As summer rolls in with its promise of long, sunny days and outdoor adventures, families with children who have physical and learning disabilities may wonder how to make the most of the season. Finding inclusive, engaging, and safe activities is key to ensuring everyone can enjoy summer to the fullest. At Every Sensation, we understand the importance of sensory-friendly environments and adaptive activities. This blog explores fun and safe summer activities that cater to individuals with special needs, incorporating the benefits of sensory rooms and the expertise of Every Sensation.
1. Exploring Nature Trails and Gardens
Nature trails and botanical gardens offer a serene and stimulating environment for individuals with special needs. The varied textures, scents, and colours provide a rich sensory experience. Many parks now have accessible paths, making it easier for individuals with mobility issues to explore.
Tip: Bring along a sensory kit with items like a magnifying glass, textured fabrics, or scented oils to enhance the experience. This can help in creating a mini sensory room experience outdoors, similar to what Every Sensation offers.
2. Adaptive Sports and Recreation
Adaptive sports are a fantastic way to promote physical activity and social interaction. Many communities offer programs specifically designed for individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair basketball, adaptive swimming, and boccia.
Tip: Check local community centres or organisations that partner with Every Sensation for adaptive sports programs. These activities not only keep individuals active but also help in building confidence and teamwork.
3. Sensory Play in the Backyard
Transform your backyard into a sensory playground. Create a DIY sensory path with different textures like sand, pebbles, and foam mats. Set up a water play area with sprinklers and water tables for tactile exploration.
Tip: Incorporate elements from Every Sensation’s sensory rooms, such as bubble tubes, light projectors, or interactive panels, to create a multi-sensory outdoor experience.
4. Art and Craft Activities
Engage in arts and crafts that cater to sensory needs. Use materials like clay, textured papers, and scented markers. These activities can improve fine motor skills and provide a creative outlet.
Tip: Organize a sensory art day with themes inspired by nature, such as creating collages with leaves and flowers. Every Sensation’s sensory room tools can be replicated at home with items like tactile boards and aroma diffusers.
5. Music and Dance Sessions
Music and dance can be incredibly therapeutic and enjoyable. Create a playlist of favourite songs and have a dance party at home. Use instruments like drums, shakers, and bells to add a sensory dimension to the music session.
Tip: Host a family music night where everyone gets to play an instrument or sing along. For a more immersive experience, incorporate visual elements like light projectors and bubble machines from Every Sensation’s sensory rooms.
6. Visit Sensory-Friendly Attractions
Many attractions now offer sensory-friendly hours or events. Zoos, museums, and amusement parks may have designated times when they reduce noise and crowds to accommodate visitors with sensory sensitivities.
Tip: Plan visits during these times to ensure a more comfortable experience. Contact venues in advance to inquire about their sensory-friendly offerings and any special accommodations they can provide.
7. Gardening and Planting
Gardening is a calming and rewarding activity that engages multiple senses. Planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables allows individuals to experience different textures, scents, and colours.
Tip: Create a sensory garden with a variety of plants that stimulate the senses, such as lavender, mint, and sunflowers. This can be a wonderful extension of a sensory room, bringing the benefits of sensory stimulation into the outdoor environment.
8. Story Time and Sensory Stories
Reading can be made more engaging by incorporating sensory elements. Use tactile books, sound effects, and scented items to bring stories to life.
Tip: Choose books that are rich in descriptive language and pair them with sensory items that reflect the story’s content. Every Sensation offers a range of tools that can be used to enhance story time, such as textured storyboards and ambient soundscapes.
9. Outdoor Picnics with Sensory Games
Organise a picnic in the park with a variety of sensory games. Include activities like tactile ball games, sensory bins with different materials, and sound exploration with musical toys.
Tip: Ensure the picnic spot has some shade and accessible facilities. Bring along sensory room favourites like vibration pillows and tactile discs from Every Sensation to create a relaxing and stimulating outdoor environment.
10. Water Play and Splash Pads
Water play is a fantastic way to cool down and have fun during the summer. Visit local splash pads or set up a small pool at home with various water toys.
Tip: Use waterproof sensory items like floating lights and waterproof music speakers to add an extra layer of sensory input. Every Sensation’s water-friendly sensory tools can make water play even more enjoyable and beneficial.
Bringing it all together
Summer activities for individuals with special needs can be both fun and safe with a bit of creativity and planning. By incorporating sensory-friendly elements and utilising tools and ideas inspired by Every Sensation, families can ensure a memorable and inclusive summer. Whether it’s exploring nature, engaging in adaptive sports, or creating sensory-rich environments at home, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season while catering to diverse needs.
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