for teens thirteen to seventeen years old with mild to moderate social and communication challenges to help build friendships, self-confidence, and independence in the community.” Creative Arts Programs include Music Therapy, Adapted Music Lessons, Adapted Art Classes, NoteAbles Choir, and Young Actors Squad. During COVID, they have temporarily paused some of these activities, but families have shared they are still offering Music Therapy via Zoom.
Adapted Music Lessons
4652 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-3363
Format: In-person Programs
Silverlake Conservatory of Music was founded in 2001, offering music lessons and scholarships to students in need as a response to the funding cuts in arts education in Los Angeles public schools. The conservatory offers private lessons at their facility, which features thirteen lesson studios. Most of their instructors are experienced working with children with disabilities. Their facility is ADA compliant, but according to Outreach and Development Coordinator Ashley Macias, they request that interested clients contact the conservatory for a discussion regarding the particulars of their student in order to determine availability and the parameters of the instruction.
Ongoing Classes: Schedules are available on their online calendar.
Location: Los Feliz
Register for Ongoing Classes: Please contact the conservatory for registration.
Class Cost: $120 per month for a 30-minute weekly private lesson, plus a one-time $30 registration fee. Need-based financial aid is available.
Ages: Five years old and up
1:1 Aides: Due to COVID safety restrictions and the size of their private studios, the presence of a 1:1 aide must be determined on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to ongoing classes, they are offering “Bring on the Music PLUS” summer camp with registration opening on March 14.
Session III: July 25 to 29
145 North Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, California 91103
Format: In-person Programs
The Armory offers an amazing selection of after-school art classes and is known for supporting children with disabilities and their families.
Kids Classes: (Ages seven to eleven) These classes introduce materials, concepts, and techniques that enhance skills and encourage the playful exploration of ideas that challenge your child’s imagination.
Teens: (Ages twelve to eighteen) These in-depth art experiences inspire teens to engage in ambitious explorations of concepts, creative expression, historical and cultural context, connections, applications, and materials. Armory teen classes are designed for all skill levels, from advanced art students to teens who simply love making art.
Armory Classes at Artworks Teen Center: A collaboration between Armory Center for the Arts and Learning Works Charter School, artWORKS encourages teens from different backgrounds to express themselves through a combination of media arts and fine arts. All artWORKS after-school classes are free for middle school and high school students, ages thirteen to eighteen, and registration is required. Classes are held in person at 2914 E. Walnut St. Pasadena, CA 91107. Art supplies will be provided.
Summer:
Kids Classes: Meet daily for five days, Monday to Friday from June 27 to August 12. Two time slots per day, 10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. and 1:00—3:00 p.m. Saturday classes meet once a week for six weeks from July 9 to August 12.
Teen Classes: Teen Classes meet twice a week (M/W or T/Th) 10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. or 1:00—3:00 p.m. from July 11 to August 4. Saturday classes meet once a week for six weeks from July 9 through August 13.
Dates: Registration Begins April 6 at 12:00 p.m. for summer sessions.
Location: Pasadena
Register: For teens to register for Spring Classes.
Cost:
Ages: Kids Classes: Ages seven to eleven
Teens: Ages twelve to eighteen
1:1 Aides: Contact Armory for more information.
(323) 363-2621
Format: In-person Programs
The Artsy Wagon offers art classes in the comfort of your home. Activities are customized for the location, child’s age, and ability. Choose from arts and crafts, theatrical games, music, movement, and STEM. Children will learn math, literature, and art history, expand their vocabulary, and work on gross and fine motor skills while having fun. This summer’s themes are pirates and mermaids, little Einsteins, unicorns and rainbows, and a crazy time machine. A minimum of four children must enroll with at least fifteen square feet of space to work. Instructors must have access to water, and the host house is required to store supplies during the camp. Each camp lasts a week.
Dates: Ongoing Monday through Friday
Age Range: Two to ten years old
Hours: 9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. or 1:00—3:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. is preferable for a four-hour camp
Cost:
Registration: Click here to register
1:1 Aide: A 1:1 aide is welcome.
5870 W Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(213) 793-5495
Format: In-Person and Online Programs
The Miracle Project is a fully inclusive program that combines theater, film, music, movement, and other expressive arts to allow individuals with autism, other disabilities, and all abilities to “develop social and job skills, enhance communication, increase self-awareness and confidence, ease anxiety, and find joy in experience.” Their mission is “to create a neurodiverse community where the voices, passions, and stories of individuals of all abilities belong and are celebrated, elevated, and supported.” The social skills and theater arts classes vary in age range, starting at age five and up. Miracle Project has classes specifically designed for those who use an AAC device as well.
Program:
While they do not currently have their schedule and dates for summer Expressive Arts classes, they typically last around fifteen weeks over the summer term.
The Social Skills classes, called "Improv for Interaction," operate on a rolling basis, so those will continue throughout the summer and can be joined at any time. Another set of classes that they teach are improv classes through an organization called Bright & Quirky. The Program Director, Hannah, has a video describing those classes on the Bright & Quirky website.
The following are general details for the Expressive Arts classes. Families may reach out directly to the Program Assistant Kate S., and the staff will be happy to answer any questions and give details about their different classes.
Located in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills.
Social Skills Classes “Improv for Interaction”: The Miracle Project social skills classes use improv, theater games, and role-play to practice skills for positive social interaction. All social skills classes are ongoing.
Express Yourself (Age sixteen and up): An eleven-week online Expressive Arts class specifically designed for non-speakers and those who use AAC. Class developed by Darlene Hansen and Elaine Hall.
I Can Do That Professional Acting Training for Film & TV (Age sixteen and up): An online, professional-level acting class for film and television open to those of all abilities and experience.
Triple Threat (Age thirteen and up): A musical theater performance-focused class for individuals of all abilities and experiences.
Registration and cost:
1453 14th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 450-9200
Format: In-person and Online Programs
Paint Lab is an open-space art studio that offers classes to adults, teens, and kids throughout the week. In addition, they offer an “open lab” for people to come in and paint. They also sell supplies such as paints and canvases, and they hold art classes and camps. Their summer camp for kids will be a mixed-media art camp; parents can purchase supplies themselves or contact Paint Lab for purchasing.
Art classes: They currently have ongoing daily workshops and classes. Check out their virtual class schedule.
Art camp: Paint Lab is hosting an in-person summer camp at the studio. Each day has its own theme, such as animals, adventure, mixed media, drawing, and more.
Dates: Monday through Friday, June 13 to September 9
Age Range: Six to twelve years old
Hours: 9:00 a.m.—2:30 p.m. (hours vary by camp)
Cost:
Registration: Call (310) 450-9200 and complete this form.
1:1 Aide: Aides can accompany a child.
23537 Long Valley Road
Hidden Hills, California 91302
(818) 835-4962
Format: In-person
This summer, Shayna Turk’s Academy of Rising STARS is proud to be producing The Wizard of Oz. Children who enjoy acting, singing, and dancing will be thrilled with this opportunity. Join Dorothy Gale as she wanders through the mysterious land of Oz to find the Emerald City, follows the Yellow Brick Road, and makes new magical friends. The most important lesson of all is “There’s no place like home.” The camp has worked with students with a variety of disabilities including Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Students with varying levels of support needs are welcome.
Dates:
Age Range: Five to fifteen
Hours:
Cost:
Registration: Sign up here for an audition time.
1:1 Aide: Allowed to accompany a child
