As the weather gets warmer and the days become longer, this can only mean one thing: summer is coming! The transition from spring to summer is arguably one of the most exciting points in the year, however, for parents with school-aged children, this season can also be one of the most tedious to plan for. Planning around work, vacations, and summer activities is likely to leave any parent feeling a little bit overwhelmed, which is why I will be providing some fun, sensory-friendly activities that will be sure to keep your little ones entertained throughout the summer!

Sensory-friendly activities are those that stimulate a child’s touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing. Research supports that sensory play can aid in different aspects of your child’s development! Incorporating sensory play into your child’s summer routine both inside and outside the home can facilitate structure and routine, as well as provide opportunities for you and your child to have fun and be creative together.

Some sensory-friendly activities that you and your child can do together inside the home are:

Create sensory bins, which can be filled with small, textured items such as cotton balls, water beads, shredded paper, beans, etc.

Go on scavenger hunts. Scavenger hunts are a great way to give your child opportunities to work on important skills, such as labeling and describing items that they find.

Build an obstacle course. Obstacle courses are great for promoting creativity within your child, and also help strengthen gross motor skills.

Make DIY science experiments together, like slime, play-doh, or putty.

Potential activities out in the community are:

Water activities, such as visiting your local splash pad, pool, or lake. Water play activities are great to incorporate into your child’s routine, as they promote both gross and fine motor skills.

Visiting a trampoline park or taking a trip to the local playground.

Going on outings together, such as the library or Zoo.

Starting a new routine can be scary but can also be a great opportunity to try new things with your child! Although the idea of planning for summer schedules may seem daunting at first, having some ideas of easy, educational, and fun activities in your back pocket is sure to set you and your child up for success this summer.