Ten Autism-Friendly Summer Activities That Won’t Break the Bank
Summer can be a very challenging time for autism
families. While you and your neuro-typical kids want to get out and enjoy the
sunshine, your special-needs child is more likely to cling to the quiet and
safety of home.
Many organizations and facilities have adopted
autism-friendly events that enable children on the spectrum to enjoy social
activities without all the surplus environmental factors (i.e.: noise, lights)
that often assault their sensory issues. Use a search engine to find "autism-friendly" places your child might enjoy.
The Autism Village App allows parents and providers to
discover, add, rate, and review places which are autism-friendly in your area.
You can also check autismspeaks.org for a list of autism-friendly events
(listed by city, state, date and time).
Here are ten of my favorite autism-friendly summer
activities:
1.
Pool
Nothing says summer like splashing in the
pool. Most indoor and outdoor pools have gradual water levels, permitting
children to venture in as far as they feel comfortable.
You can contact your local pool to check
for peak times in order to avoid those hours. You might even ask if the pool
would consider autism-friendly times when individuals on the spectrum can swim
with less crowds, reduced noise levels and dimmed lighting.
2.
Parks
Local parks can provide hours of fun for
young children. Be sure to choose non-peak hours and avoid the noonday heat. Be
sure to bring sunscreen, a bucket and shovel, a few toy cars or tractors, or
toy dishes for sandbox play.
Many national parks and theme parks
provide autism-friendly accommodations and lodgings but often have a substantial
price-tag attached. Information on these parks is fairly easy to find through
simple internet search.
3.
Library
Books provide a world-full of discoveries
and adventures without leaving the comfort of home. Check with your local
library for summer reading programs and activities. Avoid peak hours and ask if
they would consider creating autism-friendly times and activities if not
already established.
4.
Beach
Another great venue for children that
won’t cost a lot. Most beaches are crowded in the summer, so try to aim for
early-morning or evenings. Be sure to bring life jackets, sunscreen, toys for
sand-play if your child is nervous about getting in the water, towels and
drinks.
5.
Bowling
Discover the joys of throwing and knocking
down with a night at the bowling alley. Ask for bumpers to avoid frustration
with gutter balls and check for peak hours so you can schedule an outing around
those times. If they don’t already have them established, ask the bowling alley
they would be willing to provide autism-friendly times.
6.
Movies
Nothing says fun like watching a movie
with a bucket-full of popcorn. Some AMC Theaters have sensory-friendly showing
times on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month (times
are listed on the website). During these times they lower the lights and the
sound for kids on the spectrum.
7.
Zoo
My sons still love to go to the zoo, even
though they’re teenagers. Be sure to check with your local zoo for peak hours
or ask if they have sensory-friendly times. If not, ask if they would consider introducing
such a program. If not, try to go as soon as the zoo opens or later in the
afternoon, near closing time. Keep the visits short as children can quickly
become tired or overstimulated.
8.
Chuck-E-Cheese
Most children enjoy the arcade games and
the food. In order to accommodate families with children on the autism
spectrum, Chuck-E-Cheese has introduced sensory-sensitive Sundays (check listings online).
9.
Science
Centers
Most cities have centers where children
can explore the wonders of science. Entry costs are usually pretty affordable
and they offer hours of fun. Check with your local science center about
autism-friendly hours or ask about peak hours so you can schedule your visit
during quieter times.
10. Home
There are so many fun activities you can
explore right at home. Here are just a few suggestions:
·
Play with bubbles – I’m talking about the giant
bubbles you can purchase or make right at home
·
Run through the sprinkler
·
Beat the heat with fun on a Slip n Slide
·
Make your own ice-cream
·
Create a scavenger hunt
·
Make a card-file with ideas for sensory-play, along with recipes. Pull one out when your children are bored (you can find ideas and recipes online)
·
Play with various-sized and textured balls to
increase your child’s ability to throw, kick and catch.
·
Go camping - right in your own back yard
·
Play board games or card games
·
Have fun with paints
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