What is a “Meaningful Day” program?
- Montgomery Parks’ Meaningful Day programs offer adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities free opportunities to stay active and connect with the community while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Family, friends, and community members of the participants are always welcome to join.
- These programs are free, but registration on ActiveMontgomery is always required for participants. Family members, friends, and support professionals do not have to register.
- The programs change on a seasonal basis. Past programs have included: archeology day, bocce, boccia, Trail Trekkers (a hiking program), and Campfire Chats (a social program).
Summer 2026 Offerings
- Location: Black Hill Discovery Center (20926 Lake Ridge Dr, Boyds, MD 20841)
- Participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are ready to develop their kayaking skills to explore the calm waters of Little Seneca Lake are welcome to sign up for our Therapeutic Recreation Kayaking Tour. Participants will enjoy a guided tour, paddling longer distances with breaks to observe wildlife along the way. Certified instructors, trained volunteers, and staff will lead and support participants to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Each registered participant can bring one companion by answering the custom question during registration. All necessary equipment, including PFDs and paddles, is provided. Registration is required.
- Lesson Dates
- 6/3 from 10am – 12pm
- 7/1 from 10am – 12pm
- 8/5 from 10am – 12pm
- Location: Maydale Nature Classroom (1638 Maydale Dr, Colesville, MD 20905)
- Gather around the fire for conversation. Campfire Chats is a therapeutic recreation program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, friends, family, and community members that blends the warmth of nature with supportive social engagement. Each session features open dialogue, reflective prompts, creative expression, and mindful moments—all in a relaxed, inclusive outdoor setting. Smores and stories encouraged! Improve self-esteem, social skills, and wellness. Registration is required.
- Dates – Registration is required for each individual program
- Wednesday, 6/17 from 10:30am – 12:00pm: Painting and Planting
- Wednesday, 7/29 from 10:30am – 12:00pm: Special Edition: Disability Pride Month
- Wednesday, 8/19 from 10:30am – 12:00pm: Solar Printing
- Location: Hillandale Local Park (10615 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20903)
- Kick-off the summer the right way by cleaning up your local park! Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are invited to join Program Access and the Watershed Cleanups Volunteer Program for a meaningful service day at Hillandale Local Park. Enjoy time outdoors, cleanup trash, and learn more about how we take care of our parks. On the last day, we will celebrate Disability Pride Month with a special activity at the beginning of the program. Montgomery Parks will provide gloves, trash bags, and any necessary tools. Volunteer participant registration for the whole series is required.
- Dates
- Thursday, 6/18 from 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Thursday, 6/25 from 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Thursday, 7/2 from 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Location: Maydale Nature Classroom (1638 Maydale Dr, Colesville, MD 20905)
- The Meaningful Day Gardening Club offers a welcoming space for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build basic gardening skills while connecting with peers through shared experiences. Participants will work with herbs and small produce using hands-on, beginner-friendly activities that encourage learning, conversation, and teamwork. The program focuses on skill-building, social connection, and well-being in a relaxed, supportive environment. Program Objectives: Engage in social connection, learn new gardening skills
- Registration for the whole series is required
- Dates
- Monday, 7/27 from 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Monday, 8/3 from 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Monday, 8/10 from 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Monday, 8/17 from 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Monday, 8/24 from 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Join Trail Trekkers, a 6-week inclusive walking program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their friends, family, and community members. Walk along accessible trails in Wheaton Regional Park, enjoy nature, and connect with others. Share conversations, make new friends, and have fun while staying active outdoors. Registration for the full course is required. Objective: Improve physical fitness and social skills.
- Location: Wheaton Regional Park
- Meet-up location will differ depending on the week. You will be emailed the exact meeting location each week.
- Dates – Series Registration is required. All programs take place from 10:30am – 11:30am
- Tuesday, 6/23
- Tuesday, 6/30
- Tuesday, 7/7
- Tuesday, 7/14
- Tuesday, 7/21
- Tuesday, 7/28
Special Edition: 7/22 Trail Trekkers: Disability Pride Month
Join Trail Trekkers, an inclusive walking program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their friends, family, and community members. Walk along accessible trails in Wheaton Regional Park, enjoy nature, and connect with others. At this special one-off program, we will celebrate Disability Pride Month with an exciting activity. Share conversations, make new friends, and have fun while staying active outdoors. Program Objectives: Build personal fitness, engage in social connection, learn new skills
- Location: Wheaton Regional Park (2000 Shorefield Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902)
- Join Program Access and Special Olympics MD for a 6-week bocce league at Wheaton Regional Park! Over the course of the program, participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities will have the opportunity to learn the game, build social skills, and improve their personal fitness. On the last day, we will celebrate participants with lunch and awards. Registration for the whole series is required. Objective: Participants will improve fine motor skills, physical fitness, and team building skills. Registration for the full series is required. Please bring a reusable water bottle with you.
- Dates – Series Registration is Required
- Thursday, 7/16 from 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Thursday, 7/23 from 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Thursday, 7/30 from 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Thursday, 8/6 from 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Thursday, 8/13 from 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Thursday, 8/20 from 10:30am – 12:00pm
For more information on Program Access and modifications contact 301-495-2581 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org. Se habla Español.




