The philosophy of the Pop Warner Challenger Division is to provide the framework for local Pop Warner programs to offer a structured football program for participants with special needs. The Challenger program is non-competitive and no score is kept. The games are modeled after a typical Pop Warner game.

The Connection in Summit, NJ is a non-profit, human service organization that provides a wide variety of programs and activities open to everyone. We offer fitness, educational, recreational and social programs that meet the needs of all age groups.

The Chatham United TOPSoccer program is for Chatham players who have special needs. The program is for children aged 5-15 years. The emphasis of this program is on development, training, and meaningful participation rather than competition. TOPSoccer is designed to give everyone a chance to play soccer, while providing the experience of working together as a team, achieving individual goals, and, most of all, HAVING FUN!

“Buddy Ball” is for Chatham children ages 5-19 who are either physically and/or special needs challenged. Players develop confidence and self-esteem as they become part of an organized program. Players are assisted with a High School Sports Buddy who will assist the player swinging a bat, round bases, catch a ball, etc.

Our community-based services include sports and recreational programs and school-based programs for children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorder.

Most of our efforts are in developmental sports and artistic programs. The over the horizon goal is to develop lifelong skills and to graduate our children to a typically developing program. We strive to successfully do this each year. Our programs are grounded in basic skills development of our sport or artistic program. However, given our vision of attending to the whole child, our developmental construct attends to reasoning and social development.

Shining Stars is a program for individuals with special needs. Volunteer "shadows" work with the individual to help him or her participate more comfortably within the parameters of the program. All activities are adapted to meet the individual’s needs.

TryCAN coordinates inclusive recreation and social development programs for children with special needs. Programs help teach sports and life skills while focusing on building individual skills, teamwork and fun! Programs are taught by experienced coaches and instructors from the community. Using our “Children Helping Children” approach, during class, your child will work with trained volunteer Peer Mentors who serve as assistant coaches, buddies and your child’s biggest cheerleaders. Programs have included baseball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, football, tennis, martial arts, golf, learn-to-bike-ride, social skills, reading, art, dance, yoga, and music. TryCAN provides opportunities to attend TryCAN family events, and meet and network with other families with similar needs. For more information, contact dguidajr@cityofsummit.org.

Sunnyside Recreation Area in Lincroft provides fundamental equestrian experiences for people of all abilities, with an emphasis on offering the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities, helping them to develop to their full potential.

Hillview Farm - Gilette - Visit the farm for fruit and vegetable picking.

Brookhollow Barnyard - Boonton - Be transported back to simpler times. See their world class Alpacas. Feed the animals.

Raptor Trust - Millington - Approximately 50 resident birds are on exhibit in large outdoor aviaries viewed by walking along the trails.

Fragrance and Sensory Garden - Somerset - Visitors are invited to touch and smell the plants.

Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center - Chatham

Trailside Nature and Science Center - Mountainside

Garden State Discovery Museum - Cherry Hill

Grounds for Sculpture - Hamilton

Aviation Hall of Fame - Teterboro

Yogi Berra Museum - Montclair

Imagine That! - Florham Park - Visit for an open floor plan filled with hands-on discovery.

Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor Waterpark - West Berlin - Offering special nights for special needs families.

Union County Performing Arts Center - Rahway - Sensory Friendly music, theater and dance performances are specially adapted for children and adults with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

Papermill Playhouse - Millburn - Autism-Friendly Children's Theater Performances.

The Raritan Valley College Planetarium - Branchburg - One hour sensory-friendly programs. The doors remain open so that children will be able to come and go. Lights will be left dim and audio will be lowered and at a consistent level.

AMC Theaters - AMC brings sensory friendly films to families affected by autism on a monthly basis to select communities.

Morris-Union Jointure Playground - Central Avenue, New Providence

Phil Rizzuto Park Boundless Playground - Morris Avenue, Elizabeth

Check your local library for children’s activities.