Beat the Heat With Summer Fun Activities for Kids With IDD
Summer is the season of endless possibilities, but if you’re a foster parent or caregiver, it can also require you to come up with creative ideas to keep your kids engaged. Whether you’re caring for a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or simply looking for sensory-friendly activities, there’s plenty to do. At RISE Services, Inc. Oregon, we understand the importance of accessible and enriching activities for foster families and caregivers for kids with IDD. Here are some ideas for summer fun that can foster family connections and spark a bit of joy for everyone involved.
Splash Into Summer With Water Play
The summer heat is the perfect excuse to get outside and cool off with water activities. Some ideas are:
- Sprinklers and Splash Pads: Set up a sprinkler in your yard for some low-pressure fun or visit sensory-friendly splash pads in your area.
- Creeks, Lakes, or Pools: Look for accessible swimming pools or quiet lakes with ramps and shallow edges that are safe for everyone to enjoy. Many public facilities provide life jackets and ADA-compliant pool access.
- DIY Water Play: For a simpler option, fill a water table or create your own sensory bins with water, floating toys, and sponges. It’s an engaging way to explore texture while staying cool.
Grow Together With Gardening
Gardening is more than just playing in the dirt! It’s a chance to connect with nature, learn, and practice motor skills. Kids experience:
- Life Lessons in Growth: Teach children how plants need water, sunlight, and care to grow. This can be a great hands-on way to explain life cycles, responsibility, and patience.
- Sensory Fun: Kids can touch soil, smell herbs, and see plants grow over time. These multi-sensory elements help make gardening a calming and therapeutic activity.
- Get Creative: Let the kids personalize pots or garden signs with artwork or paint for an added layer of fun!
Cool Indoor Activities for Hot Days
On extra-hot days when being outdoors isn’t an option, indoor activities can be just as entertaining.
Movie Day
Make it a family movie day at home or take advantage of sensory-friendly screenings at Regal and AMC Theatres. These screenings often provide softer lighting, lower sound volumes, and the flexibility to move around.
Baking Together
Turn your kitchen into a classroom! Baking can teach kids valuable life skills, such as measuring, following instructions, and exploring new textures and flavors. From cookies to pancakes, it’s an activity that can be adapted for kids of a wide range of ability levels.
Create Memories and Stay Connected
Summer is what you make of it, and there’s no shortage of fun, inclusive activities for kids with IDD. No matter what you choose to do, each activity is an opportunity to bring your family closer together.
At RISE Oregon, we’re dedicated to supporting foster families, caregivers, and individuals with IDD through education, programs, and events at our Oregon locations. To learn more about how we can help support your foster family this summer and beyond, contact RISE Oregon today!
