Planning COVID Safe Summer Activities for Children with Special Needs

COVID-19 has quite literally taken over and changed our lives for the past year. And whilst the pandemic and lockdown restrictions are starting to ease up, it is still really important that we are mindful of protecting our families and others from this horrendous virus. 

Restrictions may continue to limit the activities that we can do, but in this blog we will list some COVID safe summer activities for you and your child.

Here are some activities that can be done within COVID-19 Guidelines

Water Play

Lots of children love playing in the water, be it in the garden in a paddling pool, at a local swimming pool or at the beach. Water play is a great sensory experience and can be calming for some children with special needs. If your child has continence issues make sure you check out our incontinence swimwear, which is fashionable and practical, preventing solid and semi-solid leaks.

Have a Picnic

Don’t ask us why, but eating food on a blanket in a garden or outdoor space is really appealing to children – so make the most of it and have a picnic. If it’s a rainy day you can even do this on the floor inside. Perhaps your children could help you to make the food and lay out the blanket. They can even bring along their favourite teddy bears.

 Music and Dance

Music speaks a language that is universally spoken. Put on your favourite songs and dance around the living room. Talk about the songs that your children enjoy and learn to sing and sign to them (there are some great tutorial videos on YouTube). Get out any toy instruments you have or make your own – like a simple shaker using an empty bottle and rice or a saucepan and wooden spoon drum.

Make some Art

Making art is a great way for children to express themselves and is a brilliant sensory experience for children with special needs. You can do artwork inside or outside (there is nothing wrong with taking your art tools into the garden if you’re afraid of the mess it might make!). There are so many different art forms, from painting, cutting and sticking to using pavement chalks and drawing. 

Watch a Movie

If your child will sit and watch a movie – do this and do it guilt free! There is nothing wrong with some screen time. You could grab some blankets, make some popcorn and sit and enjoy a film together. 

Create a Sensory Table 

If your child has high sensory needs then they might enjoy a sensory station with different textures for them to explore. You could use a big tray and add things like cereal, shaving foam, putty, gloop (a mixture of cornstarch and water) and kinetic sand. Let them smear and make a mess – again this is something you can do in the garden!

Make a Den

Making a den is something that lots of children find exciting. You can do it the easy way with a tent or you can grab some blankets and throw them over some chairs or a table and create a little space to play in. If it’s dark you could add some lights to create a fun sensory experience. This might also be a great place for your child to retreat to if they are feeling overwhelmed and need some time to self-regulate. 

We hope that you find these ideas useful. Do you have any ideas that you can share with us? Comment below and let us know!