Helping Children Grow Through Movement, Play, and Connection
Movement-based developmental recreation designed to build confidence, coordination, focus, social-emotional skills, and a lifelong love of movement.
Purposeful play that builds real, lasting skills
Focus & Attention
Movement-based activities designed to improve engagement, concentration, and participation.
Coordination & Motor Skills
Develop balance, agility, strength, and whole-body awareness through guided activity.
Social-Emotional Growth
Build confidence, communication, self-regulation, and positive peer interaction.
Physical Development
Encourage healthy movement habits and active, confident lifestyles that last.
Sensory Support
Thoughtful activities designed to support sensory processing and self-regulation.
School Readiness
Develop the foundational skills that contribute to focus and success in the classroom.
Support that meets children where they are
Happy Hands Recreation supports children, families, and organizations through movement, connection, and purposeful play — organized into two clear paths.
1-on-1 Experiences
For families seeking individualized support.
Group Experiences
For organizations, groups, and events.
Every activity is designed with a purpose
Through movement, sensory experiences, and meaningful connection, children practice the skills they use at home, at school, and in everyday life — while staying engaged, motivated, and having fun.
Children, families, and groups of every kind
Happy Hands Recreation welcomes children, families, and groups who benefit from structured movement, purposeful play, and supportive guidance.
Confidence & engagement
Neurotypical children who need more confidence, structure, movement, or social engagement.
Mild ADHD & autism
Children with mild ADHD, mild autism, or concerns around endurance, balance, coordination, or school participation.
Regulation & habits
Children who need support with emotional regulation, confidence, or healthy movement habits.
Homeschool families
Homeschool families seeking structured movement, enrichment, and social connection.
Birthdays & home play
Families looking for purposeful birthday or home-based play experiences.
Schools & organizations
Schools, churches, community centers, municipalities, parks departments, and recreation programs looking for meaningful children’s programming.
A clear path built around your child
We begin by building connection, noticing what motivates each child, and then adding the right amount of structure, challenge, and encouragement.
Connect
Build trust through engaging activities and meaningful, connection-first interaction.
Observe
Notice what motivates each child — their strengths, interests, and movement patterns.
Create
Shape purposeful activities with the right amount of structure and challenge.
Grow
Support steady, joyful growth through structured recreational experiences over time.
A clear note on our role
Clarity and collaboration, so families always know exactly what to expect.
Happy Hands Recreation is led by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Services are recreational therapy and movement-based developmental recreation services. We are not a substitute for occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, or medical care. When helpful, we can collaborate with a child’s existing therapy team and align activities with family or provider goals.
Growth that shows up at home, at school, and at play
Every child is unique, and progress varies based on individual needs and participation.
Meet Paola Dutra
Happy Hands Recreation was founded by Paola Dutra, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with a Master’s Degree in Recreational Therapy from Florida International University.
She designs every session to meet each child exactly where they are — turning purposeful movement and connection into real, meaningful growth.