Summer is finally here, and I am looking forward to having time to share content through my site. As an easy way to get started, here is a list I created last summer to help families generate ideas for activities that children with a wide range of needs, interests, and abilities will find accessible and enjoyable. Feel free to add you own and keep this list growing!!
- Tell stories around the fire. Use AAC device for catch phrase/sound effect/punch line. Let everyone try!
- Rain? Try a big family puzzle. Turn taking, talking & eye-contact are not necessary & everyone works at his/her own pace.
- Head to a drive-in. No need to use quiet voices & those needing to move around during the film can do so.
- Remember headphones during fireworks or watch from a distance to make the night comfortable for all.
- Play audiobooks on road trips; those who cannot access books independently get to “read” & the family gets to share a story.
- Take pics of a fun day & assemble into a book. Kids can take snaps, write captions, etc. Read & repeat to build fluency!
- Try a kayak, paddle boat, or bicycle built for two. It’s more fun than a solo trip & a buddy provides support.
- Create a ritual that everyone can look forward to & participate in: an after-dinner stroll, a weekly visit to the park, etc.
- Invite friends over for non-competitive games like scavenger hunts, charades, and sidewalk chalk exhibitions.
- Let everyone in the family suggest one NEW summer activity; one that is accessible & fun for all.
- Get a museum pass & cut visits short when it is too crowded/overwhelming. Make several short visits vs. one long one.
- Create collaborative art-make a mural on a sheet, create photo collages, or paint an old chair.
- Dive in! For many, the pool/lake/ocean is the ultimate “accessible environment” & enjoying the water is THE quintessential summer experience.
- Make gluten-free s’mores.
- Play board games that build literacy skills-Scrabble, Boggle, Story Cubes, etc.
- Play board games that build math skills-Pay Day, Yahtzee, Candyland, Monopoly, Sorry, Connect 4, Tangrams, Rummikub, etc.
- Connect w/ pen pals-learn about the world & build lang/literacy skills. Writing to a pal is also a great excuse to try new assistive tech.
- Have some sensory fun–dig in the sand, play in the mud, or make water balloons!
- Suggest skits, backyard performances & improv games. Lots of fun & helpful in developing communication, social, & literacy skills.
- Cook or bake something new and let everyone take part. Use a switch to mix/blend if needed.
- Dive into your child’s fascinations-learn about Minecraft, read vampire books, ask new questions about One Direction, etc.
- Find a summer activity (jump rope, kick-the-can, tag); develop many possible adaptations/versions as possible.
- Ride around your city on your child’s favorite type of transportation-bus, train, subway, or pedicab. See the sights & relax.
- Camp in the backyard. Save $ and don’t worry about forgetting meds, special foods, or adaptive equipment!
- Take a day trip & build background knowledge. A trip to a pond to learn ecosystems? To the state capitol to learn about government?
- Give kids odd jobs to earn spending $; find chores that teach new skills, if possible (organizing, counting, cooking).
- Learn a new card game. Use pool noodles as card holders for little hands or for those needing support.
- Play some mini golf & give different roles to different players-putting expert, cheerleader, scorer, etc.
- Look into inclusive summer camp experiences like those promoted by the National Inclusion Project.
- Shoot silly videos. This is an easy way to let everyone be expressive & create in their own ways (with or without words)..video serves as a keepsake too.
- Volunteer (e.g., bring treats to an animal shelter). Some kids who get a lot of support love the chance to provide it.