Family Fun Activities

* Registration policies below

   "Whether a family is dealing with just receiving the life changing diagnosis or been dealing with it for many years, the amount of support needed is huge! The Center connects families with each other with the events they sponsor. The sense of acceptance, friendship, and guidance we get from each other is "priceless"! No one else knows what we go through on a day to day basis. If the center wasn't bringing our families together, we would be alone on our journey. We have all met some friends for life through The Center and as our journey continues we will continue to support each other. "                                                                                                       -     Loree N. , parent

Family Fun Days

The Center offers a variety of monthly Family Fun Activities to give families an opportunity to meet with others and enjoy leisure activities in a supportive environment. Swim parties, bowling parties, holiday parties, visits to zoos and museums are some of the activities we have sponsored in the past. Activities are offered at a reduced cost. Check calendar for dates, registration is required.

Family Fun for Teens & Young Adults

The center offers families with teens with autism and teen siblings activities once a month to give them an opportunity to socialize, and enjoy community outings in a supportive environment. Movies, bowling, sport events and dinner dances are among the activities the group has enjoyed. Teens who participate have input into the activities planned. Check calendar for dates, registration is required.

Vacation Family Fun Days

During school vacations in December, February and April the Center offers events to help fill the unstructured days that vacations create. These activities are open to children with ASD and siblings accompanied by a parent. Events are located in the communities across the region and are offered at a nominal cost. Some activities have limited enrollment due to safety concerns. Check calendar for dates, registration is required.

Family Fun Days at Camp

These week-long programs are designed to fill a void in programs that often exists in late June & August. Parents accompany their child with autism, along with siblings. This is a family day camp setting that offers swimming, fishing, canoeing, crafts, games, daily entertainment etc. A Midweek evening cookout allows working Parents to join in the fun. There is plenty of time for parent networking. Camp is offered to families at a reduced cost. Check the calendar for dates, registration is required. For a brochure click here

Camp Havvago

In collaboration with Camp Starfish the Autism Resource Center offers a short residential camp experience in July at Camp Starfish in Rindge, NH.

Each Camper is assigned a 1:1 aide to assist in participating in a full range of camp activities including swimming, boating, games, sports, sing-a-long, campfires, meals served family style, (dietary modifications available) and more. Watch the Newsletter for details.

Sensory Gyms, Swim & Safety Program and Music Groups

These groups allow parent and child pairs to enjoy sensory activities with consultation and guidance by an licensed occupational therapist in sensory gyms. Music groups are run by a teacher and an ABA Tech for an hour. Swim and Safety program is taught by a Red Cross certified Life guard & water safety instructor who is well versed in working with children on the spectrum. Groups meet for 6-8 week sessions. Check calendar for dates, registration is required.

Mother’s Retreat

Held in early June the Mother’s Retreat is an opportunity for Mothers to spend an afternoon and evening with others who share the same concerns and stressors. An afternoon workshop on stress reduction is followed by Dinner and evening activities as you like it, offerings include craft projects, movie and snacks or lounge by the pool or hot tub, or dancing and socializing at the pub. Double occupancy accommodations and brunch in the morning before heading home, recharged and refreshed. Check calendar for dates, registration is required.

* Participation in activities is limited to families who are registered with the Autism Resource Center and all activities require prior registration through our registration page. Registration closes at 2 PM the last business day before an event unless otherwise specified. For many activities space is limited and registration will close when the event is fully subscribed.

Those who register for an event and fail to participate will be placed on a wait list status for six months for all activities and be allowed to participate only if there is space available. Acceptable excuses for missing an activity include illness, lack of transportation and other unforseen circumstances, but we require notification via e-mail as soon as it becomes evident that your family will be unable to attend.