Many outdoor activities are a great way to add to your child's development, helping him or her work on hand skills, cognitive development, sensory processing and gross motor skills, all the while having a great time. Being outside is a great way to encourage learning and good health, no matter whether you're doing an activity or just enjoying the day. This is as true for kids with disabilities as it is for typically-able children.
To get you started, here's a list of activities that are warm-weather friendly for a variety of age groups. And don't stop here - there are lots of great websites out there with fun outdoor play ideas! Remember to always supervise your child for safety, and if you have questions about whether an activity is appropriate for him/her, check with your therapist and/or physician before trying it out.
Babies & young toddlers:
Dump toys out of a container (and put them back in, for older babies & toddlers)
Spend some time on the grass exploring textures, smells, and sights
Talk to your child about what he/she sees on a walk or while playing outside
Name items in your line of sight outdoors that may be new or unfamiliar to your young child
Splash in a pan of water
Preschoolers:
Have a treasure hunt to collect nature items from around the yard/playground
Build in sandboxes
Together, draw simple shapes, stick people and the first letter of the child's name in sand, gravel, or sidewalk chalk
Blow bubbles
Play catch with a bouncy ball (if standing is too hard, try sitting down and rolling the ball)
Elementary & middle schoolers:
Get moving! Use a bike, scooter, walker, or stroller/wheelchair
Make an outdoor play kitchen with old pots, spoons & cookie sheets - use mud, sticks, and whatever else you can find to create pretend meals and treats
Shoot baskets or hit tennis balls
Help dig and plant in the garden
If your child needs extra help for these activities, see if you can get siblings or other kids from the neighborhood to help him/her be a part of the fun!
