We’re still experiencing some chilly temperatures at times, but the flowers are blooming, the trees are all leafed out, and the Canada goose couples at the park all seem to have a few fuzzy babies following behind them.
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to the summer months, and it’s the perfect time to slow down, soak up the sunshine, and connect with nature. Even better, going outside is great for our mental health! For children on the autism spectrum, spending time outside can be both calming and exciting, with the right planning. Whether you’re heading to a park, hanging out in your own backyard, or exploring a nature trail, these sensory-friendly tips and activity ideas can help your family create beautiful memories together:
Plan a gentle spring nature walk
Nature walks are a wonderful way to engage the senses and promote calm. Before heading out:
- Choose quiet, less crowded times to avoid sensory overload. Early morning or later in the afternoon tends to be best.
- Create a visual checklist or scavenger hunt with pictures of flowers, birds, bugs, leaves, or even colors. Choose things you know are familiar in the area you’re visiting to minimize disappointment.
- Let your child bring along favorite comfort items like noise-reducing headphones, their stuffed animal, or a fidget toy in their pocket.
- Give your child a camera or phone to take pictures of their favorite finds! This can encourage mindfulness and focus, and you might be surprised by what they choose to photograph. If they’re into it, collect their photos and create a photo book later to commemorate the summer with the memories they chose to capture.
Start a backyard bug hunt
If leaving home feels overwhelming, your own yard or a nearby open space can be just as magical. Grab a magnifying glass and look for ants, butterflies, or worms.
- Give space and time without rushing. Let your child lead.
- Encourage gentle observation, not touching.
- Make it a game: “Can you find three different bugs?”
- Find bugs that fly, bugs that crawl, and bugs that burrow underground.
- If they’re into it, get them an insect identification guide and start a journal of all the bugs they find. It could lead to an ongoing interest with lots of potential!
Picnic with a purpose
Pack a sensory-friendly picnic with your child’s favorite foods and head to a park, garden, or a shaded lawn.
- Bring a weighted blanket or favorite seating option to help with regulation.
- Incorporate simple games like “I Spy” or blowing bubbles to encourage connection.
- Consider bringing favorite books to read together. Reading in nature is a completely different vibe!
Nature art station
Let creativity bloom outdoors! Try:
- Collecting leaves and using crayons for leaf rubbings.
- Creating rock pets with paint and googly eyes.
- Using twigs and wildflowers to craft nature collages on cardboard.
- Bring out the paints and canvases and let them try to paint a landscape or whatever they’re inspired to do.
- Use sidewalk chalk (as long as you’re in an approved location) to draw leaves, flowers, insects, or anything else!
No matter what you choose to do, remember that kids with autism often thrive with predictability and structure. They like to know what’s going on! Drop little hints about what you’re going to do. If you’re not sure what they’d like better, give them the power to choose! By tuning into your child’s unique needs and pacing, you can help them feel safe, seen, and supported, all summer long.
Here’s to joyful discoveries, peaceful moments, and a whole lot of love.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend from all of us at Journey Therapy Center!