A visit to Santa’s workshop, making a toy with the Elves, and baking cookies with Mrs. Claus is every child’s dream. Two years ago, the staff at Wildwood Cultural Center created Santa’s Wild Workshop in the Woods, a program that offers children an opportunity to do all those things and more. Both kids and parents have had a great time exploring Santa’s Workshop at Wildwood.
Additional sessions were added last year, including one designed for children with sensory or developmental disabilities. By slightly modifying the program, and moving activities to areas that were handicapped accessible in the historic Manor House, the program could be enjoyed by all children.
Facilities Manager Nick Standering takes pride in the holiday program.
“Wildwood is a beautiful historic home on the National Register of Historic Places,” says Standering.
“Over the years, we’ve improved accessibility in order to welcome all children to our program,” says Standering. Modifications for the Special Needs program include reduced class size, using cookies and frosting without dyes, having Santa give all-natural candy canes, creating toys that do not require hammering or loud noise, and even offering “face” painting on hands or arms to accommodate children who are sensitive to touch.
While a major snowstorm caused the special needs session to be delayed last year, the program was rescheduled and was a huge success!
Santa’s Wild Workshop in the Woods – Special Needs is coming back this year.
“It’s something I really think is important and I am looking forward to this year’s event. Although the city welcomes all abilities in our programs, this was one of the first geared just towards special needs, and we’re happy to continue to offer the program this year,” adds Standering.
Santa’s Wild Workshop in the Woods – Special needs is scheduled for Saturday, December 9th from 2 to 4 PM. Resident Cost is $14 per child/Nonresident $17 per child.
Other sessions of Santa’s Wild Workshop in the Woods are offered from 6 to 8 PM on December 6, 8, 9, 13 and 20th. Resident cost is $14 per child/Nonresident $17 per child. To register call 440-974-5720.