We've written about the wonderful special needs organization Extreme Kids & Crew many times in the past, and even profiled its former drop-in sensory play space for children of all abilities in Clinton Hill. But the little nonprofit founded by Eliza Factor—a local mom of three children including Felix who has cerebral palsy and autism—became so popular, she decided to expand to two new Brooklyn locations in late 2013.
And that's great news for families like mine. As the parent of both a teen with special needs and three younger typical children, I know firsthand how hard it is to find an indoor play space that works for my entire brood. We need a place that's fun for my little ones and doesn't completely overwhelm my eldest. The fact that Extreme Kids & Crew now has a pair of such special needs play spaces—the flagship in Red Hook and a smaller spot in Bed-Stuy—is nothing short of miraculous. Plus Extreme Kids & Crew offers a full slate of classes, playgroups, workshops and events for special needs families.