Take advantage of the warm weather with these engaging, autism-friendly activities:

1. Explore nature!
• Plan scavenger hunts with visual checklists (e.g., “Find a red flower”).
• Go on sensory walks—encourage students to notice textures, sounds, and smells.
• Try bug or bird watching with magnifying glasses or binoculars.
• Use these backyard bird counting worksheets (English | Español) to practice skills like identifying colors and counting.
• For more adventure, try outdoor recreational activities like hiking, mountain biking, or kayaking in your local community!
2. Cool off with water-based play.
• Set up sprinklers or splash pads for cooling off and sensory fun.
• Use water tables with cups, sponges, and toys for tactile exploration.
• Take this science lesson from Themes First! outside for fun and engaging water table exploration (English | Español).
• Offer bubble stations—blowing and chasing bubbles is calming and fun.
3. Get creative and move!
• Create sidewalk chalk murals or hopscotch paths.
• Build a simple obstacle course using cones, tunnels, and balance beams.
• Play simple games or do mindful movement in the shade for group engagement.
• Consider how activities across our curricular products could be modified to include portions of outdoor learning.
• For example, Routine Essentials offers an activity tool (English | Español) to help introduce movement activities in PE—with a little planning, these activities could be done in a safe space outdoors!
• Movement activities, discussions stories, and art lessons are great options to consider, too!

To ensure all students can participate meaningfully in outdoor activities, consider these essential supports and tips for success.

• Support transitions and routines.
  • Use visual schedules to outline the day’s activities and transitions.
  • Stick to routines: Keep outdoor time consistent to build comfort.
• Involve everyone in learning about and planning activities.
• Use social stories to preview new environments or activities. This one from Links Academic Teaching Units highlights exploring summer interests!
• “Sophia Has Many Interests” Introduction Story (English | Español)
• Preview new locations: Visit parks or trails ahead of time or show photos.
• Offer choices: Let students pick between two activities to increase autonomy.
• Plan ahead for safety.
• Talk about safety measures needed for common summer activities, like sun and water safety. Check out these discussion stories from Themes First!
• “I Am Safe Around Water” Discussion Story (English | Español)
• “I Am Safe in the Sun” Discussion Story (English | Español)
• Have students help identify and gather the safety tools you need for the type of activity (e.g., sunscreen).
• Consider individualized support resources.
• Offer sensory tools like noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, or fidget items.
• Create quiet zones with pop-up tents or shaded areas for breaks.
• Aim for inclusive programming.
• Allow flexible participation—some students may prefer to observe before joining in.
• Celebrate small wins: Participation, even in small ways, is progress.
• Point out students’ strengths while engaging in the activity.