Get Outdoors with Sensory-Friendly Spring Fun

After a few months of typical Midwest weather confusion, it appears that Spring is finally here to stay! Spring is a great time to bust out of the house and get fresh air together as a family, with plenty of options for fun that fits every need. For a child with autism or sensory sensitivities, some outdoor activities can be overwhelming or stressful. Luckily, there are plenty of sensory-friendly ways to enjoy the outdoors that are also engaging, regulating and fun!

Nature Walks

One simple way to enjoy the outdoors in a peaceful way is to enjoy a good old-fashioned nature walk. Nature walks are extremely versatile, allowing your child a chance to simply stroll and observe with opportunities for more exploration if they are feeling up to it. Some tips for enjoying spring-time nature walks:

• Choose trails known to be less crowded

• Less people tend to be on the trails in the early morning hours

• Bring along noise-canceling headphones just in case

• While walking, point out different colors, shapes, sounds, flowers, etc.

• Check in often with your child to gauge their energy levels

• If your child has a tendency to wander off - or elope - consider bringing along a support person that can ease your worries and make sure your child stays safe

• For added precaution, consider having your child wear an ID bracelet or gps enabled watch

Scavenger Hunts

Create your own scavenger hunt for a day of adventure! This allows for a structured activity that you fine tune to your child’s specific interests, sensory sensitivities and other needs. Ideas for a successful scavenger hunt:

• Create a color hunt (find something green, red, yellow, blue, etc)

• Create a texture hunt (find something, soft, bumpy, rough, smooth, etc)

• Create a shape hunt (find something round, square, triangle, rectangle, etc)

• Use verbal instructions or take it to the next level by providing your child with a visual scavenger hunt

Gardening

Gardening is an amazing tactile activity, offering hands-on practice at fine motor skills, patience, responsibility and a lesson in how things grow. Incorporate gardening into spring activities by:

• Helping your child plant their own seeds in a pot they pick out or decorate

• Involve your child in your own gardening endeavors, encouraging them to dig, water, weed or check the progress of the plants

• Create sensory bins with dirt, seeds, toy bugs, etc. if they aren’t quite ready a full experience in the garden. This is also a great rainy day activity for indoors!

Parks/Playgrounds

There are several local parks and playground to enjoy, some with specific ADA-compliant equipment. Avoid crowded parks during peak hours to avoid your child getting overstimulated or anxious. Tips for enjoying a park or playground:

• Bring sunscreen, bug spray, snacks and bottled water so you’re prepared for anything

• Consider an umbrella or pop-up tent for shade

• Bring sunglasses, a weighted blanket or lap pad, noise-canceling headphones or any other comfort item your child may want

• Follow your child’s lead and don’t insist on activities they don’t want to do

Chalk Art

Grab some chalk and head out to the driveway. This is a great way for free creative expression or more structured play. Some chalk art ideas:

• Ask your child to draw certain themes (animals, flowers, shapes, etc.)

• Ask your child to draw certain letters or words (their name, the ABCs, etc)

• Create an obstacle course with the chalk - think hopscotch or miscellaneous shapes - to encourage your child to hop, spin, stomp, skip, jump and so on. This is a great activity to increase movement and regulation!

• For children who might have sensory related issues with chalk (relatable), they make sidewalk chalk holders that allow you to insert the chalk in so they can avoid touching it directly.

A new season with a chance in routine can be overwhelming and stressful for children with autism. With a little pre-planning and care, though, the transition into spring can go from anxiety-inducing to an exciting time full of sensory-friendly adventures. Encouraging outdoor activities that are in tune with your child’s sensory needs will help them stay calm, confident and connected while exploring the world around them. When you keep a child’s strengths and interests in mind and let them set the pace of the activity, you’ll be surprised at how much they can bloom.

Are You In Need Of More Personalized Support?

Bloom Behavioral Healthcare LLC is a local company offering ABA Therapy for ages 18 months to 10 years old. We’re here to help your family create routines and encourage experiences that work well for your child, keeping in mind your family’s goals and needs. We can provide professional help navigating seasonal changes, challenging behaviors, communication and regulation.

Reach out to learn more about how ABA Therapy with Bloom Behavioral Healthcare can support your child and your family this spring and beyond.