UESL Monthly Guide: April ‘26 IDD-Friendly Events + Activities
April is here — and with it, a new opportunity to step into community.
For many IDD individuals + families, finding the right event isn’t always easy. It’s not just about filling time — it’s about finding spaces that feel welcoming, accessible, and supportive.
That’s why we’ve curated this list of +10 events across San Diego County + Imperial Valley — highlighting sensory-friendly experiences, autism resource fairs, inclusive play days, and transition-focused opportunities.
Take what feels right. Leave what doesn’t. Even one event can open the door to connection.
1. Sensory Friendly Mornings at Children’s Museum of Discovery
Date: April 5, 2026 (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
Location: 320 N. Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025
Description:A quieter, sensory-considerate museum experience designed for children with sensory sensitivities and their families. The environment is adjusted to reduce noise + stimulation, allowing for comfortable exploration at your own pace.
Event Link: Children’s Museum of Discovery
2. Sensory Friendly Movie Showing – UltraStar Cinemas
Date: April 5, 2026 (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
Location: 7510 Hazard Center Dr., San Diego, CA
Description: A sensory-friendly movie screening with dimmed lights, lower sound levels, and a flexible environment where guests can move, talk, or take breaks as needed — creating a more accessible movie-going experience.
Event Link: Special Needs Resource
3. Race for Autism + Resource Fair
++ COME FIND UESL AT THE RESOURCE FAIR! ++
Date: April 11, 2026 (7:30 AM – 10:30 AM)
Location: Balboa Park, 2457 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Description: One of San Diego’s largest autism-centered community events, featuring a resource fair, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to connect with local organizations, educators, and support services.
Event Link: Race for Autism
4. Autism Awareness F.A.I.R. + 5K Fun Run (Imperial Valley)
++ COME FIND UESL AT THE FAIR! ++
Date: April 11, 2026 (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Location: Imperial, CA (City of Imperial Event Grounds)
Description:A community-driven autism awareness event in Imperial Valley featuring activities, resources, and family engagement opportunities focused on connection and inclusion.
Event Link: City of Imperial
5. Transition Resource Fair
++ COME FIND UESL AT THE RESOURCE FAIR! ++
Date: April 15, 2026 (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Location: 680 L Street, Suite C, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Description: Come meet with SDRC representatives and get information from agencies that provide supported employment and independent living assistance for adults with disabilities.
Event #: For more info, call 619.796.7500
6. Autism Acceptance Night at Petco Park, Padres v.s. Seattle Mariners
Date: April 16, 2026, 5:40PM
Location: Petco Park, San Diego, CA
Description: A themed San Diego Padres game night promoting autism acceptance and community inclusion. Special ticket packages include themed merchandise and support for local autism organizations.
Event Link: MLB
7. FREE Accessibility Morning at Fleet Science Center
Date: April 18, 2026 (9:00 AM)
Location: Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
Description: An early-access, sensory-friendly museum experience with adjusted lighting and sound levels. Designed to provide a welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families.
Event Link: Fleet Science
8. 45th Annual Children’s Fair (El Centro)
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026 (10:00AM - 2:00PM)
Location: Bucklin Park, El Centro, CA, 8th Street & Ross Avenue
Description: A long-standing community celebration focused on children and families in Imperial Valley. Includes activities, entertainment, and community engagement in an open, family-friendly environment.
Event Link: ICOE
9. Behavior Frontiers Autism Center Grand Opening + Sensory-Friendly Event
Date: April 18, 2026 (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Location: 10065 Old Grove Road, Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92131
Description: A sensory-friendly grand opening event featuring a “Superhero Party” theme, designed to welcome families into a new autism support center with accessible activities and a relaxed environment.
Event Link: San Diego Autism Center
10. Spring All-Inclusive Day of Play + Resource Fair
++ COME FIND UESL AT THE RESOURCE FAIR! ++
Date: April 19, 2026 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Location: 6845 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92115
Description: An inclusive, all-abilities community event featuring games, crafts, activity stations, and resource booths. Designed to create a welcoming space for families to connect and explore together.
Event Link: Special Needs Resource Foundation
11. SDUHSD + CUSD College + Career Night
++ COME FIND UESL AT THE RESOURCE FAIR! ++
Date: April 21, 2026 (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
Location: 3333 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007
Description: A college + career readiness event featuring a transition resource fair with organizations like San Diego Regional Center, Department of Rehabilitation, and inclusive education + service providers supporting next steps after high school.
Event Link: San Dieguito Union High School District
12. NISER SELPA Community Partner Fair
++ COME FIND UESL AT THE FAIR! ++
Date: April 22nd, 2026 (10:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
Location: Ramona Library, 1275 Main Street, Ramona, CA
Description: This community resource fair, hosted by NISER SELPA, brings together local organizations, service providers, and support networks dedicated to serving students with disabilities and their families. Events like this are a valuable opportunity to explore available services, ask questions, and build connections with professionals who understand the unique needs of the IDD community.
Whether you’re navigating school supports, exploring additional services, or simply looking to connect with others in your area, this is a welcoming space to gather information and strengthen your support system.
Get Out There + Build Community
You don’t have to do everything on this list.
Just pick one.
One event. One outing. One moment of connection.
Because that’s how community starts — not all at once, but one step at a time.
And if you meet another family along the way… tell them about UESL.
Our Refer a Friend Program offers a $100 Amazon gift card when a referred family enrolls + completes intake. There’s no limit to how many families you can refer — just make sure they mention your name when they connect with our team.
Because every new connection opens the door for another gamer to experience belonging, confidence, and growth.
1, 2, 3… UNIFIED!
