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 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 and eye-contact are not necessary, and everyone works at their own pace.
- Head to a drive-in. No need to use quiet voices and 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 and assemble into a book. Kids can take snaps, write captions, etc. Read and repeat to build fluency.
- Try a kayak, paddle boat, or bicycle built for two. It’s more fun than a solo trip and a buddy provides support.
- Create a ritual that everyone can look forward to and 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 and fun for all.
- Get a museum pass and 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” and enjoying the water is THE quintessential summer experience.
- Make gluten-free s’mores.
- Play board games that build literacy skills such as Scrabble, Boggle, Story Cubes, etc.
- Play board games that build math skills such as Pay Day, Yahtzee, Candyland, Monopoly, Sorry, Connect 4, Tangrams, Rummikub, etc.
- Connect w/ pen pals. Learn about the world and 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, and improv games. These are lots of fun and they are helpful in developing communication, social, and 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, listen to Taylor Swift, etc.
- Find a summer activity (e.g., jump rope, kick-the-can, tag). Develop as 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 and relax.
- Camp in the backyard. Save money and don’t worry about forgetting meds, special foods, or adaptive equipment.
- Take a day trip and 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 money. Find chores that teach new skills, if possible (e.g., 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 and give different roles to different players (e.g., putting expert, cheerleader, scorer).
- 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 and create in their own ways. The video serves as a keepsake too.
- Volunteer (e.g., bring treats to an animal shelter). Kids who get a lot of support often love the chance to provide it.