Time for an Inclusive, Sensory-Sensitive Summer, check out these Home Activities and Ideas!
We understand that planning summer activities can require special consideration to ensure children feel comfortable, engaged, and happy. Our goal is to provide you with a variety of fun, sensory-friendly ideas that you can enjoy together at home. We have something for everyone to make this summer both memorable and accessible.
Sensory-Friendly Movie Night
- Activity: Set up an outdoor or indoor movie night with soft lighting and comfy seating.
- Tip: Choose gentle, uplifting films and provide soft blankets or pillows to enhance sensory comfort.
Water Play Fun
- Activity: Set up a small splash pad or water table for gentle, supervised water play.
- Tip: Add toys like soft sponges and floating objects to enhance sensory enjoyment and keep the activity calming and refreshing.
Picnic with Sensory Toys
- Activity: Have a picnic in a quiet park and bring along favourite sensory toys.
- Tip: Choose a spot with natural shade and soft grass, and bring noise-cancelling headphones if the environment gets too loud.
Chalk Art Creations
- Activity: Use chalk to draw on sidewalks or driveways, creating fun and colourful designs.
- Tip: Choose soft, easy-to-grip chalk for a tactile-friendly experience and work in shaded areas to avoid sensory overload from the sun.
DIY Sensory Bottles
- Activity: Fill bottles with glitter, beads, and water for a calming sensory experience.
- Tip: Use different colours and textures for variety and make it a fun craft activity at home!
Nature Scavenger Hunt
- Activity: Create a list of items to find, like different leaves, rocks, or flowers.
- Tip: Choose quiet parks or gardens and provide clear, visual instructions to ensure a relaxed and engaging experience.
Creative Arts and Crafts
- Activity: Use materials like clay, playdough, or finger paints to create masterpieces. Experiment with different textures and colours to stimulate the senses. Make homemade sensory toys, such as squishy stress balls or glitter jars, together.
Cooking and Baking
- Sensory Cooking: Choose recipes that involve kneading dough, mixing ingredients, and using different textures and smells. Baking cookies or making smoothies can be a fun and tasty activity. Create fun, sensory-rich snacks together, like fruit or vegetable faces.
Music and Movement
- Dance Party: Have a dance session with favourite tunes. Use scarves, ribbons, or musical instruments to add to the sensory experience.
- Tip: Introduce different types of music and encourage your child to express themselves through movement and rhythm.
Relaxation and Mindfulness
- Activity: Practice deep breathing, yoga, or guided meditation together. These activities can help calm and centre your child.
- Activity: Establish a soothing bedtime routine with quiet activities like reading, listening to soft music, or gentle massage.
Join the Community
We’d love to see how you’re spending your summer! Share your comments, stories, and photos of your summer activities and tag us in your posts @hc21_sensorysolutions. Your experiences can inspire and support other families in creating their own summer fun.
Visit our Instagram page @hc21_sensorysolutions and join the community today!