Programs & Activities

Programs for All Ages:

Open Play – This program invites families and their friends to the Playhouse for playtime!  Open Play helps promote positive beginnings for new families with a child with Down syndrome, creates awareness opportunities for peers and friends, as well as support and networking for current families. Come ready for fun and a crazy good time!  Open to families with children of all ages and their friends.

Family Fun Night – Bring the whole family out for a night of fun! Family Night is the perfect opportunity to wrap up your day and get to know other families at GiGi’s Playhouse. We will eat dinner, play games and create a craft. ! Join in the fun and make this a night to remember!

Programs for Early Learners:

Hop, Skip & Jumpers – This program will help promote social, emotional and gross motor development through a variety of activities, including interactive play, sharing, cooperative games and physical activity.  Creativity and movement will be incorporated throughout the program.  Recommended for children ages 3-5 years old.

LMNOP (Language Music N’ Our Peeps) – This fun program guides parents and infants/toddlers through
learning basic sign language and through incorporating music and dance therapy into daily activities, to stimulate the child. Recommended for children 6-36 months old.

 

Programs for School-Aged Children and Teens:

Literacy Tutoring – Each individual learns to read and develop literacy skills at a different pace. The GiGi’s Literacy Program builds a foundation in articulation, sight word recognition, vocabulary and comprehension through one-on-one literacy tutoring adapted to fit the learning style of individuals with Down syndrome.  Recommended for ages 3 and up. Click here for more information.

Gluten Free Cooking – Get cooking with your friends at GiGi’s! This program is geared toward building safety awareness in the kitchen and preparing healthy, gluten-free recipes that taste great. Recommended for youth and teens and adults (12 & up)

Art Explosion – This program provides hands on experience with multiple art media and provide an outlet for individuals with Down syndrome to express themself, build confidence and socialize with peers. Children ages 9 and up.

Fun Fitness & Friends – Increase physical activity levels through various types of exercise, motivate participants to independently practice various physical activities at home/ in the community. Increase knowledge and understanding of the importance of physical activity for teens & adults.

Playhouse Pals – This program will help promote friendships, social skill development and safety awareness through creative and social activities. Recommended for children 6-10 years old.

Karate Kickers – The benefits of karate for people with Down syndrome are endless. Karate focuses on development of balance, coordination, discipline, focus, attention, physical fitness, and confidence. There will be no physical contact between peers. Recommended for youth with Down syndrome and siblings ages 8 and up.

 

 

Programs for Young Adults and Adults:

Friday Friends – A fun night out to facilitate social interactions between adults with Down syndrome, their peers and the community.   All adults welcome from ages 18 and up.

Club GiGi’s (Friday Friends) – A fun night out to facilitate social interactions between adults with Down syndrome, their peers and the community. All adults welcome from ages 18 and up.

Gratitude Committee – This core group of adult volunteers meet to hand-craft thank you cards for our amazing volunteer staff and other Playhouse projects. We provide the supplies, you provide the gratitude. (age 20+)

 

Family Support:

Pre-Natal Diagnosis Support – GiGi’s offers accurate and positive information about Down syndrome to families who have just received a pre-natal diagnosis. Contact the Playhouse for more information.

Parties – Parties for just about anything! Halloween, birthdays, 4th of July, etc. Check our Online Calendar!

Super Sibs – Recommended for siblings age 6-13 this program is a special time for siblings of individuals with Down syndrome to talk about the good, and the sometimes not-so-good moments of having a sibling with Down syndrome. Share, play games and enjoy connecting with other siblings. This program is for youth with a brother or sister with Down syndrome.

Moms Night Out – Join a great group of ladies and let off some steam! Meetings are meant to be fun and to develop lasting friendships. We discuss advocacy, helpful tips, events and other topics.

Syracuse D.A.D.S – Meetings are meant to be fun and to develop lasting friendships. We discuss advocacy, helpful tips, events and other topics.

 

If you have any questions please email Heather at hrodriguez@gigisplayhouse.org