Virginia Down Syndrome Association

Mini Golf - Richmond
2025-09-14 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Mini Golf
Adventurers For children ages 6-12 and siblings
Sunday, Sept. 14 at 10:00 am
Cost: $5.00
Patterson Golf Park, 12586 Patterson Ave (near 288 & Patterson Ave.)
Join for a fun round of miniature golf.
Register Here

Friendship Club+ Adult Edition
2025-09-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-21 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-28 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-05 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-26 14:00 - 16:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
VDSA is excited to announce the Friendship Club+ Adult Edition.
Friendship Club+ Social Group is a fun and welcoming place where adults with Down syndrome can connect, learn, and grow together! Each meeting is packed with engaging social skills activities that help participants make a positive first impression, greet others confidently, and practice active listening to build stronger friendships. Participants will explore teamwork through games, projects, and group challenges, learning how to work effectively together and celebrating each other’s strengths. Our group is dedicated to boosting confidence, enhancing personal and social skills, and fostering meaningful relationships in a friendly and supportive environment.
Why join:
– Builds Real-Life Social Skills – Members practice greeting, listening, and teamwork in a safe, supportive space, helping them feel more confident in everyday situations.

– Encourages Independence – Participants learn how to start conversations, join group activities, and make new friends.

– Provides a Safe, Supportive Environment – The group is designed with understanding and patience, ensuring everyone feels valued, included, and respected.

– Promotes Emotional Growth – Activities help members recognize feelings, handle challenges, and resolve disagreements positively.
– Expands Social Circles – Your adult child can meet new people, form meaningful friendships, and enjoy regular opportunities to connect beyond home and family.
Club meeting dates are all Sundays:
September 14, 21, 28 / October 5, 12, 19, 26 / November 2, 9, 16 (Club party)
Cost: The cost of the program is $100 (Scholarships Available)
This program is sponsored by the Community Care Corps/Oasis Institute.

Virtual - Improvaneer
2025-09-18 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-02 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-09 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-16 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
The Virginia Down Syndrome Association is excited to start the virtual Improvaneer Method 5 week class again!!
7:00 to 8:00 pm

Returning and new participants welcome!
Teens and adults are welcome to sign up!

The Improvaneer Method:
Teaches participants:
Eye Contact. Creative Thinking. Adaption To Change. Quick Thinking. Focus. Listening. Voice Projection. Character Development. Attention To Detail.
Structure:

Each class lasts one hour and has a theme, a discussion, five games, and ‘homeprov’ that the participants are to practice with friends and family.
In each class we will gradually build in real world scenarios by mostly playing games that imitate various jobs, situations, and connections in real life.
Each week parents will receive an outline of what is coming up in the class.
After the class, emails will be sent to with ‘homeprov’ reminders.

Note from Rob Snow – CEO and Creator
The Improvaneer Method Way focuses on supporting our mission while maintaining immense respect, admiration, and support for the individuals utilizing the program. At all times, we will create a positive learning atmosphere that incorporates fun, humor, and discipline into the achievement and ultimate practice of this skill.
Learn more:
https://www.theimprovaneermethod.com/
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/90605-virtual-improvaneer-fall-2025

Children's Museum Free Sensory Friendly Night
2025-09-19 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-10-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Children’s Museum Chesterfield, 6629 Lake Harbour Dr, Midlothian, VA, 23112
Children’s Museum Free Sensory-Friendly Night
All ages are welcome at the Children’s Museum’s Free Sensory Friendly Night.

A cool down room will be available and sensory supports provided.
Sibling welcome!
REGISTER HERE

Art in the Park (ages 2-12) (RVA)
2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA, 23060
Join us for Art in the Park! Art projects and playing are the best!

September 6 – Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
September 20 – Huguenot Park, 10901 Robious Rd, Richmond, VA 23235

10:00 am to Noon
Baby to 12 years old
Siblings welcome
Register Here

Grow With Me New Parent Lunch
2025-09-20 12:00 - 14:30 | Bon Air United Methodist Church, 1645 Buford Rd, Richmond, VA, 23235
You are invited to VDSA’s annual New Parents’ Lunch
Grow with Me: A New Parent Lunch – Dedicated to New VDSA Parents and Caregivers Join us for a casual lunch designed just for you—a chance to connect with other new families, share your journey, and grow together in community.

✨ It’s time to celebrate YOU! ✨
Childcare will be provided, with access to both a nursery and a gym on site for the kids. Please email Misti Pollaro if you would like to use childcare and let us know about any allergies.
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/90777-grow-with-me-new-parent-lunch
For questions or more information, please reach out:
Misti Pollaro, Family Care Director
mpollaro@virginiadsa.org – (804) 256-6451

Richmond Respite Event
2025-09-20 16:00 - 19:00 | VDSA, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 124, Richmond, VA, 23229
Self-Care Time for Caregivers!
We all love our kids, and we all need some adult time too. Enjoy some time away while VDSA keep your children ages 2 to 12 safe and occupied! This event is open to families of individuals with Down syndrome and their siblings. For our Parent Night, we are accepting participants ages 2 to 12. Email Kim to join the waitlist for this event if registration is closed: kwoodbury@virginiadsa.org.

The VDSA Parents Night Respite Event will take place on Saturday, September 20th from 4 pm- 7 pm at the VDSA’s office (1504 Santa Rosa Rd. Henrico, VA 23294).
REGISTER HERE

Richmond - Parent Night Out
2025-09-20 16:00 - 19:00 | Stumpy’s Hatchet House, 9200 Stony Point Pkwy Store #189, Richmond, VA, 23235
Parents Night Out at Stumpy’s !

