Things to Do in Deerfield

Under the moniker of David Anthony Art, multifaceted photographer David Geary captures everything from sizzling boudoir portraits designed to express love to personal headshots inside his private studio or on location. Before each appointment, David and his clients meet for a brief consultation to discuss wardrobe changes, stylistic desires, and the most dignified ways to say "cheese." After retouching images from the completed session, David then uploads them to a secure online gallery, where subjects can select their favorite shots to be immortalized in high-resolution prints.

Matt Feeney and Joel Berman share a disability and a dream. Feeney broke his neck diving off a 100-foot cliff and Berman lost his ability to walk after a runaway flatcar hit him while laying rail tracks. Together they founded Adaptive Adventures to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities through participation in sports and outdoor recreation. The organization runs progressive sports programs year-round for children, adults, and service members who have been severely injured in conflicts abroad. They cater to people with a wide range of disabilities, including spinal-cord injuries, amputations, and cerebral palsy. The programs help build confidence and social skills in participants who could not otherwise afford equipment, training, and travel for recreational sports.

At Olly Olly Play Café, pirates bury treasure, knights rescue princesses from dragons, and parents watch as little ones develop social skills through creative play. The interior space looks like a storybook spilled over into reality, with troves of costumes and toys spread beneath a ceiling painted to resemble a cloud-filled sky. A castle stands at the entrance, serving as the junction between different rooms where roads wind through town houses and a kid-size pirate ship lets little ones imagine attacking all-you-can-eat cruise buffets.

Aside from open play, Olly Olly Play Café educates kids during music classes that range from Baby Signing to preteens belting out Broadway songs. Elsewhere, a menu of locally sourced salads and sandwiches fuels visitors and their health-conscious imaginary friends.

Hedgehog Hannah travels to birthday parties, scouting events, and family gatherings to regale audiences with her collection of animals, providing an experience that is equal parts exciting and edifying. The assortment comprises critters from all over the world, including an alligator, a snake, and sugar glider. Humans have the chance to pet and play with the animals and play trivia games for which they may win prizes. Party packages are also available, and they may include a personally wrapped birthday gift, cake and pizza, or the chance to dress Hedgehog Hannah's chihuahua, Pablo, in costumes and accessories. Concerned parents need not fret, as each animal is trained to stay as calm and well-behaved as a Pilgrim practicing yoga.

Celebration Rentals’ moonwalks give at-home celebrations an extra boost of fun with hours of bouncing during half-day or full-day stints. Although they allow jumpers to defy gravity, Celebration’s moonwalks adhere to a strict code of safety that eschews sharp edges and trippable surfaces. Inflatables come in one of several themes, such as Disney princesses, superheroes, and classic solid colors, adding imagination and decoration to events. Each moonwalk measures 13’x13’, enough to fit several children or a basketball team in search of extra air time.