Active Play Ideas For Your Child This Summer
Therapies and Resources for Children with Autism & Families
This summer, give your child plenty of opportunities for active play! Playing promotes social skills, is a form of stress relief, and encourages imagination and discovery. When you find yourself struggling for new ideas for active play, particularly outdoors, consider these ideas rather than allowing your child more time on an electronic device or watching television. We guarantee that both you and your child will enjoy it!
On a hot summer day, playing with water can be a special treat. If you cannot make a trip to a local pool or waterpark, create an area for water fun in your own backyard. Fill a small pool with water, or set up a garden sprinkler. If your child dislikes playing in water, consider playing with the garden hose. You can teach your child how pressing a finger over the hose nozzle changes the spray of water. There are endless opportunities to use water in active play.
Create an opportunity for sensory play. It does not take much to give your child a wonderful opportunity for sensory play. For example, spray the surface of a picnic table or play table with shaving cream. Children can smear the cream and shape it. Or, fill a bucket with dry rice and let your child reach their hand into the bucket to feel the grains of rice. Many objects and items you have around your home can be used to create a fun sensory play experience.
Play in the sand. In Northeast Ohio, we have the luxury of driving a short distance to Fairport Harbor, Headwaters Beach, and others along Lake Erie. Pack a shovel and bucket and explore the coastline. Children can collect shells or rocks, or build and dig in the sand. If you do not have access to a beach, you could also buy or build a sandbox in your backyard.
Swing! Swinging has been proven to have therapeutic benefits, as well as helps with your child’s development. For example, swinging helps your child develop upper body strength and learn posture control. If you would prefer to avoid a crowd, visit your local neighborhood park in the early morning.
Play Hide and Seek. This classic game is not only fun, but promotes physical activity. While a friend or family member hides, you can help guide your child in “seeking” them. This game also helps your child practice taking turns.