WHEATON, Md. – Montgomery Parks is marking Autism Acceptance Month by offering an afternoon full of fun family activities during its annual Shine Brighter Together event. Participants will enjoy sensory play and physical activities for all abilities, while learning about autism and resources available in Montgomery County.
What: Shine Brighter Together
When: Saturday, April 5, 2025, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. (Rain date: Saturday, April 26)
Where: Wheaton Regional Park
2000 Shorefield Road
Wheaton MD 20902
Details: Free and open to all.
“Montgomery Parks is proud to host this annual event that is full of activities for everyone to enjoy,” said Jennene Blakely, Montgomery Parks’ program access manager. “Shine Brighter Together is a day of fun – so many organizations come together to help provide this community program. Inclusive events like this are just one way that Parks celebrates diversity and creates welcoming spaces where everyone can be themselves and enjoy our parks”
Shine Brighter Together Activities:
Tree Climbing Sessions
Expert climbers teach participants to climb trees safely. Through a sensory-friendly approach, kids of all abilities build confidence, strength and a sense of adventure, one climb at a time.
Group Drumming
Feel the rhythm and join the beat in our group drumming session, sponsored by Montgomery County Recreation. This interactive, sensory-friendly experience is all about the music, having fun and creating connections through the power of percussion.
Play Stations
Use fine motor skills to discover a world of textures through sensory play provided by the City of Gaithersburg Parks, Recreation and Culture and Rockville Recreation and Parks; join in parachute play or create structures with giant foam blue blocks at one of our play stations.
Nature on Wheels
Explore the wonders of nature with Montgomery Parks’ Nature on Wheels van. Meet cool critters and enjoy hands-on activities suitable for curious minds of all abilities.
Other activities at Shine Brighter Together will include vocal performances by ArtStream, stretching sessions from the Spirit Club, story time with, face and hand painting, and a sensory retreat tent to take a break from it all. Resources about services and programs for families are provided by our sponsors including Autism Society of Maryland. A complete schedule of events and times is available on the Shine Brighter Together webpage.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems. MontgomeryParks.org
Accessibility
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice/TTY), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Accessibility for more information. ###