Because Fun Belongs to Everyone.
Because Fun Belongs to Everyone.
What Is Fun Side Up?
We are a 7-days-a-week social club for autistic and disabled adults - built around joy, not therapy.
From Friday night movies and foam parties to trumpet classes and paint pouring, Fun Side Up is where real friendships, real fun, and real life happen.
Fun Side Up memberships can be funded through traditional Regional Center services or the Self-Determination Program (SDP) under Community Integration. If you’re unsure where to start, we’re happy to guide you or your Service Coordinator through the process.
At Fun Side Up, everyone deserves the chance to laugh, explore, and make new friends. To keep our activities safe and enjoyable for all, participants should be able to take part in group settings. If extra support is needed, no problem — family- or Regional Center–provided 1:1 aides are always welcome to join in the fun.
Get On Our Interest List
Launching October 1, 2025
We are here
to have FUN!
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Paint Pouring
Unleash your creativity with our mesmerizing paint pouring sessions! This relaxing, no-pressure activity lets you experiment with vibrant colors and fluid techniques to create one-of-a-kind artwork.
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Foam Parties
Dive into a bubbly adventure with our high-energy foam parties! Dance, play, and laugh surrounded by mountains of safe, frothy foam - an instant mood booster for kids of all ages.
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Learn to Play Tennis
Enjoy the simple joy of hitting a ball back and forth in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. Our tennis sessions focus on fun, movement, and connection - not keeping score.
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San Diego Seal Tours
Ride through San Diego’s waterfront in an amphibious vehicle that drives on land and floats in the bay. Enjoy calm views of the harbor, sea lions, and skyline at a relaxed, comfortable pace.
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Explore Balboa Park
Explore gardens, museums, and quiet walking paths in one of San Diego’s most beautiful landmarks. With plenty of open spaces, you can enjoy art and nature at your own pace.
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Movie Nights
Relax in a comfortable theater and escape into a story on the big screen. We choose showtimes and seating that make the experience calm and enjoyable for everyone.
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Cheer on the Padres
Cheer for San Diego at Petco Park while enjoying the excitement of a live baseball game. Sensory bags and quiet areas are available to make the ballpark more comfortable.
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UCSD Sculpture Hike
Take a peaceful walk through UC San Diego’s outdoor sculpture collection. The wide pathways and unique art pieces create a calming and creative experience.
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Paddle Boarding
Glide across calm waters at your own pace while enjoying the fresh air and open space. It’s a peaceful way to build balance, confidence, and relaxation on the bay.
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Trumpet Lessons
Learn how to play the trumpet while practicing simple breathing techniques that calm the body and mind. This activity helps build focus, manage emotions, and create music at the same time.
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Farmer's Markets
Stroll through colorful stands filled with fresh fruits, veggies, and handmade goods. It’s a relaxed way to explore, try new foods, and connect with the local community.
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Escape Rooms
Work together to solve puzzles and unlock clues in a private, themed room. It’s a fun way to practice teamwork, problem-solving, and communication in a supportive setting.
How It Works
Let your Regional Center Service Coordinator or Independent Facilitator know you want to join Fun Side Up! They’ll work with us to get you enrolled in our social rec program.
Pick the classes and activities that sound FUN to you. From paint pouring to paddle boarding, there’s always something new to try!
Choose your plan:
Unlimited Fun – $1,800/month for all the FUN events you want to attend
Half & Half – $1,000/month for 14 FUN events
One Week Pass – $750/month for 7 days of FUN
What’s Included
When you join Fun Side Up, you get more than activities - you get community, confidence, and joy.
Every membership includes:
🎨 Creative Classes – paint pouring, cooking lessons, crafts, music, and more
🏖️ Outdoor Adventures – go on hikes, paddle boarding, tide pooling, beach days, scavenger hunts, and more
🎶 Social Events – movies, Padres games, foam parties, escape rooms, volunteering in the community
🤝 Friendship & Community – meet people who “get you” and make lasting connections
🌿 Wellness & Relaxation – breathing techniques, mindful movement, yoga, stress-relief activities
💖 Inclusive Environment – low-pressure, supportive, and welcoming for all
At Fun Side Up, everything is designed so you can show up, feel at home, and have the time of your life.
Get To Know Us
We’re Phil and Phyllis Cheung, the husband-and-wife team behind Fun Side Up. As parents of three incredible children on the spectrum, we know firsthand how hard it can be to find social recreation opportunities that feel joyful, inclusive, and most importantly - FUN. That’s why we created Fun Side Up: a place where adults can make new friends, try new things, and enjoy life to the fullest.
Fun is truly in our DNA. Whether we’re volunteering, attending black tie galas, fundraising for causes like the San Diego Regional Center, cosplaying at Comic-Con, or dancing at concerts (like this one), we believe joy connects people in ways nothing else can.
Professionally, Phil brings 25+ years in biotech and drug development, while Phyllis has spent 25 years in marketing technology, partnering with some of the world’s biggest brands. Together, we bring a blend of heart, expertise, and creativity — and a belief that FUN isn’t extra, it’s essential.
FAQs
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A: Fun Side Up is for autistic and disabled adults who want to make friends, try new things, and have FUN in a supportive, welcoming environment.
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Start by letting your Regional Center Service Coordinator or Independent Facilitator know you’d like to join. They’ll work with us to get you set up. You can also join our interest list to stay in the loop.
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The best value is our Unlimited Fun Plan at $1,800/month for all activities. You can also choose the Half Plan for $1,000/month or the One Week Plan for $750/month. Most members use Regional Center funding to cover these costs.
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We have private pay options available.
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Everything from paint pouring, paddle boarding, and hikes, to Padres games, foam parties, and escape rooms. Each month includes a mix of creative, social, outdoor, and wellness activities.
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Not at all! All activities are designed to be low-pressure, beginner-friendly, and welcoming. You can participate at your own pace.
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Yes. Our activities are led by caring Joy Guides, and we work closely with families and staff to ensure each person feels safe and supported.
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Group sizes vary by activity. Some are small and cozy (like art classes), while others are bigger and lively (like Padres games). We’ll always let you know what to expect.
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Check our Events Calendar (starting October 1!) or join our email interest list to get updates delivered straight to your inbox.
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Fun Side Up is a social recreation program for adults, not a clinical or care service. Our activities are designed for individuals who can safely participate in group settings. For everyone’s comfort and safety, we are not able to accommodate individuals with violent behaviors or those who elope (leave unexpectedly without support).
If someone would love to join but needs additional assistance, they’re welcome to attend with a 1:1 aide provided by their family or Regional Center. Our focus is on providing joyful, inclusive experiences where adults can connect, build friendships, and have fun together.
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No, you are responsible for meeting the group at each event’s location.
Contact Us
Interested in being a part of our amazing community? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!