Ready for a night out? Join us at Stumpy’s Hatchet House for an unforgettable evening of laughter and relaxation with fellow parents! VDSA members enjoy a special group rate. 🎉 (Admittance and food/beverages at own expense)
Date: Saturday, Saturday, September 20th, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Located in: Stony Point Fashion Park

9200 Stony Point Pkwy Store #189, Richmond

email Kim with questions kwoodbury@virginiadsa.org
REGISTER HERE

Charlottesville Moms' Night Out
2025-09-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Guajiros Miami Eatery, 114 10th St NW, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
Moms, let’s take a break and celebrate life together! 💜
Join us for our next Moms’ Night Out at Guajiros Miami Eatery—a cozy café and restaurant serving up delicious Cuban, Central, and South American dishes (yes, even breakfast favorites!).
Let’s take a little trip to Latin America—no passport needed—on Friday, 09/26 from 6–8 PM. ✈️🌴
👉 Please RSVP so we can reserve a table for the group.
We can’t wait to see you there!
👉 LINK: Moms’ Night Out

VDSA - Charlottesville Family Meet-up
2025-10-04 08:00 - 10:00 | Get Air Trampoline Park, 1005 Gardens Blvd, Charlottesville, VA, 22901
Charlottesville Family Meet-Up

Join us for Sensory & Special Needs Time at Get Air Trampoline Park this October!
Let’s meet during Get Air’s dedicated Sensory and Special Needs Time, held on the first Saturday of each month. This special session offers a more comfortable environment and a reduced rate of just $15 for a child/adult and their companion to jump and play for 2 full hours.
The staff at Get Air are also open to exploring additional times in the future if there’s enough interest from our families—so your participation matters!
We hope to see you there for some fun and active play in a sensory-friendly setting!
👉 LINK: Family Meet-Up

Richmond Laser Tag
2025-10-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Mission Laser, 889 Research Rd, Richmond, VA, 23236
Richmond Laser Tag
October 4, 2025 @ 11:00AM — 12:45PM

Mission Laser 889 Research Rd, Richmond, VA 23236
$12 per person
Includes Laser Tag & Pizza Lunch
Register here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/75062-richmond-laser-tag

Williamsburg Moms Night Out
2025-10-05 15:00 - 18:00 | Riverwalk Restaurant, 323 Water St, Yorktown, VA, 23690
Let’s meet at Riverwalk Restaurant!
Join fellow VDSA Moms from Williamsburg and the Virginia Peninsula for a fun night out.

Please join fellow VDSA members for Moms Night Out Sunday, October 5th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Enjoy super food and support! Happy Hour is from 3:00 – 6:00 PM. All food and drink purchases are your own responsibility. Hope to see you there! Any questions please email Community Coordinator Stephanie at scleary@virginiadsa.org
Register Here: Moms’ Night Out

Caregiver Restorative Yoga
2025-10-05 17:30 - 18:30 | Humble Haven Yoga, 6980 Forest Ave, Richmond, VA, 23230
Rest, renew and recharge! Don’t miss this special class just for VDSA Caregivers at Humble Haven Yoga. This is a restorative yoga class meant for deep relaxation. NO experience necessary! Just wear something comfortable and come take a deep breath with your community.
Register Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/92137-caregiver-restorative-yoga

Charlottesville Family Fall Social Meetup
2025-10-18 12:30 - 15:00 | Eastwood Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Hey VDSA families from Charlottesville and nearby areas!
We’re excited to invite you to a casual family meetup at the beautiful Eastwood Winery! Join us for a relaxing afternoon with fellow families. You’ll have the opportunity to mingle with other parents, make new friends, and watch your kids play together in a safe and welcoming environment.
Saturday, October 18 at 12:30 – 3:00 PM
REGISTER HERE: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/92045-charlottesville-family-fall-social-meetup

River City Inclusive Gym - Henrico/Richmond - Ages 9 to adult
2025-10-18 16:00 - 16:45
River City Inclusive Gym – Fall 2025 Ages 8 to adult

River City Inclusive Gym: 11248 Patterson Ave Henrico, VA 23238

Monthly on Saturdays
October 18th & November 22nd
4:00-4:45 pm – Ages 9 and up
$10 per session
Space is limited and Siblings welcome
Register here:
https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/80659-river-city-inclusive-gym-winter-spring-2025-ages-9-to-adult

VDSA Family Halloween Bash
2025-10-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Christ Church Episcopal, 5000 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen, Virginia, 23059
VDSA Family Halloween Bash

Let’s BOO-gie and share a feast!
You’re invited to a Halloween Potluck Dance Party on Friday, October 24th, at 6:00 PM
Christ Church Episcopal – 5000 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen 23060
Come dressed in your most inventive disguises (optional) and bring a spooky dish to share for our feast. We’ll be dancing the night away to some hauntingly good tunes.”
Please register by October 22nd if you dare to join us!.

Register Here: Halloween Bash
Sign-up to bring a dish here: Spooky Dish

Williamsburg - Halloween Dance Class
2025-10-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Jazzercize Williamsburg, 455 Merrimac Trl, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
Williamsburg – Halloween Dance Class

Have some fun learning monster moves and dancing to Halloween-themed tunes like Monster Mash, Thriller and more! This class is being led by VDSA volunteer and Jazzercize instructor, Jessie. This event is free for VDSA members and family.
All ages welcome & siblings are welcome to join in the fun. Costumes are optional. No weapons or masks for this event please. Parents, please remain onsite and join in the fun!

Resister Here: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/92084-halloween-dance-class
